Chapter 4

Ryan found me at Chloe's when he couldn't reach me and called her instead.

I didn't want to put Chloe in an awkward spot, so I took the call myself.

"It's me," I said.

Ryan was fuming. "Evelyn, have you lost it? You actually took Anya and stormed out just because of something so minor?"

I tried to keep my cool.

"What seems small to you matters to me. If you cared and respected me, you wouldn't make choices behind my back. Don't deny how you really feel, I see it."

Ryan paused, then said softly, "Evelyn, I messed up. I shouldn't have brought Caden home without telling you. Please come back, Caden's wearing me out."

I laughed sarcastically. "You said he was easier than Anya, but I manage Anya alone, and you can't handle a seven-year-old?"

"I'm sorry, I underestimated how hard it is to care for a kid. Evelyn, please come home. I'm at my limit." he begged.

I shot back, "You brought him home, so you handle it! Didn't your sister-in-law say she's only be at the hospital for a few hours this morning?

"Tomorrow's Saturday, you're off work. Just take him back to her in the afternoon.

"Anya's sleepy; I'm putting her to bed. Stop calling Chloe, call me if you need to say something."

"Evelyn—"

I hung up and blocked Ryan's number.

Chloe looked at me, relief and pride written all over her face.

"I feared you'd excuse him again, but you stood firm. Ryan never takes responsibility," she added.

I turned away. "Back then, I was so shallow, completely head over heels just because of his face."

Chloe comforted me.

"Hey, at least he has the looks and didn't ruin Anya's.

"Anya's so cute she might be spotted by a talent scout and become a celebrity."

Chloe planted a big kiss on Anya's cheek.

Anya let out a happy giggle.

Ryan didn't call me again.

He kept texting me nonstop, apologizing and begging me to come back and handle Caden.

I kept telling him to hold on. He could drop Caden off tomorrow afternoon.

Finally, Ryan confessed Claire was on a week-long family vacation.

All that back and forth was just me trying to get him to finally admit it.

Looks like the comments section was spot on!

I'm not dragging my daughter into that mess. This marriage is over, I'm done!

I'd packed enough clothes to last, so I just chilled out at Chloe's place, finally able to relax.

Without Ryan, my to-do list shrank. With Chloe helping Anya after work, I had more free time.

I began filming and editing videos, planning to enter short videos after the divorce.

Anya would quickly gain followers for her looks.

A week later, at five in the afternoon, Ryan showed up at the door out of nowhere.

I was surprised he remembered the way, since I'd only brought him here once before.

This time, he came in with his tail between his legs.

"Evelyn, sorry for bringing Caden home without asking. Can we go home? I miss you and Anya."

His eyes welled, and my heart almost softened.

Then I remembered the online comments and renewed my resolve.

"Going back is fine, but caring for Anya is exhausting. Stop ordering me, do your laundry, cook your food, and don't dump your kid on me!"

If I kept crashing at Chloe's place, I'd just be making things hard for her.

Even talking about divorce, I had to wait for the perfect timing.

I didn't want him blowing up at Chloe because of me.

Ryan nodded urgently. "I know! Grab your stuff, no cooking tonight. We'll eat out and then go home!"

"Alright," I said.

I shot Chloe a quick text, packed up our things, and left with Anya and Ryan.