Nice Try, But No Kidney

The night I left, I joined a job recruitment group and landed an hourly tutoring gig. My trial lesson was set for 8 AM.

After the session, both the kid and the parents were happy. They signed a six-month contract on the spot.

Stepping out of their house, I switched on my silenced phone—99+ missed calls from Hudson.

For a second, hope flickered. Ten years of marriage. Was he actually worried about me?

I called him back.

Before I could say a word, Hudson's voice exploded through the speaker.

"So now you're pulling a runaway stunt? Gabriel's transplant is TODAY! Get to the hospital NOW, or I'll freeze all your bank cards! Let's see how long you last without money!"

Talia's voice chimed in. "Get back here and take care of me and Dad! KNOW YOUR PLACE!"

Just like that, any hope I had shattered.

"I see."

Hudson's tone shifted slightly. "Good. Then get back here—"

I let out a cold laugh. "No, I finally see the truth. You never once saw me as a person. Hudson, I don't owe your first love's son my kidney.

"And let me remind you—I married you, I didn't sell myself into servitude. I am not your maid. Or Talia's.

"Sign the divorce papers. Custody of Talia is yours. If you refuse, I'll sue."

I ended the call and blocked his number.