Kate opened the envelope. Inside there was a check for $5,000 and a small card that said, \u201cFor all you do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kate understood. This was hush money, compensation for his conscience, the price for her to divorce him peacefully and not cause trouble.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you. It\u2019s too much,\u201d she said, handing the check back.<\/p>\n
\u201cKeep it.\u201d Michael held her hand. \u201cYou\u2019ve worked hard all these years.\u201d<\/p>\n
His hand was warm, but Kate only felt cold.<\/p>\n
She withdrew her hand and put the check in her pocket. \u201cThen thank you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
At 2:00 a.m., after seeing off her in\u2013laws and putting the children to bed, the house finally became quiet. Michael finished washing up and hesitated for a moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll still sleep in the guest room,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMm. Good night,\u201d Kate replied.<\/p>\n
She went back to the master bedroom, but didn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
At the bottom was an employment contract she had just signed last week\u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Sixty\u2013five 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2013level CPA license.<\/p>\n
She replied, \u201cThank you. I will consider it.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2014 the shock and pain of discovering Michael\u2019s infidelity, the despair of deciding to endure it, the calmness of making a plan, and the determination of implementing it step by step.<\/p>\n
The most difficult moments had passed. Now she just needed to follow the plan and take the last few steps.<\/p>\n
On New Year\u2019s Day, Michael didn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Without looking up, she asked, \u201cHave you eaten?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Michael said a little guiltily. \u201cA client dinner. I couldn\u2019t get out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kate turned a page of her book. \u201cThe children are already asleep,\u201d she said. \u201cKeep your voice down.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2014 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cKate,\u201d he began, \u201clet\u2019s talk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kate closed her book and looked at him. \u201cTalk about what? The divorce agreement is already signed. What else is there to talk about?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou.\u201d Michael chose his words carefully. \u201cCan you really accept it? I mean, the divorce and the children going with me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat can I do if I can\u2019t accept it?\u201d Kate asked. \u201cCry and beg you to come back? Would that work?\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael was at a loss for words.<\/p>\n
\u201cMichael, we\u2019ve been married for twelve years. I know you,\u201d Kate said, standing up and walking over to him. \u201cYou won\u2019t change your mind about something you\u2019ve already decided. Since that\u2019s the case, why shouldn\u2019t I be more dignified and save myself some pride?\u201d<\/p>\n
What she said was logical, but Michael still felt that something was wrong. The Kate in front of him was too calm, too rational\u2014 not at all like the gentle, even somewhat timid wife he thought he knew.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs for the children, as we agreed, we\u2019ll tell them after the holidays are over,\u201d Kate said, cutting him off. \u201cDuring this period, I hope you will cooperate. At least in front of the children, we should still appear harmonious.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI will,\u201d Michael promised.<\/p>\n
Kate nodded and turned to walk toward the bedroom. After a few steps, she turned back.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy the way, as for your parents, you explain it to them yourself,\u201d she said. \u201cI don\u2019t want to hear any gossip about me from them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI won\u2019t. I\u2019ll handle it,\u201d Michael said.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t want to make that call in Kate\u2019s house.<\/p>\n
In the guest room, Michael tossed and turned. He recalled Kate\u2019s 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\u2019t be too dependent on him.<\/p>\n
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?<\/p>\n
He must be overthinking it.<\/p>\n
The next day, it was customary to visit one\u2019s own parents. Kate took the children back to her parents\u2019 house. Michael used the excuse of having to work and didn\u2019t go. This was exactly what Kate wanted. She needed some time alone with her parents to talk.<\/p>\n
Kate\u2019s 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\u2013to\u2013earth people.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are you alone? Where\u2019s Michael?\u201d her mother asked as soon as she opened the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has something to do at the office and can\u2019t come,\u201d Kate said, putting down the gifts. \u201cDad, Mom, I have something to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Seeing her serious expression, her parents exchanged a look. They both had a bad feeling.<\/p>\n
Kate had the two children go to the den to play and then closed the living room door.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? What happened?\u201d her mother asked anxiously.<\/p>\n
\u201cMichael wants a divorce,\u201d Kate said calmly. \u201cI\u2019ve already signed.\u201d<\/p>\n
The living room went completely silent. The coffee cup in her father\u2019s hand almost fell to the ground. Her mother\u2019s face turned pale.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat divorce? Why? Is he seeing someone else?\u201d her mother finally managed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Kate said. \u201cIt started three years ago. I just never said anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow is that possible?\u201d Her mother couldn\u2019t believe it. \u201cMichael seems so decent.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMom, people change,\u201d Kate said, holding her mother\u2019s hand. \u201cDon\u2019t get too upset. Let me finish.\u201d<\/p>\n
