Kate opened the envelope. Inside there was a check for $5,000 and a small card that said, “For all you do.”
Kate understood. This was hush money, compensation for his conscience, the price for her to divorce him peacefully and not cause trouble.
“Thank you. It’s too much,” she said, handing the check back.
“Keep it.” Michael held her hand. “You’ve worked hard all these years.”
His hand was warm, but Kate only felt cold.
She withdrew her hand and put the check in her pocket. “Then thank you,” she said.
This gesture completely reassured Michael. He thought that by accepting the money, Kate had accepted all the terms of the divorce. He would never know that what Kate wanted was far more than this.
At 2:00 a.m., after seeing off her in–laws and putting the children to bed, the house finally became quiet. Michael finished washing up and hesitated for a moment.
“I’ll still sleep in the guest room,” he said.
“Mm. Good night,” Kate replied.
She went back to the master bedroom, but didn’t go to sleep right away. From the depths of the closet, she took out a small fireproof box. Inside were various documents: her Social Security card, college diploma, professional certifications, and a few passbooks and bank cards. These were all things she had secretly prepared over the years. The diploma and certifications were her confidence, and the bank accounts were her way out.
At the bottom was an employment contract she had just signed last week— an accountant position at a midsized firm downtown, with an annual salary of $65,000. She would start work after the holidays. The company valued her ten years of prior work experience and her recently obtained certifications and had agreed to give her a chance.
Sixty–five thousand dollars a year might be what Michael spent on a few business trips, but for her, it was the starting point of a new life.
Kate put the things back in their place and then opened her phone to check the messages in her study group. She had scored at the top of her class in the final exam for her certification program. The instructor had sent her a private message asking if she was interested in pursuing a higher–level CPA license.
She replied, “Thank you. I will consider it.”
Turning off her phone, Kate lay down. The sound of fireworks outside had become sparse, with only a few sporadic pops, like the final echo of this marriage. She closed her eyes, and scenes from the past three years flashed through her mind— the shock and pain of discovering Michael’s infidelity, the despair of deciding to endure it, the calmness of making a plan, and the determination of implementing it step by step.
The most difficult moments had passed. Now she just needed to follow the plan and take the last few steps.
On New Year’s Day, Michael didn’t come home until 10:00 p.m., with the faint smell of alcohol and perfume on him. Kate was reading a book in the living room.
Without looking up, she asked, “Have you eaten?”
“Yes,” Michael said a little guiltily. “A client dinner. I couldn’t get out of it.”
Kate turned a page of her book. “The children are already asleep,” she said. “Keep your voice down.”
Michael stood in the middle of the living room looking at her calm profile. Suddenly, he felt an indescribable sense of unease. This unease had started when Kate had readily signed the divorce agreement and had grown stronger with time. None of the reactions he had expected had occurred— no crying, no questioning, no bargaining. Kate was as calm as if she had known this day would come, even as if she had been waiting for it.
“Kate,” he began, “let’s talk.”
Kate closed her book and looked at him. “Talk about what? The divorce agreement is already signed. What else is there to talk about?”
“You.” Michael chose his words carefully. “Can you really accept it? I mean, the divorce and the children going with me?”
“What can I do if I can’t accept it?” Kate asked. “Cry and beg you to come back? Would that work?”
Michael was at a loss for words.
“Michael, we’ve been married for twelve years. I know you,” Kate said, standing up and walking over to him. “You won’t change your mind about something you’ve already decided. Since that’s the case, why shouldn’t I be more dignified and save myself some pride?”
What she said was logical, but Michael still felt that something was wrong. The Kate in front of him was too calm, too rational— not at all like the gentle, even somewhat timid wife he thought he knew.
“As for the children, as we agreed, we’ll tell them after the holidays are over,” Kate said, cutting him off. “During this period, I hope you will cooperate. At least in front of the children, we should still appear harmonious.”
“I will,” Michael promised.
Kate nodded and turned to walk toward the bedroom. After a few steps, she turned back.
“By the way, as for your parents, you explain it to them yourself,” she said. “I don’t want to hear any gossip about me from them.”
“I won’t. I’ll handle it,” Michael said.
Kate closed the bedroom door. Michael stood in the living room, not moving for a long time. He took out his phone, wanting to call Jessica, but after thinking about it, he put it down. For some reason, he didn’t want to make that call in Kate’s house.
