Chapter 1

My husband's mistress and I share the same birthday.

During dinner, our son asked Nathan.

"Mom, are we celebrating your birthday a day early again this year?"

Nathan said, "Can't this time. I'm taking Iris to Mint Island for diving. We need to attend diving classes these next few days."

Five years of marriage, and Nathan had always celebrated my birthday a day early, then spent my actual birthday with his mistress.

But this year, I wouldn't even get that.

Our son jumped up excitedly at that moment.

"I want to go diving too! Can you take me with you?"

Nathan nodded in agreement, then looked at me.

"Hannah, for your birthday wish—whatever you want, I'll make it happen."

And my birthday wish was divorce.

While I was clearing the table, Nathan called Iris.

"Connor wants to come too. Is that okay with you?"

Iris responded cheerfully, "Why wouldn't it be? Unless you're planning to do something naughty."

Nathan leaned lazily against the counter.

"I really do want to do something naughty to you." He smiled as he fiddled with the shelf I'd just bought. "Alright, just wait till I see you."

While they flirted, I turned to Connor.

"You really want to go? You won't stay to celebrate Mom's birthday?"

Connor nodded.

"It's more fun with Dad and Aunt Iris."

I said nothing and went to our room to pack their luggage.

I suddenly remembered my first trip with Nathan. At eighteen, he got scammed out of five hundred dollars trying to buy me a necklace.

Nathan had comforted me. "When I start earning money, I'll buy you a one-of-a-kind necklace."

Our love had been so passionate once. How did it become this?

I still remember when I found those intimate messages between Nathan and Iris on his phone. I cried and demanded a divorce. Nathan had been so scared he knelt before me.

"I was wrong. I promise there won't be a next time. I'll have her leave the company tomorrow."

Later, Nathan openly gave Iris the title of girlfriend. Wearing his crisp suit, he told me:

"Hannah, don't worry. I know the difference between home and outside. I won't let her affect your life."

I was so angry I smashed the matching mugs we'd bought for our wedding.

That night I thought about so much—Nathan's awkward confession, his wedding vows, his eyes red from crying when Connor was born.

Looking at the sleeping child in the crib, the next day I bought two acrylic cups and accepted Iris's existence.

Connor interrupted my thoughts, bursting into the room.

"Mom, I don't want to bring these ugly clothes you bought."

I took Connor's little hand. "Your respiratory system is weak. The sea breeze is strong. You need a windbreaker."

"No, no, I don't!"

Connor's crying brought Nathan in. He put away his phone and entered the room.

"Enough, Hannah. Mint Island is hot. He won't need any of this. I'll buy new things at the mall tomorrow. You don't need to pack anymore."

With one sentence, he dismissed all my effort from the entire evening.

I took out the rhinitis medication I'd prepared for Nathan and Connor from the suitcase.

Since it wasn't needed, I wouldn't give them anything.