Willow was shocked to hear it.

"You want a divorce? Why so suddenly? Did you have a fight with Richard?"

Maria gripped her phone tightly, her voice weak. "No, I'm just tired. I don't want to stay with him anymore."

In the past seven years, Maria had always tried to sound happy. She never told her brother about her troubles. Maybe it was because she wanted to prove that she was doing well. No matter how coldly Richard treated her or how exhausting it was to raise such a rebellious son, Maria had never once complained to Willow.

No wonder her brother was surprised.

Perhaps it was the bond between siblings, but Willow went quiet and didn't ask anything else. In the end, he just said, "Alright. When are you coming back? I'll pick you and your son up myself."

Maria paused. "Jonny is staying with Richard. I'm not taking him."

Willow gasped. "You're okay with letting him go? Don't worry, Mari. If you really want a divorce, I'll help you fight for custody."

"No, it's fine. Once I take care of things here, I'll contact you again," Maria said.

She quickly hung up, afraid Willow would ask more questions. Her thumb trembled as it pressed on her phone.

She sat on the sofa, completely drained.

Ever since she gave birth to their son, Maria had never thought about leaving Richard. Never had she expected that her son would be what finally pushed her over the edge.

She said she had things to handle, but really, there was nothing to deal with.

The marriage certificate was fake. She was never Richard's wife and had no place in the Shaw family, and had no legal paperwork to show for it. All she had to do was pack up and leave, and she could cut ties with Richard and Jonathan for good.

Maria steadied herself and went upstairs to pack.

Suddenly, the bedroom door opened.

Jonathan walked in with a toy in his hand, surprised to see her packing. "Mom, why are you packing? Where are you going?"

Maria looked at Jonathan. Even though he was her own flesh and blood, he suddenly felt like a stranger. "I'm going away for a while."

Jonathan's face lit up. "Really? When do you leave?"

Kids couldn't hide their excitement. He sounded so eager for her to go.

Maria's heart sank. "In a day or two. I'll be gone for a long time."

Jonathan's grin grew even wider. "Great! Have a safe trip, Mom!"

He bounced out, eager to call Eleanor to share the news.

Watching him go, Maria frowned, but still couldn't help reminding him, "It's past seven. Your homework…"

Jonathan groaned in irritation. "Ugh, you're so annoying! You used to help me at eight, right? Why are you nagging me so early?"

Maria pressed her lips together, forcing a self-mocking smile. "Sorry. This is the last time."

Jonathan noticed something odd with his mother today. Usually, she would start nagging him about how the teacher would check his homework tomorrow, and that he should finish early and go to bed.

Well, he couldn't care less. Feeling vindictive, he slammed the door behind him.

Maria went to the desk, took out all the reference books she had used to help Jonathan study, and lined them up on the table. Every book was marked with notes, even the first-grade ones.

Richard never bothered with these things, so she had handled all the parenting and teaching herself—only to end up being detested by her son.

She had given her all for six years to ensure Jonathan had top grades, could play the piano and guitar, and was always healthy and never got sick.

Yet… None of it compared to a few toys and treats from Eleanor.

Tears streamed down Maria's cheeks. She quickly wiped them away and organized Jonathan's things, labeling everything neatly.

At eight o'clock, Maria didn't go to Jonathan's room to remind him about his homework.

Jonathan was happy, thinking his mother must have lost track of time, and played games until he fell asleep. Meanwhile, Mr. Graham thought Maria would be taking care of Jonathan and didn't check on him.

Around nine, Richard came home from work.

Maria heard the door and was startled. She was sending a text she had written for her doctor.

[Sorry, doctor. You don't need to schedule my surgery anymore. I've decided to try conservative treatment overseas instead.]

Richard came in and glanced at the dining table. It was empty, with no sign of the chickpea pasta soup Maria usually made for him. He often worked late, causing him to skip meals and leading him to suffer from stomach problems. Thus, Maria made him chickpea pasta soup every night.

Richard was puzzled. When he turned to Maria, his expression softened. "Where's the soup tonight?"

Maria looked at him calmly. "I wasn't feeling well, so I didn't make any."

Richard loosened his tie, pausing at her words. "Are you feeling sick? You've been having nosebleeds and look paler than usual. I'll hire two more staff at home. You're doing too much on your own and tiring yourself out."

He set down his things on the table and touched her forehead.

As Maria let him touch her, she suddenly remembered how distant he had always been before that fateful night. Under the influence of drugs, he became a hungry beast and painted red and blue on her. After that, he woke up embarrassed and refused to let her go, determined to take responsibility. His ears had turned completely red.

After that, Richard had truly changed; he treated her better than anyone else while remaining distant with outsiders. He would take good care of her, and only her.

