Chapter 6

Edward was lost for words, unable to say anything to argue back.

She kept talking, her words sharp but calm. "You know the truth. When was the last time you really saw me? When was the last time we had a real talk?

"Where were you when I was in labor, fighting to stay alive for our kids? How many times did you even visit me in the hospital that week?"

Edward hung his head, his voice barely audible. "I... I've been busy working. I couldn't get away..."

Helen cut him off, her tone cold and unforgiving. "Too busy? Too busy to be with your wife when our triplets were born? Too busy to care if I lived or died? Stop lying to yourself, Edward. You just didn't care enough to come."

He fell silent, crushed by guilt. After a long moment, he looked up, his eyes shiny with regret. "Helen, I admit it. I messed everything up. I ignored you, took your love for granted—I've treated you badly for years."

Helen's voice stayed calm, no anger—only quiet acceptance. "I don't blame you. Love can't be forced. I've known for a long time that you don't love me anymore."

"That's not true!" Edward said frantically, desperation in his voice. "I do love you, I just... "

"Enough," Helen said, cutting him off firmly.

Warm yellow light spilled across the wooden floor, making the room feel cozy—but the warmth felt suffocating, thick with unspoken pain. Helen stood up slowly, gently laying the sleeping baby back in the bassinet, careful not to wake him.

"She took a deep breath, turned to face Edward, and her eyes were hard with resolve. "Edward, it's over. Between us, it's really over."

Edward jolted, confusion written across his face. "What do you mean? What are you saying?"

Helen's gaze was steady, no doubt in her words. She looked him straight in the eyes. "I want a divorce."

Her words hit Edward like a punch to the gut, leaving him stunned. He stared at her, his eyes wide, lips trembling. "Divorce? Wait—did I hear that right? Are you serious?"

She turned away, her voice steady but final, with no room for negotiation. "I'm serious. This marriage has been an empty shell for years. Dragging it out will only torture both of us. There's no point anymore."

Panic rushed through Edward. He hurried to her side, his voice desperate. "But the kids—what about them? They're so little; they need their dad!"

Helen glanced at the bassinets, her eyes softening for a moment, but her resolve never wavered. "I'll raise them alone. I don't want your child support, and I don't need you to visit. Just go live the life you want—without me, without them."

A heavy weight pressed on Edward's chest, making it hard to breathe. His hands hung limp at his sides, his voice shaking. "Helen, can't we talk about this? Maybe we're both confused. Let's try to fix this together."

Helen gave him a cold look, then walked to the table, picked up a stack of papers, and held them out to him, her expression calm.

"There's nothing left to talk about. This is the divorce settlement I drew up. Take a look. If you agree, sign it."

Edward took the papers, his fingers trembling as he flipped through them. The terms were clear: she wanted full custody of the triplets, and she was giving up all claims to their shared assets—their house, their cars, their savings.

Edward frowned, completely confused. "You don't want any of our shared property? Why?"

Helen gave him a cool glance, her voice full of disdain. "I don't need it. Go enjoy it with your girlfriend."

Edward's face turned pale, his eyes wide as he rushed to deny it. "Girlfriend? I don't have a girlfriend! Helen, please—don't jump to conclusions."

Helen cut him off, her tone icy. "Edward, are you still pretending? Megan Shaw, twenty-five, a model. You've been seeing her for three years. She lives in that luxury apartment on the Westside—the one you put a down payment on.

"You go there at least three times a week. Am I wrong?"

Edward's face went pale as a ghost, sweat dripping down his forehead. He avoided her gaze, his voice tight with guilt. "You knew? How long have you known?"

Helen's expression stayed calm, no emotion showing on her face. "I've known all along. I just didn't want to expose you. I thought if I looked the other way, this family might hold on a little longer.

"But I was wrong—some things, once broken, can never be fixed."

She walked to the window and pushed it open, letting the breeze drift in. She looked out at the clear blue sky, her voice softening, but it was still final. "Edward, let's stop hurting each other. Letting me go will set you free too."

Edward held the settlement papers so tight his knuckles turned white, his hands shaking. He tried to find the words to beg her to stay, to fix things—but he couldn't.

"Because Helen was right. He didn't love her anymore. He'd been cheating on her for years. He'd ignored her, broken her heart, and destroyed their family. After a long, painful silence, he managed to say, "I... I need time to think."

Helen nodded, her eyes filled with a deep tiredness that no words could describe. "Take a week. Seven days from now, I'll be at the county courthouse. I expect your signature then."

Edward left the cottage with the papers in his hand, his steps heavy. As he walked out of the alley, he glanced back at the courtyard.

Helen stood in the doorway, holding a baby in her arms, her head bent as she tickled his tiny toes, and the sound of his giggle drifted through the air.

Sunlight covered her in a golden glow, making her look so peaceful—so far from the broken woman he'd left behind.

Suddenly, memories of their early marriage flooded his mind: Helen waiting for him at home, a smile on her face, taking his briefcase, pouring him a glass of ice tea, and asking if his day had been hard.

Her eyes used to sparkle with warmth and love—but now, that spark was gone, snuff out by his own selfishness.