After dinner, We were almost done with the spaghetti when Theo looked up at me. "We should leave some for Dad when he comes home," he said.
I smiled softly at his thoughtfulness. "Yes, we should."
Later, as he prepared for bed, Theo said, "Mommy, I'm so lucky you're my mother." He hugged me tightly, and then added, "I'm lucky I have the same hair as you, because it looks like the moon."
Tears welled up in my eyes. "Thank you, sweetie. Now go to bed, okay?" I kissed him on the forehead, trying not to cry in front of him.
As Theo headed to bed, I heard a knock on the door. I wasn't expecting anyone, so I quickly opened it. To my surprise, it was Darian—drunk—and his secretary was with him.
"I'm so sorry, Mrs. Thornwell," the secretary said, her voice apologetic. "Darian had too much to drink at the party. I'm just helping him get home."
Her appearance was every bit the stereotypical secretary—brown hair, a bright smile that didn't seem to reach her eyes. I forced a smile in return. "It's okay. Let me help you," I said, helping her carry Darian to our bedroom.
As we entered the room, she glanced at me with curiosity. "Where are your maids, Mrs. Thornwell?"
"They went home early," I replied firmly. "It's my birthday, and I wanted to spend it with my son."
She nodded. "Of course. I'll leave now."
As we walked down the stairs, she paused. "Can I use the restroom before I go?"
I directed her to the kitchen and settled down on the couch, waiting for her to finish. After a while, growing impatient, I decided to check on her. When I reached the guest room upstairs, I heard voices coming from inside—the secretary's and Darian's. I didn't need to open the door to know what they were doing.
I ran to my bedroom, tears streaming down my face. He tried to cheat on me—on my birthday. Anger surged inside me, and I started throwing anything I could get my hands on.
I had been foolish, hadn't I? I should've stopped this a long time ago. I knew I shouldn't let him treat me this way. But now, I can't ignore it anymore.
In my frenzy, I spotted an old silver pocket watch on the dresser—my 15th birthday gift from my mother. This was the watch Darian had given to me when we first met. In that moment, I felt nothing but contempt for it.
I grabbed the pocket watch and hurled it across the room. Why did I fall in love with you, Darian? I thought, my heart shattering. I wish we never met. I wish I could turn back time. I wish I hadn't chosen you.
Exhausted and broken, I fell asleep, tears soaking my pillow.
When I woke up, I immediately sensed something was different—something had changed overnight. But I couldn't yet put my finger on what it was..