Chapter 2

Yvonne never mentioned divorce again over the years, and I thought we could live happily forever. I didn't expect to be proven wrong so soon. Thinking about the efforts I had put in over the years, I couldn't help but lament. Yvonne's apathy only made me look like a fool. I let out a bitter laugh, mustering all my strength to head to the study. I was going to draft a divorce agreement! Just as I was nearing the desk, a sharp jolt of pain suddenly shot through my head. I collapsed to the ground before I could even react, and I completely lost consciousness. When I woke up, I realized I was still lying on the floor. I had landed on my arm when I fell, and now, a dull ache throbbed in my bones. Clasping my forehead, I glanced at my phone and realized I had been lying here for over three hours. A bleak thought crossed my mind—if I hadn't woken up on my own, would anyone even notice if I just died here? I fumbled for some painkillers and swallowed them. As I began to recover, I suddenly heard voices outside. It was Jared and Xavier. "Jared, it's settled, then! You have to take me to the park to fly kites this weekend. Here's a pinky promise—you'll transform into a puppy if you break your promise!" Jared chuckled lovingly. "I won't break my promise, but it depends on whether your dad agrees." "Don't worry," Xavier swiftly replied. "If Daddy refuses to let me go and forces me to stay home to study, I'll just lie and say I want to visit Grandpa with Mommy—just like how we tricked him into thinking Mommy wanted to stay home to celebrate their anniversary so that he'd cook for us!" Hearing this, I froze and widened my eyes in disbelief. This morning, Xavier, who was usually somewhat distant toward me, had been unusually affectionate. As soon as I came out of my room, he grabbed my hand and said sweetly, "Daddy, I want to eat brisket and barbecued ribs. Can you make them for me?" He rarely spoke to me like that, and I naturally assumed he was trying to get closer to me. I was thrilled. However, I had promised to take them out today. Even so, I couldn't bear to see him disappointed. I didn't know how to respond for a moment. "Since Xavier wants to eat your cooking, let's celebrate our anniversary at home this year," Yvonne also chimed in. "It's been a long time since I've had your cooking too. Make a few more dishes while I'll take the kids out to buy a cake. We'll celebrate together later. How about that? "Oh, is there anything you'd like to eat? I can buy it for you as well." It was rare for Yvonne to be taking the initiative. Overwhelmed by joy, I didn't think much about it. "No need. Just a cake is enough." "Sure. You can get on with the cooking now." I was a little puzzled as to why she needed to take both kids to get a cake, but the thought quickly passed. I was still ecstatic, to say the least. The table groaned with the number of dishes I made. Even when I cut my finger while preparing the ingredients, I simply rinsed it off, put on a bandage, and kept going. I didn't want to waste any time. Once I finished cooking, I anticipated their return to eat together. I never expected it was all an elaborate lie, meticulously planned just to keep me home so that they could enjoy their time with Jared. Staring down at my bandaged finger, I chuckled wryly. So, I had always been an outsider. They even went to such great lengths to put on this façade to keep me out of the way. "Xavier, you're so clever," Jared said, his voice dripping with praise. "You already know how to fight for the life you want."