Chapter 2

The door to our house was wide open, and it wasn't its usual quiet.

Hearing Andrew Jones's laughter drift through the house, I instinctively picked up my pace, eager to see my son.

When Jackson left with Andrew, I hadn't seen him in almost a month.

As soon as I walked in, I saw my packed things were all over the place.

Andrew was still rummaging through my stuff, grumbling under his breath, "What is all this useless stuff?"

A chill crept into my heart.

He was no longer the little boy who used to love his mother with all his heart.

Hearing me, he turned to look at me, then grabbed a toy and tossed it on the floor. "Mom, what took you so long? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting for you?"

I picked up the toy, bit my lips, and walked over to him. "What were you waiting for me for?"

Andrew reached out his hand. "I remember Grandma gave you a ruby necklace. Where is it? Ms. Thomas's birthday is coming up, and I want to give it to her as a birthday gift."

I quietly watched him and took a step back.

I said, "No, that necklace was her last gift to me before she passed."

"So what? You're my mom, and once you're gone, all your stuff goes to me anyway. I want it now. I'm giving it to Ms. Thomas for her birthday," Andrew shouted.

Then he hurled the toy at my head.

I was stunned by the hit; the pain hit me hard.

However, nothing could compare to the disappointment I felt.

The child I gave everything I had to bring into this world not only wanted someone else to be his mom, but even wished I were dead.

I lowered my eyes, my voice cold. "Andrew, do you still see me as your mom?"

Andrew looked me dead in the eye, disgust written all over his face. "Yeah, I do, but I hate you. I wish Ms. Thomas were my mom instead."

I'd heard those words before, but every time, they cut a little deeper.

I couldn't help but think back to Jackson's birthday. He went out of his way to book a restaurant and told me he wanted the three of us to celebrate together.

I was overjoyed, thinking he had finally seen my worth and wanted to come back to me.

However, when I showed up at the address he sent, Winnie and Andrew were already there, singing "Happy Birthday" for Jackson.

Andrew saw me and immediately started yelling, clearly upset, "Mom, what are you doing here?"

Jackson frowned, looking equally puzzled. Then he checked his phone, and realization dawned on his face. "Oh, I sent the message to the wrong person. It was supposed to go to Winnie. Alright, since you're here, just join us."

That night, I sat on edge the entire time, uncomfortable yet unwilling to miss Jackson's birthday.

I just sat there, watching Winnie smiling and playing around with the two of them, looking every bit like a family.

When it was time to say goodbye to Winnie, Andrew fell asleep in her arms, and in his sleep, he said something that made me feel utterly humiliated.

He muttered, "When will Ms. Thomas become my mom?"

Hearing him say that again, it didn't sting as much as before.

I said calmly, "Fine, if that's what you want, go ahead. Winnie is your mom now."

I waved at the nanny. "Take him and drop him off with Winnie. And tell Jackson he's coming with me tomorrow to sign the divorce papers."

Andrew curled up in the nanny's arms, and for once, he looked confused. "Divorce?"

I nodded. "Yeah, isn't this what you've been wanting? Your dad and I are getting divorced, and I won't be your mom anymore."

Maybe it was just my imagination, but I thought I saw a glimmer of tears in Andrew's eyes.

However, I didn't look any closer.

This child had already broken my heart beyond repair.