Chapter 1
When I finalized the divorce with Sean Norton, I didn't take either of the kids.
My five-year-old son clung to my hand and refused to let go.
My three-year-old daughter hugged my leg and cried until she was breathless.
I didn't budge.
Sean stood nearby with red eyes and said I didn't deserve to be a mother.
I didn't argue.
Three years later, we ran into each other on the street.
The three people who once begged me to stay now walked beside another woman. They didn't look at me once as they walked straight past.
My best friend nudged my shoulder and asked, "Do you regret it?"
I smiled and said no.
I made that decision the moment I found out Sean hid his ex-girlfriend in our home and let her live with us for five years.
I decided then that I was never going back to them.
*****
I never thought that Sean, the father of my two kids, still couldn't let go of his ex, Crystal Dawkins.
He kept it from me and had her living with us for five years, all behind my back.
She had been with my kids from the day they were born, all the way till now.
Because of that, my five-year-old son, Percy, always a handful, wouldn't listen to anyone except for Crystal.
My three-year-old daughter, Nicki, sweet as can be, refused to let anyone else keep her company.
She'd only let Crystal tuck her in at night.
At first, I had no idea.
But one day, when I was walking my daughter to kindergarten alone, we passed by a young couple making out on the sidewalk.
My daughter pointed at them, all excited and curious, and blurted out, "Mommy, Daddy and Crystal did that too."
Then, she suddenly put her hand over her mouth.
If she hadn't done that, I would've just thought she was talking nonsense.
But it was clear someone had told her not to say anything.
After that, no matter how much I asked, she refused to say another word.
She wouldn't say anything to me.
After dropping my daughter off, I changed my mind and headed back home instead of going to work.
When I got back to the apartment complex, I spotted Sean's car parked downstairs.
My heart sank in that moment.
He left for work before me this morning, and didn't even bother with breakfast.
So why was he back?
And he made sure to come back while I wasn't home.
When I pushed the door open, I could hear voices coming from the dining room.
"Sean, your stomach's always been bad, even when we were together. If you ever neglect your health again, I'm going to be mad at you," Crystal said.
Her tone was teasing and affectionate. I'd never heard her speak like that before.
Sean took a sip of his hot soup, his words just as indulgent.
"Alright, I'm back now, aren't I? Looks like I'm stuck being wrapped around your finger for life," he replied.
I hid behind the door, my hands shaking uncontrollably.
I couldn't believe Sean could ever speak to another woman in such a soft, doting way.
Just as I was about to step inside, Sean watched Crystal moving around, busy with chores.
He spoke with a hint of concern in his voice, "Crystal, to me, you're no different from my wife. Don't ever lower yourself.
"Back then, I only called you a housekeeper so I could keep you close and take care of you. It was just an excuse. Don't take it seriously."
Crystal looked down.
Maybe she was just moved, or maybe she lost her balance for a second.
She suddenly pressed her face against Sean's chest and stayed there, clinging to him.
"Sean, I want this. With you and your kids by my side, I'm so happy," Crystal said softly.
Wasn't that just true?
All these years, I really thought I'd found a caring housekeeper I could trust.
I even bumped up her salary.
I was so grateful for everything she did for my kids, I started treating her like my own sister.
She'd help herself to my clothes, makeup, bags, and jewelry. Whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted, she could have.
I never would've guessed the truth.
For five years, I'd been sharing my home with the very woman my husband loved, all without even realizing it.
I took a deep breath.
With Sean and Crystal both looking at me, their eyes wide with shock, I kept my voice steady and cool.
"Sean, let's divorce," I said.
If this marriage was doomed from the start, then I was ending it right here and now.
Life was short, and so was my youth.
I didn't have the energy to waste on someone who was not right for me.
If something was wrong, I would just set it right.
But I wanted custody of both my kids. No one was taking them from me.
I always thought that someone like Sean, who could keep his ex living under the same roof for five years, wouldn't hesitate to say yes when I finally told him I wanted a divorce.
But he didn't. The second I barged in, his face was filled with pain.
He came straight to me, his hands shaking as he gripped my shoulders, refusing to let go.
It was as if I was still the only woman he cared about.