She told her parents everything\u2014 her endurance for the past three years, the process of discovering Michael\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat jerk,\u201d her father said, trembling with anger. \u201cI\u2019ll go give him a piece of my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDad, don\u2019t go.\u201d Kate held her father back. \u201cIt\u2019s useless. His heart is no longer in this family. Forcing him to stay is meaningless.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen what about you? What about the children?\u201d her mother said, her face streaked with tears. \u201cYou haven\u2019t worked for so many years. How will you live after the divorce?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have a plan,\u201d Kate said. \u201cThe house is mine, and he\u2019ll give me $100,000. I can start work after the holidays. I found a job\u2014 an accounting position paying $65,000 a year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her parents were stunned. They hadn\u2019t expected their daughter to have a plan already.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou found a job?\u201d her father asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. I signed the contract before Christmas. I start next week,\u201d Kate said. \u201cDad, I\u2019ve put all the accounting knowledge you taught me to use.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her father\u2019s 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\u2013time housewife, he had always regretted that she wasn\u2019t using her skills.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood, good,\u201d her father nodded repeatedly. \u201cIt\u2019s good that you have a job. With a job, you\u2019ll be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut the children are with him,\u201d Kate said in a low voice. \u201cI\u2019ve given up custody.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Her mother became agitated again. \u201cHow can you give up the children? They are your flesh and blood.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMom, what can I do if I don\u2019t give them up?\u201d Kate smiled bitterly. \u201cI had no job, no income. Would a judge award the children to me? It\u2019s better to be proactive and fight for better terms than to be forced to give them up in the end.\u201d<\/p>\n
She paused.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd I\u2019m only giving them up temporarily,\u201d she said quietly. \u201cWhen I get back on my feet, have a stable income, and a place to live, I\u2019ll fight for custody again. The law allows for a change in custody.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her parents were silent. They knew their daughter was right, but it was hard to accept emotionally.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve been wronged, child,\u201d her father said, patting her on the shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019s all my fault for not being capable enough to support you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDad, don\u2019t say that,\u201d Kate shook her head. \u201cThis is my own choice. I\u2019ll bear the consequences myself. All I need is your support. Don\u2019t go and make a scene with Michael. Don\u2019t give him any leverage.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMom, are you unhappy?\u201d Mia ran over and hugged her legs.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Mom is very happy,\u201d Kate said, patting her daughter\u2019s face.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut you\u2019re not smiling,\u201d Mia said, frowning.<\/p>\n
Kate forced a smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow about this?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s fake,\u201d Mia pouted. \u201cMom, did you and Dad have a fight?\u201d<\/p>\n
Children\u2019s sensitivity is often beyond adults\u2019 imagination. Kate\u2019s heart tightened, but she remained calm on the surface.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Mom and Dad are fine,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s just that Mom is a little tired lately.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen Mom should rest more,\u201d Mia said, hugging her. \u201cWhen I grow up, I\u2019ll help Mom with the housework and Mom won\u2019t be tired anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kate\u2019s 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\u2014 how could she bear to give her up?<\/p>\n
But she had to. A temporary separation was for a longer\u2013term reunion.<\/p>\n
\u201cMia, promise Mom one thing,\u201d Kate said softly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo matter what happens in the future, you have to remember that Mom will always love you. And your brother.\u201d Kate looked into her daughter\u2019s eyes. \u201cAlways and forever.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mia seemed to half understand, but she still nodded. \u201cI will always love Mom, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kate kissed her daughter\u2019s forehead, her heart filled with strength. For her children, she had to be strong. She had to succeed.<\/p>\n
On the way home, Kate received a message from her attorney.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome evidence has been collected, including hotel records and credit card statements,\u201d the text read.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore direct evidence is needed,\u201d she replied. \u201cContinue. Everything must be in place by the end of the week.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
On the night of the 8th, Michael finally couldn\u2019t take it anymore and knocked on the master bedroom door after the children were asleep.
