Blurb：
On the night his first love Lisa divorced, Finn Chapman threw the ninety-ninth divorce agreement at me. He claimed Lisa’s heart was broken and he had to care for her—even our son urged me to sign and leave. But I, Heather Carmine, simply nodded, signed, and walked away. Ten years later, my son aced the SATs and begged in an interview: Mom, I’ve grown up. Will you come back? This emotional saga explores family betrayal, a mother’s resilience, and a son’s regret. Dive into Heather’s journey from discarded wife to triumphant independence, with twists involving Finn’s obsession with Lisa, a seven-year-old’s cruel birthday gift, and a divorce that reshapes their lives forever.
Content：
On the very night Finn Chapman’s first love got divorced, he threw the ninety-ninth divorce agreement at me.
Lisa’s heart is broken. She can’t move on. I have to take care of her, he said.
Even our seven-year-old son tried to persuade me.
You should just agree to the divorce and leave, he told me. Let Lisa move in. We don’t need a maid like you anymore.
Both father and son were certain I’d scream, cry, beg them not to throw me out.
But I didn’t. I simply nodded, quietly signed my name on the divorce papers, and left.
Ten years later, my son became the top scorer on the SATs. During an interview, a reporter asked him, What has motivated you to study so hard all these years?
He went silent for a moment. Then, in front of everyone, his eyes turned red.
Because I wanted to tell my mom, he said, voice trembling, I’ve grown up now. Will you come back? Please don’t leave me again.
Chapter 1
[Ms. Carmine, this divorce agreement is valid. Once you sign it, your marriage will be automatically dissolved in a month.]
Looking at the confirmation, I exhaled in relief and turned toward the torn-open package on the floor.
It was a birthday gift from my seven-year-old son for my twenty-seventh birthdaya box filled with used condoms and a photograph of a happy family of three.
In the photo, Finn Chapman was holding a woman tightly, his face softened with a tenderness I had never seen before.
Our mischievous son rested obediently against the woman’s chest, his expression full of adoration.
But the woman in the picture wasn’t me. It was Finn’s first lovethe one who had just divorced and returned to the country.
Even the condoms weren’t the kind I used. They were the cheese-scented ones Lisa adored.
Today was my twenty-eighth birthday. Early in the morning, Finn lost his temper because I’d stepped into the living room with my left foot first. He stormed off with our son, saying I should stay home and reflect on myself.
I knew that was just an excuse. He simply didn’t want to celebrate my birthday.
Scenes like this had played out countless times since Lisa came back.
Like the time her house lost power and he insisted on keeping her companyhis reason being that my cooking was terrible, and he had no choice but to take our son out for dinner.
He’d completely forgotten that I held a chef’s license, that I’d learned to cook light meals because his stomach couldn’t handle the heavy food from all his business banquets.
…
At night, I set the table and cooked several dishes. But they never came back.
By the time the candles on the cake had burned out and the food had gone cold, I finally heard the sound of the front door unlocking.
Our son burst in, excitedly tugging at Finn’s hand, chattering about how thrilling the roller coaster had been that day.
Finn smiled faintly. There was a half-faded pink lipstick mark on his shirt collarthe color everyone was calling the most irresistible shade of the year.
The moment they saw me, the smiles on both their faces vanished.
Finn walked in, still holding our son’s hand, pulled a small gift box from his pocket, and tossed it onto the table.
Your birthday present, he said flatly.
I glanced at it. I didn’t need to open it to know it was a bracelet. The same brand, the same style.
In eight years of marriage, I’d received the same bracelet seventeen timesa quiet reminder, again and again, of how little I meant to him.
Meanwhile, Lisa’s social media was full of gifts that never repeated. A new couture gown today, an antique vase from an auction tomorrow, and the day after that something else entirely.
My gaze dimmed. I rose from my seat and walked away.
For a brief moment, shock flickered in Finn’s eyesthen anger.
Heather, I give you a gift out of kindness, and this is how you treat my sincerity?
He sneered. No wonder Mom says you’re unpresentable. You really have no manners.
I stopped in my tracks. And before I could stop myself, I laughed.
