Chapter 2

1

I clutched the charred teddy bear.

It was one of the few things I had left of my son. I’d dug through the ruins for hours to find it.

My fingers were raw and bleeding.

If Julian saw me now, he’d probably sneer, "Clara, what kind of new game are you playing?"

After all, I had once risked my life trying to keep him, leaving me covered in scars.

It was never enough to compete with her. His precious Sophie.

All she had to do was crook her finger, and Julian would be at her feet, ready to give her anything.

This time, he even offered up our son’s life.

On the security camera footage from that night, our son begged Julian to stay, his voice choked with tears.

But Julian said no.

Because Sophie couldn't wait. Sophie needed him.

So he used his pocket watch to put our son to sleep, just to shut him up.

Then the fire started, and our little boy never woke up.

I cried until I had no tears left.

My eyes stung as I suddenly saw Julian approaching, laughing and talking with Sophie clinging to his arm.

He called it "psychological counseling." Work.

That’s why he could spend years shopping with Sophie and never get tired.

But spending one last night with his son? That was a chore.

I let out a cold laugh and walked right past them. Julian didn't even bother to look up.

But after I had taken a few steps, his voice drifted back to me, cool and detached.

"You were so desperate to find me. Why pretend you can't see me now?"

Sophie snuggled against his chest. "Oh, Julian, it’s all my fault. My anxiety is so bad, I needed you with me. Your wife just doesn't understand, she's throwing a tantrum."

Anyone could see Sophie was faking it.

Only Julian, the brilliant therapist, fell for it completely.

He stroked her long hair, his voice a gentle murmur in her ear as he comforted her endlessly.

I remembered my postpartum depression.

I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. My weight dropped to ninety pounds. I cried and begged Julian for help.

He cut me off before I could even finish. "I don't have time. I'm exhausted from work. Don't add to my burden."

His cold words stabbed my heart, leaving it in shreds.

Finally, the last bit of love I had for him died.

"Julian," I said. "Let's get a divorce. I'm letting you go."