\n\u201cKate, let\u2019s talk,\u201d he said.Kate was reading a book. She took off her glasses. \u201cTalk about what again?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou,\u201d Michael said. He hesitated for a moment. \u201cWhat are your plans for the future? I mean, after the divorce.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFind a job and start over,\u201d Kate said. \u201cOtherwise, I guess I\u2019ll wait to go broke.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t mean that,\u201d Michael said, walking in and sitting down on the edge of the bed. \u201cI mean, if you need help, like finding a job or\u2014\u201d
\n\u201cNo need,\u201d Kate interrupted him. \u201cI can take care of myself.\u201dMichael 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cKate, do you hate me?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cHate?\u201d Kate laughed softly. \u201cHate is too tiring. Michael, I don\u2019t hate you. I\u2019m just disappointed in you, and even more disappointed in myself for being so blind for so many years.\u201d
\nThese words were more hurtful than hate. Michael\u2019s face changed slightly.\u201cI know. I\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo need to explain,\u201d Kate said. \u201cWe\u2019ve already signed the agreement. We\u2019ll soon have no legal relationship. We\u2019ve had no emotional relationship for a long time. So there\u2019s really no need to explain.\u201d<\/p>\n
The distance in her tone made Michael feel very uncomfortable. He stood up.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen\u2026 you should get some rest,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
At the door, he turned back. \u201cKate, no matter what, I hope you\u2019re okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI will be,\u201d Kate said. \u201cDefinitely.\u201d<\/p>\n
The door closed.<\/p>\n
Kate picked up her phone and sent a message to her attorney. \u201cHe\u2019s getting suspicious. Speed up the process. Also, check his recent large transfers, especially to that woman.\u201d<\/p>\n
Soon, the attorney replied: \u201cI\u2019m on it. By the way, the change in his company\u2019s 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\u2019s younger brother.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kate\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
She replied, \u201cCollect all the evidence, including the share transfer documents, bank statements, and communication records. I\u2019ll need them by this weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s infidelity and cried all night in the bathroom. At that time, she felt like her world was collapsing.<\/p>\n
But now, standing here, she felt calm and determined.<\/p>\n
People are forced to grow. Gentleness is easy when there is someone to rely on. Strength is what\u2019s left when there is no other choice.<\/p>\n
Kate had no other choice, so she had to be strong.<\/p>\n
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, \u201cLet\u2019s go out to eat as a family tomorrow night. I\u2019ve booked a nice restaurant.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay!\u201d the children cheered.<\/p>\n
Kate glanced at him. \u201cWhy the sudden desire to eat out?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the weekend and it\u2019ll be nice to do something special,\u201d Michael said. \u201cAnd we might not have the chance in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
His words were meaningful. Kate understood. He wanted to play the role of a harmonious family one last time before the divorce\u2014 perhaps for his own conscience, or perhaps to leave a good memory for the children.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d Kate agreed. She also had her own plans. After tomorrow, everything would change. Let tonight be the last ordinary supper of this family.<\/p>\n
That night, after the children were asleep, Michael knocked on the master bedroom door again.<\/p>\n
\u201cStill up?\u201d Kate asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to talk to the children after dinner tomorrow night,\u201d Michael said. \u201cIt\u2019s time to tell them about the divorce.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kate nodded. \u201cOkay. But I want to be there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course,\u201d Michael said. \u201cKate, thank you. Thank you for your cooperation during this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo need to thank me,\u201d Kate said. \u201cI\u2019m also doing it for the children.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael stood at the door, hesitating. In the end, he only said, \u201cGet some rest. Good night.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood night,\u201d Kate said.<\/p>\n
She closed the door and leaned against it. Tomorrow, everything would end\u2014 and everything would also begin.<\/p>\n
She took out the black journal, turned to the last page, and wrote:<\/p>\n
\u201cJanuary 10, 2026. Ready. New life begins tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The next evening, Kate began to prepare for the negotiation.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\u2019t look like a stay\u2013at\u2013home mom at all, but more like a corporate executive.<\/p>\n
Michael was stunned when he saw her.<\/p>\n
