Chapter 3

Three days after the divorce, Derek called.

“Sarah, there’s a complication with the guarantee. Might need to wait a few more days.”

My tone was calm: “How long?”

“About… two or three weeks.”

“Okay.”

“Don’t worry. When it’s done, I’ll personally come get you and bring you home.”

“Alright.”

After hanging up, I stared at the call log.

He’d stopped calling me “honey.”

The change came quickly.

Madison asked me out to dinner and wanted to know my next move.

“I’m going to meet someone.”

“Who?”

“Derek’s mom.”

“Why would you meet her?”

“To test the waters.”

The next day, I brought fruit to my ex-mother-in-law Helen’s house.

When she saw me, her expression showed a moment of awkwardness, but quickly returned to normal.

“Sarah, come in and sit.”

“Helen, I came to check on you.”

She took the fruit: “You’re so thoughtful, even after the divorce.”

I laughed coldly inside but kept my face neutral.

“Helen, what’s Derek been busy with lately? He mentioned guaranteeing a loan for a friend. Who’s this friend?”

Her hand paused.

“I’m not really sure. I don’t get too involved in Derek’s business.”

“Really?” I smiled. “Is this friend’s last name Clarke?”

Her expression froze.

“Vanessa Clarke, right?” I looked at her. “Helen, have you met her?”

The living room fell silent for a few seconds.

She set down the fruit, her face changing: “Sarah, what are you implying?”

“Nothing.” I stood up. “Just asking.”

“You…” She pointed at me. “You’re divorced and you’re still here causing trouble?”

“Helen, I’m not causing trouble.” I picked up my bag. “Your son started this with me. Fake divorce, ha.”

“That was for your own good! Once the guarantee thing is done…”

“Helen,” I interrupted her, “how old is the child Vanessa Clarke gave him?”

Her face went white as a sheet.

I walked to the door and looked back at her.

“Tell Derek I have something for him.”

Outside the complex, I called Madison.

“Confirmed. There’s a child.”

“How can you be sure?”

“Her reaction.” I took a deep breath. “Also, that phone call three years ago when Derek said ‘when the time’s right I’ll dump her’ — I finally understand what he meant.”

Madison fell silent on the other end.

“Their child should be over two years old now.” I said. “The timing matches perfectly. Three years ago was right when that child was conceived.”

“Sarah…”

“I’m fine.” My voice was calm. “I was mentally prepared for this.”

But after hanging up, I squatted by the roadside and cried for a long time.

Not because I was heartbroken.

But because the breath I’d been holding for three years finally had an outlet.