After I Left, They All Regretted It

At my daughter’s birthday party, my husband didn’t even notify me—instead, he showed up with his secretary.

He said I looked sloppy, nothing like a proper mother, and that if people saw me, they would laugh at our daughter.

For the sake of Emma’s social image, I swallowed my anger.

But just a few days later, at Emma’s award ceremony, I watched my five-year-old daughter play Dreams of Love on the piano and dedicate it to her “aunt.”

“This piece is for Daddy and Aunt Chloe,” Emma said.

That very same piece was the one Daniel Carter used to play for me every day when he was courting me.

At that moment, I felt an emptiness so sharp that I brought up divorce.

Daniel looked at me in disbelief.

“Just because of one song, you want to leave me and our daughter?”

“Yes. Just because of one song.”

…

As soon as the words left my lips, Daniel slammed the table hard.

He had always been a workaholic, never having time for me.

Even when I brought up divorce, he discussed it with me while half-absorbed in a business meeting.

“Are you done yet? Every time I’m at my busiest, instead of helping me, you dump a pile of problems on me.”

“Enough. I have a meeting to attend. Go upstairs and be with Emma.”

Chloe Miller trailed behind Daniel step by step.

“Madam, today’s meeting is very important. That U.S. company is still waiting!”

“I know you’re upset, but you can’t let this affect the boss.”

Her words, laced with reproach, made it sound as though I was simply stirring up trouble.

They had their own careers, while I was the only one trapped at home.

My throat tightened, and even my own voice sounded foreign to me.

“You just need to sign the papers.”

They seemed unable—or unwilling—to understand what I was asking for, and instead looked at me with strange eyes.

Daniel’s lips curved into a mocking smile.

“Sophia Carter, stop making a scene.”

“You’re just upset that Emma played a piece for Chloe. But think about it—Chloe is the one who’s always with her. Isn’t it natural Emma feels close to her?”

His words stabbed into my chest like a knife.

Did he really think I didn’t want to be close to my own daughter?

After I became pregnant with Emma, Daniel was badly injured, the damage leaving him with fertility problems.

When Emma was born, my in-laws took her away, claiming it was to give me and Daniel time to bond and then quickly try for a son who could one day inherit the family estate.

For years, I was forced to drink bitter herbal medicines, enduring their constant scorn. How could I have time to bond with Emma?

Clutching the hem of my clothes tightly, I said firmly,

“I want a divorce. I don’t want anything—not even custody of the child. All you need to do is sign.”

Daniel froze, clearly not expecting me to say that.

His expression darkened, anger flickering in his eyes.

“Sophia, do you even know what you’re saying?”

“I don’t have time to argue with you. The company needs me—I’m leaving.”

Chloe cast me a triumphant look.

“Madam, you really shouldn’t throw around divorce so casually. You don’t have a job, and the CEO is working this hard just to give you and Emma a good life.”

“That U.S. company is still waiting for us. We’re leaving.”

Once again, I blocked the doorway.

“I told you, the divorce agreement must be signed today. I don’t care how important the deal is. If you don’t sign, you’re not leaving.”