Chapter 2

Because I never gave up on him, Rodney clawed his way back from the edge. Jessica was just a footnote in his story, but somehow he kept her in his heart all these years.

I said, "You don't have to explain. We only got married because you needed me. Now you're doing fine, the contract's over, and she's back.

"It's only right for us to part ways. I'll leave with nothing, just like we agreed. I'm not asking for anything from you."

Rodney's gentle expression instantly turned cold.

"Don't talk like that," he said. "You're the woman I chose to be my wife, the one who stood by me when I was at my lowest.

"Now that things are finally turning around, how could I possibly divorce you? Do you know what people would say about me?

"Besides, I never planned on letting you go. So stop thinking about it. The contract might be done, but our marriage isn't. When Spencer was born, didn't you promise you'd stay with me until we were old and gray?"

Spencer crossed his arms and let out an annoyed huff.

He said, "Dad, I think you should divorce Mom. She's always in a bad mood, but Jessica is so nice. She buys me ice cream and takes me to play video games.

"Jessica is way nicer. I wish she was my mom. Didn't you say Jessica is great? Isn't she better than Mom?"

My son's words stabbed me right in the heart.

It hurt even more than the way Rodney gazed at Jessica, full of affection.

I knew Rodney never loved me, but Spencer was my own child.

I risked my life to give birth to him.

Spencer got Rodney's frail health, so I watched his diet like a hawk, making sure every bite was good for him.

From every meal to every treat, I handpicked every bite that went into my son's mouth.

I loved him for five whole years, and he used to love me back just as much.

In his baby voice, he'd always say, "Mommy, you always protect me, like stars watching over the moon. When I grow up, I'll be the star and protect you, Mommy."

But now, just like his father, he has forgotten the promises he once made to me.

He started liking another woman so easily, thinking I was never as good as her.

Rodney snapped, "That's nonsense. When did I ever say anything like that? Who taught you to talk to your mom that way? You need to show some respect. Go apologize to your mom now!"

Spencer pouted, then ran off to his room.

Rodney turned back to me, and most of the anger disappeared from his face, replaced by a guilty look.

He said, "Alright, don't be upset. You know how kids are, they say whatever pops into their heads. It's Spencer's birthday. Let's not fight and make things worse for him, okay?"

Before I could say anything, the doorbell started ringing over and over.

Spencer shot out of his room, pushed past me, and threw open the door. He dove straight into Jessica's arms, bubbling with excitement.

"I knew it was you, Jessica. I miss you so much," Spencer cheered.

Jessica smiled gently. "Happy birthday, Spencer. I brought you a present."

Spencer cheered, "Yay! Thank you, Jessica."

Then he stood on his tiptoes and gave Jessica a quick peck on the cheek.

I stumbled from his shove, my hip banging against the table corner. The pain made me frown.

Not a single person cared if I was hurt.

Rodney went straight to the door and ushered Jessica in.

"It's cold out there. Come in and have a seat," he said.

Spencer happily grabbed the gift and set it on the table, ripping it open with a bright smile. Then his smile froze.

"Wait, this looks just like the one Mommy gave me before. And look, my initials are carved on the bottom," Spencer said.

Rodney took the ornament from him and gave it a good look. His expression turned stormy.

Rodney glanced at me out of the corner of his eye before asking Jessica, "Where did you get this?"

Jessica replied, "I found it at a secondhand market. I thought Spencer would like it, so I picked it up.

"The owner said the seller was desperate for money and was getting rid of a lot of things. Leslie wouldn't be that hard up, would she? Maybe Spencer just got it mixed up?"