After the Clouds

Winona stayed in the hospital for a full week before her allergic reaction completely went away.

During that week, she saw the photos Ella posted every single day.

It turned out the trouble Asher had mentioned was nothing more than cockroaches that had not been fully cleared from Ella's house. The father and son helped her find a new place, bought new furniture, and gradually turned an empty house into a cozy home, piece by piece.

On the day of her discharge, Asher and Carter, who had been absent for a week, finally appeared.

Seeing that Winona had already handled the discharge paperwork on her own, a rare trace of guilt flickered across Asher's stern face.

"I'm sorry I didn't come to the hospital these past few days. I've been busy helping my friend. She just came back to the country and doesn't know anyone else. I'm the only one who can help her."

Asher rarely apologized.

In the past, Winona would have been understanding and said it was fine. This time, however, she simply opened the car door calmly and got in. "I know. Let's go home."

Asher's gaze landed on Winona with slight surprise. Was she angry? However, he quickly dismissed the thought.

In their six years of marriage, Winona had always been gentle and understanding. She had never once thrown a tantrum at him. He was probably overthinking it.

After getting in the car, Winona kept her eyes closed to rest. However, she could feel a burning gaze repeatedly landing on her.

She opened her eyes and met Carter's stare head-on.

Seeing she was awake, Carter asked cautiously, "Mom, has your allergy gotten better?"

"Yes."

Just as she finished speaking, the car came to a stop. Winona opened the door and got out. After taking just two steps, she heard a low murmur from behind.

"Too bad. Ella can't be my mom now..."

Winona's steps froze. Her heart felt like it was being gnawed on by countless ants.

This was the son she had carried for nine months and raised for five years. Not only did he feel no fear or guilt for nearly killing her, but he even regretted not successfully clearing away the obstacle she represented for Ella.

How ironic.

Winona suppressed the pain in her chest and went straight to the bedroom. Carter's wish would come true soon enough.

That evening, Winona went to bed early. The space beside her was cold.

Asher often worked late in his study before coming to bed, so they barely spoke before sleeping. She was used to it by now.

Just as she was drifting off, a pair of large hands pulled her into a warm embrace. Asher's hot breath brushed against her neck, sending a shiver through her.

Winona was forced to open her eyes. Her sharp gaze caught sight of a long, golden, curly hair on Asher's shirt collar. She had always kept her hair black and straight.

A sudden wave of nausea surged up her throat. Winona abruptly pulled away from his embrace.

Asher snapped awake with a frown. "Haven't you recovered?"

Winona suddenly found it laughable.

His heart clearly belonged to another woman, yet here he was, acting concerned. Who was this performance for?

"Asher, I just realized you're not even as brave as a child."

At least Carter dared to say out loud that he wanted Ella to be his mother. Asher only referred to Ella with the word 'friend'.

Asher did not understand what she meant and asked in confusion, "What are you talking about?"

Winona let out a soft laugh. She did not want to put up with his fake front any longer and turned her back to him.

Asher lost all interest as well. He got up and left the bedroom.

Hearing the click of the door, Winona kept her eyes tightly shut.

…

The next morning, Winona received the divorce agreement from her lawyer.

[Ms. Warren, it's been drafted.]

She replied: [Thank you.]

She had just finished replying when Carter came downstairs and walked over to her.

"Mom, my birthday party has to be really grand this time. I want to invite someone very important."

Only then did Winona remember that Carter's birthday was coming up. She lowered her eyes and stayed silent for a long moment before agreeing.

This would also be the last birthday she would spend with Carter.

After getting her answer, Carter happily headed off to school with his backpack. Once he left, Winona opened a flight booking app and bought a plane ticket. The departure time was set for three days later, on the evening of Carter's birthday.