Chapter 10
Trevor grabbed my shoulder, his eyes filled with concern. “Chloe, are you alright?”
I just shook my head and went back inside.
Even though the divorce was final, he only asked me to stay in New York. But my legs belonged to me, and no one could stop me from walking away.
So, while he was at work, I packed my things and got on a plane. The moment I left New York, it felt like I could finally breathe.
My phone wouldn’t stop buzzing, so I just turned it off.
He lied to me for years, and I only lied to him once. I didn’t owe him anything.
Six hours later, I landed in the city where I’d grown up.
I went to the orphanage where I’d spent part of my childhood and adopted a little girl. She was six and shy–so much like I used to be.
She was so well–behaved that it tugged at my heart. So, I held her hand and took her everywhere, not caring about money or what others might think.
As I helped her heal, I found that she was also helping me heal.
During a follow–up at the hospital, the doctor said my illness wasn’t gone yet, but it had become very manageable.
I felt joy bubbling inside and hugged Skye. That night, she called me
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Chapter 10
“Mommy” for the first time.
I was shocked for a few seconds, then tears rushed down my face.
The heart I thought would never feel anything again suddenly beat with warmth.
Skye reached up and wiped my tears with her tiny fingers. “Don’t cry, Mommy. I’ll love you forever.”
I hugged her tightly and whispered back, “Me too.”
Our days passed quietly but felt full of meaning. Then one afternoon, Skye hesitated before speaking, her fingers pulling at her clothes.
“Mommy, there’s a man who keeps giving me candies. I don’t want them, but he won’t stop. He told me not to tell you.”
I stopped eating and asked calmly, “When did it start?”
“About two weeks ago,” she replied.
I knew instantly who it was. All the strange things that had happened lately began to make sense.
I finally knew why small gifts kept showing up by the door and why my neighbors always brought over tasty food.
Even though I didn’t go out much, people were kind to me. I appreciated it, but I hadn’t paid attention to who was behind it all.
As those thoughts sank in, I let out a sigh. That evening, when Skye came out of school, I saw Trevor right there.
He was holding an emerald bracelet and was about to place it on Skye’s wrist. When he saw me, his smile froze.
Once I got Skye safely into the car, I walked back and tossed the brea
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Chapter 10
back at him.
“Don’t come here again,” I said firmly.
Trevor gave a weak smile. “I didn’t mean to disturb your life. I just wanted to be nearby. I wasn’t trying to-”
“You’ve already disturbed me,” I cut in, my voice steady. “You stepped my voice steady. “You stepped
into my life without asking. We’re not together anymore, remember?”
His expression went pale. “We can start over. I believe that if I show real regret, we’ll still have a good future… Maybe even kids. I-”
When he mentioned kids, I interrupted him again, “I’m not getting married again, and I won’t have more children. Skye is my only one. Your family wouldn’t accept you not having any.”
Tiredness showed in my face. I looked at him firmly and said, “Trevor, please let me go. I made it through this time, but I might not next time.”
Trevor stood there, stunned by the meaning of my words.
He was scared. He wasn’t willing to risk it.
After staying quiet for a while, he looked up with a bitter but sincere smile. “Chloe, I won’t bother you anymore. But I’ll wait until you change your mind.”
Then, he walked away.
I let out a long breath. Skye grabbed my hand and said, “Mommy, let’s go home.”
I smiled. “Yes, let’s go home.”
From now on, I am ready to live a happy life.