Chapter 2
That was what Finn’s father had said about me on our wedding day.
Back then, Finn was young and impulsive. The moment he heard his father’s words, he slammed down the microphone.
She’s my wife, he said. No one has the right to speak ill of her.
Father and soncut from the same cloth after all.
Our son threw a toy at me.
You bad woman! Apologize to Daddy right now!
The sharp edge of the toy split the skin on my cheek. I touched the wound instinctively. I could feel my heart break a little more.
This was the child I’d carried for nine months and brought into the worlda little wolf cub that could never be tamed.
Eight years of love, undone by one year of Lisa’s sweet talk.
When I didn’t respond, my son’s smirk deepened.
Not even mad? Figures. You’re just a useless leech of a woman. You should smarten up and divorce my dad already. We don’t need a maid like you here.
With that, he bounced away toward his room.
Before closing the door, he stood on his tiptoes to hang up a little sign: [Heather is not allowed inside.]
I wiped away the tears that had come with my laughter and went back to my roomthe small storage space next to the kitchen.
It was less than ten square meters, with a narrow, plain bed.
Even the housekeeper refused to stay there, but for the past year, it had been the only place in this house where I could breathe.
I put away the seventeenth bracelet he’d given me, then opened the drawer and took out the divorce papersthe ninety-ninth divorce agreement Finn had thrown at me.
In eight years of marriage, every argument ended with him tossing me another one.
He knew I was starved for love, knew I couldn’t let goand he used those papers, again and again, to humiliate me.
But this time, I was really going to sign.
My husband. My son. This ridiculous marriage. I didn’t want any of it anymore
The next morning, I was woken by pounding on the door.
Get up! Make me breakfast!
My son’s toy slammed against the door of the storage room, the sound echoing through the house.
I used to wake up at five every morning to make breakfast for him and his father. Now, lying in bed, I wished I could just go deaf.
When I finally opened the door, he was standing barefoot on the cold floor, his face twisted with anger.
Where’s my breakfast?
I looked him in the eyes, my voice flat.
In the fridge. Get it yourselfor ask your father or Lisa.
He froze. It was the first time I’d ever spoken to him that way. Then his face contorted again, as if remembering something.
You’re my maid! If you don’t listen, I’ll tell Dad to divorce you!
He stamped his foot. Go make breakfast now! Or I’ll walk barefoot all day. When I get sick, you’ll have to stay up all night taking care of me again!
That was when I noticed his bare feet on the floor.
He’d been born premature, always prone to illness. Every time I saw him barefoot, I used to panicrushing after him, pleading softly for him to wear shoes.
He’d wait until I bent down to help him, then stomp hard on my clothes, leaving dirty footprints all over meand only then would he laugh and let me finish dressing him.
The memory stung. I turned my gaze away, walked past him, and went to wash up.
His face flushed red with rage. He followed me, shouting, desperate to pull my attention back to him.
But this time, I didn’t turn around.
When I finished washing, Finn walked in carrying a bag.
The moment he saw our son crying, his expression darkened.
Heather, he snapped, what kind of mother are you? Can’t you see Michael is crying?
Chapter 3
I couldn’t be bothered to answer Finn. My voice was flat and empty.
Sorry, I said. I don’t know how to be a mother. Let Lisa do it.
I meant it.
But for some reason, my honesty extinguished whatever anger he’d been holding onto.
He looked at me several times before setting a box of cold seafood soup on the table.
Don’t talk nonsense in front of the kid, he said. I made this myself. Thought I’d bring you some.
My hand froze mid-pour. A faint, bitter smile tugged at my lips.
I’d seen Lisa’s post on social media the night beforea photo of her in an apron, standing in a dimly lit kitchen, stirring a pot of soup.
The caption read: [Everyone likes skinny girls, but you’re the one who feeds me properly.]
The lighting was dark, but I’d recognized Finn instantly, standing behind her.
On his left hand, the ring finger still wore our wedding band.
Now, it was gone.
He caught me staring and glanced down at his own bare hand, his expression flickering for a moment.
I lent it to Lisa, he said. She wanted to try it on for a couple of days.