\u201cWow. Where are you going dressed like that?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan\u2019t I?\u201d Kate replied.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I just think it\u2019s a bit formal for dinner,\u201d Michael said.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday is an important day. It\u2019s good to be formal,\u201d Kate said meaningfully.<\/p>\n
Michael thought she was referring to the conversation with the children and didn\u2019t ask any more questions. He didn\u2019t know that what Kate meant by \u201cimportant\u201d had a completely different meaning.<\/p>\n
At 6:00 p.m., the family set off for the restaurant. Michael had booked a high\u2013end steakhouse with a private room, suitable for talking. The children were very excited because they rarely came to such an expensive place.<\/p>\n
When ordering, Michael was very generous, picking the children\u2019s favorite dishes. He ordered a bottle of Cabernet for himself and also poured a glass for Kate.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a special occasion. Have a little,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Kate didn\u2019t refuse. She needed a little alcohol to calm her nerves, although she was already well prepared.<\/p>\n
Halfway through the meal, Michael put down his fork and cleared his throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeo, Mia,\u201d he began, \u201cDad has something to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n
The children looked up at him.<\/p>\n
\u201cDad and Mom\u2026\u201d Michael glanced at Kate. \u201cWe\u2019ve decided to separate. From now on, Dad and Mom won\u2019t live together anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n
The private room went completely silent. Leo was the first to react.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you getting a divorce?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
That word, coming from an eight\u2013year\u2013old child\u2019s mouth, had a surreal absurdity. Kate\u2019s heart ached, but she remained calm on the surface.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Michael said with difficulty. \u201cBut don\u2019t worry. Dad and Mom still love you. It\u2019s just\u2026 we just won\u2019t live together anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d Mia asked, tears welling up in her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause\u2026\u201d Michael didn\u2019t know how to explain.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause your father has fallen in love with someone else,\u201d Kate said calmly, taking over. \u201cHe has a new relationship outside, so he doesn\u2019t want our family anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n
These words were like a bomb exploding in the private room.<\/p>\n
\u201cKate, what are you saying?\u201d Michael\u2019s face turned pale. \u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAm I wrong?\u201d Kate asked.<\/p>\n
She took a manila folder from her purse and pushed it in front of him.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are your hotel records with Jessica starting from three years ago, a total of forty\u2013seven stays. Do you need me to read them to the children?\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael\u2019s face turned white instantly. He grabbed the documents, his hands trembling.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2026 you investigated me,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course,\u201d Kate said.<\/p>\n
She took out another stack of papers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are your credit card statements. Last year alone, you spent over $50,000 on gifts for her. And this\u2014\u201d she tapped the final document\u2014 \u201cis proof that you transferred company shares to her younger brother\u2019s shell company six months ago without disclosing it. That\u2019s a serious problem, Michael.\u201d<\/p>\n
With every sentence she spoke, Michael\u2019s face turned a shade paler. The children looked at their parents, completely confused about what was happening, but they could feel the terrifying atmosphere.<\/p>\n
\u201cKate, let\u2019s go outside and talk,\u201d Michael said, standing up, his voice trembling. \u201cNot in front of the kids.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy go outside?\u201d Kate sat still. \u201cThe children have the right to know the truth. Michael, you wanted a divorce. Fine. I agree. But not according to your agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n
She took out another document from her purse.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is my divorce agreement,\u201d she said. \u201cThe house is mine. The full value of the shares you transferred\u2014 estimated at $1.2 million\u2014 is mine. In addition, you will pay $200,000 in damages for emotional distress. And full custody of the children goes to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re out of your mind,\u201d Michael hissed. \u201cOn what grounds?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOn these grounds,\u201d Kate said, pointing to the evidence on the table. \u201cOn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
She leaned forward slightly.<\/p>\n