In the guest room, Michael tossed and turned. He recalled Kate’s changes in recent months. She had started wearing makeup and dressing up, enrolled in an online course, and would occasionally go out to dinner with friends. At the time, he thought it was a good thing. It meant that Kate had her own life and wouldn’t be too dependent on him.
Now that he thought about it, these changes might have been premeditated. But he quickly dismissed the idea. How could Kate have premeditated a divorce? She was a housewife. How could she live without him?
He must be overthinking it.
The next day, it was customary to visit one’s own parents. Kate took the children back to her parents’ house. Michael used the excuse of having to work and didn’t go. This was exactly what Kate wanted. She needed some time alone with her parents to talk.
Kate’s parents lived in the older part of town. The house was not big, but it was very clean. Her father had been a factory accountant before he retired, and her mother was an elementary school teacher. They were both honest and down–to–earth people.
“Why are you alone? Where’s Michael?” her mother asked as soon as she opened the door.
“He has something to do at the office and can’t come,” Kate said, putting down the gifts. “Dad, Mom, I have something to tell you.”
Seeing her serious expression, her parents exchanged a look. They both had a bad feeling.
Kate had the two children go to the den to play and then closed the living room door.
“What’s wrong? What happened?” her mother asked anxiously.
“Michael wants a divorce,” Kate said calmly. “I’ve already signed.”
The living room went completely silent. The coffee cup in her father’s hand almost fell to the ground. Her mother’s face turned pale.
“What divorce? Why? Is he seeing someone else?” her mother finally managed.
“Yes,” Kate said. “It started three years ago. I just never said anything.”
“How is that possible?” Her mother couldn’t believe it. “Michael seems so decent.”
“Mom, people change,” Kate said, holding her mother’s hand. “Don’t get too upset. Let me finish.”
She told her parents everything— her endurance for the past three years, the process of discovering Michael’s infidelity, and the recent signing of the divorce agreement. But she concealed the part about her own preparations, only saying that she had been forced to accept it.
“That jerk,” her father said, trembling with anger. “I’ll go give him a piece of my mind.”
“Dad, don’t go.” Kate held her father back. “It’s useless. His heart is no longer in this family. Forcing him to stay is meaningless.”
“Then what about you? What about the children?” her mother said, her face streaked with tears. “You haven’t worked for so many years. How will you live after the divorce?”
“I have a plan,” Kate said. “The house is mine, and he’ll give me $100,000. I can start work after the holidays. I found a job— an accounting position paying $65,000 a year.”
Her parents were stunned. They hadn’t expected their daughter to have a plan already.
“You found a job?” her father asked.
“Yes. I signed the contract before Christmas. I start next week,” Kate said. “Dad, I’ve put all the accounting knowledge you taught me to use.”
Her father’s eyes welled up with tears. When she was young, he had wanted his daughter to study accounting, thinking it was a stable profession. But after Kate got married and became a full–time housewife, he had always regretted that she wasn’t using her skills.
“Good, good,” her father nodded repeatedly. “It’s good that you have a job. With a job, you’ll be okay.”
“But the children are with him,” Kate said in a low voice. “I’ve given up custody.”
“What?” Her mother became agitated again. “How can you give up the children? They are your flesh and blood.”
“Mom, what can I do if I don’t give them up?” Kate smiled bitterly. “I had no job, no income. Would a judge award the children to me? It’s better to be proactive and fight for better terms than to be forced to give them up in the end.”
She paused.
“And I’m only giving them up temporarily,” she said quietly. “When I get back on my feet, have a stable income, and a place to live, I’ll fight for custody again. The law allows for a change in custody.”
Her parents were silent. They knew their daughter was right, but it was hard to accept emotionally.
“You’ve been wronged, child,” her father said, patting her on the shoulder. “It’s all my fault for not being capable enough to support you.”
“Dad, don’t say that,” Kate shook her head. “This is my own choice. I’ll bear the consequences myself. All I need is your support. Don’t go and make a scene with Michael. Don’t give him any leverage.”
Her parents finally agreed. Although they felt sorry for their daughter, they also knew that making a scene would not help Kate. Society was already unfair enough to divorced women, especially to a housewife with no recent work history.
At lunch, the two children were very happy, completely unaware of the heavy conversation the adults had just had. Kate served her parents, peeled shrimp for the children, and acted as usual. Only her mother would occasionally wipe away a tear, which Kate stopped with a look.
