Chapter 12
On a day when rain poured, my husband abandoned our son halfway to the most important exam of his life, the college entrance exam. Without a word, he turned the car around and drove off.”
All because his young secretary was pregnant.§
Stranded in the downpour, our son searched desperately for a ride. With none in sight, he ran through the storm. And then, the accident happened.
By the time I received the call and rushed to the hospital, he was already gone.
My knees buckled, and I collapsed in tears. Then my phone rang. It was Soren Hendricks.
“Wife, help me apologize to our son. Leigh Reeves is pregnant. I had no choice but to go to her.”
“I drank too much that night, but the child is mine. I have to take responsibility.“}
“You always said you wanted a daughter, didn’t you? Once the baby’s bom, you can raise her.“}
When I didn’t respond, he added, “The young girl doesn’t know how to be a mother. I need to stay with her for a few days.“}
I wiped away my tears and replied in a calm voice. “Hmm.“}
After laying our son to rest, I quietly drafted the divorce papers and made a single phone call.
“Haven’t you always wanted to bring down the Hendricks family? I won’t stop you anymore.“}
The voice on the other end sounded amused, doubtful.
“Miss Lowell, I’m the living King of Hell in Vermont’s circle. Don’t mess with me. You’ve spent twenty years shielding the Hendricks family, why let go now?”
I replied calmly, “I’m divorcing him.“}
There was a long pause, then a sudden shift in tone, sharp and excited.§
“You’re serious? Years ago, every top family in the capital fought for your hand. But you rejected them all just to marry into that third–rate Hendricks family. You turned that useless Soren into the richest man in the province, and now you’re just walking away?“}
I didn’t explain. My voice stayed steady. “Whatever the reason, I won’t interfere in Hendricks family affairs anymore.“} The man on the other end let out a low chuckie, full of satisfaction.
I’ve been waiting for this. That brat Soren really thought he had talent, arrogant to the core. If it weren’t for you shielding him all these years, I would’ve crushed him long ago.”}
“Since you’re finally divorcing him, I’ll give him a little surprise at the Hendricks Group celebration tomorrow. A grand gift.“}
The moment I ended the call, Soren, who had been missing for three days, finally returned.
Without a word, he walked straight into our son’s room. Finding it empty, he turned his gaze to me on the sofa.}
“Why isn’t our son home?“>
“It’s fine to relax after exams, but staying out so late? My son, Soren’s son, shouldn’t be out running wild.“}
I glanced at the red marks on his neck, my voice cold and sharp.
“You still remember he’s your son?”
His brows knitted, irritation rising, but just as he opened his mouth to scold me, something in his expression shifted. His voice softened. “Is he still upset about what happened that day? When I left him on the road?“>
“When he gets back, I’ll apologize. He’s always listened to me. He won’t hold it against me.“}
Yes, our son had always listened to him.2
Knowing how much Soren cared about grades, he stayed up late night after night, studying tirelessly, always ranking first in his class. Just the day before the college entrance exam, he had smiled with quiet confidence. He said he would get into the University of Vermont just to make Dad proud.
But it was that very father he admired most who, on the most important day of his life, abandoned him and ultimately sent him to his death
I couldn’t even begin to imagine how shattered he must have felt when Soren tossed him out of the car like he was nothing.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat, blinking back tears as I forced the words out. “You’ll never see him again.“@
Soren’s expression darkened. “You’re his mother. Don’t go along with his childish tantrums.“}
Then, with casual cruelty, he tossed a delicate gift box onto the table beside me, like tossing a bone to a dog.
“That little pregnant thing’s clingy. Can’t live without me.“%
*From now on, I’ll only be home one day a week. Be smart about it, alright?“}
