After a Family Trip Without Me

Mason and Jackson sat on the couch, completely unfazed by my words. If anything, they regarded me as if I were the one making a fuss.

"Athena, do you really have to be so dramatic?

"You were the one who messed up in the first place. We only asked that you spend one night outside to think it over. What was so unreasonable about that?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out.

Mason said it so casually, as if it were nothing. It seemed like he had completely forgotten how brutally cold the weather could get during this time of year.

I had waited for hours in a torrential downpour, standing outside in the freezing cold all night. In the end, I came down with a high fever that turned into pneumonia.

A kind stranger took me to the hospital. If not for them, I might not have survived.

I forced a calm expression, shaking my head with a wry, bitter smile. "There's nothing left to say. Just sign the papers."

At that, a flicker of surprise flashed across Mason's face. He had always been the one to bring up divorce during our arguments. When had I ever been the one to take the first step?

He asked, "Athena, do you realize what you're doing?"

The remnants of my fever left me feeling drained, but I forced myself to speak with conviction. "I know exactly what I'm doing. This marriage is over. There's no point in pretending anymore."

Used to getting his way, Mason couldn't hold back his anger when he saw my determination. His face flushed with rage as he snapped, "Fine! You want a divorce? Let's do it!"

He grabbed the divorce papers and tossed them in my face. "Listen to me, Athena. A woman like you was never good enough for me. Without money or power, let's see how long you survive without me.

"And don't even think about taking Jackson. Custody of him belongs to me. I won't let him grow up trapped in the same miserable life you're heading toward."

Just then, Jackson rushed over and clung to Mason's leg, his voice ringing out, "Only someone as gentle and kind as Ms. Moore deserves to be Dad's wife. She plays the piano and teaches me how to swim, unlike you, who can't do anything!

"You're never going to be my mom again. Get out of our house!"

His face was a mirror of mine, and every word he spat at me felt like a dagger to the heart.

In the past, hearing something like that would've broken me. I would've cried until I couldn't breathe. But now, only one thought consumed me—this mother-son bond was finished.

"You don't have to worry. I won't fight you for custody." Turning to Jackson, I said firmly, "You're not my son anymore. Choose whoever you want to call 'Mom'."

Without looking back, I walked straight to the bedroom to pack my belongings. I didn't have much—just a few changes of clothes. That was all I had left.

For years, everything in my life had centered around Mason and Jackson. Their happiness was mine. I had nearly forgotten who I was in the process.

I sacrificed everything for our family, hoping to hold us together. But to them, I was nothing more than an afterthought.

I once thought that sincerity would be met with the same in return. How naive I had been.

Before I left, I removed the ring from my finger and placed it on the bedside table. It had been on my finger for ten years—ten years that felt like a prison.

But now, I was free at last.

As I picked up my bags to leave, Mason and Jackson were completely absorbed in a video call. A woman's voice drifted through the speaker. "Jackson, have you been a good boy today? I'll bring you the teddy bear you asked for tomorrow."

The voice belonged to Sophia.

"You're the best, Ms. Moore! I can't wait to see you tomorrow!" Jackson answered eagerly, his voice bright and cheerful.

Mason's expression was filled with warmth and affection, the picture of a loving husband. It starkly contrasted with the arrogant, domineering man he had been just moments ago.

"Sophia, don't spoil Jackson too much. We don't want him turning into a brat."

For a moment, the entire house was filled with their joyful laughter. Once again, I was the outsider.

But it didn't matter anymore. After all the hurt I'd endured, the love I once had for them had been drained dry.

Dizziness washed over me, and I knew it was time to go. This time, I left without a second thought. And I did so quietly, without leaving a single trace behind.