After lunch, Kate took the children to a nearby park. The park was cold in winter, but the sun was bright. The children ran on the grass and Kate sat on a bench watching them.
“Mom, are you unhappy?” Mia ran over and hugged her legs.
“No, Mom is very happy,” Kate said, patting her daughter’s face.
“But you’re not smiling,” Mia said, frowning.
Kate forced a smile.
“How about this?” she asked.
“It’s fake,” Mia pouted. “Mom, did you and Dad have a fight?”
Children’s sensitivity is often beyond adults’ imagination. Kate’s heart tightened, but she remained calm on the surface.
“No, Mom and Dad are fine,” she said. “It’s just that Mom is a little tired lately.”
“Then Mom should rest more,” Mia said, hugging her. “When I grow up, I’ll help Mom with the housework and Mom won’t be tired anymore.”
Kate’s tears almost fell. She hugged her daughter tightly, breathing in the sweet scent of the child. This little life that she had carried for nine months— how could she bear to give her up?
But she had to. A temporary separation was for a longer–term reunion.
“Mia, promise Mom one thing,” Kate said softly.
“What is it?”
“No matter what happens in the future, you have to remember that Mom will always love you. And your brother.” Kate looked into her daughter’s eyes. “Always and forever.”
Mia seemed to half understand, but she still nodded. “I will always love Mom, too.”
Kate kissed her daughter’s forehead, her heart filled with strength. For her children, she had to be strong. She had to succeed.
On the way home, Kate received a message from her attorney.
“Some evidence has been collected, including hotel records and credit card statements,” the text read.
“More direct evidence is needed,” she replied. “Continue. Everything must be in place by the end of the week.”
The street scene outside the car window flew by. Kate looked at this city where she had lived for twelve years and suddenly felt it was strange. But being a stranger was also good. It meant she could start over.
From January 3rd to the 7th, life went on as usual. Michael still left early and returned late, and Kate still played the role of a virtuous wife and loving mother. But Michael felt more and more that something was wrong. Kate was too calm. So calm that it was unsettling.
On the night of the 8th, Michael finally couldn’t take it anymore and knocked on the master bedroom door after the children were asleep.
“Kate, let’s talk,” he said.Kate was reading a book. She took off her glasses. “Talk about what again?”
“You,” Michael said. He hesitated for a moment. “What are your plans for the future? I mean, after the divorce.”
“Find a job and start over,” Kate said. “Otherwise, I guess I’ll wait to go broke.”
“I don’t mean that,” Michael said, walking in and sitting down on the edge of the bed. “I mean, if you need help, like finding a job or—”
“No need,” Kate interrupted him. “I can take care of myself.”Michael looked at her and suddenly realized that Kate had changed. Not her appearance, but her eyes. In the past, her eyes were always gentle, even a little timid. Now, they had become sharp and determined.
“Kate, do you hate me?” he asked.
“Hate?” Kate laughed softly. “Hate is too tiring. Michael, I don’t hate you. I’m just disappointed in you, and even more disappointed in myself for being so blind for so many years.”
These words were more hurtful than hate. Michael’s face changed slightly.“I know. I’m sorry,” he said.
“No need to explain,” Kate said. “We’ve already signed the agreement. We’ll soon have no legal relationship. We’ve had no emotional relationship for a long time. So there’s really no need to explain.”
The distance in her tone made Michael feel very uncomfortable. He stood up.
“Then… you should get some rest,” he said.
At the door, he turned back. “Kate, no matter what, I hope you’re okay.”
“I will be,” Kate said. “Definitely.”
The door closed.
Kate picked up her phone and sent a message to her attorney. “He’s getting suspicious. Speed up the process. Also, check his recent large transfers, especially to that woman.”
Soon, the attorney replied: “I’m on it. By the way, the change in his company’s shareholding that you asked me to check has a lead. Six months ago, he transferred 10% of his shares to a shell company. The legal representative of that company is Jessica’s younger brother.”
Kate’s eyes narrowed. Michael had not only cheated; he was also hiding marital assets. This required an adjustment to her previous plan. A house and $100,000 were far from enough.
She replied, “Collect all the evidence, including the share transfer documents, bank statements, and communication records. I’ll need them by this weekend.”
Putting down her phone, Kate walked to the window. The night was dark, with a few scattered lights on the tall buildings in the distance. She remembered that night three years ago when she first discovered Michael’s infidelity and cried all night in the bathroom. At that time, she felt like her world was collapsing.
