Dead to Them, Reborn for Me

"Are you sure about this decision, Ms. Clarke?" The voice of the man sitting in front of me sounded doubtful from behind the desk.

"Positive. Death will leave a mark on them like Albrecht and Hilarion left on Giselle."

With the weariness of heart that I had endured all this time, I added, "One most important thing, Jason. Use all your resources because my death must look perfect. Sebastian and Ethan alone will have to watch me get caught in a fire in the house we shared."

I could see Jason was silent for a few seconds. Then, he leaned back in his chair and his gaze turned more serious. "Alright give me three days. Contact is only through Jarvis. I'll let you know when everything is ready. "

I nodded firmly. There was no smile for the love that once rested in my heart. This heart is now frozen.

Everyone thought I was lucky to be married to Sebastian Hayes, a successful man and seemingly perfect father. But Sebastian and our son were secretly building a new life with another woman. After that night, when they chose to attend the Ballerina's party over Thanksgiving at home, I'm no longer the same Elara.

Three days from now, I will be free from the inner pressure of a husband who betrayed me, a son who rejected me, and a woman who took my place. I made up my mind, that I would fake my death and disappear forever.

I will rebuild my life all over again without them...with true love.

---

April 10, 2024. - I was making ginger cookies and pumpkin pie at the request of my husband and son. It's been a long time since they asked me to make them. However, tonight they whined about wanting them with excitement and smiles.

However, when I reached the door to Ethan's room, my hand suddenly stopped pushing the door when I heard my husband and son's conversation. Their voices were excited, but they left me frozen in place.

"Bianca is adorable, Dad. I like her." Ethan's voice came clearly from behind the door. His tone is enthusiastic as if he's talking about someone he admires.

I sharpened my hearing.

"Yeah, Dad knows that. Bianca cares about you a lot." Sebastian replied with a small chuckle from him. "But, you have to promise me, Ethan. Don't let your mom know that we see her almost every day."

"Chill Dad, I promise. You said a man has to keep his word. Mom won't know," Ethan replied as he patted his chest. "I don't want to lose Bianca either, just let Mom go."

My heart was racing with my body starting to tremble.

"That's why you have to act normal in front of your mom, so Dad can always see Bianca," Sebastian said again as he brought his face closer to our son.

Ethan nodded. "So, when is Dad going to bring Bianca to this house to live with us?" he asked innocently. "I can sleep with you guys anytime I want."

"It won't be long now, Ethan. Just be patient."

The two of them laughed together as if I'd never been around to hear it.

I knew Bianca the beautiful and famous ballerina from all over Minnesota. Every curve of her body in the show would bewitch anyone.

I'd been so naive, believing that they were just friends. And I already thought of her as a sister. But I was wrong. Sebastian betrayed me and my son disowned me. Both chose Bianca.

I tightly gripped the tray with the plate of food I had made earlier. My heart broke even more hearing their honesty.

Silently, I retreated. Back to the kitchen. Staring at the cake I made with love, I threw everything into the trash.

I rushed into my room and sat at the end of the bed, trying not to cry.

I was still sitting at the end of the bed when I heard footsteps approaching. The door to the room opened slowly. Sebastian appeared with Ethan, both smiling like nothing was wrong.

"Mom, we were looking for you," Ethan said with a cheerful face. "We were talking about your birthday tomorrow."

I stared at them wordlessly. They didn't realize that I had heard everything.

"Right," Sebastian chimed in quickly as if to add to the impression that this was a genuine surprise. "We're planning a special dinner for you. At your favorite restaurant, which serves mushroom steak."

I took a deep breath, trying to contain the emotional turmoil in my chest. Then, I smiled faintly. A smile that didn't come from happiness, but from deep hurt.

"I'm sure Mom will be happy to hear that," Ethan said enthusiastically, patting my hand.

Sebastian sat next to me. "Imagine, those of us who haven't had dinner together in a long time. It'll be fun. After that, we can go somewhere you like. The mall, or an amusement park."

Ethan even jumped for joy. "We'll wear the same color clothes, Mom! Then, we'll take pictures. I'll show them to my friends."

"Agreed," Sebastian added quickly. "Dad will buy the clothes. We'll be the happiest family tomorrow night."

But none of that matters to me anymore.

I stare at the two of them. Two people who were once the center of my life. Now they spoke sweet nothings just to keep up the pretense. One had learned to manipulate from his father, and the other was too good at playing the role of the perfect husband.

I was reminded of the old days when Sebastian once said, "I may be the CEO of a big company but at home... I'm just a subordinate to my wife and children."

Ethan also once made a speech praising me. "Mom is a superhero. She can defeat cockroaches without having laser eyes like Superman."

I smiled at that time when Ethan boasted about me in front of his friends on Mother's Day at his school. I'm used to receiving compliments, but if Ethan was the one who complimented me with such a sincere look, I would keep talking about it with Sebastian during a deep talk in bed.

Sebastian once canceled an important meeting in Beijing just because I had a fever. "No acquisition worth anything is more important than you," he said while gripping my hand tightly.

And Ethan, the kid was even willing to drop his playdate to help me organize the living room. "Mom always helps me, so I'll take her turn," he said as he straightened the tablecloth. "You'll be proud of me, Mom."

I laughed then. Proud. Now, it's all just a bittersweet memory.

Ethan's tug on my hand broke my reverie. I looked at him, and he was engaging me in conversation.

"Come on, Mom, pick a restaurant." He seemed to be repeating his question to me.

"Elara, what's wrong?" Sebastian's question managed to shut Ethan up.

I shook my head. "Nothing. I'm just tired because my cooking failed."

I watched as Sebastian sighed and then smiled. "It's nothing to think about. You can make it again tomorrow, or buy it outside."

Ethan nodded. "So, what about Mom? Which place will Mom choose?"

"Just choose whatever you want." I just replied flatly.

Both of them smiled. I let them laugh for a few days until the time came.