It made perfect sense, didn’t it? Wedding rings could apparently be borrowed now.
I smiled, trying not to feel anything.
My smile seemed to irritate him.
Don’t make a fuss over a stupid ring, he snapped. Just finish the soup. I’m warning youtake the chance when I give you one. Or do you want another divorce agreement?
His tone carried the same self-assured dominance as always.
He didn’t knowI’d already signed it.
I glanced at the bowl. The soup had congealed overnight; the grains stuck together, solid and gray. Among them floated shrimp shells and tiny fish bones someone hadn’t bothered to pick out.
Sorry, I said. I’m allergic to seafood.
He froze, embarrassment flashing across his face.
Our son, still sulking from earlier, walked over, eyes red and angry.
It’s just an allergy, he scoffed. Lisa said mild allergies won’t kill you.
He glared at me like I was his enemy. You’re just pretendingtrying to steal Dad’s attention. Don’t believe her, Dad.
Before I could react, Finn grabbed me and forced me down against the dining table. His face twisted with fury, as if I were some disobedient child.
Heather, he hissed, you really don’t know what’s good for you.
He squeezed my cheeks until my jaw ached, then forced the cold soup into my mouth.
Our son clapped his hands, laughing in delight.
When I finally swallowed the last mouthful, Finn released me and wiped the corner of my lips, his tone suddenly tender.
See? That wasn’t so bad now, was it?
I shoved him away, clutching at my throat, trying to make myself throw up.
But it was too late. My throat began to swell, blisters rising under the skin. Each breath came shorter, harsher.
In the final second before everything went dark, I saw them both running toward me in a blur of panic.
When I woke up, I was in a hospital room. The air was heavy with disinfectant, sharp but strangely comforting.
A nurse explained, You went into anaphylactic shock. If your husband hadn’t rushed you here, the outcome could’ve been much worse.
I turned my head, a dry laugh catching in my throat. He’d known I was allergicand still forced it down my throat.
The nurse kept talking.
But honestly, he dropped you off, took a phone call, and left. We haven’t been able to reach him since.
She sighed. You should give your husband a call. The hospital bill hasn’t been paid yet.
I froze, suddenly realizing I was still wearing my pajamas. My wallet and phone were both left at home.
Chapter 4
I took the phone the nurse handed me and dialed Finn’s number.
The first call was hung up on immediately. Then the second. The third. The fourth
It wasn’t until the ninth call that someone finally answered.
Who’s this?
Lisa’s sultry voice came through, low and breathless, as if she’d just been pulled from bed.
The words I’d meant to say froze in my throat.
I dug my nails into my palm, forcing myself to steady my voice.
This is Heather. I’m looking for Finn.
For a moment, there was silence on the other end. Then her tone softened into something coy.
Oh, it’s you, Heather. Finn’s in the showerworked up a sweat just now. Probably not the best time.
Why don’t you just tell me what you need? That way you won’t have to call again. We’re only taking a short break we’ll be busy again soon.
I lowered my head, blinking away the sting in my eyes.
That won’t be necessary.
I ended the call.
The nurse was still standing there, waiting for an answer.
What was I supposed to say? That my husband wasn’t coming because he was too busy sleeping with the woman he once called the love of his life?
Maybe she sensed my hesitation, because she quietly offered to cover the hospital fee for me.
I thanked her, but the gratitude only deepened the ache inside.
I was twenty-eight, already a motherand when things fell apart, the person who helped me wasn’t my husband, or my child, but a stranger with kind eyes.
If marriage was an exam, I hadn’t even passed.
Fifteen days left until the divorce was finalized. I was discharged that morning.
It happened to be my son’s birthday, but I didn’t want to go home. I found a small restaurant instead, sat down, and ordered something simple.
And then, just as the food arrived, I saw them.
They looked like a family of three walking in through the doorLisa holding Finn’s arm, Michael’s hand in hers, smiling like a woman who had everything.
Someone nearby greeted them with a grin.
So this is your wife, Finn? Finally meeting her in personshe’s just as beautiful as they say. No wonder you keep her hidden away.
