Chapter 1 - The Abandonment
The divorce papers hit the table before the anniversary cake did.
"I can't do this anymore," my husband, Ryan, said without looking at me.
Three bassinets stood in the corner of our living room. Our newborn triplets were finally asleep after hours of crying.
I hadn't slept more than two hours a night since they were born.
My body still ached from carrying three babies.
Ryan slid the papers closer.
"You've changed."
I looked down at myself.
The loose sweatshirt.
The stretch marks.
The weight I hadn't lost.
"I gave birth six weeks ago."
He shrugged.
"I miss who you used to be."
I felt something inside me crack.
Then came the sentence that hurt even more.
"I've already rented another apartment."
I stared at him.
"What?"
"You should take the babies to your mother's place."
"My mother's dead."
"Then... figure something out."
At that exact moment, someone knocked on the front door.
Ryan smiled.
"I guess she's early."
He opened the door.
Standing there with flowers and a bottle of champagne was my best friend of fifteen years...
Jessica.
She walked in like she belonged there.
"I'm so sorry," she said, though she couldn't hide the smile on her face.
I looked from her to Ryan.
Neither of them denied anything.
Ryan wrapped an arm around her waist.
"We've been together for months."
Months.
While I was pregnant.
While I was carrying three babies that nearly cost me my life.
Jessica wouldn't even meet my eyes.
Ryan pushed the divorce papers toward me again.
"I'd appreciate it if you signed tonight."
I quietly picked up the pen.
My hand shook.
A single tear landed on the paper.
Ryan smiled, thinking he'd won.
I signed every page.
Then I packed one suitcase, kissed each of my babies, and walked out without saying another word.
Ryan laughed.
"See? I knew you'd be reasonable."
I didn't answer.
Because neither of them noticed what I had quietly slipped into my purse before leaving.
By midnight...
May you like
their celebration would become the worst night of their lives.
Ryan thought the signed divorce papers meant the story was over. Jessica believed she'd finally won the perfect life. Neither of them realized one forgotten document would unravel everything they had built together.
