Chapter 3

Janice's face stiffened. "I never said that."

"You never said that?" My mom let out a cold laugh. "The whole neighborhood knows about it. Why are you still pretending?"

"Who do you think you are, talking to me like that?" Janice's voice went shrill. "My son took care of her for three years, and the kid doesn't even look like him. So what if I say something?"

"Oh, your son supported her?" My mom shot to her feet. "My daughter gave up her job to have your son's baby and raise it. Why don't you mention all the money she earned? Do you even know how many times your son went with her to the doctor? Or who actually took care of her after the baby came?"

"That's her job—"

"Enough," I cut in. "Mom, let's talk outside."

I took my mom by the hand and led her out of the house, heading for the neighborhood garden.

"Trina, you can't stay in this marriage anymore," my mom said, squeezing my hand. "I was wrong about Philip. I never thought he'd turn out like this. Come home. I'll take care of you and the baby."

"Mom," I said, meeting her eyes. "I have a plan."

"What plan?"

"I've already reached out to a lawyer and some old colleagues," I said. "Once the paternity results come out, I'll take care of everything."

My mom was stunned for a moment, and her eyes grew red again.

"Sweetheart, you don't deserve this," she said softly.

I managed a small smile. "It's alright, Mom. I just need a little time."

That night, while Philip was out, I slipped the manila envelope into my suitcase.

It was the property deed for the apartment I bought before the wedding. My parents helped with the down payment, and I've been covering the mortgage myself. The deed is under my name only.

I've been renting it out for the past three years, and the rent goes straight into my private account. Philip and Janice have no idea.

I dug out my old hard drive and plugged it into my computer.

Inside were my portfolio, my client list, and all my project files.

I hadn't touched it in three years, but it was all still there.

I shot Basil a message: [Is there a good time for us to meet? I have some questions I'd like to discuss.]

He replied almost instantly: [Anytime.]

On Monday, the paternity test results finally came in.

Philip brought the report home, his face a mix of emotions.

"So, what did it say?" Janice rushed over, practically bouncing with anticipation.

Philip didn't say a word. He just handed her the report.

I stood in the kitchen doorway, watching Janice's face shift from hopeful to confused, then to downright embarrassed.

"It says... it confirms the parent-child relationship..." Janice muttered, barely audible. "How can that be..."

"The results are clear," I said. "Philip is the father."

The living room went dead silent for a few seconds.

"Well... that's good," Janice let out a couple of awkward laughs as she set the report down. "Now that we've got the test, nobody can spread rumors anymore."

I just looked at her, not saying a word.

"Honey." Philip walked over, forcing a smile. "I messed up. I shouldn't have listened to my mom. From now on, I—"

He reached out, trying to put his arm around my shoulder.

I took a half step back.

"What do you think you're doing?" I asked, keeping my distance.

He paused, looking surprised. "Well... I just want a fresh start. The test shows the kid is mine, so let's put this behind us."

"Put this behind us?" I echoed, my tone flat.

"Yeah," he said, like it was the most obvious thing ever. "Come on, don't be upset. It was just a test. Now everything's settled, everyone can be happy."

I looked him in the eye.

Three years. I've stared at this face for three whole years.

I used to think I'd be seeing it for the rest of my life.

"Philip," I said, my voice steady. "The test is done."

"Yeah, it's done," he said.

"Now it's my turn," I said.

His smile froze. "What do you mean?"

I headed into the bedroom and grabbed a folder from the closet.

"This is the divorce agreement," I said, placing the folder on the coffee table. "My lawyer already put it together. Go ahead, read it."

The air in the living room felt like it had been sucked out.

Janice's mouth opened, but no sound came out.

Philip stared at the folder like it was something he'd never seen before.

"Are... are you kidding me?" His voice was tight, almost cracking.

"I'm not joking," I said, locking eyes with him. "Three years. I gave up my career, turned down every opportunity, went through postpartum with no one by my side, and handled every doctor's visit alone. And what did I get for all that? Just a paternity test."

"I said I was wrong—" he started.

"You're right," I cut him off. "The test's done. Everyone's satisfied. My name's cleared. Now I'm free to go."

"Are you crazy?" Janice screamed. "The baby just got here, and you're already talking divorce?"

I gave her a look, but stayed silent.

Philip's face went bright red. "You're really going to divorce me over this?"

"Over this?" I laughed, the sound sharp. "You made me prove the baby was yours."

"I..." he stammered.

"Philip, do you know what was going through my mind when you handed me that report?" I stared right at him, saying it slowly, every single word. "I realized that in three years, you never trusted me. Not for a single moment."

He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

"Just read the agreement," I said. "Let the lawyers deal with the assets."

I turned and walked into the nursery, closing the door behind me.

Behind me, Janice's hysterical shrieks echoed through the house, mixed with the sound of Philip slamming things in frustration.

I picked up my baby, who had just woken up, and gently soothed her.

"It's okay, baby," I whispered. "Mommy's here, we're leaving together."