Chapter 1 Chapter 1

The divorce papers were printed half an hour ago. Before that, I was sitting on the couch in the living room all night. The dozen dishes I carefully prepared remained untouched on the dining table. The Ultraman-themed cake had melted beyond recognition. Yesterday was my son Anthony’s birthday. My husband, Mark Lennon, told me to prepare everything, and that he would bring Anthony back for his birthday. However, I waited for hours at home, only to be disappointed by Sophie's post of the perfect family of four. How ridiculous. Mark did not expect me to ask for a divorce. He frowned and tore up the agreement. "Lily, what's all the fuss about? We only went to meet Sophie and forgot to tell you about it, didn't we?" After saying that, his gaze fell on the food on the dining table, and a hint of guilt flashed in his eyes. His tone softened, "Fine, I forgot to call you last night. It was my fault. I will fix that. I'll clean up the table. You go and take a nap. I'll take you and Anthony out for a meal at noon." He had always been like this, slapping me hard in the face and then rewarding me with sweet gestures after. Even if he knew that he had gone too far, he would never apologize but only grace me with a way out. If I didn't act accordingly, he would fight back until I give up and comply. In the past, I would give in, but this time, I just took out another set of divorce agreements and threw it on the coffee table, "I printed dozens of copies, you can tear them up again." Mark was so furious that he shattered a bowl into pieces. He impatiently stared at me and said, "Aren't you just jealous that Anthony likes Sophie more? Lily, don't you forget, you owe her! Anthony and I are taking care of Sophie and her daughter to atone for your sins!" Atone for my sins? What sin? Sophie and I were best friends. During the summer break of our junior year, she asked me to hang out. I was about to head home in the evening. I wanted to take the main road, but she insisted on taking a smaller road and said that a friend was waiting for her at the intersection. So we parted ways. The next morning when I woke up, Mark rushed to my house and grabbed my collar. He asked me why I didn’t call the police and why I didn't care about Sophie. I was confused at first, but later found out that Sophie had been assaulted by some gangsters after we parted ways. Sophie claimed that she got caught by them because she wanted to protect me from the gangsters. She was lying. I tried my best to defend myself, but no one believed me. The surveillance system was faulty too, so I was left with all the blame. Since then, I have been seen as a sinner in everyone's eyes. My parents reprimanded me for being ruthless, and Mark blamed me for being cold-blooded. All their love for me was given to Sophie in the name of making amends. They even took my child away, saying that I had no morals and was unworthy of raising him. Because of this, Anthony and I's relationship hung on a thread. No matter what, I loved him dearly, and I tried hard to amend our relationship. The two of us looked at each other. His eyes were cold and full of disdain, as if I was his enemy, "You ruined my father's and Aunt Sophie's lives. Without you, Aunt Sophie would have been my mother." I shuddered with a frown, "Who told you so?" Anthony frowned, "Isn't it?" I looked at Mark, expecting an explanation. However, he just avoided my gaze, "Anthony expressed that if that incident never happened, I would have married Sophie instead." In the past, I would demand an explanation. He was my childhood sweetheart, I was the one that introduced them to each other. I was his girlfriend first. Now… I could not care anymore. No matter what Anthony asked of me, I decided that I would have nothing to do with him from now on. I picked up my suitcase and walked out the door, "Have a good read, I shall see you at the attorney's."

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Mark didn't expect my luggage to be already packed, so he rushed over to stop me. At this moment, the sound of the door unlocking came from outside. The next moment, Sophie walked in holding her daughter Tammy. I did not expect her fingerprint to be keyed into our home door's lock. However, I clearly told Mark that I didn't want to see Sophie in this home. She defamed me, she took everything from me, and I hate her. Obviously, Mark didn't take my words to heart. When Sophie saw me, her expression changed. She displayed a pitiful look, "Lily..." Tammy immediately hid behind her, as if I were a savage beast. Tammy cried and said, "Aunt Lily, don't hit my mother!" I looked coldly at this little girl — who was only ten years old — that looked extremely innocent. However, it was she who, during Christmas Eve, accused me of beating Sophie at my parents'. That night was a reunion that I had been looking forward to for several years. It was also the first time ever since the inciden

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Tammy was a child who hadn't fully learned how to conceal her emotions. When she heard that this home would belong to them, she immediately asked excitedly, "Is it true?" Sophie held Tammy's arms in panic, "Tammy, don't speak of nonsense! This is Aunt Lily's home." After saying that, Sophie's eyes turned red as she gave an aggrieved look, "Lily, I would never ruin the relationship between you and Mark. If it'll make you happier, I'll leave." Hearing this, Mark rushed over and grabbed Sophie's arm. Sophie gently fell into his arms. He steadied her, but when our gaze crossed, he hurriedly let go of her hand. A hint of unwillingness glistened in Sophie's eyes, which was quickly replaced by grievance, "Mark, please stop trying to persuade me to stay. We've intruded for too long." As she spoke, tears started to fall, as if she was a white lotus that was about to wither. Tammy threw herself into her arms and cried loudly, "Mommy, don't cry. It's all my fault. If I didn't make a mess

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Mark let out a frustrating grunt alongside my mother’s hysterical curses as he stepped on the pedal. When the car passed in front of me, I saw Sophie's proud face. She thought she had won. Once again, I was separated from my family, looking like a lonely wretch. However, it did not bother me one bit. Be it my parents, my husband, or my son, I didn't want them anymore. 'If Sophie wants them, I would just give them all to her.' I thought to myself. The harsh weather reminded me of all the nasty memories that haunted me, gradually filling my mind. I wanted to cry, not because I was sad, but just because I needed an outlet to vent. However, I didn't dare to cry, I was afraid that my face would be stung by tears, which would undoubtedly make things worse. I walked, one foot at a time, until my feet were numb, my mind was tangled, and I could no longer think of anything. When I finally found a place to hide from the snow, a car seemed to be coming closer to me. The car suddenly ski