\u201cMichael, if this evidence is submitted to the court, how do you think the judge will rule?\u201d she asked quietly. \u201cHow will your investors react? How will your board react?\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael collapsed back into his chair, sweat beading on his forehead. For the first time, he realized that he didn\u2019t know Kate at all. This seemingly gentle and quiet woman had secretly collected so much evidence and laid such a careful plan.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2026 you knew all along,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew three years ago,\u201d Kate said. \u201cI didn\u2019t expose you then because I had no job, no income, and no ability to raise the children alone. But now I do.\u201d<\/p>\n
She looked at the children.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeo, Mia, Mom has to tell you\u2014 Dad made a serious mistake, and he won\u2019t 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?\u201d<\/p>\n
The two children were already in tears. Mia threw herself into Kate\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want Mommy. I want Mommy,\u201d she sobbed.<\/p>\n
Leo also walked over and hugged Kate\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also want Mommy,\u201d he said, his voice shaking.<\/p>\n
Kate hugged the children, her tears finally flowing. But these were not tears of weakness; they were tears of release, tears of victory.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cKate, we can talk about the terms,\u201d he tried to salvage the situation. \u201cWe can negotiate.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to talk about,\u201d Kate said, wiping her tears. \u201cSign this agreement. If you don\u2019t, we\u2019ll see you in court. And when that happens, this evidence will become public record, and your company\u2019s shareholders and clients will know exactly what you did. Think it over.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Kate put away the agreement and took out another document.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a supplementary agreement,\u201d she said. \u201cYou 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael signed numbly. All he wanted now was to get out of this room, out of this suffocating place.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, you can go now,\u201d Kate said quietly. \u201cThe children are coming home with me tonight. I\u2019ll take them to school on Monday.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael stood up and looked at the children. Mia hid in Kate\u2019s arms and wouldn\u2019t even look at him. Leo looked at him, his eyes filled with disappointment and hurt.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeo, Mia, Dad\u2026\u201d Michael wanted to say something but couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Kate interrupted him. \u201cDon\u2019t make the children more upset.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael took one last look at them and turned to leave.<\/p>\n
The moment the private room door closed, Kate hugged the children tightly and burst into tears. This time, it was a complete release.<\/p>\n
The next morning, Kate woke up earlier than usual. She made pancakes and woke the children.<\/p>\n
The children\u2019s eyes were still a little swollen, but they were in good spirits.<\/p>\n
\u201cMom, are we moving today?\u201d Leo asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cSoon,\u201d Kate said. \u201cWe\u2019ll stay here for a little while. We\u2019ll move when Mom finds a new house. But from today on, Dad won\u2019t live with us anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mia lowered her head and said in a small voice, \u201cI miss Dad.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kate squatted down and hugged her daughter.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Kate opened the envelope. Inside there was a check for $5,000 and a small card that said, \u201cFor all you do.\u201d Kate understood. This was hush money, compensation for his … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-286","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-insightdrama"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/insightdrama.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/286","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/insightdrama.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/insightdrama.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insightdrama.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insightdrama.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=286"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/insightdrama.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/286\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":290,"href":"https:\/\/insightdrama.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/286\/revisions\/290"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/insightdrama.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=286"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insightdrama.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=286"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insightdrama.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=286"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}