Chapter 1

Harrison Chappell was working late. From downstairs, I saw him through the big office windows, all over another woman.

I stumbled upstairs, but my fifteen-year-old son, Jimmy Chappell, stopped me and shoved me to the ground. "Don't go! That's my favorite teacher. You can't hurt her!"

Then Jimmy called security and had them lock me in the car all night.

When I finally got out, I tossed the bag with my waste in the trash—along with any love I had left for Harrison and Jimmy.

My feelings were gone. It was time to walk away.

*****

When I got home, Harrison and Jimmy were having breakfast.

"What took you so long? Hurry up and fix my hair. School's taking graduation photos today." Jimmy bossed me around, acting all high and mighty.

I slumped into a chair, exhausted, and looked at Harrison, who hadn't even glanced my way. "Let's get a divorce," I said flatly.

Harrison stayed silent.

Jimmy slammed his fork onto the floor. "Mom, I was just joking yesterday. Do you have to go this far?

"Dad was talking to Miss Watson about my study abroad plans. I only stopped you from interrupting. Why are you so worked up? Are you trying to play the victim here?"

In the past, I'd have argued back. But now, I was just too drained.

"Either sign the papers, or I'll take it to court. Your choice," I said to Harrison, my voice flat.

Jimmy shrugged it off, acting like he had all the leverage. "If you two split, I'm going with Dad. Hope you've thought this through."

I nodded, numb. "Fine."

Jimmy blinked, looking displeased. "You agreed? Not even gonna fight for custody? Turns out all that love you always talk about is worthless. You're so selfish! Miss Watson's the real deal—smart, classy, the epitome of a modern woman."

Since my love meant nothing to him, I was done giving it.

I rubbed my throbbing temples. "Harrison, sign the papers."

Harrison's lips curled into a cold smirk. "It won't be this easy if you ever want to get back together."

After we signed the divorce papers, I turned and headed upstairs to pack my things.

The voices of Harrison and Jimmy drifted up from downstairs.

"Dad, did you two really get divorced?"

"Your mom's being stubborn. Looks like she didn't learn her lesson yesterday. This time, she'll get a taste of real hardship and then know her place."

I did know my place now.

But honestly, I'd always been in my place.

Harrison and I had been married for fifteen years. Since he didn't want me to work, I became a housewife, looking after Jimmy and pouring my whole heart into this family.

I didn't know when it started, but I felt like a stranger in my own home.

Whenever I asked Harrison and Jimmy to spare me even a few minutes, Harrison would say I'd gotten older but never grown up, and Jimmy would call me dramatic, saying I wasn't building a career but just making trouble.

Harrison had bought me a bunch of evening gowns to placate me, thinking I'd be thrilled. But I never even had a chance to wear them anywhere.

I left all those clothes behind—they were never mine to begin with.

I packed up a few essentials and went downstairs.

Harrison was sprawled on the couch, watching the ball game with his legs crossed. When he heard me, he barely looked up.

"There's a dinner party in a few days for Jimmy before he heads abroad. Don't show up looking so frumpy," he said.

"I'm not going," I replied coldly.

Dragging my suitcase, I headed out the door.

Jimmy came walking over, surrounded by a bunch of guys, all of them looking quite hyped.

"Jimmy, where'd you get that trashy video? It's really wild to pee and poop in a car," one of them jeered.

Another chimed in, "Dude, isn't this woman wearing the same clothes as your mom?"

My face burned, a wave of humiliation washing over me as I hurried outside.

Suddenly, someone stuck out a foot, and I went sprawling. My palm split open, revealing raw.

Amid the rowdy laughter of those teenage boys, Jimmy laughed the loudest.

I slowly got up, brushed the dirt off my clothes, and limped away.

I went straight to the senior home, breaking down in tears as I hugged my mom.

I'd left her here all alone, just so I could give everything to my husband and son.

I sobbed, "Mom, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have left you here for so long."

Mom's face was covered in tears as she hugged me tightly. "It's okay. You should go back now—don't get Harrison upset."

I wiped my tears. "Come on, Mom. Let's go home."

Mom pulled her hand away, shaking her head.

I pointed at my suitcase. "Our home—just for us."

Without wasting a moment, we hurried back to our small hometown and went straight to our old house.

Mom took out the toys I used to play with as a child.

Tears streamed down my face. I leaned against her leg, like I did when I was little.

Thankfully, Mom was here.

And I still had a place to call home.