Chapter 1

"Dad, does this mean if Eva has a baby in her tummy, you're going to divorce Mom and marry her instead?"

As soon as Jake Holden said those words, the lively private room fell completely silent.

Lucas Holden might have been a father for five years, but he still had the charm of a man used to getting his way. Holding his glass, he looked every bit the refined gentleman.

On the video, there was no hint of anger on his face. He just smiled, patted Jake's head, and said, "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"I'm not talking nonsense. That's what Mom did before, so why can't Eva do it? My birthday wish this year is for Eva to become my mom!"

After that, Jake closed his eyes and made a serious wish in front of his cake. The candlelight danced across his face.

When he opened his eyes, he turned toward Eva Parker and silently mouthed one word that Miranda Tate couldn't possibly mistake—Mom.

That was where the video ended.

Miranda's friend, Hazel Stone, who sent her the video, was so angry that her voice could've shaken the windows down the street.

"What is wrong with your son? You almost died bringing him into this world! You've raised him all these years, and now he turns around and says stuff like that behind your back!

"How can Lucas throw a birthday party for your son and bring some other woman instead of you? Does he have anything but garbage in his head? I swear, your son takes after him!

"Wasn't Eva just supposed to be his assistant? She's got no shame!"

Even after the voice message ended, Miranda could practically still hear Hazel yelling.

At that moment, she played the video again. In it, Lucas and Eva sat on either side of Jake, looking just like a family.

Eva had been Lucas' assistant for two years. She was a fresh graduate, pretty, and always smiling.

Miranda had met Eva twice—once when Eva drove a drunk Lucas home, and another time around Thanksgiving, when Miranda brought Jake to Lucas' office. Eva had even given her a silk scarf as a gift.

At first, Miranda had actually liked Eva.

Jake liked her, too. Over time, he grew closer to Eva and went from calling her "Ms. Parker" to just "Eva".

"Eva can do everything. She's awesome."

"Why don't you know how, Mom? Eva knows. I'll just go ask her."

"Mom, all you ever do is tell me what not to do! Eva never does that! She's so nice. Why can't she be my mom?"

Miranda tried to talk to Lucas about it, but he brushed her off, acting like she was making a big deal out of nothing. And whenever Miranda pushed back, Lucas' face would turn cold.

"You can't even teach your own kid, yet you're blaming someone else because your son likes her more? Why don't you look at yourself for once?"

That left Miranda furious, so she stopped Jake from seeing Eva. She thought that would be the end of it, but it turned out they'd been meeting behind her back the whole time.

The way Jake looked at Eva and mouthed "Mom" felt like a knife twisting in Miranda's chest. She stared at the birthday cake she'd ordered a week ahead and the present she'd picked out so carefully, feeling a pain she couldn't describe.

She'd gone to pick Jake up from school early that day, only for the teacher to tell her that Lucas had already called him out sick.

When Miranda called Lucas, she found out he'd planned a birthday party for Jake. He hadn't invited her and didn't even tell her where it was, yet Eva was there.

...

It was almost 10:00 pm when Lucas' car finally pulled up to the gate of their house. He got out, walked around the front, and opened the passenger door.

Eva stepped out, carrying a sleeping Jake in her arms. She wore casual clothes, looking young and beautiful. Standing next to Lucas, they looked like a perfect couple.

Miranda, in her plain loungewear, felt dull and invisible by comparison.

Eva smiled as she saw Miranda. "Good evening, Mrs. Holden."

Miranda shot a look at Celine Adams, the housekeeper, who immediately came forward and took Jake upstairs to bed.

Before Miranda could say a word, Lucas told Eva, "You should head home. I'll have the driver take you since you had some drinks tonight. Don't drive."

He turned and told the driver to take Eva home, sounding thoughtful and caring.

Lucas had those eyes that could make one feel special, like they were the only one he cared about. He used to look at Miranda that way, too, saying, "No matter what happens, just tell me. I'll protect you, always. If you keep things from me, I'll... I'll eat all your snacks!"

Remembering how serious he'd been as a teenager just made Miranda feel foolish now.