"Your forehead's fine. Why do you look so pale?" Richard's voice broke her thoughts. "Want some cookies?"

Maria looked at the pink dessert box in his hand. Crab apple cookies—her favorite.

There weren't any crab apple trees in the city, but every Wednesday, a famous shop sold these pastries. For five years, Richard had gone out of his way to buy them for her. Maria used to feel very touched, thinking that even if he was cold, he must care about her deep down.

Now, she realized it was all just wishful thinking.

Five years of pastries meant nothing, especially when their marriage didn't even exist in the first place. Maria's eyes darkened even more.

Richard noticed she wasn't eating and asked, "Don't want any?"

"I have no appetite," Maria snapped back.

Richard was about to say more when he noticed her purse on the sofa and a half-exposed medical report. He frowned. "Did you have a checkup?"

He reached for the papers, but Maria grabbed his sleeve.

She forced a smile. "I'm fine. I just need to stay out of the sun more."

Richard relaxed and patted her head. "I'll have one of the staff make you some warm soup."

Maria clenched her fists and finally spoke up. "Richard, what if I were really sick? What would you do if I got a terminal illness?"

Richard froze, suddenly uneasy. He frowned and said, "Don't say something like that. If you feel bad, I'll take you to a doctor. You won't get any terminal disease."

Maria's expression was unreadable as she pressed, "We've been married seven years. Is there anything you're hiding from me? If you tell me now, I can take all of it."

Richard stiffened, looking unsettled. "I'm not hiding anything. Is something the matter?"

Maria looked away, something gleaming in her eyes. "Nothing. Maybe I'm just overthinking. I just really hate being lied to. If you ever lie to me, I'll be gone for good. The three of us will never be together again."

Richard was stunned. For some reason, he had a bad feeling—as if something huge was about to happen. He tried to reassure her, smiling gently.

"Mari, we'll always be a family. Don't say things like that. I'm going to check on Jonny."

With that, Richard went into Jonny's room and closed the door.

Maria's heart finally turned cold. There was nothing left to hold onto.

Maria took out the keys to the house and car, along with a farewell letter. There was no need for a divorce certificate, no need for divorce proceedings, or even splitting assets. They were never truly married, after all.

The house and the Rolls-Royce in the garage were all gifts from Richard. Now that she had given them back, there was nothing that would bind them together anymore.

She left the keys and letter on Richard's desk in his study.

Maria walked out the door and disappeared into the night, pulling her suitcase behind her.

Maria hailed a cab at the curb. While she waited, she started searching for flights, planning to go straight to the airport.

At this time, her doctor called.

"Mrs. Shaw, when are you going abroad for your conservative treatment?"

Maria stood under the dim streetlight, her silhouette long and thin on the pavement. She looked at her shadow and said, "Right now. I'm heading to the airport already."

The doctor's voice was urgent. "You can't! You have a brain tumor, so the pressure inside your brain isn't normal. Getting on a plane might cause a lot of problems. You need a pressure test first."

Maria froze. How could this be…? She had already decided to disappear tonight, and now, she couldn't leave after all.

The doctor sounded relieved that he had reached her in time. "Come to the hospital tomorrow for a checkup. I'll assess whether you're fit to fly."

The doctor hung up, and the cab arrived.

The driver rolled down his window. "Miss, are you getting in?"

Maria hesitated, then said, "Yes. Take me to the Blue Moon Hotel."

She made a point of avoiding any hotel linked to Richard. After she checked in, she soaked in a long, hot bath and closed her eyes as she thought about her situation.

If flying was impossible, she could book passage on a ship and leave by sea. It would be slower, but she could see the scenery and get there in three to five days. It wasn't so bad.

Her nose suddenly itched as she thought about it. Fighting off the drowsiness, she looked down and saw little blooms of blood spreading in the tub. She pinched her nose to stop it and sat still for a while, then got up and went to bed.

Her phone was quiet all night.

Maybe Richard had read the letter and was glad she had given the spot to Eleanor.

She lay down on the bed and fell asleep without realizing it.

The next morning, she packed and was about to head to the hospital when her phone rang. The caller ID read "Mrs. Jones."

Maria paused. It was Jonathan's homeroom teacher.

"Hello, Mrs. Jones?" Maria answered.

Mrs. Jones' tone was urgent as she explained to Maria, "Is this Jonathan's mother? Can you come to the school right away? Jonathan got into a fight and scratched another child's forehead. The other parents are here and want to speak with you."

Maria's heart tightened with maternal instinct. "What about Jonathan? Is he hurt?"

"He's not hurt, but he won't apologize. The other parents are really upset," Mrs. Jones said helplessly.

It was a weekday, and Richard would be busy. Maria had always handled school matters.

She told herself she could do this one last thing as Jonathan's mother. She couldn't bear to imagine the boy facing teachers and angry parents alone.

