When The Matriarch Vanishes

For the past nine years, my children had been the only reason I stayed.

But now, they stood firmly on Camila's side, turning my years of silent sacrifice into a cruel joke.

If this was going to hurt, I wanted a clean break. One swift, sharp cut would be better for everyone.

I repeated myself, "Let's get a divorce. You can have Caleb and Abigail."

"You can make whoever you want their new mother."

Preston stared at me, his voice hoarse. "Are you throwing a tantrum just because I didn't let you attend the gala?"

"What right do you have to demand a divorce? I'm giving you time to cool down. You'd better not disappoint me again."

With that, he took Camila's hand and walked away without a backward glance.

I was used to Preston's contempt.

I had no intention of playing his games any longer.

If Camila could give up love for her ideals, why couldn't I give up a worthless man for my freedom?

I wanted to see what a world without him looked like.

I contacted my lawyer in secret and had the divorce documents prepared.

He was too busy wining and dining Camila to pay any real attention, likely signing the documents I submitted after a cursory glance, blind to what they actually were.

I didn't go home right away. I drove to my favorite bar.

I had the divorce agreement ready, but just in case, I also spent a fortune on a foolproof backup plan from a top-tier lawyer.

On my way back, I took a detour to my favorite patisserie and bought a bottle of expensive champagne.

As the delicate bubbles burst on my tongue, my spirits lifted.

Even when I returned home to find that the children had trashed my entire walk-in closet, it couldn't spoil my mood.

When they saw the smile on my lips, both of them looked furious.

"You're a bad mom! You went out to have fun by yourself and didn't even buy us the limited-edition game console!"

Caleb threw himself onto the floor, grabbing at my dress while kicking and screaming, "I want the game console too!"

I traced a finger over my lips, letting a slow, deliberate smile spread across my face.

"If you want a game console, go ask your new mom to buy it for you."

They froze for a second, then their protests escalated into a full-blown tantrum.

"You're a bad mom! You're so selfish! We hate you!"

"If you don't buy me a game console today, I'll hate you forever!"

As they shouted, they grabbed figurines from a side table and hurled them at me.

In that moment, they were like two little demons, a world away from the sweet, well-behaved children I remembered.

The irony was almost funny.

I had once considered them my anchor. For their sake, I had willingly endured Preston's coldness and cruelty year after year.

I thought my sacrifice would earn their love.

I never imagined Preston had already poisoned their minds, turning them against me and arming them with such vicious words.

I sighed, a hollow sound.

Then I turned to go back to my room to pack.

The moment I entered, I froze.