Chapter 2

2

My mother's funeral was held as scheduled.

I was young when my father died.

My mother had handled everything back then.

I thought these things would be impossibly difficult, but in the end, it was just life.

The mourners quickly noticed that Arthur wasn't there.

Everyone who knew us knew how well my mother had treated him.

Naturally, they all came up to ask where he was.

In the past, when he missed important events for work, I would always cover for him.

I would smooth things over so he looked good.

But now, I didn't want to hide the truth for him anymore.

By the end of the day, everyone knew the truth.

Arthur, the supposed "perfect son-in-law," hadn't shown up when his mother-in-law was dying.

He hadn't even bothered to attend her funeral.

As for his excuse, he had told his hospital he needed time off for "family matters."

The guests were sensible people who knew their boundaries.

Once the topic reached that point, they didn't push further.

They just gave me pitying looks and told me to stay strong.

The funeral was soon over.

I stayed by my mother's side, wanting to talk to her one last time.

I suddenly remembered what she said a year ago when Rosie was transferred to Chicago.

"Evelyn, that Rosie girl seems very manipulative. Arthur is too careless..."

I had cut her off back then before she could finish.

I knew what she was implying.

But at that time, I felt my relationship with Arthur was like a fortress.

We had met during his toughest years.

He was young, had no connections, and made a meager salary.

I was the one who stayed by his side through those grueling days.

I was confident that one Rosie, or even a thousand Rosies, couldn't hurt me.

In the end, I overestimated human nature and our relationship.

By Rosie's second month in Chicago, Arthur started coming home later and later.

By the six-month mark, he began staying out all night occasionally.

But a cheating man never admits his sins.

He always had a library of excuses ready.

Looking back, those reasons weren't even that convincing.

I just chose to believe them.

It wasn't until a month ago that I found the half-drafted divorce papers on his computer.

Only then did I realize my "fortress" had long since turned into a pile of mud.

Back then, I was cowardly and humble in the face of our feelings.

I chose to run away from the ugliness.

But the night my mother died, I finally woke up.

Those dozens of unanswered calls cleared my head.

This relationship had rotted away along with the man.

And when something is rotten, you throw it in the trash.

I took out my phone and dialed a number I knew by heart.

The call was answered quickly.

I fought to keep my voice steady and calm.

"Winnie, help me draft a divorce settlement."

Winnie was one of my few true friends.

She wasn't a world-famous lawyer, but I knew she'd fight like hell for me.

Winnie was silent for a few seconds after hearing my request.

Then she spoke in a deep, supportive tone.

"Once you've made the decision, don't look back. Leave the rest to me."

"Congratulations in advance on escaping that hellhole," she added.

Winnie didn't say much, but her words gave me immense strength.

During the year Rosie was around, I never complained to Winnie about my marriage.

But Winnie was sensitive and could always sense my sadness.

Hearing her cheerful tone on the other end made me feel a bit better.

She gave me a few instructions, and then we ended the call.