But now, standing here, she felt calm and determined.
People are forced to grow. Gentleness is easy when there is someone to rely on. Strength is what’s left when there is no other choice.
Kate had no other choice, so she had to be strong.
On Friday, January 10th, Kate prepared a large table of dishes as usual. Michael also came home for dinner on time. At the dinner table, he announced, “Let’s go out to eat as a family tomorrow night. I’ve booked a nice restaurant.”
“Okay!” the children cheered.
Kate glanced at him. “Why the sudden desire to eat out?”
“It’s the weekend and it’ll be nice to do something special,” Michael said. “And we might not have the chance in the future.”
His words were meaningful. Kate understood. He wanted to play the role of a harmonious family one last time before the divorce— perhaps for his own conscience, or perhaps to leave a good memory for the children.
“Okay,” Kate agreed. She also had her own plans. After tomorrow, everything would change. Let tonight be the last ordinary supper of this family.
That night, after the children were asleep, Michael knocked on the master bedroom door again.
“Still up?” Kate asked.
“I want to talk to the children after dinner tomorrow night,” Michael said. “It’s time to tell them about the divorce.”
Kate nodded. “Okay. But I want to be there.”
“Of course,” Michael said. “Kate, thank you. Thank you for your cooperation during this time.”
“No need to thank me,” Kate said. “I’m also doing it for the children.”
Michael stood at the door, hesitating. In the end, he only said, “Get some rest. Good night.”
“Good night,” Kate said.
She closed the door and leaned against it. Tomorrow, everything would end— and everything would also begin.
She took out the black journal, turned to the last page, and wrote:
“January 10, 2026. Ready. New life begins tomorrow.”
After writing, she closed the journal and put it in her purse. This journal, which had recorded her inner journey for the past three years, was her most private witness. After tomorrow, it would become the past.
The next evening, Kate began to prepare for the negotiation.
She changed into a new, sharp pantsuit, put on light makeup, and tied her hair into a neat ponytail. The person in the mirror didn’t look like a stay–at–home mom at all, but more like a corporate executive.
Michael was stunned when he saw her.
“Wow. Where are you going dressed like that?” he asked.
“Can’t I?” Kate replied.
“No, I just think it’s a bit formal for dinner,” Michael said.
“Today is an important day. It’s good to be formal,” Kate said meaningfully.
Michael thought she was referring to the conversation with the children and didn’t ask any more questions. He didn’t know that what Kate meant by “important” had a completely different meaning.
At 6:00 p.m., the family set off for the restaurant. Michael had booked a high–end steakhouse with a private room, suitable for talking. The children were very excited because they rarely came to such an expensive place.
When ordering, Michael was very generous, picking the children’s favorite dishes. He ordered a bottle of Cabernet for himself and also poured a glass for Kate.
“It’s a special occasion. Have a little,” he said.
Kate didn’t refuse. She needed a little alcohol to calm her nerves, although she was already well prepared.
Halfway through the meal, Michael put down his fork and cleared his throat.
“Leo, Mia,” he began, “Dad has something to tell you.”
The children looked up at him.
“Dad and Mom…” Michael glanced at Kate. “We’ve decided to separate. From now on, Dad and Mom won’t live together anymore.”
The private room went completely silent. Leo was the first to react.
“Are you getting a divorce?” he asked.
That word, coming from an eight–year–old child’s mouth, had a surreal absurdity. Kate’s heart ached, but she remained calm on the surface.
“Yes,” Michael said with difficulty. “But don’t worry. Dad and Mom still love you. It’s just… we just won’t live together anymore.”
“Why?” Mia asked, tears welling up in her eyes.
“Because…” Michael didn’t know how to explain.
“Because your father has fallen in love with someone else,” Kate said calmly, taking over. “He has a new relationship outside, so he doesn’t want our family anymore.”
These words were like a bomb exploding in the private room.
“Kate, what are you saying?” Michael’s face turned pale. “What are you talking about?”
“Am I wrong?” Kate asked.
She took a manila folder from her purse and pushed it in front of him.
“These are your hotel records with Jessica starting from three years ago, a total of forty–seven stays. Do you need me to read them to the children?”
Michael’s face turned white instantly. He grabbed the documents, his hands trembling.
“You… you investigated me,” he stammered.
