My son, Jasper Cole, won the gold prize in an art competition. When I took off my apron and rushed to the award ceremony, I found that the painting titled 'Mother' was not of me but Maeve Leighton, my husband's secretary.

Maeve pretended to be troubled as she told my son, "Your mom will be sad when she sees this painting."

However, Jasper was unperturbed. "What does her sadness have to do with me? She's an ordinary-looking and incompetent housewife, always nagging me about what I can and can’t do. She's too strict with me. It's annoying! Maeve, I wish you were my mother. My dad doesn't like my mom at all. He's only happy when he's with you. He's only with my mom because he feels obligated."

My heart broke at that moment. Since he no longer wanted me as his mother, it was pointless for me to stay. I called my dad. "Dad, I want to go home. Can you pick me up?"

My dad could not believe it. He answered after a long pause, "Of course. I'll come pick up my brilliant daughter in three days."

I had just ended my phone call with my dad when a text message from my husband, Felix Cole, popped up.

Felix: [Jasper won the gold prize in the art competition. I'm holding a celebration party for him tonight. Get everything ready.]

Felix was the leader of the Reapers, a powerful local mafia. Every time he held a party, I would be so exhausted that I would feel like a zombie by the end of it.

I needed to make sure our home was secure, prepare sufficient food and beverages, and send every guest home. I also needed to clean up the villa thoroughly after the party. I used to be willing to do so, thinking I was contributing to my family. However, I now understood that they did not care about anything I did.

I had decided to leave, but I would fulfill my duties as a wife and a mother before I went.

When my son, Jasper, came home with Maeve Leighton, I was in the kitchen instructing the housekeepers to decant the wine, grill the steaks, arrange the tableware, and set up the party hall.

Maeve praised me to Jasper, "The cake your mom made is so beautiful. But look at me—I don't know anything."

Jasper replied with disdain, "What's so great about this? Any housekeeper at home could do it. Ms. Leighton, you know archery, the law, and investment. You're also beautiful. My mom simply can't compare with you."

His words pierced my heart like a sharp knife. He had no idea that I was the youngest daughter of financial tycoon, Anthony Shaw, and a top student at Harford University back in the day. While serving as the captain of the university cheerleading team, I also took up three majors—neurosurgery, law, and financial management.

My family was against my relationship with Felix, so I severed ties with them to marry Felix. I followed him to start a new life in a strange city, Maxic. I gave up the career I was pursuing as a surgeon, an offer to join the world's top law firm, and the position of financial director in the world's largest multinational group to start a family.

I never expected my own son to despise me like this now.

Maeve walked into the kitchen and said she wanted to learn how to bake a cake from me, but she accidentally knocked over the cake I had prepared.

When Jasper found out that the cake was ruined, he rushed in and yelled at me, "You're really dumb. You can't even make a cake! My friends will be here soon, and I've already told them that I'd prepare a seven-layer cake to welcome them!"

I looked at Maeve, but she just looked at me defiantly. I wanted to explain, but I shut up when I thought about how Jasper would always choose to side with Maeve every time I had a conflict with her. I just wanted the argument to be over with, so I said gently, "Sorry, my hand slipped."

Jasper seemed even angrier when he heard my apology. "I hate you. What else can you do besides apologize? I know you did it on purpose. You're trying to get back at me and embarrass me because I didn't paint you for the competition!"

My eyes reddened. How could Jasper think of me like this? As his mother, I would never think of getting back at him even if he did something wrong.

Jasper's acceptance speech came to my mind again.

He had said, "I painted the mother of my dreams. I hope that one day, she can really become my mom."

Jasper did not want me as his mother anymore.

Maeve tapped Jasper on the head. "How did I educate you? How could you be so mean to your own mother?"

She turned to look at me again. "Naomi, I'm sorry. I didn't educate Jasper properly. I apologize to you on his behalf."

Maeve spoke as if she were the madam of the house and Jasper's mother while I was just a guest. In the past, I would have argued with her, but I did not want to do so anymore. She would probably become the true madam and Jasper's mother after I left.