And so, Maria went straight to the school. She got out of the car and hurried to Mrs. Jones's office, picturing Jonathan lonely and scared.

Before she even entered, a clear, sweet voice reached her.

"Jonny didn't start it. He was scolded for not doing his homework. When he got upset, your child kept teasing him for not getting a gold star. That's why they fought. How can the fault be with Jonny, Mr. Cook?"

Maria's heart skipped a beat as she listened. She stepped inside and took in the scene, her breathing turning rapid.

Eleanor stood in a light-colored strapless dress, her hair half tied by a white ribbon, looking impossibly graceful even from the back. Richard stood beside her in a black suit, shoulders broad. Jonathan, the child Maria dedicated her whole life to, was hugging Eleanor's hand, leaning into her.

The three of them looked like a happy family.

The other parent, calmed by Eleanor's words, dropped the complaint.

Eleanor bent and ruffled Jonathan's hair. "Jonny, why don't you apologize to Sam?"

Jonny pouted, but went over and apologized.

Both families reconciled.

The teachers around them sighed in relief and looked at Eleanor with admiration. "Mrs. Shaw, you really have a way with children. Jonathan wouldn't apologize at all before. All you need to say is a few words, and he listens."

Richard's expression tightened with a frown. "She's not…"

Mr. Cook laughed. "Mr. Shaw, you're lucky to have a wife like her. Mine's a real handful! You two are perfect together. I wish you both plenty of happiness."

Richard's face darkened. "She's not his mother."

Eleanor's smile froze and she hugged Jonathan a little closer.

Jonathan blurted, "She may not be my real mom, but she's way better!"

The room became awkward, and Richard shot Jonathan a warning glare.

Maria watched from the doorway, chest tight and light-headed. She gripped the doorframe and watched it all. She felt like she was wilting, a woman dying from her sickness. Everyone she had thought of as family was slipping away, all running toward the blooming Eleanor.

Jonathan suddenly turned and saw her.

"Mom!" he shouted; he broke away from Eleanor and ran out.

When Richard saw Maria, he walked straight over. For a moment, Maria was stunned.

Jonathan yanked at Maria's sleeve, eyes full of anger. "It's all your fault! Why didn't you make me do my homework last night? If you did, I wouldn't have missed the gold star. Sam wouldn't tease me, and I wouldn't have fought with him! It's all your fault!"

He pulled and shoved her. Even a child could apply a lot of force; Maria felt faint and staggered, almost falling. Someone caught her—she found herself in Richard's arms.

He lowered his head and glared at Jonathan. "Apologize to your mother! Who said you can treat her like that? Not making you do your homework? You're old enough to do your homework by yourself!"

At home, Richard had always used strict discipline. Jonathan was afraid of an angry Richard, and he instantly trembled and went quiet. His eyes were red, but he pouted and still refused to apologize.

Maria steadied herself and gently pushed Richard away.

Noticing she wasn't doing alright, he looked at her with concern. "Are you okay?"

Maria shook her head.

Richard squeezed her hand to reassure her and said sternly, "Jonathan, apologize."

Jonathan shuddered.

Behind Jonathan, Eleanor's eyes narrowed as she looked at the way Richard and Maria's hands clasped. Then she quickly looked away, stepping forward with a smile.

"Richard, don't be so harsh. Jonny just got scolded after a fight, and he's still upset. I'm sure his mom won't hold it against him, right?"

Maria looked up and met Eleanor's eyes. Now that they were close, she could smell a faint citrus scent on Eleanor—the same scent she had noticed on Richard the night before. Her heart shuddered as she reflexively pulled her hand away from Richard.

Eleanor smiled widely and didn't seem to mind Maria not answering her. "Richard, this is my first time meeting Jonathan's mom. Aren't you going to introduce us?"

Richard froze, taken aback.

Maria watched Richard in silence, somewhat pale. Standing beside him was his legal wife. How was he supposed to introduce her in front of the woman he truly loved? If she were in his place, she would be stuck as well.

Richard met her eyes.

"This is Eleanor Cooper. We've known each other for a long time. She's…" he said quietly, pausing before continuing, "…a friend."

Maybe it was Maria's imagination, but when Richard said the word friend, it sounded unusually stiff. She trembled, but she kept her voice steady. "A long time? I see, so you were childhood friends."

Eleanor smiled.

"No, we met when we were twenty. Back then…" She covered her mouth and giggled softly. "Back then, Richard's haircut was so funny. It was a modern take on a traditional style. Heads turned the moment he got on campus."

Richard shook his head helplessly. "Are you bringing that up again?"

"So what if I do? I still have pictures from back then. Don't make me angry, or I'll show them to your wife," Eleanor teased, reaching over to tap Richard's arm.

