Chapter 3

I hesitated about whether to tell my parents about the divorce now.

I grew up in this city, with relatives and friends all around.

My parents are retired teachers, and I am their only daughter.

They are open-minded, but my father’s health hasn’t been good these past two years.

I originally thought to wait a bit longer.

Leo called a couple of days later.

He rarely calls me.

Usually, he sends a WeChat message because I always reply promptly, which he finds convenient.

Last night, I deleted his WeChat.

I answered the call, and Leo’s voice sounded normal.

“Sophia, your mom just called me, saying she’s cooked a lot tonight and wants us to come over for dinner.

“I think with your dad’s health, the divorce news… can wait until he recovers. What time should we go over?

“And next Sunday is your dad’s birthday; maybe I should accompany you.”

I was still hesitating, but hearing Leo’s words, I decided to tell my parents the news.

I replied that it wasn’t necessary.

Leo: “There’s no need to be strong; your parents’ health is important.”

I calmly said, “If you truly cared, you wouldn’t have cheated and divorced at this time. My dad’s health may be poor, but his spirit is strong. I think he wouldn’t want me to continue an unfaithful marriage.”

“Leo.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t call again. If you want to see your son, follow the agreement: once a week.”

Upon hearing this, Leo dropped his negotiating tone.

“Sophia, I’ll say it again, he’s my son too, my family…”

“But you gave up on the home that belonged to him, didn’t you?”

Finally, I heard Leo slam the phone down. I decisively hung up and tried to organize my somewhat overwhelmed emotions.

I drove straight to the mall, planning to replace the bedding, sofa, and all the furniture Leo liked.

Everything must be in stock.

After replacing everything, I cleaned the house thoroughly and then went to my mom’s place.

When she saw me, without seeing Leo, she assumed he was busy.

I was silent, nervously calling out, “Mom.”

She immediately sensed something was wrong, put down what she was doing, and just stared at me before gently pulling me into her arms.

I said nothing, but as a mother, she felt my emotions and grievances.

I tried to speak calmly, and after I finished, my mom handed me a tissue to wipe my tears.

Her voice was very gentle.

“It’s okay, divorce is quite common nowadays. If he’s dishonest and does such things, it’s better to end it sooner. If it’s over, then it’s over.”

“Jane, I have only one request for you.”

After she spoke, her eyes became slightly moist, and she held my hand.

“Since you’ve decided to divorce, no matter what, never reconcile.”

I nodded through tears, “Okay.”

After dinner, my mom and dad talked in their room for a long time. When they came out, my dad handed me a big red envelope.

He said today marks a new beginning, worthy of celebration.

“I hope my precious daughter will always be happy and joyful.”

Leaving my parents’ house, I cried for a long time in the car.

Before coming, I was always afraid of disappointing their expectations.

They’ve hardly ever argued in their lives, always harmonious.

When I married Leo, everyone doubted it, but they respected my decision.

Now that Leo is successful, everyone envies me, saying my parents have good judgment, yet they calmly support my divorce.

I wiped my tears and looked at the calendar.

28 days until the divorce countdown.