Chapter 2

Back in my room, I pulled a confidential file from the cabinet. Someone in the lab handed it to me last week.

No one except our research team could know about it.

When I got the file, I gently declined my boss's offer.

After all, Hailee was still little, and Harry's job kept him busy all the time.

I was worried that if I left for more than ten years, I'd end up missing out on Hailee's life for this long time.

But to my surprise, Hailee didn't even seem to care about me.

Just a few days ago, at her birthday party, she announced to everyone. She said her favorite was Amy.

That day, I stayed up all night finishing my research.

The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed and made a special trip to a boutique bakery to have a strawberry cake made for Hailee.

I quietly slipped into the house, only to find the living room already buzzing with laughter and happiness.

Hailee was dressed in a princess gown, surrounded by family and friends.

Harry stood to her left, Amy to her right.

The whole family was gathered around a huge, decorative cake, with candles already covering the top.

After everyone finished singing "Happy Birthday," Hailee closed her eyes and made her wish.

She said loudly, "I wish Amy Powell could be my mom."

Her words hit me like a slap in the face.

All the strength drained from my body, and the thud of the cake hitting the floor shattered the happy atmosphere.

Amy was the first to spot me, greeting me with a sly, knowing smile. "Elise, you're back.

"Oh, Hailee was just playing around. She didn't mean it."

Even as she said that, Amy's eyes sparkled with triumph.

Hailee spotted me, curled her lip, and snorted dismissively. "Wow, the busy lady actually remembered coming home. Sometimes I wonder if you're even my real mom.

"You couldn't even be bothered to do anything for my birthday. Miss Powell does everything better than you. I wish Miss Powell was my mom instead."

Hailee's words put me right in the spotlight.

I stood there frozen, looking utterly shocked.

Harry frowned, got up, and gave me a perfunctory gesture to join in. "Now that you're home, come celebrate with us. And later, you can help clean up."

I gently brushed his hand aside, and bent down to pick up the ruined cake, unsure what expression to wear on my face.

Seeing me like that, Harry simply ignored me and returned to Hailee's side, rallying everyone to blow out the candles.

I stood alone in the darkness, just like a bystander to their happiness.

I quietly retreated to my room, listening to the laughter and cheer drifting in from outside.

Hailee: "Miss Powell, I'm not kidding. Are you really going to marry my dad? I really want you to be my new mom."

Amy: "Well, that depends on your dad. I can't get married all by myself, you know.“

Hailee giggled at that. "My dad totally likes you. He'd definitely say yes. I've seen him sneak peeks at you a bunch of times."

Hearing all that, I turned to look at our family picture on the cabinet, my tears falling.

My child had stopped loving me a long time ago.

Ever since that day, I kept flip-flopping, unable to decide if I should get a divorce or not.

I couldn't bring myself to leave Hailee, and I couldn't let go of Harry either.

But today, Hailee's actions completely shattered my heart.

I knew there was no reason for me to stay here anymore.

With my mind made up, I dialed my best friend. "Let the team leader know. I'm in for this project."

As soon as I finished the call, I pulled out the file and signed my name without a second thought.

Honestly, I never imagined there'd come a day when Harry and I would be apart.

We met back in high school. We went through undergrad and grad school together.

After I finished grad school, Harry proposed to me. I said yes without a second thought.

He hugged me tightly, his eyes misty with happiness, his voice trembling with emotion. "Elise, trust me.

"I'll make sure you have the best life possible. I promise you'll never have to suffer."

A few years later, I got pregnant with Hailee.

By then, Harry was already successful at work, but he was still just as gentle with me.

After Hailee was born, no matter how busy Harry got, he always made sure to come home and be with me.

After work, he'd spend time with us, playing silly games with Hailee.

I thought this kind of happiness would last forever.

Everything I treasured started falling apart the moment Amy showed up as Hailee's tutor.

I should've seen it coming. Somewhere along the way, Harry just stopped wanting to take me out to parties.

I was always too busy taking care of Hailee and my experiments to even dress myself up.

Compared to Harry, who always looked so polished and put-together, I really did look like someone who'd let herself go.

And then Amy entered our lives.

Of course, both Harry and Hailee were instantly drawn to this gentle, graceful woman.