She continued to regard herself as Jasper's mother, squatting down to coax Jasper. "Don't be upset. I'll send someone to issue an order immediately. I'll buy you 100 cakes."

Jasper cheered up and gave Maeve a peck. "Ms. Leighton, you're the best. You're 100 times better than my mom. She'll only apologize when she encounters a problem, but you'll always find a way to solve the problem."

I had no idea why Jasper saw me this way. When he gained weight, I accompanied him to exercise. When he was falling behind in his studies, I got a teaching certificate to teach him myself. I also hired the best doctor when he was sick. I was always like Superman, solving every problem he encountered.

The butler, Alfred Daniels, was furious and seemed to want to defend me, but I raised my hand to stop him.

After Maeve took Jasper out to play, he said indignantly, "Mrs. Cole, why didn't you refute? How could Mr. Jasper talk to you like that?"

I smiled at Alfred. "It doesn't matter. He's still a child. Speaking of which, have you memorized today's party rundown? I'm going to have to trouble you for future parties."

"Why?" Felix's voice suddenly rang out behind me.

I froze but soon relaxed. "Oh, it's nothing. You always say I don't do a good job planning the parties. I think Alfred will do better than me."

Alfred looked upset, probably sensing that I wanted to leave. He could see that the mother Jasper had painted was not me, my family was neglecting me, and even how I had not defended myself today. After all, those who had chosen to leave would always do so quietly—just like me today.

However, Felix, my own husband, seemed to notice nothing. "You can't even plan a party well. You should learn from Maeve in the future."

I lied that I was tired and went back to my room to rest, but I was actually packing my luggage. There were still 48 hours before I left.

Through the window, I saw Felix competing with Maeve in target shooting. Jasper kept cheering Maeve on. Seeing Maeve falling behind, Felix deliberately missed a shot. They interacted closely, just like a family of three, while I was the extra.

During the last shot, Maeve's aim suddenly went off and the bullet shot toward me.

Everyone exclaimed in surprise while Felix nervously ran toward me.

I was so startled that I froze on the spot and did not dodge. Fortunately, the bullet was blocked by bulletproof glass and did not hurt me.

Jasper's first reaction was to ask, "Ms. Leighton, are you okay? Did it scare you?"

I felt like I was going to lose my mind. It was Maeve who shot at me, but Jasper did not care about my life or death at all.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief for my luck, but I noticed Maeve's resentful and regretful expression. I turned and left, ignoring her.

Felix angrily came upstairs to find me. "Naomi, can't you hide when you see a bullet? When will you be able to react as quickly as Maeve? You're the wife of a mafia leader. I don't need someone so scared that she freezes when she sees a bullet!"

As expected, he did not need me either.

"Sorry, I won't do it again."

I would not, because I would be leaving, and the mafia's dangerous life would have nothing to do with me from then on.

The party lasted all night.

The next day, I spent the whole day cleaning with the maids.

Maeve had gotten drunk last night and was now asleep with Jasper by her side. They were so intimate that they looked like mother and son.

Jasper used to be clingy to me, always wanting to sleep with me. He said that I smelled good and that it put him at ease. Felix seemed to love me very much at that time too. He would get angry every time Jasper took all my attention.

Memories of the past came to my mind, and I could not help but feel soft-hearted toward Jasper. I was his mother, and I was willing to be a good mother before I left.

When I went to carry him back to his room, he suddenly opened his eyes and glared at me. "Leave me alone. I want to sleep with Ms. Leighton. She smells good, and it relaxes me."

I was so heartbroken that I could not speak. I could only comfort myself.

It was alright. He had found a new mother and would not cry or be upset after I left. He would even be happy.

When Maeve was about to leave, Jasper was reluctant to let her go. He even sent her from the hall to the yard and then to the intersection outside.

I suddenly wondered how he would react if I left. I muttered, "Jasper, will you be sad if I leave?"

He rolled his eyes and continued playing his video games. "Why would I be sad? I couldn't be happier. No one will care if I eat ten hamburgers a day. I can stay up playing video games all night if I want to. I don't have to practice swimming and rock climbing every day either. And I can sleep in every day!"

