Chapter 3

Juliana and I sealed the deal, both of us signing on the dotted line. Her living situation was cushier than mine, so shifting all our savings to me seemed like a breeze for her.

Colin's been having a tough time ever since we stopped breastfeeding. We tried a bunch of formulas, but none hit the spot until we settled on one, though it wasn’t our first choice. I could see the sadness in Juliana’s eyes, clear as day.

Hesitantly, I asked her, 'Why not just keep breastfeeding? He hates the formula—every time he drinks it, he cries, and it’s heartbreaking.'

Her reply was sharp, dripping with disdain, and it left me feeling a pang of guilt. 'You can drop by to see him if you’re missing him,' I offered, trying to smooth things over.

Juliana shook her head. 'I’m staying next door, not to see him, but to make sure you don’t mess him up.'

That was absurd—he’s my own flesh and blood. Her words cut deep, making me feel like some kind of criminal. Colin was fast asleep, and as I was about to leave, she stopped me.

Pointing to Colin, she said, 'Keep an eye on sleeping babies. They can roll over and get tangled in the blankets, and they can’t free themselves. There are so many horror stories of kids suffocating that way.'

Finally, I got her drift—she wanted to tie me down with these responsibilities. Frustrated, I snapped, 'You’re doing this on purpose. You want to keep me chained up.'

Her eyes widened in surprise as she shot back, 'So, marriage and kids are just traps for women, huh? Didn’t I live every day under the same weight? Did you ever hear me whine about it?'

She continued, 'It’s just taking care of a kid—what’s the big deal? Besides, I’m still paying your salary like clockwork. You don’t have to lift a finger, yet you’ve got cash to spare. What’s your problem?'

Her words shut me up. I had, in fact, spouted that nonsense before.

'But surely I can’t be stuck inside all the time. I need to eat and drink,' I argued.

'Order takeout, make do with whatever, and if you’re pressed for time, skip a meal. Isn’t that what we women always do to juggle everything?' She turned to leave, 'Remember, whenever you step out, take Colin with you. And a heads-up: if he naps poorly during the day, he’ll be up all night screaming.'

Her warning hit home, making me think twice about leaving. Just then, a text from Reina popped up. As usual, she was thoughtful and considerate, suggesting I rethink the divorce and offering to talk to Juliana.

Feeling a bit better, I called Reina right in front of Juliana.

Reina kept pushing me to reconsider the divorce, saying, 'My son’s asleep; come over. It’s fine—I’ve already spoken to Juliana about the divorce.'

'Don’t worry about it; Juliana’s cool with it.'

I’ll admit, I might’ve been showing off a bit. Reina was amazing—someone worth bragging about.

Reina’s always had a soft spot for kids; every time she saw pictures of Colin, she’d gush about how cute he was. I couldn’t help but think how perfect it’d be if Reina were Colin’s mom.

Reina showed up soon after, her heels clicking confidently, while Juliana stood there in ratty slippers, looking a bit disheveled.

Reina seemed way more charming in comparison. As she walked in, she said to Juliana, 'Juliana, you’ve got it all wrong. Killian and I are strictly professional—nothing more.'

Juliana didn’t even bother looking at Reina; she’d already changed and grabbed her keys. 'Whatever’s going on between you two is none of my business. The house is yours now—enjoy it.'

I was stunned—Juliana, known for her jealousy, just walked away without a fuss.

Once she was gone, Reina burst into tears and ran into my arms.

'Killian, it’s my fault things went south. Don’t go through with the divorce; Juliana’s good to you and even gave you a child...'

Yet, all I could focus on was Reina, fragile and upset.

I couldn’t help but hold her tight, comforting her, saying, 'It’s not your fault—it’s mine for being drawn to you.'

In that moment, all I wanted was to kiss her. Holding her close, I couldn’t hold back.

'Reina, is it okay if I kiss you? Juliana and I have already agreed to end it—we’re just waiting on the paperwork.'

'Is there really no chance of fixing things with Juliana?'

Reina was wearing a Victorian-style dress today, her collarbones elegantly exposed. Her slim waist felt like it would fit perfectly in my embrace.

I didn’t answer; I just kissed her deeply. She cried while kissing me back, and it overwhelmed me.

I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders for starting the divorce. As I moved to undress her, just as I leaned in for another kiss, Colin started wailing at the top of his lungs.