I had barely set the pen down when Mark’s phone rang. The ringtone alone made my stomach tighten. He didn’t step outside. He didn’t lower his voice enough.
“Yes, it’s done. I’m heading there now,” he said softly, a tone I hadn’t heard directed at me in years. “Today’s the appointment, right? Don’t worry, Lauren. My whole family will be there. Your baby is the future of our family. We’re coming to see our son.”
The mediator slid the final papers toward him. Mark didn’t read a word. He signed quickly, carelessly, then tossed the pen aside.
“There’s nothing to divide,” he said flatly, speaking as if I weren’t even in the room. “The condo was mine before the marriage. The car is mine. As for the kids—Noah and Lily—if she wants to take them, she can. It makes things easier for me.”
His sister, Jessica, stood nearby, arms crossed, her voice cutting in without hesitation. “Exactly. Mark is moving on with someone who can actually give this family a son. Who would want a washed-up woman with two kids anyway?”
The words were meant to hurt. Maybe once they would have. But after years of enduring their cruelty, I had grown numb to it.
I simply reached into my bag, pulled out a set of keys, and slid them across the table.
“The condo,” I said calmly. “We cleared out everything yesterday.”
Mark smirked. “Finally learning your place, Emily.”
“What isn’t yours never stays yours,” Jessica added smugly.
I didn’t respond. Instead, I took out two passports and held them up.
“Mark, the visas came through last week. I’m taking Noah and Lily to London. For good.”
His expression froze. Jessica reacted first.
“Are you out of your mind?” she snapped. “Do you even know how expensive that is? Where would you get that kind of money?”
I looked at them quietly. “That’s no longer your concern.”
Right then, a black luxury SUV pulled up outside. A driver stepped out, opening the door respectfully.
“Miss Emily, the car is ready.”
Mark’s face darkened. “What is this?”
I didn’t answer. I picked up Lily, took Noah’s hand, and looked at him one last time.
“Don’t worry,” I said. “We won’t be part of your life anymore.”
As I stepped outside, the driver handed me an envelope.
“From Mr. Daniel, ma’am. Everything is compiled.”
Inside the car, I let out a slow breath. Outside, Mark and Jessica were already arguing, completely unaware of what was about to unfold.
As we drove through Manhattan, Noah stared out the window.
“Mom… will Dad visit us?”
I brushed his hair gently. “We’re starting fresh. Just us.”
My phone buzzed.
