My Ex Stole Our Son's Bone Marrow

Emelia Chapman's voice carried a defiant edge as she declared, "I know exactly what I'm doing, David. Let's end this on good terms. Just tell me your conditions for the divorce, and I'll go along with it!" She hung up before he could even react.

After the call, Emelia leaned against the wall, letting out a long breath. She'd made up her mind — no more lingering, no more hoping for change, no more staying stuck in a loveless marriage.

On the other end, David Richards stood with one hand on his hip, frustration coiling in his chest with nowhere to go. Just last night, her jealous outburst over "that woman" had secretly thrilled him, making him wonder if she still cared. But this morning's abrupt exit slapped him back to reality — what he'd taken for jealousy was just a flicker of possessiveness, nothing more.

The truth? She'd never been fond of him. He'd known it since the day they signed their marriage certificate — her cool, detached expression said it all. This marriage had been a thorn in her side from day one, hadn't it? She'd been looking for a way out while he deluded himself into thinking that keeping his distance, staying out of her way, might somehow ease her discomfort.

He'd done everything he could to accommodate her, to make her feel less trapped. And still, she walked away without a hint of compromise. David let out a bitter laugh, caught somewhere between anger and amusement. Fine. If she wanted a divorce that badly, he'd see just how far she was willing to go.

Emelia made her way back to her old apartment — a cozy little place, just over a thousand square feet. Small, sure, but warm and welcoming. She'd only brought her everyday clothes and essentials; the place was already furnished with everything she needed.

"What if David comes after you and tries to drag you back?" Lorelai Bailey asked, dusting the shelves with a cloth in hand.

Emelia shrugged, sliding her books onto the shelf with a wry smile. "Knowing him? He might be pissed, but I don't think he'd go that far."

"Even after last night's little drama, he couldn't win you over?" Lorelai teased, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips.

Emelia's cheeks flushed, and she shot back with a shy smile, "What are you talking about?"

"Don't act all innocent!" Lorelai joked, tapping Emelia's neck lightly. "Ms. Chapman, there's a little evidence right here."

Emelia instinctively touched the spot, her heart skipping as last night's memories flooded back.

"That was just spur-of-the-moment. It's not like it meant anything," Emelia said, trying to play it off.

Lorelai rolled her eyes and switched topics. "And how are you going to explain this to your parents? You're not planning to tell them you were unfaithful, are you?"

Emelia had been asking herself the same thing. With a heavy sigh, she admitted, "I don't know yet. I'm going to handle the divorce first, then break the news. For now, it stays between us."

Just then, her phone buzzed with a video call. Seeing her mother-in-law, Nadia Simpson, on the screen, she steadied herself and answered with a smile.

"Morning, Mom," she greeted warmly.

Nadia — always the gracious, refined mother-in-law — had treated Emelia well from the start.

"Morning? It's almost eleven," Nadia laughed gently, taking in Emelia's surroundings. "You're not home?"

Emelia replied, "I stopped by the apartment to grab some reference books."

"It's Saturday. Why don't you and David come over for lunch? You skipped last week, and Grandma's been missing you both," Nadia suggested kindly.

Emelia hesitated. "I'm not sure if David's working today. He's been slammed lately."

"Oh, he's always busy. But no matter how busy, you two always show up together," Nadia teased.

"I've made your favorite spiced honey cakes," she added warmly.

A soft warmth spread through Emelia's chest, and she thanked her sincerely. "Thank you, Mom."

"Come soon. Grandma's waiting," Nadia said before ending the call.

Emelia looked at Lorelai, torn. "What do I do? I hate saying no to Mom."

"She really is a great mother-in-law," Lorelai agreed. "Just go. David won't bite."

After tidying up quickly, Emelia and Lorelai headed out toward the family estate.

Emelia drove to the Richards' place, stopping on the way to pick up Grandma's favorite coffee. After an hour's drive, she pulled up to the villa. As she got out of the car, another vehicle screeched to a halt behind her — David had arrived.

David stepped out holding a cake box, his expression sour. Emelia noticed his mood but stiffened her own, choosing to ignore him and head straight for the house.

"Mr. Richards, Miss Emelia, you're back!" Aylani Bailey, Astrid Richards's caretaker, greeted them with a bright smile.

Emelia slowed her pace, letting David catch up despite herself, and they walked in together to find the family gathered in the living room.

"Grandma, we're back," David announced with a smile.

Astrid Richards patted the seat beside her. "Come sit with Grandma. I haven't seen you all week — you look thinner."

Emelia sat down next to her grandmother-in-law. "Oh, Grandma, maybe it's the summer heat. I haven't had much of an appetite."

"Really?" Astrid raised an eyebrow, exchanging a knowing glance with Nadia. "Could it be something else?"

"Something else? Like what?" Emelia asked, genuinely puzzled.

Astrid gave Emelia's hand a playful pat. "What else but a baby!"

"That's impossible," Emelia blurted out. "David and I have been—"

"Ahem—" David's deliberate cough cut her off.

Emelia had been about to say they'd been careful — except for last night. David interrupted, clearly not wanting to discuss that with the elders.

Astrid looked at her grandson, curious. "You and David have what?"

Realizing her slip, Emelia quickly recovered. "Oh, we're just taking things as they come."

"It's been over six months. Who knows? It might happen sooner than you think," Astrid said with a soft sigh. "I'm not in the best of health, dear. I just worry I won't live to see my great-grandchild."

A pang of guilt hit Emelia at those words, and she glanced at David.

David moved over and wrapped an arm around Astrid's shoulders. "Grandma, you're healthier than anyone I know. With all your hobbies and treats, you'll outlive us all!"

Astrid playfully swatted at him, and he caught her hand with a laugh, promising, "Don't worry, Grandma. As your only grandson, I won't let our family line end here. I'll make sure Emelia is expecting within six months!"