Chapter 10%
“Charles, when you found out she was pregnant, what was your first thought?“}
He nearly stumbled in his haste to avoid my gaze. It was rare to see him like this; ever since turning thirty, he had mastered the art of composure.
But even if he didn’t answer, I already knew. It had been a joy, the unrestrained joy of becoming a father for the first time.
People are strange that way. With their wives, they tread cautiously, taking every precaution. But with the women outside, they flirt with recklessness, teetering on the edge of temptation, always chasing a thrill.
The mountaineering club’s activities lasted another five days, and throughout that time, Charles kept trailing after me and Eliza, never too close, but never too far.
I paid him no mind. My world revolved around Eliza.
When we climbed the mountains, I entrusted her to the club leader’s wife.
And when we descended, I often spotted Charles, arms full of toys and snacks, desperately trying to win Eliza’s favor.
But Eliza never paid him any heed. The moment she saw me, her eyes sparkled with delight, and she would come running, throwing her arms around my legs and sweetly pleading for treats.
Charles followed behind us, silent and desolate.
I held Eliza in my arms and walked past him without hesitation.”
“Charles, go back. Eleanor and her child are still waiting for you, aren’t they?“}]
But he refused to leave. Instead, he kept pulling out his phone, flipping through photos as if they could change the past.
“Natalie, look! This is the new tulip tree we planted at home! I even carved a wooden plaque on it!“}
He zoomed in, showing me the engraving.]
I stopped. My steps faltered as I stared at him, wordless.
For a long moment, neither of us spoke. Then, as if the weight of regret had finally crushed him, Charles slumped, all the strength draining from his body.
“Natalie, I regret it so much. If only I had listened to you… if only I had agreed to have a child back then.”
His gaze lingered on me, on Eliza, on the life he could have had.
“If I had done that… we would have been happy now, wouldn’t we?“}
I said nothing. Without so much as a glance back, I stepped past him and kept moving forward.§
Half a month later, I returned with Eliza to finalize the divorce with Charles.
He looked even more worn than before, the sharp edges of his features dulled by exhaustion. Shadows clung to his face, and when his eyes met mine, he let out a bitter smile, murmuring something too soft to catch.
That was when I learned just how much had unraveled in barely half a month.
Eleanor had lost her child the very night he cast her out. And just days ago, he had discovered that Orion, the boy he had raised for seven years, had never been his.!
The revelation must have shattered him.”
“This is my retribution, isn’t it?” His voice was hollow, laced with a chuckle that held no real amusement.
Regret clung to him like a heavy chain, and for a moment, he hesitated, his lips parting as if grasping for a final chance.
“Natalie… is there still a chance for us…”
I didn’t let him finish.
“Let’s go sign the papers.” My tone was steady, unshaken.
With the divorce certificate in hand, I turned to Eliza, my voice light, almost playful.
“Come on! Mommy Natalie is in a great mood today. Let’s go have a feast!“}
Behind me, he said something. Maybe a plea, maybe a regret. But I didn’t listen. I had already walked away.
That night, an enormous transfer of assets appeared in my account.
I accepted it without hesitation, without a second thought.
Charles had liquidated a significant portion of his wealth, his shares, his holdings, everything, and placed it all in my hands. His company wouldn’t last long after that.
But that was no longer my concern. His ruin was his own to face. It had nothing to do with me anymore.
With Eliza by my side, I left without looking back, settling in another city where the past held no power over me.§
Years turned into decades. Life was quiet, steady, untouched by old ghosts.
And I never saw any of them again.