At the moment, she could see Eva's ears turn red. Before getting into the car, Eva shot her a smug look.

As Lucas walked up the steps, Miranda asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Jake didn't want you at his birthday party," he replied.

"So, whatever Jake wants, you'll just let him have it? If he wants Eva to be his mother, would you go along with that, too?"

Lucas looked surprised and a little angry. "Are you spying on me now?" He let out a cold laugh. "Are you really going to take his joke so seriously? Don't be so petty."

In Lucas' eyes, Jake's wish was nothing more than a joke. It was Lucas' attitude that allowed Jake to act out.

Lucas' eyes grew cold. "Don't forget how Jake came into this world. You'd better know your place. For Jake's sake, you're still my wife."

Miranda could barely breathe. She felt lightheaded, like the world was spinning.

Celine came over just then. "Are you alright, Mrs. Holden?"

Miranda steadied herself. "How's Jake?"

"He's still asleep. He smells like alcohol."

Miranda frowned. "Did he take a bath?"

"He wouldn't let me."

"I'll go check on him."

So, Miranda went to Jake's room. He was fast asleep, his clothes stained with alcohol, which explained the smell. At that, she breathed a sigh of relief.

She'd had Jake when she was 20 years old.

She and Lucas had grown up together. She loved him and had chased after him through all her teenage years and confessed to him more than once.

Eight years ago, Miranda's parents died saving Lucas.

Lucas' mother, Liliana Morris, arranged their marriage, but Lucas resisted, causing their relationship to become strained and distant.

Miranda was ready to give up, but that night, Liliana handed her a glass, asking her to deliver it to Lucas after he'd been drinking.

That was the night Jake was conceived.

Miranda had tried to leave with the baby, but Liliana found out. After that, Miranda and Lucas got married.

From the moment Jake was born, Miranda felt like her life had taken a sharp turn down another path. She became a stay-at-home mother, spending every day waiting in that beautiful house for Lucas and Jake to come home.

Jake looked just like Lucas, especially with those captivating eyes. Every time he said, "Mom, you're the best," Miranda felt it was all worth it. She would have given her life for him.

If not for Jake, she doubted she and Lucas would have lasted this long.

But maybe it was because Jake looked so much like Lucas that sometimes, Miranda wondered if he was really hers. There was nothing in him that reminded her of herself.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Miranda helped Jake out of his dirty clothes. But as soon as she undid a couple of buttons, Jake woke up and refused to let her change him.

She tried to coax him. "Let's get you changed and in the bath, sweetheart. You're all dirty, and the smell is going to give you a headache."

"I don't want to!"

"Come on. Be good."

"I said I don't want to!" Jake suddenly sat up and slapped her across the face.

Miranda froze.

The child glaring at her didn't look like her son at all. Her son was sweet and soft, and even if he acted out sometimes, he was never like this.

She slapped his arm in return—just a light tap, not enough to hurt. However, Jake instantly burst into tears.

Holding back her anger, Miranda told him, "I've told you, you can't just hit people. If you hit someone, you have to be ready for them to hit back."

"Eva said I'm protecting myself! You're mean! I don't want you! Go away!" He pushed Miranda away.

After that, she just stood there, looking at him for a long moment. All the love she had poured into this family and Jake felt wasted. She had never felt so exhausted in her life.

She turned and walked out, then stood on the balcony for a long time. The night felt endless and heavy, much like the darkness and misfortune that shadowed her life.

Taking a deep breath, Miranda grabbed her phone, got in her car, and drove off.

…

The next morning, there was no sign of Miranda at the breakfast table.

Jake complained that his head hurt, so Celine carried him downstairs.

That was when Lucas noticed Jake was still wearing the same dirty, stained clothes from last night. He snapped, "Where's Miranda?"

"Mr. Holden, Mrs. Holden left in the middle of the night," Celine replied.

"Did she really just leave her son behind?"

Celine hesitated. "She didn't seem to be in a good mood last night."

"She's a grown woman. She can't just run off because she's upset! It's so childish!"

Hearing that, Celine went quiet.

