Chapter 1

My mother was dying. She needed a $5,000 surgery to live. But when I checked my bank account, every penny was gone. My wife, Cora, had transferred it all.

She needed it to pay for her first love's mother's surgery.

I called her, begging for the five thousand. She just screamed at me. "Leo's mother is on her deathbed! She needs this money right now! Don't you dare bother me with your petty problems!"

Later that day, my mother died. And so did our marriage.

I couldn't believe the words coming out of her mouth.

My mother was hanging on by a thread, and she was telling me she gave our money to someone else's mom.

"Cora, I'm not kidding," I said, my voice trembling. "I don't care who you gave the money to. I need five thousand dollars. Right now."

"Are you deaf, Declan? I told you, Leo's mom needs it more! I don't have any money for you!"

We had been married for five years. I had worked my ass off for five years.

All the money went into her account. All I could see was the balance.

My sister had just called. Mom's surgery was short by five grand.

I went to transfer the money, but before I could, it was all gone. Cora had taken everything.

Rage boiled in my chest, but my mother was the priority. "Cora, I'm telling you one last time. Give me five thousand dollars. My mother is waiting for surgery."

In all our years together, I had never raised my voice to her. This was the first time.

She flew into a rage. "How dare you yell at me, Declan? Who do you think you are?"

"I know you hate Leo, but this is not the time! His mother is dying, and you're making a scene, using your own mom as an excuse to harass me!"

"I'm not using her as an excuse! She's really sick!"

We had fought about Leo Finch more times than I could count.

Every time, she insisted they were just friends. Every time, I gave in.

She got closer and closer to him. They went to bars, watched sunsets together, even got matching couple's bracelets.

I tolerated it all because I loved her. But this was too far.

I tried to say more, but she hung up.

I didn't waste a second. I raced to the hospital, calling every friend I had along the way.

I finally managed to borrow the five thousand. But by the time I got to the hospital, it was too late. My mother was gone.

My knees gave out. I collapsed to the floor.