Chapter 9

From what I knew about Jared, work consumed most of his attention, Yvonne took up half of what was left, and Tracy got the rest. To him, I was basically invisible. It was time to kick my divorce plans into overdrive.

When I got home, the servants were still up. They saw me and quickly rushed over to greet me.

The two servants, Wendy and Joyce, both in their early forties, were incredibly hardworking. With them around, the house stayed spotless.

“Mrs. Holcomb, I made oatmeal. Have a bowl before bed?” Wendy offered, stepping forward.

“Sure, thanks,” I said with a smile. Staying healthy was also my focus right now. I was determined to boost my energy, get in shape, and feel great from the inside out.

Wendy was an amazing cook. Her oatmeal tasted just as good as any store-bought stuff. I had some, but couldn’t finish it all. I suggested she share the rest with Joyce.

I doubted Jared or Yvonne would be home tonight. Tracy was really something. Not only had she stolen my husband, but she’d also had Yvonne under her control.

Last time around, I’d fixated on her like she was the root of all evil. We’d barely spoken, but she still drained me. I died in my fifties, totally exhausted.

I knew all too well how destructive overthinking and emotional burnout could be. Those toxic people and drama were like a dark cloud hovering over me, blocking out every ray of joy and hope.

I was done letting anyone’s negativity trap me like a prisoner. From now on, I was going to do what made me happy.

Late that night, I was fast asleep when I barely heard Jared and Yvonne return. For a moment, it seemed like someone’s footsteps had stopped right by my bed, then moved away.

The next morning, a warm little body wormed under the covers with me. “Mom, still sleeping? You have to take me to school,” Yvonne said, yanking my arm.

I realized I’d turned off my alarm–no wonder I was running late. “Ask your dad to give you a ride. I’m swamped today,” I said.

Yvonne was my flesh and blood, so I still spoke to her kindly. But I’d withdraw my love gradually. Once she was old enough to understand, I’d stop taking care of her.

“Mom, what could you possibly be busy with?” Yvonne frowned. “You don’t even have a job, and with two servants here, you’re so free.”

I sat up, and she waved a long box in front of my face. “Dad got this for you last night. Wanna open it?”

I lifted the lid. Inside was a diamond necklace, with a purple gem pendant.

“Who helped him pick it out?” I asked quietly.

“Of cour-” Yvonne paused. “Tracy helped pick it out. She’s super gorgeous and has great taste.” Jared had probably prepped her to keep things casual, for she was holding back from gushing.

“You like her a lot?” I asked, locking eyes with her.

Yvonne, sharp but still a kid, nodded. “Don’t get mad, okay? Tracy’s Dad’s work partner. She’s nice to me because I’m his precious daughter.”

I almost laughed. Even at her age, she knew more than she was letting on. Tracy was not just a work partner–she was Jared’s sweetheart, plain and simple.

“Let go. I’ll get ready and take you,” I said. She was still my kid, and I wouldn’t shirk the basics.

“Mom, can you carry me to the bathroom and fix my hair?” Yvonne asked, sounding lazy.

I frowned but lifted her up, carrying her to the bathroom.

She clung to my neck, her voice sweet. “Mommy, I don’t hate you for slapping me last time. So why are you still frowning?”

I started braiding her hair. “I’m glad you don’t hate me. And I’m not angry.”

Yvonne nodded, grabbed a little bath toy, and started playing with it.

Once her hair was done, I got ready myself. I opened the closet, picked out a white skirt suit, and braided my hair into a side ponytail. The whole look gave off a cool, stunning vibe.