Chapter 8

I bought a new urn. With infinite care, the cemetery staff helped me transfer Noah's ashes, each movement gentle, as if handling the most precious thing in the world. Then I cradled him close as we left. That pathetic funeral? My baby deserved better than their cruel mockery. And that cold-hearted father? My Noah didn’t need him anymore.

Back home, I gave the housekeeper paid leave. Hudson called: "Hey baby, you make it home okay? Look, Val's ankle's fine. I was a total dick earlier – shouldn't have gone off on you while you're grieving. My bad."

"But those steps were sketchy as hell. If something happened to Val, what about Leon? We've already lost one kid – can't let him lose his mom too."

"I'm just looking out for the kid. I'm his godfather, and Valeria's an old friend. Don't read too much into it."

"Whatever. Take care of them," I said flatly.

"That's my girl. Hey, remember how Noah was always begging to see the ocean? Got us flights for the day after tomorrow. Get your mind off things."

"Even though he's gone, we should do this for him. I'll pick you up later, okay?"

All night, Valeria spammed my phone with messages. To make amends and keep Leon happy, Hudson had dropped millions on a private jet, whisking them off to Vegas for a shopping spree. My Noah couldn't get thirty minutes of his father's time to see the beach in three years.

"Give it up, Reese. You're not in my league."

Fine. Game over.

The next day, still no Hudson. Valeria's messages grew nastier, including sex videos of her and Hudson together. I didn't respond. Instead, I packed up everything belonging to Noah and me, donating it all.

By the third afternoon, Hudson finally remembered I existed: "My bad, babe. Work stuff. Getting my assistant to grab you for the airport. Be there ASAP." What he didn't know was that Valeria had just sent another video. It was Leon's birthday celebration at the city's most exclusive hotel. In the footage, Hudson was fastening a massive pink diamond necklace around Valeria's neck, kissing her forehead. "Thank you for giving me such a perfect son. You're the heart of this family."

Chapter 9

I blocked them both, then packed the divorce papers and a USB drive into an envelope, and had it couriered to the hotel. I left Noah's wish note on the table, held his urn close, and took one last look at fifteen years of memories. Adios, Hudson.

At the hotel, Hudson was about to sign papers making Leon his heir when his assistant burst in, looking like he'd seen a ghost. "Sir," he whispered, shaking. "Mrs. Montclair just boarded a flight overseas. The plane… it's gone down."

Chapter 9

Hudson's pen hit the floor. He stared at his assistant, unable to comprehend what had happened. Valeria scooped up the pen, shoving it in his hand. "Babe, what's the holdup? Everyone's waiting. Just sign it."

Hudson shoved her away, yanking his assistant aside. "What the hell are you talking about? Reese and I were supposed to take a trip together. She wouldn't just get on a plane alone." Plus, we never said anything about going overseas.

The assistant's hands shook as he handed over an envelope. "This just came for you, sir. From Mrs. Montclair."

Hudson tore it open to find signed divorce papers and a USB drive. He stared at her signature in disbelief. Reese wanted a divorce?!

He grabbed his phone, realizing she hadn't responded to any of his messages. In eighteen years – from starry-eyed kids to middle age – Reese had always replied instantly. Always. Until now.

His texts went frantic: "Reese, where tf are you? Why aren't you responding?" "Divorce papers? Really? This isn't cute." Red exclamation points. Blocked. Calls went straight to voicemail. Blocked there too. What the hell happened?

Heart racing, Hudson headed for the door, but Valeria latched onto him. "Are you kidding me right now? It's Leon's ceremony. You promised him the company. Where are you running off to?"

"Reese's plane crashed. I need to find out—"

Valeria spotted the divorce papers and sneered. "Oh, look who's playing games. What, she's butthurt you took my side? So she fakes her death and throws divorce papers at you?"

"It's Leon's special day. Her kid's dead so she has to come ruin ours?"

Leon snatched the USB, smirking.

Chapter 9

"Dad, please, girls pull this crap all the time. Next thing you know she'll be posting sad quotes and crying selfies on Insta. So basic."

Valeria cackled. "That's my boy! Sees right through these thirsty tricks."

Watching them high-five and snicker, something clicked in Hudson's head. This was the second time Leon had trashed Reese. He'd thought it was teenage attitude before. But Valeria? A grown woman egging on this mean-boy behavior? What kind of mother taught her kid to be such a jerk? Reese would never. Noah had been the sweetest, most well-mannered kid…

The contrast hit him like a slap. Looking at Valeria's smug face, he suddenly felt disgusted.