Chapter 3

Marcus came home unexpectedly the next morning.

He shot me a cold glare. "It was your birthday yesterday. Why didn't you remind me?"

I stayed silent.

"Here, I got you something," he said, handing me a thin gold necklace.

I glanced at it. It was delicate, almost weightless. It was nothing like the lavish diamond set he had bought for Sierra. You can always tell how someone truly feels by what they give you.

"Put it on," he continued. "I'll cook for you later, and we can celebrate properly."

"No thanks," I said flatly.

Belated gifts and forced attention only made me resent him more.

Marcus noticed my tone and scowled. "I'm trying here! What else do you want? Why are you always making things difficult?"

I met his eyes calmly. "I'm not making anything difficult."

He threw the necklace on the floor and stomped on it. "I know what this is about. It was just one photo! Her daughter's school asked for a family picture, and that's the only reason I did it!"

He let out an exaggerated sigh. "Besides, you upset her. Wasn't it right that I got her a gift? I haven't even asked you to apologize!"

Arguing so soon after giving birth wasn't good for my recovery. I took a slow breath. "You're right."

Just then, a notification popped up on my phone. My resignation had been approved.

I booked a flight for five days later and texted my lawyer: full custody, no compromise.

With that done, I turned toward the bedroom to rest.

Marcus glared at my back, furious. "I'm still talking to you! Where are you going?"

"To lie down," I said, not looking back.

As I closed the bedroom door, I heard the sound of things crashing in the living room.

The divorce process moved forward.

Three days later, as I was packing, Marcus called.

"Crescent Bay outdoor bar. It's urgent. Get here now."

The wind was strong at Crescent Bay, which wasn't ideal so soon after delivery. I was about to refuse when he called again. And again.

When I finally arrived, heavily bundled up against the chill, Sierra and Marcus were sitting close together.

One of his friends looked me over and sneered. "She wasn't kidding. Marcus's side piece is kind of... frumpy."