Better Without You

Esther hid in her room, crying uncontrollably. "Mom, my classmates all say that Dad is Jessica's dad. But I never tried to take him away from her … "

Later that night, she fell asleep clutching a photo of Benjamin while I lay wide awake. I picked up my phone and saw that Cynthia had just updated her social media.

"Jessica finally has the fatherly love she was missing. No one can take away what's meant to be ours!" Attached was a photo of the three of them embracing and smiling at the camera, looking for all the world like a happy family.

I tapped the like button absentmindedly. Just then, a message popped up on my screen. It was a video from Cynthia. I clicked on it and there was Benjamin's handsome face. The footage was from right after he had returned to the country.

Someone asked him, "Ben, what do you think is the happiest moment in life?"

He responded nonchalantly, "Probably last week overseas. When I coaxed Jessica to sleep, then pulled Cynthia into the bathroom."

His voice carried a hint of tenderness mixed with the teasing laughter of those around him.

I felt my whole body turn ice-cold. I suddenly remembered another post Cynthia had shared before. "Ever since we had a child, we haven't had any alone time. We can only sneak around and do this and that after Jessica falls asleep."

I sat there, lost in thought, when another message from Cynthia arrived. "Oops, my bad! I accidentally sent that to you. By the time I realized, I couldn't unsend it. But honestly, you should know where Benjamin's heart truly lies, right?"

"Back then, you forced him into marriage using dirty tricks and became Benjamin's wife. During these three years abroad, he's been with me and Jessica. Jessica isn't even his biological child, yet Ben treats her better than any real father would. Even though we broke up, he still can't let go of me. It won't be long before we're back together again. Miss Stevens, I know your family is rich and you don't lack a man in your life. I'd advise you not to make things hard for yourself. Just back out on your own."

After saying that, she sent another picture. Jessica was smiling brightly in the middle while she and Benjamin were both kissing the girl's cheeks. They looked like a picture-perfect family.

I smiled and replied, "Sure."

Then I called my dad. "Dad, I've made up my mind. I'm taking Esther to settle down abroad. We'll leave in a few days."

His voice was filled with surprise and excitement. "Really? But I heard that Benjamin just came back. Your family is finally reunited. Does he agree with this?"

I let out a bitter laugh. "He'd love nothing more."

That night, for the first time, I didn't stay up waiting for my husband to come home. It was already two in the morning when Benjamin returned.

As soon as he entered the door, he frowned at the pitch-black room. Usually, I would leave a light on for him, but this time was an exception. Not only this time but from then on, I wouldn't bother him anymore. For three whole days, I didn't say a single word to Benjamin.

After he sensed that something was off, he came home one night with a gift box in hand. "Jocelyn, this is for you."

There was a trace of guilt in his expression. "The other day, Jessica was being insensitive. I want to apologize on her behalf to both you and Esther."

As he spoke, he opened the box. Inside lay an outdated necklace. He took it out and reached over. "Let me help you put it on."

I subtly avoided his hand. "No need."

I had seen that necklace on Cynthia's social media. It was the same one she had once complained about for being outdated and old-fashioned, even joking that she wouldn't even bother to pick it up if it were thrown away.

I walked past Benjamin with an expressionless face, carrying Esther, who was dressed and ready to go. Then I drove out the door.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him freeze for a moment, his gaze lingering on me for a long time.