Chapter 2: Leaving This House for Good

The living room was eerily silent.

Graham Whitaker glanced down at the divorce papers spread before him, then let out a cold, mocking laugh.

"Stella, are you done with this nonsense?" He pulled at his tie, his sharp gaze fixed on her. "All this because of a fake wedding? Are you really this upset? Is it worth it?"

"Susie has less than six months to live. I’m just helping her fulfill a dying wish. Can’t you be a little more understanding?"

Stella’s fingernails dug into her palms as she stared at the man in front of her. He was familiar yet distant, and his words felt like a dagger to her chest.

Her pain and struggle seemed utterly ridiculous when met with Graham Whitaker’s calm indifference.

"Upset?" she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Graham Whitaker, I’m not upset. I’m exhausted. I don’t have the kind of heart that can tolerate another woman in my marriage, no matter how long she has left to live. I want a divorce."

Graham’s brow furrowed deeply. He stepped closer, his towering figure nearly swallowing her whole.

"You want a divorce? And what about Tyler?" His voice rose sharply. "Who’s going to take care of him?"

At the mention of their son, Stella froze.

But then she thought of the sight in the hotel banquet hall—her son, happily attending Graham and Susie’s fake wedding, even offering his heartfelt blessings.

A sharp pain spread through her chest, stealing her breath.

"Our son…" Her voice cracked, but she forced herself to remain calm. "Tyler will stay with you."

Graham’s eyes widened in surprise. He hadn’t expected her to say that. Pausing, he pulled out a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it with a steady hand.

White smoke curled around his fingers, partially obscuring his expression.

"Stop this, Stella." He took a drag, his tone softening slightly but remaining firm. "Tyler’s still young. He needs you."

In the past, Stella had always relented when he brought up their child.

"Needs me?" Stella suddenly laughed.

The truth was painfully clear—Tyler didn’t need her. He needed Susie Landry.

She pressed the divorce papers into Graham’s hands, her fingers trembling with resolve. "I’ve already signed, Graham Whitaker. It’s over between us."

Graham stared at the signature, her name spelled out in bold strokes: "Stella Summers." Anger flared within him. He felt an irrational urge to tear the papers apart.

Taking a deep breath, he stubbed out his cigarette in a crystal ashtray, the glowing embers extinguished like his wavering emotions.

"Stella—"

Before he could say another word, his phone rang, shattering the tense silence.

"What is it?" he barked into the receiver.

"Mr. Whitaker, Ms. Landry’s condition has suddenly worsened. She needs surgery immediately!"

The voice on the other end echoed into the room, loud enough for Stella to hear. Graham’s brows knit tightly together.

"I’ll be right there," he said, hanging up abruptly.

Without another glance at Stella, he grabbed his coat from the sofa and headed for the door. "We’ll talk about this when I get back," he called over his shoulder.

The door slammed shut, leaving the house in deafening silence once more.

Stella stood frozen, staring at the empty doorway as tears finally spilled down her cheeks.

How familiar this scene was.

She had lost count of the times Graham Whitaker had left her behind because of Susie Landry.

To him, her pain and grievances didn’t matter—not as much as Susie Landry’s condition.

Wiping her tears away, Stella’s expression hardened. She whispered to herself, "Stella, there’s no reason to stay here any longer."

She turned and walked to the bedroom, picking up her clothes and folding them neatly into a suitcase.

Once, she had thought this house was her entire world. She had poured all her love and energy into it. But now, it was nothing more than a prison of betrayal and heartache.

She had to leave, or she would lose herself completely.

Dragging her suitcase through the hallway, Stella paused outside Tyler Whitaker’s room.

She hesitated for a long moment before gently pushing the door open.

The soft glow of a nightlight illuminated the room. Tyler was sitting on his bed, clutching a box of chocolates, a lollipop in his other hand, happily munching away.

Seeing her son, Stella’s heart softened. She walked over and said gently, "Tyler, it’s late. You should go to bed. Eating too much candy isn’t good for your teeth—you’ll get cavities."

Tyler flinched at her voice, instinctively trying to hide the box of chocolates. But then he stopped, his face scrunching up in annoyance.

"Mom, you’re so annoying! Why do you always have to interfere with what I do?" He pushed away her hand as she tried to wipe his mouth.

"I don’t want to sleep yet. Ms. Landry gave me these chocolates and lollipops, and I’m going to eat them all before bed. Can’t you just leave me alone? Ms. Landry wouldn’t nag me like this. She buys me all the treats I want."

Stella’s hand froze mid-air, her heart twisting painfully.

The dependence and fondness Tyler showed for Susie Landry contrasted sharply with the disdain he held for her.

She had endured excruciating labor to bring him into the world, devoted years to caring for him, only to be overshadowed by another woman’s sweet words and a handful of candy.

Her husband and son were both drawn to the other woman.

"Tyler…" Stella’s voice trembled, but she forced herself to keep calm. "Take care of yourself. Eat on time, sleep early, and don’t make yourself sick."

Tyler waved her off dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, I got it. You’re so naggy—I’m tired of hearing it!"

He popped another piece of chocolate into his mouth, mumbling to himself, "Ms. Landry is so much better. She buys me fun stuff and yummy treats. Why can’t you be like her?"

Stella felt her heart sink completely.

"Fine. I’ll grant your wish. I won’t bother you anymore."

"Really?" Tyler’s eyes lit up. He jumped off the bed, cheering, "That’s awesome!"

Stella turned silently, a single tear slipping down her cheek.

Goodbye, Tyler. Take care. Mommy is leaving this house for good.