Chapter 3
I packed the last piece of clothing into my suitcase just as my mother–in–law pushed open the door.[]
Seeing the suitcase at my feet, her expression said “at least you know your place.“]
“You weren’t here before, so I let Ava use your bedroom. The study’s been converted to a nursery. You can sleep in the living room tonight, or if that’s not good enough, you can go to a hotel.“[]
I was too exhausted to find a hotel, so I nodded, planning to make do with the couch for the night.[]
But deep into the night, the baby’s cries kept coming from the bedroom.[]
I rolled over, reaching for earplugs, when I heard Ava’s complaint.[]
“Griffin, please do something about the baby. He won’t stop crying.“]
Then came Griffin’s soft laughter.]
“Aren’t you my baby too? Taking care of you is enough. A little crying is good for the baby’s lung development.“[]
I pulled the blanket over my head, trying desperately to block out their laughter.]
But every time I closed my eyes, I saw Griffin as he was when he first confessed his love to me.[]
e.]
Back then, he was bright and full of life, with eyes only for me.
But that version of him no longer belonged to me.
I drifted in and out of fitful sleep, and left at dawn with my suitcase.]
I went to the city hall to deregister my residence and also took care of the paperwork for moving abroad.]
With my approved documents, the procedures moved quickly, and the staff asked few questions.[]
Until I was leaving, a staff member suddenly called me back and handed me a handful of fruit candies.
“May all your wishes come true,” she said.]
I gave her a grateful smile, then found a hotel nearby.[]
After dropping off my luggage, I went out to find something to eat, only to encounter Griffin and Ava with my in–laws.[]
Ava wore a Patek Philippe bracelet with obvious pride, showing no signs of being terminally ill.]
“Nora! I thought that was you from a distance. Griffin insisted it couldn’t be you around here.“]
Her gaze fell on the job flyer in my hand, and she smiled knowingly.[]
“Oh, so you’re out job hunting? But seriously, what made you desperate enough to apply for a waitress position?”
“Even if you’re angry with Griffin, there’s no need to punish yourself this way…”
I remained silent. The flyer had been handed to me by a young girl on the street. I’d only taken it because she was out in the cold distributing them.]
Seeing I wouldn’t respond, just clutching the flyer tighter, Ava’s eyes gleamed with triumph, her smile widening.[]
“You should have said you needed work. Maybe I could have helped!“]
“We’re family after all. Your well being matters to Griffin’s future and the baby’s security. I need to know you’ll be okay.”
While my silence was interpreted as confirmation.
Griffin’s previously confused expression suddenly hardened. He frowned deeply, lips pressed into a thin line, looking at me with pure contempt.]
Chapter 3
“What’s there to recommend? She deliberately quit her excellent medical position. If she starves on the street now she deserves no sympathy.“[]
“Nora, I can’t believe you’d go to such extremes just to force me to give up the baby. You’ve really disappointed me!“]
I stared at his familiar face, now feeling completely foreign to me yet.
I remembered when we first married, how I’d considered changing careers due to toxic competition at the hospital affecting my position.[]
Hearing this, Griffin had simply held me close, stroking my back as he assured me:[]
“We’re one unit. Whatever decision you make, I’ll support you.“[]
“Quitting is no big deal. I’ll always be by your side, honey.“[]
But now he stood by while another woman humiliated me. He’d forgotten his promises, and seemingly forgotten the deep love we once shared.]
Even my in laws joined in with looks of disdain.]
“Nora, you’re like a hen that can’t lay eggs. And you’re never home. How can you compare to Ava?“]
With someone like you, it’s only natural Griffin would find someone else. If you want to blame anyone, blame yourself for being so undesirable!“]
Their comments grew increasingly outrageous as passersby began to stare.]
I clenched my fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms.[]
Before I could speak, Ava stepped forward.[]
“We’re going to take family photos. Why don’t you join us, Nora? After all, I’ll be counting on you to take care of Griffin and the baby after I’m gone.”
I gave her a sideways glance but remained silent.]
Griffin, who was standing beside her, immediately became irritated, pulling Ava protectively against him while sneering at me.]
“Ava, I know you’re kind–hearted, but she clearly doesn’t appreciate it.“[]
“Nora, who are you trying to impress with that attitude? Come or don’t come, but with your presence, you’d only lower the quality of our family photos.”
With that, he led Ava toward the photo studio.
“Then we’ll be going now. Don’t let us keep you from your job hunt, Nora!“]
Before leaving, Ava gave me one last meaningful look.]
Watching them walk away, I felt absolutely nothing stirring in my heart.
To outsiders, they looked like such a harmonious family.
If this was what Griffin wanted, then why should I stand in his way?]