“Of course,” Kate said.
She took out another stack of papers.
“These are your credit card statements. Last year alone, you spent over $50,000 on gifts for her. And this—” she tapped the final document— “is proof that you transferred company shares to her younger brother’s shell company six months ago without disclosing it. That’s a serious problem, Michael.”
With every sentence she spoke, Michael’s face turned a shade paler. The children looked at their parents, completely confused about what was happening, but they could feel the terrifying atmosphere.
“Kate, let’s go outside and talk,” Michael said, standing up, his voice trembling. “Not in front of the kids.”
“Why go outside?” Kate sat still. “The children have the right to know the truth. Michael, you wanted a divorce. Fine. I agree. But not according to your agreement.”
She took out another document from her purse.
“This is my divorce agreement,” she said. “The house is mine. The full value of the shares you transferred— estimated at $1.2 million— is mine. In addition, you will pay $200,000 in damages for emotional distress. And full custody of the children goes to me.”
“You’re out of your mind,” Michael hissed. “On what grounds?”
“On these grounds,” Kate said, pointing to the evidence on the table. “On the grounds of your infidelity. On the grounds of your hidden transfer of marital assets. On the grounds of your attempt to deceive me and your children.”
She leaned forward slightly.
“Michael, if this evidence is submitted to the court, how do you think the judge will rule?” she asked quietly. “How will your investors react? How will your board react?”
Michael collapsed back into his chair, sweat beading on his forehead. For the first time, he realized that he didn’t know Kate at all. This seemingly gentle and quiet woman had secretly collected so much evidence and laid such a careful plan.
“You… you knew all along,” he whispered.
“I knew three years ago,” Kate said. “I didn’t expose you then because I had no job, no income, and no ability to raise the children alone. But now I do.”
She looked at the children.
“Leo, Mia, Mom has to tell you— Dad made a serious mistake, and he won’t be living with us anymore. But Mom wants you. Mom will work hard to give you a good life. Are you willing to live with Mom?”
The two children were already in tears. Mia threw herself into Kate’s arms.
“I want Mommy. I want Mommy,” she sobbed.
Leo also walked over and hugged Kate’s arm.
“I also want Mommy,” he said, his voice shaking.
Kate hugged the children, her tears finally flowing. But these were not tears of weakness; they were tears of release, tears of victory.
Michael watched this scene and suddenly felt like an outsider. This family he had lived in for twelve years, these people he thought would always belong to him, had all slipped away from him in an instant.
“Kate, we can talk about the terms,” he tried to salvage the situation. “We can negotiate.”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” Kate said, wiping her tears. “Sign this agreement. If you don’t, we’ll see you in court. And when that happens, this evidence will become public record, and your company’s shareholders and clients will know exactly what you did. Think it over.”
Michael knew she meant what she said. If this evidence was exposed, his career could be destroyed. The company was trying to secure a new round of funding. If a scandal broke out at this time, everything he had built could crumble.
He picked up the pen, his hand trembling so much that he could barely hold it. The moment he signed his name on the agreement, he felt his world collapse.
Kate put away the agreement and took out another document.
“This is a supplementary agreement,” she said. “You will pay $3,000 a month in child support for the two children until they graduate from college. In addition, you can visit them once a week, but you must make an appointment in advance and get my consent.”
Michael signed numbly. All he wanted now was to get out of this room, out of this suffocating place.
“Okay, you can go now,” Kate said quietly. “The children are coming home with me tonight. I’ll take them to school on Monday.”
Michael stood up and looked at the children. Mia hid in Kate’s arms and wouldn’t even look at him. Leo looked at him, his eyes filled with disappointment and hurt.
“Leo, Mia, Dad…” Michael wanted to say something but couldn’t.
“Let’s go,” Kate interrupted him. “Don’t make the children more upset.”
Michael took one last look at them and turned to leave.
The moment the private room door closed, Kate hugged the children tightly and burst into tears. This time, it was a complete release.
The next morning, Kate woke up earlier than usual. She made pancakes and woke the children.
The children’s eyes were still a little swollen, but they were in good spirits.
“Mom, are we moving today?” Leo asked.
“Soon,” Kate said. “We’ll stay here for a little while. We’ll move when Mom finds a new house. But from today on, Dad won’t live with us anymore.”
Mia lowered her head and said in a small voice, “I miss Dad.”
Kate squatted down and hugged her daughter.
