Go Away, My Dear Ex-Husband

"Did you know about this all along?" Kayla asked, her voice sharp.

Lionel tossed the phone on the bed, his tone softening. "Stephanie didn’t mean it. She’s young, she didn’t understand. It’s over now."

‘Over?’ Kayla’s heart pounded. ‘Skippy was my family for five years!’ She stared at him, her anger and pain rising in her chest like a tidal wave.

"Whose side are you on, Lionel? You knew I was wronged, but you didn’t even care to hear me out. Is everything for her?" Her voice cracked as he turned and walked out, leaving her alone with the mess of emotions swirling in her mind.

She sank back into the past, her memories crashing into her like a storm.

Back in college, Kayla was something of a legend. Smart, beautiful—everyone thought she was untouchable. She could’ve had anyone, but she wasn’t interested in the rich, entitled boys trying to impress her.

She had bigger dreams. Even with offers to study abroad, she stayed. Kayla had promised her mother she would join her company and she did. She created something that made waves in her industry.

People said someone like her would never settle down, but then she posted her engagement photos. She had it all—except, apparently, someone who truly had her back.

And then there was Lionel. He wasn’t just the guy who saved her life after that car crash.

He was the guy who pulled her from the wreckage, just before the car exploded. After that, they really got to know each other.

Turned out, they had more in common than she realized—he had been a student at her school too.

Lionel was always there, showing up every morning with breakfast for Kayla, no matter how cold or stale it was.

He knew exactly what she liked and made sure to be by her side, day and night. Slowly, they fell for each other and decided to build a life together. But five years later, he wasn’t the same person anymore.

On the morning of her mother’s death anniversary, the rain drizzled outside the mansion.

“Who bought this white lily? It’s bad luck!” Stephanie sneered, tossing it aside.

Kayla walked downstairs, expressionless, giving it a quick glance. “It’s mine.”

Ferris appeared from the side, frowning. “What? Are you hoping I’ll die or something?”

Kayla shrugged. “You forgot today’s my mom’s death anniversary.” She didn’t feel like saying more and turned to head back to her room.

Just as she was about to leave, Stephanie was already packed and ready. “I’ll go with you to see your mom. Can I come?”

Kayla shot her a quick look. “No need.”

Lionel, though, ignored Kayla’s words and took the bag from Stephanie’s hand. “Let’s go then. We’ll go together,” he said, not caring at all about Kayla’s refusal.

It wasn’t surprising to her—he knew how much today meant to her, but still treated it like it was no big deal.

The drive wasn’t long, just half an hour.

When they got to the cemetery, Kayla immediately noticed her mother’s grave. It was covered in dust, with weeds growing all around it.

Compared to the others, it looked abandoned, like no one had been here while she was away.

Before Kayla could say anything, Stephanie started crying. “I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t take care of Kayla. She ended up in jail and we haven’t visited you in five years. You always taught us to be good people and even though Kayla’s made mistakes, we won’t forget her. Don’t worry.”