My smile froze. It was good that he would not be upset. This way, I could leave without worry.

Today was the third day—the day I would leave.

I left the divorce agreement I had prepared on the bedside table and handed Alfred a booklet detailing Jasper's daily routine.

While I was packing my luggage, I suddenly received a text message from Felix: [Prepare a cake and come to Maple Restaurant.]

I was overjoyed, thinking, 'Does he remember that today is my birthday?'

I finished making the cake and rushed to Maple Restaurant, only to discover that Maeve was also there with Felix and Jasper. It was unclear whether it was intentional or coincidental, but they were wearing clothes of the same color, which made them look like a family.

Jasper saw me and rushed over to grab the cake. "Mom, today is Ms. Leighton's birthday. She said she was very sorry that she couldn't try the cake you made last time. That's why I asked you to make one and bring it over."

I gave a self-mocking smile. I had thought Felix and Jasper were going to celebrate my birthday, but it turned out they had forgotten all about it. "I've delivered the cake. Can I leave now?"

I was just about to leave when Felix grabbed my hand. "Why are you so pale? Have you had lunch? Have a meal with us."

His tone was not one of discussion but of notification.

When we walked into the private room together, the manager came up to greet us. "Wow, your family of three is so good-looking."

Another manager came over to serve me. "Ma'am, are you alone?"

Things instantly turned awkward. To outsiders, the three of them seemed like a family.

I did not mind being alone. However, before I could say a word, Felix suddenly came over and took my hand. "She's my wife. We're together."

The two managers apologized, but they looked at me with sympathy. As outsiders, they could tell immediately that Maeve, Felix, and Jasper were more like a family.

I was quiet throughout the meal so that I would not disturb the 'family of three' from celebrating Maeve's birthday. The three of them were talking and laughing, making me look out of place.

Felix suddenly leaned close to my ear. "What's wrong?"

I thought he was concerned about me, but he unexpectedly said, "Look happy. Today is Maeve's birthday. You can't embarrass her like this."

I forced a smile and laughed at myself for being stupid. I should not expect Felix and Jasper to care about me.

Seeing that I was so close to Felix, Maeve looked a little displeased. She suggested cutting the cake as she could not wait to try the cake I had made.

Felix and Jasper sang Happy Birthday to Maeve. They also prepared gifts for her. Jasper made a birthday card for her while Felix gave her a sapphire necklace.

It was also my birthday today, yet no one remembered it, let alone got me any gifts.

Maeve took the first bite of the cake and looked at me with shining eyes. "Thank you for the cake. It's delicious..." Before she could finish speaking, her face suddenly turned pale as if she could not breathe. "Peanuts... You put peanut butter in the cake..."

Felix asked in disbelief, "You know Maeve is allergic to peanuts, yet you deliberately added peanuts to the cake. Do you want to kill her?"

Jasper looked at me as if he wanted to kill me. "What? How could I have such a vicious mother? Ms. Leighton likes you. We even asked you to make a cake and deliver it here, but you want to hurt her! If something happens to Ms. Leighton, I'll never call you 'Mom' again!"

I paused. I had not done anything, and they had not even verified anything. However, they had simply decided I was the villain just because of Maeve's casual remark! They were too busy fussing over Maeve to notice me turning away, devastated.

When I went home to get my luggage, Alfred stopped me from leaving. "Mrs. Cole, Mr. Cole won't want to see you leave. I'll ask him to come back."

Alfred called Felix, his tone sounding anxious from almost being in tears. "Mr. Cole, Mrs. Cole is leaving..."

Felix was probably accompanying Maeve in the hospital. He replied impatiently, "If she wants to leave, let her go. She did something wrong, and she's still thinking of threatening me? Tell her never to come back once she leaves."

I heard Jasper crying on the phone. He kept asking when Maeve would wake up.

Alfred ended the call in despair. I turned around and left without hesitation.

My dad was waiting for me outside. He got out of the car and opened his arms. "Happy birthday, my darling."

I walked over, smiling and crying. It turned out that someone out there still remembered my birthday. I threw myself into my dad's arms. Finally, I could go home.