Chapter 1
It wasn't until the ninth year of my marriage that I found out the truth.
My husband had given my son to his first love to raise.
When I found out, my son was already seven. He needed proper registration papers to start elementary school.
My husband sat across from me, guilt all over his face, and suggested a "fake" divorce.
"Switching the baby back then was the only option," he said. "Eloise couldn't have children. Life was hard for her in that family.
"Don't worry. Once the kid gets enrolled, we'll remarry right away."
I looked at the boy standing behind him and saw the hatred in his eyes aimed straight at me.
Something inside me went completely numb.
I nodded calmly and signed the divorce papers.
While my husband and Eloise happily went to register their marriage, I boarded a one-way flight to the other side of the world, leaving this family for good.
*****
The day we left the city hall, Nelson Myers suddenly stopped and said hesitantly, "Julia, if you feel awkward being here with Eloise, you can go home and wait for us.
"Tonight, the whole family will have dinner together.
"By the way, Eloise and Robin both love your seafood chowder. It's their birthday, so please make some extra. It'll make them happy."
I was stunned for a few seconds.
Was I, the ex-wife, supposed to play chef for Eloise Owens and the Myers family's family dinner?
But I couldn't be bothered to argue. I just replied casually, "Sure. You guys go ahead. I'll head home first."
A look of relief crossed Nelson's face.
Just as I turned to leave, a small figure dashed out from the city hall and dove straight into Nelson's arms.
"Daddy, we're here," the boy called out. "Daddy, does this mean I get to see you every day now?
"Will I finally get to have both my mom and dad at the school sports day, just like the other kids?"
Nelson smiled and replied to each of his questions with all the patience in the world.
His voice, usually so cold, was now soft and warm, like a spring breeze.
I was leaving that afternoon.
But I couldn't help myself. Hearing that sweet kiddy voice made me turn around.
I wanted to take one last look at the child I'd fought so hard to bring into the world seven years ago.
Robin and Nelson stood there, hand in hand.
Robin looked like the scaled-down version of Nelson, both so refined and handsome that even strangers walking by couldn't help but take a second look.
Eloise strolled over gracefully, a soft smile on her lips.
She'd picked out a simple yet elegant wedding dress for today. It was just right for the ceremony, hugging her figure in all the right places.
It was then that I realized Nelson was in a brand-new, custom suit that was a perfect match for her dress.
He looked a little dazed, his eyes fixed on her.
Maybe he was thinking about all those years they missed out on together.
Robin grabbed Eloise's hand, holding both his mom and dad's hands, his eyes squinting with joy.
They were the textbook image of a blissful family of three.
I stared at my husband and my son.
Right now, I was the extra, left standing there all by myself.
The bitterness I felt was indescribable.
My heart felt like it was being carved up by blades, the pain almost overwhelming me.
I turned stiffly to leave.
Suddenly, someone shoved me hard from behind, making me stumble.
"Why are you still bothering Dad?" Robin yelled. "Dad's marrying Mom now. Can you get lost and stop trying to come between them?"
His voice was so loud it echoed through the entire city hall.
Instantly, everyone around turned to stare at me.
My face burned with embarrassment. I wished the ground would just swallow me up.
This whole thing was just ridiculous.
I'd had my share of breakdowns, yelling and crying at Nelson.
After all, he and I were legally married. Why was I the one who had to give up everything and go along with this fake divorce? Why couldn't we just bring Robin home and raise him together?
The Myers family could buy ten schools if they wanted. How was getting Robin into one such a big deal?
But Nelson just said, "Robin's stubborn. He won't let you be his mother. To him, Eloise is the only mom he wants.
"Eloise insists on sending him to public school, saying it'll help him build character and learn resilience."
Finally, Nelson shot me a sharp look and snapped, "Julia, Eloise isn't even Robin's real mom, but she's thinking long-term for him. You shouldn't just get wrapped up in your own feelings. Real mothers put their kids first and plan ahead for them."
I was stunned by what Nelson said.
Plan for Robin's future?
Was it me who didn't want to think about my own child's future?
My child was taken away from me right after he was born. I never even laid eyes on him.
They all told me my baby was stillborn.
I didn't even know who I could turn to.
No one gave me a chance to make any plans for him.
Now, just because I refused to play along with their absurd charade, suddenly I was the one who didn't care about my kid. And somehow, I'd become the homewrecker in their story.
"Robin, what are you saying? How can you talk to Mummy Julia like that?" Nelson snapped. "Stop watching those online videos and picking up all that bad language. If you keep it up, I'll take your phone away."
Nelson's sharp scolding snapped me out of my thoughts.
His face was stone cold, fury blazing in his eyes.
Eloise hurried over and pulled Robin behind her.