Lucas then ordered, "Give Jake a bath, change his clothes, and take him to the doctor."

Celine asked, "Should I call Mrs. Holden?"

She was worried because Miranda went out so late at night.

"She'll be back by noon at the latest. There's no need to call her."

She loved him too much to ever truly leave, no matter how angry she got. Besides, she couldn't even take care of her own son. Where else could she possibly go after leaving the house?

After all these years, he was convinced that when Miranda stormed off, she just wanted him to go after her. He'd spoiled her too much—that was why she still hadn't outgrown these childish games.

However, Celine couldn't shake the feeling that this time was different. She wanted to say something, but in the end, she kept it to herself. After all, this wasn't the first time Miranda had run off like that.

Chapter 2

"Oh, my God. My best friend actually showed up at my place!"

Miranda was feeling more than a little annoyed. She rolled over and pulled the blanket over her head.

Hazel yanked the blanket off, leaning in close to Miranda's ear. "Do you have any idea what it's like to get a phone notification at 3:00 am, saying someone just opened my front door?"

"Hazel, stop messing with me," Miranda grumbled.

Hazel grinned wickedly. "Are you kidding? This is perfect! Now that you're in my house, you're not leaving! Forget that lousy husband and ungrateful son. Stay with me. I'll take care of you!"

Miranda didn't say a word. The silence turned heavy and strange.

Hazel immediately picked up on it and sat up straight, her face turning serious. "Did those two jerks upset you again? Did you set that brat straight last night? If he dares call someone else Mom, you should have spanked him until he can't sit!"

Miranda sat up in bed. "I've talked to him about it a thousand times already."

Hazel just shook her head, fully believing it.

Then, Miranda said calmly, "I want a divorce."

Hazel's eyes lit up. She jumped to her feet but then remembered something and sat back down. "You're not messing with me, right?"

Back when they were in school, every time Lucas broke Miranda's heart, she would come to Hazel in tears, vowing, "I'm done with him!"

But the second Lucas called, Miranda would come running back with a smile.

After Jake was born, Lucas didn't even need to call her back. The kid had become the strongest chain holding that marriage together.

Miranda said nothing, getting out of bed and tossing aside the blanket.

So, Hazel asked, "What about Jake?"

After the marriage, Jake became Miranda's entire world. Knowing that, Hazel added, "You know Liliana is never going to let you take Jake with you."

"We'll see," Miranda replied quietly.

Hazel nodded in understanding.

Walking away was hard, but letting go hurt even more. Hazel understood that all too well.

To cheer Miranda up, Hazel suggested a shopping trip. She dragged her through the mall, handed her armfuls of new arrivals, and pushed her into the fitting room.

"You know what your problem is? You've ignored yourself for so long, pouring everything into your husband and son. No wonder they take you for granted! Listen to me. Put this on and show them how amazing you are!"

When Miranda finally stepped out of the fitting room, Hazel squealed with excitement and even called over the sales associate to admire her.

Miranda, naturally introverted, quickly tried to shush Hazel.

But the sales associate smiled and said, "Mrs. Holden, that looks incredible on you."

Miranda stared at her reflection. She looked both familiar and like a stranger—almost as if the version of herself that she'd buried was back.

Meanwhile, Hazel had already paid for the dress, snipped off the tag, and wrapped her arm around Miranda's waist with a satisfied smile. "May I have the honor of taking you to the rooftop restaurant for dinner?"

Miranda pinched her playfully. "You're kind of a celebrity now. Maybe we should avoid crowded places."

Hazel grinned. "How about we just go home, and you cook for me instead? Since Jake doesn't want your food, let me have some for once."

Miranda couldn't help laughing, and her whole face lit up.

When they left the store, they bumped into a crowd, and that was when Hazel suddenly came up with a wild idea. "You're so gorgeous. Why don't you go flirt with Lucas' boss? Isn't his name Wayne Sunders?"

A man walking past them paused for a split second. He glanced back but only caught a glimpse of a flawless, porcelain cheek.

