6

Before I could react, the company board called Bradley away. As soon as Bradley left, the delicate smile on Florence’s face vanished. She calmly picked up her gloves, her red lips parting slightly. “Now that I think about it, I seem more qualified to be Ms. Scott than you. “A stand-in is always a stand-in. I’m back, and you don’t seem to have much of a chance anymore, do you?” She bit into the lobster Bradley had cut, her lips curving into a smug smile. She was certain she would win. After all, Bradley had always been on her side. In the middle of the night, she made a single call and effortlessly took him away from me. Bradley was like that, and my son was even more so. “Your husband and son both like me. What can you do? You’re so pitiful.” Florence sent a photo of them at the beach. I glanced at it and tapped the screen, “It's all yours. I don't want it anymore.” As soon as the message was sent, I blocked her. My attention shifted back to Cherry, who was standing on a small stool, turning on the gas stove. I couldn't help but urge her to order takeout or hire a part-time worker. Cherry puckered her lips, holding the spatula, and said to me, “Cherry said Mom can rely on Cherry.” She skillfully boiled the noodles, fried the egg, and turned off the heat. Her movements were seamless. A plate of creamy mushroom pasta appeared on the table. I instinctively picked up the fork, but Cherry quickly pressed down on my wrist. She swirled up a strand of pasta, blew on it to cool it down, and held it to my lips. “Mom just had surgery, so let Cherry do it.” I was stunned. All this time, I’ve been the one taking care of Tommy and the others. When I got sick, I went to the hospital myself to get an IV. I’ve rarely been cared for so tenderly. The warmth I couldn’t get from Tommy was fully compensated for in the short time I spent with Cherry. A week passed in the blink of an eye. Bradley and his son, whom I hadn't thought about in ages, suddenly reached out to me. “Where did you go? The house is empty.” Bradley's voice was flat, and I didn't bother to guess his intentions. “I moved out.” He paused, then sighed helplessly, “What are you doing? We're just going out for a few days.” I scoffed, feeling inexplicably annoyed. During our marriage, he had the nerve to blame me for going on a trip with another woman? “Gina, come back quickly. It’s raining and thundering tonight, and Tommy can’t sleep without you.” He thought this time would be like before, and I’d give in. “What, the new mom isn’t going to comfort him?” “Gina, are you done yet…” I cut him off directly, “ I’m not done. I’ve sent the divorce agreement to your email. Sign it quickly. I’ll make room for you both.”