Jonathan ran up and hugged Eleanor's arm. "What pictures? I want to see!"

Seeing them together was difficult for Maria. Anyone watching would think Eleanor belonged with the father and son, and that Maria was the outsider.

Eleanor smoothed Jonathan's cheek and winked. "I'll show you in secret later."

Richard smiled faintly and glanced at Maria, who looked so fragile and thin that he feared she might fall from a breeze. He hurried after her and caught her arm.

"What's wrong? Don't get angry at Jonathan. I'll teach him a lesson. I'll make him apologize at home tomorrow properly."

Maria bit her lip. "Did you read what I left you?"

Richard looked puzzled. "What did you leave?"

Seeing that he hadn't read her letter, Maria forced a small smile. "Never mind. I'm going home first. Remember to look in the study tonight."

"I'll take you home," Richard said, signaling to the driver across the street to pull over.

Maria refused to get in. Instead, she pulled her arm free and insisted on taking a cab. Richard stood and watched the cab drive off, then Eleanor came over and chatted with him.

Maria glanced back and saw them laughing together after Eleanor seemed to say something to him. She turned away, feeling a sharp sting in her palm. When she opened her hand, she saw purplish crescent marks where she had clenched her fist.

She didn't look back and left resolutely.

Back at the hotel, the doctor called and asked her to come in for a pressure test in two days.

Maria didn't want to stay, but the testing schedule was crowded with elderly patients who had to fly for treatment. Among the many patients on the schedule, she was the only person who was seriously ill and needed the test.

She went back to the hotel and deleted all of Richard's contact information.

At five, Jonathan was brought home by the driver. He tossed his bag aside and shouted, "Mom! I'm doing my homework now. I don't want to get in trouble at school again!"

He regretted playing the night before. Even though his mom nagged, he would lose his gold star and fall behind his classmates if he ignored her reminders. He didn't want to be teased by others!

Jonathan ran through the house looking for Maria, but he couldn't find her. "Mr. Graham, where's my mom?"

Mr. Graham came from the kitchen. "I haven't seen the madam. Maybe she's out. Would you like some egg custard?"

Jonathan pouted. "Yours isn't as good as Mom's. Never mind."

He went back to his room, played his console for a while, then glanced at the time and brought his homework out from the study. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, he muttered, "It's just homework. I can do it myself."

However, he quickly realized he couldn't.

No one was there to explain the questions. No one to help him massage his eyes when his eyes got tired. He had gotten used to his mom handing him fruit while he worked.

Annoyed, he went to find the butler and the maids. But the butler wasn't familiar with his schoolwork, and the maids didn't know how to help with his study routine. They could slice the fruits for him, but they didn't know when he wanted them to feed him.

Jonathan's face fell. He remembered how relaxing it was to do homework on the balcony, with a breeze and his mom beside him. Maybe homework wasn't so bad.

He finally couldn't take it. "I'm calling Mom!"

Mr. Graham quickly handed him his smartwatch. After several rings, she picked up.

"Mom, where are you? Why aren't you home?" Jonathan demanded.

Maria was silent for two seconds, then asked quietly, "Do you need something?"

"I'm still waiting for you to help me with my homework. Are you trying to get me punished again tomorrow? Come home," Jonathan urged, his tone upset.

Maria's grip tightened around the phone. Her expression cooled. She had given everything, and ended up raising a boy who was impatient only with her but polite with everyone else. She had never been shown any real respect.

"Don't you like Eleanor? Go ask her for help. Don't call me."

Then, she hung up.

Jonathan was stunned; he held the watch, unable to believe his mother was being so cold with him.

A car soon pulled up downstairs, and Jonathan ran to complain to Richard.

Richard listened and snorted. "You brought this on yourself by making her angry. I'll go find her. When she comes back, you will apologize to her properly. Understood?"

Jonathan mumbled an unwilling yes.

Half an hour later, someone knocked on Maria's door at the hotel. She opened it, expecting a hotel staff member. Instead, she met a pair of dark eyes.

She froze. "How did you find me?"

Richard stepped in carrying a bowl of ravioli. "Have you eaten? I got these for you. Crab ravioli with extra vinegar, just how you like it. Eat while they're hot."

He was still in the same crisp suit he wore to the company, the one she had ironed for him. He took off his suit, looked around the room, and started packing her things as he rolled up his sleeves and got Maria's coat.

"Come home with me. It's not convenient here. Jonny needs some discipline. Let's go back and handle him together. Don't run away just because you're angry."

Maria quietly watched him crouch to fold her clothes and felt a single tear fall. She quickly turned her head and wiped it away.

"Did you look at what I left on your desk?"

Richard froze and looked up. "What did you leave? You've already asked me that twice today."