Hazel continued, "I heard Wayne owns this mall. He's loaded and handsome. If you hooked up with him, you could whisper in his ear every night and get your husband fired. Oh, wait! If you got together with Wayne, Lucas would be your ex-husband. Then, you could get your ex-husband fired."

Miranda looked at her, shaking her head.

Ignoring that, Hazel got even more carried away with her wild idea. "Who knows, maybe Wayne's super possessive and will drag you into his office, kissing you behind a glass door just so Lucas can see!"

Hazel lowered her voice, doing her best dramatic imitation. "Mrs. Holden, you wouldn't want your ex-husband to lose his job, would you? So, why don't you come over here and kiss me?"

Miranda gave her a deadpan look.

Hazel burst out laughing. "That's exciting!"

She must have read too many romance novels.

"Isn't it?" Hazel asked, hoping for agreement.

Miranda humored her. "Sure, Hazel. Whatever you say."

A group of employees walking behind Wayne were breaking out in cold sweat. How did they end up hearing something like this when they were just taking their boss around the mall?

Hazel was still caught up in her daydream, imagining Miranda stepping all over Lucas, chasing Eva out of town, and making Jake cry his eyes out. She pulled Miranda along as they walked away.

Meanwhile, Wayne looked away without another glance. Next to him, Carson Caddell looked like he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. He had witnessed plenty of things, but never anything like this. An employee's wife openly fantasizing about the boss?

Wayne asked coldly, "Is she Lucas' wife?"

Carson nodded. "Yeah, she's Lucas Holden's wife."

If he hadn't seen her face just now, he wouldn't have believed it. Miranda had always been known as the perfect wife and devoted mother, who really cared about her family.

Carson added, "I heard things in Lucas' family haven't been so great lately."

Wayne said calmly, "No surprise there."

He thought Miranda was just another social climber, unfaithful, and maybe even a little unhinged.

...

Meanwhile, Hazel was practically giddy, spinning wild stories in her head about Wayne falling for Miranda, Lucas being forced to sign the divorce papers, and getting kicked out for good.

But joy quickly turned to disaster when Hazel twisted her ankle. Because of that, Miranda had no choice but to go with Hazel to the hospital.

When they arrived, Miranda saw Celine holding Jake in the distance and quickly rushed over. But the second she saw Eva there, too, her heart sank.

The doctor finished up the exam. "He's running a slight fever. You all need to be more careful. I've prescribed two bottles of medicine. Once he gets his shots, you can take him home. Make sure to watch his diet for now."

Celine turned and saw Miranda. "Mrs. Holden, what are you doing here?"

Miranda hurried over. "What happened to Jake?"

"He's got a bit of a fever."

Before Miranda could even touch him, Jake swatted her hand away. "This is all your fault!"

Miranda's face hardened. "You were out playing until 10:00 pm last night and refused to change your clothes."

Jake glared at Miranda and immediately reached out for Eva. His voice turned soft and pitiful as he said, "I want you."

Eva scooped him up. "Jake, you can't talk to your mom like that. Even if you're upset, you don't say things like that."

Jake flopped onto Eva's shoulder, turning his face away from Miranda. "Nobody likes her. She's awful. I hate her!"

Celine was at a loss. "Mrs. Holden..."

For a moment, Miranda wanted nothing more than to slap Eva, as well as Jake. She nearly lost it right there in the hospital.

But there was so much she wanted to say, so much she wanted to blame them for, and it all pressed down until she couldn't even argue anymore.

She knew nothing she said would change a thing. All she'd get was exhaustion.

Eva gave Jake a stern look. "That's not how you should speak to your mom."

Jake just sulked on her shoulder, saying nothing. They looked just like mother and son.

Eva turned to Miranda then. "Mrs. Holden, I'll take him to get his medicine and shots."

Celine looked uncomfortably between the two women. "Mrs. Holden, I'll help settle Jake in. He's not feeling well, so don't let it get to you."

Miranda just nodded. "Go ahead."

Celine, feeling relieved, hurried after Eva.

Later, Miranda found Hazel, who was leaning against the wall and giving her a look. "Who did you see? You just left me behind."

