Chapter 3

Twelve days later, Theo was cleared to leave the hospital.

I didn't take him back to the Hawthorne family's marital home, but moved directly into the duplex apartment my mother left.

Julian signed the divorce agreement quickly, but he pulled out the page concerning Theo's medical custody.

He slammed a document with a huge check on the table:

"Naomi, don't use the child as leverage. Sign it, take the money, and don't say a word to anyone."

I looked down at the number on the check.

Enough to buy many things.

But not buy back the seven calls he declined.

"Take your hush money back." I pushed the check back.

"But Theo's due child support and medical benefits—not a penny less."

Julian looked at me:

"He is still a Hawthorne. What do you think you can take away?"

I looked at him and said calmly:

"Mr. Hawthorne, the only thing I regret is marrying you."

That night.

Celeste updated her social media account.

In the photo, she wore the white cashmere robe I had left in the walk-in closet, standing by the master bedroom's floor-to-ceiling window.

Caption: Finally home.

Theo was sitting beside me taking medicine.

He saw the familiar curtains in the photo and paused.

"Mom, is that your robe?"

I turned off the screen.

"It used to be."

A few days later, Theo's medicine, watch charger, and rehabilitation gear were still in the marital home. Accompanied by Elodie, I agreed to go back only once.

In the living room, Celeste took out a blue gift box printed with "BEST BIG BROTHER" and handed it to Theo with a smile.

"You don't have to call me mommy now."

She looked at him gently, "But after the new baby is born, we will become a family sooner or later. You can slowly learn to be a good big brother. As for what to call me, we can decide later."

Theo stepped back in fright, clutching my clothes tightly and burying his head.

His voice was small but clear:

"I already have a mom."

Celeste's smile froze slightly.

Julian, however, darkened his face and scolded his newly discharged son on the spot:

"Theo, Celeste is carrying your little brother, and she's trying to accept you. Don't make everyone revolve around your moods."

I stepped forward and stood in front of Theo.

Looking coldly at Julian:

"He has a mom. Don't teach him to forget."

I took the gift box from Theo's arms and placed it back in Celeste's hands.

"From today on, if any of you want to see Theo, contact Elodie first."

Julian sneered: "You have no right to restrict my access to my son."

"Then let the judge decide."

I looked at him.

"And conveniently, the hospital still has those seven declined calls not submitted."

With that, I left with Theo without looking back.

After arriving home, Theo sat on the carpet.

He took his kids' smartwatch, his little fingers scrolling through the contacts. Then he tapped on the chat box for "Dad."

The top was a voice message he had sent before being hospitalized.

"Dad, will you come tomorrow?"

Below, there was no reply.

Further up were school performances, follow-up dates, and his drawing of a race car.

Behind each one, there was only a gray "Delivered."

He didn't cry.

He only gently pressed the delete button, then looked up at me.

"Mom, I won't wait for him anymore."