Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Oliver Walker, my son, was in the late stages of leukemia, and his greatest wish before passing was to see his father, Chris Walker, one more time.
Despite my repeated pleas, Chris finally agreed to come to the hospital.
But on the day of the surgery, he suddenly disappeared. That night, Oliver left me with regrets.
The next day, his childhood sweetheart, Chloe Kade, posted a photo of the three of them at Disneyland on Instagram. The caption read: “Being part of a child’s growth is indispensable to our lives; the real outsider is the one who isn’t loved.”
In the past, I might have called and messaged non–stop to confront him.
But now, I just moved my finger and liked the post.
After I left without a word, taking my luggage with me, he became frantic, searching everywhere for me.
He said, “I was wrong, please don’t leave me.”
1
I buried Oliver’s urn without crying or fussing. My expression was cold and detached.
It was no surprise to me that Chris left me for Chloe.
In our five–year relationship, a single call from Chloe was enough to pull him
But I never imagined he would miss our child’s funeral.
away from my side.
I called Chris, and as soon as the call connected, a backdrop of laughter filled the air.
“What’s up?” Chris asked, his tone impatient and out of place with the surrounding mirth.
I cried all night, and my throat was raw.
“Chris, Oliver he…”
I began, but he harshly cut me off.
“Oliver, Oliver! That’s all you ever talk about! How can a child so young constantly think of his father? Stop putting ideas in his head.”
After that, Chris hung up.
Staring at my phone, I opened Chloe’s Instagram, and sure enough, there were photos of Chris and Chloe with their daughter at Disneyland.
The caption read: “Being part of a child’s growth is indispensable to our lives; the real outsider is the one who isn’t loved.”
It was clear who the outsider she meant was.
I didn’t call back to argue. Instead, with a pale face, I liked the post.
After handling Oliver’s affairs, I returned home for a while.
Oliver’s toys and books were all neatly arranged in his room.
I sorrowfully sniffed the lingering scent in Oliver’s room, feeling as if he had never left my side.
I packed my belongings, ready to move out and settle in before bringing over Oliver’s things.
Just as I was about to leave, I saw Chris and Chloe walk in.
Chloe’s three–year–old daughter, Amanda Kade, was following behind them.
Chris clearly paused upon seeing me, then noticed the suitcase in my hand, his eyebrows knitting together involuntarily.
“Ashley, what are you up to now?”
His tone suggested I was being unreasonable, like a shrew causing trouble.
Chloe smirked at me provocatively, her arm looped through Chris’s, leaning almost entirely on him.
“I’m so sorry, Ashley. Adeline was fussing yesterday about going to Disneyland, so Chris had to take care of us. I didn’t know Ollie had surgery that day.”
Ollie was Oliver’s nickname.
I hoped he would live a long life.
Yet, I still couldn’t keep him.
I looked at the privileged pair, mother and daughter.
So this was the reason Chris left me, not showing up for Oliver’s last moment?
In his heart, Chloe and Amanda mattered more than Oliver and I.
The absurdity hit me hard.
I chuckled lowly.
“Chris, let’s get a divorce.”