"It was Jake," Miranda replied.

Hazel was surprised. "Is he sick?"

Miranda nodded. "And he wasn't alone."

"Oh..." Hazel raised an eyebrow, noting Miranda's expression. "Should we just head back to my place?"

"No. Go back to my house with me first," Miranda replied.

Hazel's face fell. She knew it—Miranda was still going back.

But Miranda hastily explained, "I just need to pick up a few things."

She wasn't going home for her jewelry or designer bags, but for her personal documents and her favorite camera.

Photography had always been her passion, and it was what she'd studied in college. Hazel had actually made her name after a set of photos shot by Miranda blew up online.

When they reached Miranda's place and stepped into her room, Hazel stared at the pile of luxury goods. "Wow! Look at all this jewelry and that limited-edition bag! Are you really sure you don't want any of it?"

"Yes," Miranda replied calmly.

Hazel reluctantly set everything down and, still limping, followed Miranda as she packed up.

After a while, Hazel asked, "What about Jake?"

Miranda zipped up her suitcase and stood up. "I'm leaving him behind, too."

Chapter 3

At noon, Lucas left work and drove straight to the hospital.

Jake was lying in the hospital bed while Eva sat beside him, reading him a storybook. Meanwhile, Miranda was nowhere to be found.

When Jake saw Lucas, he sat up and called out, "Dad."

Lucas asked, "Are you feeling better?"

Jake nodded quickly. "Yeah, I feel much better. Thanks for having Eva take care of me. She's been here with me the whole day."

"Has your mom been here?"

At that, Jake lowered his eyes and avoided looking at Lucas. "No. Mom hasn't come. She doesn't care about me."

Lucas frowned. He had been counting on Miranda to take care of their son, but she couldn't even do that.

He pulled out his phone and started typing out a series of messages to her. "Jake is sick. Did you even notice?

"Why should someone else have to look after your son?

"No wonder he calls Eva his mom.

"Get over here right now."

A while later, Miranda replied, "You're there, right? Then you take care of him."

Lucas looked at the texts and almost laughed out loud in disbelief. Was she still refusing to come over? She was a mother now, yet she still acted like a little girl who needed him to coax her.

She was the one who insisted on having the child, and now that she had him, she didn't even want to take care of him.

He shouldn't have spoiled her so much. After using Jake to get her way, she started giving him attitude.

Eva noticed Lucas' expression and asked quietly, "Mr. Holden, is Mrs. Holden still busy?"

This morning, when Lucas went to work, he couldn't stop worrying about Jake and asked Eva to help take care of him. It worked out because Jake liked her so much.

Lucas replied, "Yeah. Sorry to trouble you with this. I'll have someone else cover your work."

Eva replied with a gentle smile, "You don't need to apologize, Mr. Holden. Mrs. Holden has always stayed home, so she probably doesn't understand how hard you work. As your assistant, it's my job to help you out, especially when things are tough.

"Besides, I'm just a regular assistant. It doesn't matter if I miss a day. I really like Jake, and he likes me. Even if you didn't ask, I would have wanted to stay with him today."

Jake grinned and said, "Eva, you're the best!"

Eva ruffled his hair, smiling back.

Lucas didn't say a word. He just sat there, holding his phone in his hand.

Even though Miranda had never worked outside of home, she knew how hard he worked. She took care of everything so well that his colleagues and business partners were all jealous.

Yet, seeing Miranda's reply just made him angrier. She had always been so obedient. What was she trying to prove now?

Without a second thought, he blocked her number.

...

Meanwhile, Miranda had already hired a lawyer and finished drafting the divorce agreement. She held her phone for a long time, hesitating, before finally pressing send.

But after a while, she realized Lucas had blocked her. It felt like a needle had pierced her heart. She sat stunned for a moment, then turned to her computer and sent the divorce papers to Lucas' email.

When Hazel saw that the email had gone through, she cheered, "You did it! Finally! Come on, you deserve a big kiss!"

Miranda laughed and ducked away. "Save it for your fans."