His voice carried, drawing attention from every corner of the restaurant.
Finn hesitated, about to say something, but before he could, Michael piped up, Dad, Mom’s shy!
He wasn’t loud, but the words hit me with perfect precision.
I looked at his facehis bright, carefree smileand it hit me that he’d grown up.
He wasn’t the soft, tender baby I once held in my arms. He’d become like a knife that stabbed at me constantly.
It was fine. I didn’t want him anymore.
A sudden chorus of teasing broke through my thoughts.
Come on, kiss her! Kiss her!
Even my son clapped his hands, laughing.
Dad, don’t be scared! Just kiss her already!
Lisa gave him a playful scold, then turned to Finn with a look full of shy expectation.
He hesitated, his face uncertain.
When she finally wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in, his eyes met mine across the restaurant.
Heather?
Panic flickered through his face as he shoved Lisa aside and stumbled for words.
They were just joking around. What are you doing here?
Following his gaze, others turned and saw me too.
Michael’s smile vanished. He took two hesitant steps toward me, then stopped, looked away, and stood frozen in place.
I let out a quiet sigh.
I just got out of the hospital, I said. Came to get something to eat. You can carry on.
Chapter 5
When I finished speaking, I turned and walked away.
Finn froze for a moment, then instinctively tried to follow, but Lisa caught his hand. She held onto him, feigning innocence.
But it’s Michael’s birthday today, she said softly. Why would Heather leave so suddenly? Did she forget? Or maybe she never planned to celebrate with him at all.
She gave a little sigh. As a mother, that’s really irresponsible, isn’t it?
At that, Michael stepped in front of Finn, his small voice sharp and trembling.
Dad, don’t bother with her! She doesn’t even remember my birthday!
Though his words were angry, his eyes were already redlike a child betrayed by the person he trusted most.
Finn looked at him, torn, and after a long pause finally pulled the boy into his arms.
Don’t be mad, he murmured. Dad and Lisa will celebrate your birthday with you.
They sat down. The restaurant had a warm, easy atmosphere, the cake was perfectsweet, soft, expensive.
But all the while, Finn couldn’t shake the image of me walking away. It kept replaying, an ache at the back of his mind.
Even the boy, who had been so loud just moments ago, turned quiet. No matter how Lisa tried to coax him, his eyes stayed rimmed with red.
I didn’t know any of this. I had already gone home.
I’d planned to stay until the thirty days were up before leaving for good. But after picturing that almost-kiss between them, I realizedthere was no point.
I placed the signed divorce papers on the table, picked up my suitcase, and stepped out the door.
On the way, I ran into the neighbor’s kid and handed him the limited-edition toy I’d bought for Michael’s birthday.
I’d spent weeks searching all over town for it, even tracked down the manga artist to get his autograph on it. But now, I thought maybe my leaving was the only gift Michael really wanted.
Meanwhile, when the birthday dinner finally ended, Finn hurried home with our restless son.
As they entered the apartment complex, we crossed paths.
He went pale at the sight of the luggage in my hand.
But before he could speak, Michael blurted out, his face lighting up,
Bad woman! You knew I was mad, so you’re taking me on a trip, right? Where’s my luggage? Why didn’t you bring my Ultraman suitcase?
He frowned when I stayed silent.
And you have to apologize to me right now, he said, puffing up his little chest. Promise you’ll never forget my birthday again, and stop getting jealous about Dad and Lisa. If you do that, I’ll agree to go with you.
Still, I said nothing.
He sighed dramatically. Fine. Forget the apology. Just promise you won’t forget my birthday again. Next time Dad takes me and Lisa out to play, I’ll ask them to bring you too. But only once a week, okay? Lisa doesn’t like it when you come too often.
He reached out to take my hand.
To his surpriseand his father’sI stepped back.
Their eyes widened, uneasy.
Then, without a word, I pulled a thick stack of papers from my bag.
Ninety-nine divorce agreements, I said. Not one missing. The last one’s signed. Finn, I’m done fighting with you. Let’s divorce.
Download the GoodNovel app, Search 【 484221 】reads the whole book.
