Chapter 1

I've spent half my life serving my in-laws. And then the other half waiting hand and foot on my son, my daughter-in-law, and my grandkids.

Finally, I waited for Felix Cooper to come back from his service.

I thought we'd finally be together again. But things didn't go as I hoped.

When he came back, he brought with him a beautiful mother and daughter.

I didn't know until that moment.

All that time I was busting my ass taking care of his family, he'd already started something with another woman while he was away.

My in-laws and even my daughter-in-law kept pushing me to get a divorce, and my own son grabbed me by the collar, demanding I just walk away.

But why the hell should I?

In the end, I died on the very night they threw me out like I was nothing.

The next time I opened my eyes, I realized I was back where it all began.

My father-in-law was stuck in bed, my mother-in-law's eyesight was failing, and my son was just a wailing infant, hungry and helpless.

And that mother and daughter were still living right next door.

They said that woman's husband had died, and our family helping them out was only proper.

They kept telling me I shouldn't be so petty.

Yes. Why should I cage myself in endless housework out of pettiness?

Without a second thought, I handed in a transfer request at the factory, signing up for the Staawood development project.

Even if they didn't want me, it didn't matter.

My country would take me.

*****

My mother-in-law said, "Felix just handed over some pork to Serena and Lisa. Is that really something to lose your temper over?"

My father-in-law added, "Serena just lost her husband. She's all alone, trying to keep her kid alive by sewing for a living. Just look at how skinny that child is. Can you really ignore that?"

Felix said, "When Steven left, I promised him I'd take care of his wife and kid. Are you really going to put me in a position where I have to break my promise and let him down?"

Felix's voice kept swirling around in my head.

I clutched my chest, my heart clenched with pain.

The memory of my son and in-laws forcing me to sign those divorce papers in the previous timeline flashed before my eyes.

My son said, "Mom, you don't deserve Dad. He deserves someone way better! In love, the one who isn't loved is the real third party!"

My mother-in-law said, "Yeah, you've waited on us hand and foot all these years. If anyone owes you, it's us, not Felix! If you're feeling resentful, just blame us instead!"

My father-in-law said, "You've already held Felix back for half his life. Don't drag him down for the rest of it!"

Honestly, I hadn't done a single thing wrong. But they all acted like everything was my fault.

They blamed me for not being attractive enough. They blamed me for not being educated.

They even called me manipulative, saying I only bent over backwards for my in-laws because I knew Felix would end up successful.

In the end, my son grabbed me by the collar and forced me to sign the divorce papers with my fingerprint.

Rage made me shake all over. Pain stabbed through my heart.

Even as I lay dying, I never imagined the son I'd raised from diapers and sleepless nights would turn on me like this.

Snapping out of my memories, I took several deep breaths. My eyes were red from holding back tears.

When I finally looked up, Felix was still trying to talk me down, sounding all serious and sincere.

Even after twenty more years, Felix still looked as sharp and upright as ever, like time hadn't touched him at all.

With Felix looking all put together and Serena still oozing charm, I was nothing compared to them.

After a lifetime of backbreaking, dirty work, I realized I was just a joke.

"Don't give me that look. I've got nothing to be ashamed of," Felix said, looking away, his voice full of self-righteousness.

He looked just like he did back when he forced me to sign those divorce papers in the previous timeline.

I didn't bother saying another word. I couldn't even be bothered to explain that I'd spent a whole day and night lining up just to get that pork, all so my son and in-laws could have something to eat.

I just turned and walked out.

My in-laws were calling after me, begging me to come back. My son was yelling "Mom!" as he ran after me.

I ignored them all.

Even when my son tripped, busted his chin, and started bawling his head off, I didn't slow down for a second.

I jogged all the way, heart pounding.

Just as the factory was about to close, I finally found the director.

"You're really sure you want to join the Staawood development project?" the director asked, staring at me in utter disbelief.

I met his gaze, my voice firm. "Absolutely. I'm going."

The director frowned, shooting back, "Does Felix know about this?"

I replied, "He doesn't need to know. I make my own decisions!"

The director was shocked. "But your boy is only four or five. Are you really willing to leave him behind?"

I nodded. "It's not about whether I can bear it or not. I just want to do my part for my country. Director, you always say that without the greater good, there's no real family to speak of.

"Right now, Staawood needs me, and it's my duty to answer the call. I can't let down the heroes who came before us!"

The director clicked his tongue. "That's all well and good, but just so you know. Once you head out to Staawood, I don't know when you'll be back. And Felix probably won't be thrilled about you leaving."

I gave a confident smile. "Trust me, Director. No one's gonna stand in the way of me building a better future for my country!"

Finally, the director approved my transfer request to Staawood.

After that, I went home.