"This is worth celebrating! Let's go on a trip together!"

But Miranda shook her head. "I can't. I have to go to Darsland."

Hazel blinked in surprise. "Darsland?"

Miranda explained, "Do you remember Abigail Lloyd, my mom's best friend? Her birthday is coming up, and she sent me an invitation a while ago. I haven't seen her in years, so I thought I'd go and visit. It'll be good for me to clear my head. I already booked my ticket, and the flight is tonight."

Hazel said, "Then let me take you to the airport."

Miranda nodded. "Thanks."

Staring at the sent email on her screen, Miranda realized that all the struggle and hesitation she'd felt suddenly seemed less frightening now that she had finally taken the leap.

She closed her laptop and picked up her suitcase.

...

That evening, Lucas brought Jake home from the hospital.

When they arrived home, Miranda wasn't there to greet them like she always had. Instead, Celine came out to meet them at the door.

Lucas asked, "Where is Miranda?"

Celine replied, "She hasn't been home all day."

Lucas' expression turned cold as he handed Jake over and walked upstairs. His phone remained completely silent.

For some reason, he started to feel anxious. Maybe this time, she really was more stubborn than usual.

Frustrated, he tossed his phone aside and turned on his computer. Then, he saw a new email from Miranda.

Lucas smirked as he loosened his tie with one hand. He thought maybe she was finally growing a backbone, but he realized he was wrong. She simply found another way to reach him when she couldn't get through on her phone.

He opened the email and read the content.

"I've hired a lawyer and drafted a divorce agreement. Everything is split 50-50, and you'll have custody of Jake. If you're okay with it, sign it and send it to Hazel's place."

There was a PDF attachment.

For a moment, Lucas' mind went blank. He didn't even notice how slow he was to click on the attachment. It really was a divorce agreement.

Just then, Jake came in and walked up to the desk. "Dad, can I have a Coke? Celine said Mom doesn't let me, but you will, right?"

Lucas snapped out of it. "Go ahead."

Jake almost jumped for joy. He ran to fill a glass with ice-cold Coke, then brought it back to the study and offered Lucas a sip.

Lucas shook his head and waved him off.

It was then that Jake caught sight of the email on the screen. He recognized the words "divorce agreement", and his face lit up as he looked at Lucas. "Dad, are you really divorcing Mom?"

"Your mom sent this. She says you'll stay with me and doesn't want you."

Jake sat up straight, then after a moment, he frowned and asked, "Is she trying to threaten us?"

Lucas paused, then laughed. Even a kid could see it. Did Miranda really think she would actually go through with a divorce and just leave Jake behind? That was ridiculous.

Jake pouted. "She's so childish."

Lucas nodded. "Yeah."

She was definitely pushing further than she ever had before. But did she really think she could threaten him? Wasn't she afraid there'd be no turning back?

Jake was displeased. "When I was playing with Eva, she wouldn't let me. Now, she's threatening us again. Why can't she just get along with Eva? She's so petty! Dad, if you and Mom do get divorced, I don't want to stay with her. I want to be with you!"

Lucas didn't respond and closed his laptop. "Finish your drink and go to bed. We're not going to pay attention to her."

"Are we just going to ignore her?" Jake asked.

Lucas didn't want to indulge Miranda, knowing she'd just make an even bigger scene next time. All he wanted was a quiet, peaceful life.

He nodded and said, "Let's see how long she can keep up this little act."

Sooner or later, she would come back on her own.

Jake secretly hoped Miranda wouldn't come back too soon. With Miranda gone, he could sneak in extra video games, watch TV, eat snacks, and have ice cream whenever he wanted. He would finally have his freedom!

That night, though, after all the cold Coke, Jake's fever came back, and he threw up.

Celine rushed to tell Lucas, who had absolutely no idea how to care for a sick kid. He clumsily helped Jake get dressed, put his clothes on backward, and even left his shoes on the wrong feet until Celine noticed and fixed it.

Jake slumped against Lucas' shoulder. He felt miserable from being sick, and his clothes were uncomfortable.

He looked down and murmured, "Mom..."