Go Away, My Dear Ex-Husband

Kayla woke up with a sense of rebirth, like something inside her had come back to life.

That morning, she passed the evidence to her friends, ready to deal the final blow to those who had wronged her. It was her turn to make them pay and she wasn’t holding back.

Later, she went to a tattoo shop to cover the scars she had been carrying.

A phoenix, symbolizing hope and new beginnings, was inked on the scar on her clavicle. She felt a little lighter, like the past was finally behind her.

When Kayla got home, she saw them—Lionel, Stephanie and her father—all sitting around the table, eating together. She wasn’t in the mood to join them. Just the thought of sitting at that table made her sick.

She turned to leave and head upstairs, but Lionel called out. “Hey, come eat something. I’ll get you some bread.”

Kayla looked at the plate and spoon on the table. Her heart skipped and for a second, she almost let herself feel like it was the old days. But things were different now.

Five years ago, Lionel would’ve done whatever it took to take care of her. But now, he was busy with someone else.

“No thanks, I already ate outside,” she replied, her tone flat.

Stephanie snickered. “Let her be. She still thinks she’s all that. Does she?”

Lionel stared after Kayla as she walked away, a little confused.

Something had changed. She wasn’t the same, but he couldn’t figure out exactly what it was. Maybe she didn’t smile like she used to. Maybe there was something else going on that he didn’t understand.

Then, a loud squeal snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Ah! Isn’t this the dress I wanted? Thank you, Lionel!” Stephanie held up the dress, practically dancing with excitement.

“Your birthday’s in two days, right? This is my gift for you.” Lionel’s voice was soft, his smile warm as he watched Stephanie spin around, holding the dress to her chest. “As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters.”

From the corridor, Kayla stood frozen, the scene cutting through her like glass. It was hard to look away. Then Lionel glanced over and spotted her, his expression shifting.

“Stephanie’s birthday is coming up,” he said, as if an explanation was necessary. “This is for her.”

Stephanie carefully placed the gown back in its box, then threw Kayla a glance, casual but pointed.

“Do you know how long this dress takes to get? A whole year! Lionel’s amazing—he always knows how to make my birthdays special.” Her tone dripped with pride and the corner of her mouth curved just enough to make her point.

Kayla’s mind drifted, unbidden, to birthdays past. Back when her mother and Skippy were alive, the house would be full of laughter, the air rich with the smell of cakes and flowers. Lionel used to go all out—truckloads of blooms, extravagant gestures, everything just to see her smile.

And then came prison. Birthdays became just another day in a gray cell.

At first, she thought Lionel might visit, that maybe he hadn’t completely forgotten. But he hadn’t forgotten. He just had other priorities.

Stephanie’s voice broke into her thoughts. “Oh, Kayla, don’t forget—Lionel’s throwing me a birthday party in a few days. Businesspeople, influencers, you know the crowd. You should come. I’ll even introduce you to someone who might have a job for you.”

Her smile was bright, her tone sweet, but her eyes danced with mockery.

Kayla’s lips parted to decline, but Lionel spoke first. “Of course, Kayla will be there,” he said smoothly. “She’ll come to support you.”

Kayla’s jaw tightened as she stared at Lionel, then Stephanie. He knew she hated these events, hated the pretense and posturing of high society.

Once upon a time, it had been her world too—luxurious parties, polished smiles, endless connections. But now? That world felt hollow, like an echo of a life that wasn’t hers anymore.