Chapter 2

After filing her police report, Avery had just returned to the house and started packing when the bedroom door was suddenly kicked open. Calvin stood in the doorway, his face dark and stormy. Behind him, Noah and Simon glared at her like she was some kind of villain. "So, it was you who called the cops and accused Britney of murder?" Calvin asked coldly. "Who the hell did she kill? When are you going to stop with this nonsense?" Before Avery could respond, Noah rushed forward and shoved her. "Bad mom! Will you only be happy if you get Britney killed?" Simon barreled in too, his little fists pummeling her legs. "You're so mean! Britney's so nice. Why would you make up lies about her?" Avery stumbled backward, hitting the wardrobe hard enough that pain shot through her back. Her eyes were red as she looked at her family, her voice trembling. "She swapped the dummy with my brother. Henry died because of her. Why shouldn't I report it to the police?" All three of them froze. Calvin let out a cold laugh. "What are you talking about? Britney would never do something like that!" Avery started to laugh, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Go ahead, call my brother. See if he picks up." Calvin frowned, then pulled out his phone and dialed Henry's number. Ring after ring echoed through the room. Finally, the call disconnected. No one answered. Calvin's face darkened. Just as he was about to say something, the bedroom door creaked open. Britney stepped inside, pale and fragile as she leaned against the frame. "I heard... Henry went on a graduation trip. Maybe he just doesn't have service and missed the call." Noah and Simon rushed over to support her, one on each side. "Britney, why are you out of the hospital? Didn't the doctor say you needed to rest?" Britney gave a faint smile. "I heard Avery reported me for murder. How could I not show up to clear things up?" She looked at Avery with eyes full of gentle sorrow. "Avery, I understand what you're worried about. Calvin and I were in love, but that's all in the past. You two are married now, and I would never try to come between you. You don't need to accuse me of murder. That's a very serious accusation." Noah immediately looked up at Britney with admiration. "Just look at Britney! She's so mature. Mom, you should learn from her!" Simon pouted, "Noah's right. Mom, all you do is lie and hurt people!" Avery's whole body shook as she dug her nails into her palms. "When the police finish their investigation, you'll all see who's telling the truth." "An investigation?" Calvin scoffed. "There's nothing to investigate. You lied about Britney. That's the truth!" He stared down at her, making it clear he wouldn't hear another word. "I've already made some calls and had the case dropped. No one in Westbridge is going to take your case." Avery stared at him in disbelief. Just as she was about to speak, her phone rang. It was the police. "Ms. Sterling, I'm sorry, but your case has been dropped. Mr. Grant spoke with us himself. There's nothing we can do. You... You have my condolences, but no one in Westbridge will take this case." With that, the call ended. Avery stood there, freezing cold, while grief, despair, and fury all crashed over her at once. It felt as if someone had carved a piece out of her heart. For a moment, she could barely see straight from the pain. And then, finally, she laughed. Looking at her husband and sons, she laughed so hard that tears streamed down her cheeks. For some reason, Calvin's chest tightened. He tried to soften his tone. "Let's just be done with all this. Maybe I went a little too far this time and scared you, so I'm sorry." He paused for a moment, then continued, "Whatever compensation you want, I'll make it up to you." But as Avery's tears kept falling, her eyes turned colder. She wiped her cheeks, then turned and walked slowly to the dresser, moving like someone saying goodbye to the life she'd known. When she finally pulled out the divorce papers, her hands trembled—not from anger or sadness, but from the calm relief of finally letting go.