Back home, Elijah began gathering up our belongings.

Years ago, on a mission in the Alps with Elijah, my back was injured. He nearly slipped, and when I grabbed him to prevent his fall, I slammed against the rocks. Since then, lying on a hard bed or feeling cold causes sharp pain.

When we got married, my parents spent a lot on a memory foam mattress as part of my dowry. But Elijah dismissively discarded it, carefully covering it with a clean white cloth: "It's getting cold, and Paisley is alone with Ace, especially since Ace is young and sensitive to the chill. Even if we have to endure discomfort, the child shouldn't suffer..."

I then noticed the TV from the living room was gone too. Elijah had packed it into a cardboard box, intending to send it to Paisley and Ace. Seeing my confused expression, Elijah explained: "Ace is a little kid, and Paisley is tied up with work and doesn’t have much time to entertain him. We hardly watch that TV anyway; let it keep the kid company."

If our child were still alive, he’d probably be around Ace's age now.

Early in our marriage, Elijah wasn’t keen on having kids. Only under pressure from his parents did he reluctantly suggest we wait and see. The pregnancy was unexpected, and with Elijah unsure about it, he insisted I keep it from my family.

That same year, Paisley returned flaunting her pregnancy with her new partner, even having Elijah drive the company car to pick them up. On the way, there was a car accident. Despite his injuries, Elijah immediately carried Paisley to safety. When help arrived, I was stuck in my seat, bleeding, while all I could hear was Elijah shouting—

"Get Paisley to the hospital first, I've got Alora!"

In the end, Paisley escaped with just a few scratches and a fright, but our child did not survive.

Faced with this tragedy, Elijah was even more adamant about keeping it from the family.

In the hospital room, as I was weak and grieving the loss of our child, Elijah stood firm and claimed, "I am a soldier; it is my duty to protect civilians. As my spouse, you should be ready for sacrifice in the most critical moments."

"If you can't handle this sacrifice, how can you be fit to be a leader's wife?"

And now, with nerve, he asked me, "Have you finalized those transfer papers for Paisley?"

Recently, my workplace provided me with an apartment. Unfortunately, Paisley Campbell missed the opportunity, so she and her son Ace are still living in the apartment Elijah Watkins rented.

During the tour of the apartment, Paisley's eyes filled with tears. "I wish I could have a place like this," she said wistfully. "It would mean Ace wouldn't have to keep moving around with me."

Without hesitation, Elijah promised to give her my apartment. I hesitated and instinctively glanced at the file in my drawer. It didn't contain any property transfer papers, but rather the confidentiality agreement for a major project I had signed.

Seeing my hesitation, Elijah misinterpreted my pause and frowned. "We agreed on this, right? Don’t start getting second thoughts. If you change your mind, I’ll divorce you right away!"

Feigning concern, I asked, "But if I give her the apartment, where will I stay?"

Elijah replied impatiently, "Didn’t you also get another one assigned to me? It's tough for Paisley and Ace as a single mom and child—you should show some kindness!"

He paused and then added, "And when you're around Ace, try not to look so stern—it might frighten him."

"Our child is gone, but can't you treat Paisley's son as if he were our own and help take care of them for me?"

With that, he headed to the living room to call the security staff to move the furniture out.

I quickly caught up with him and flashed a cheerful smile. "Isn't it too late to bother them now?"

"I'll handle it tomorrow."

"And I'll make sure to deliver the property papers, giving both you and Paisley a wonderful surprise!"

Early in the morning, Paisley arrived with her son.

As soon as she let go of his hand, Ace jumped into Elijah’s arms, calling out 'Uncle!' over and over.

Paisley chuckled and said, "This kid is so attached to you. He insists that Uncle Elijah has to take him to school!"

Without looking back, Elijah grabbed his coat and said, "Alright, let me get ready and we'll head out."

Paisley then turned her attention to me and tentatively asked, "Alora, about the house..."

I responded with a smile, "Once Elijah signs the papers, I'll sign too."

Elijah paused mid-coat and asked, "What do I need to sign for your house?"

Before I could answer, he continued irritably, "It's just a house I promised to give Paisley. Why are you making a fuss?"

"If it wasn't for the fact that the house I have is far from here and inconvenient for taking Ace to school, do you think I care about getting this one?" I retorted.

"The deed has your name on it," I pointed out, "I won't feel secure living there unless you transfer ownership to me."

Elijah was taken aback, "Alora, after all these years together, you’re getting hung up on this?"

Was it being hung up, indeed? After consulting with a lawyer, I learned that for any property registered under Elijah’s name, even if considered marital property, I’d need his consent to make any changes.

Unless he agrees to transfer it to me. I slid the pre-prepared agreement onto the table and said, "You sign, then I sign, or just forget it!"

Elijah’s expression darkened as he looked at me, clearly puzzled by this sudden demand. I felt a bit uneasy since within that stack of papers, besides the house transfer agreement, there was also the divorce agreement.

Just then, Paisley tugged at Elijah’s arm and whispered, "Elijah, Ace is going to be late for school..."

Elijah gave me a cold stare, finally signed the papers, and tossed them to me with impatience.

"Complete the transfer by this afternoon. Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for Paisley and Ace to move in."

I squinted and smiled. By this afternoon, I'd have enough time to pack my things and make my exit.