He Chose Them, Not Us

I kept going, "If she hadn't pushed to ride the motorcycle, would any of this have happened?"

Tony looked at me like I was dirt.

"So this is about the motorcycle? If you hate this house so much, then leave. Pauline's lease just ended anyway."

***

When I brought Luca home from the hospital, all our stuff was already dumped outside. Pauline and her son had moved in.

"Zoe, what are you doing back? Tony said you weren't coming, so I moved in," she said, all casual.

Before I could respond, she spun around and came back out with Ryan. "Well, I guess we'll leave then. But I'm no beggar."

I didn't get why she said that—until I heard Tony behind me.

"Zoe, you're the beggar here! I told Pauline to move in. This house is mine. You don't get a say! Pauline, take the kid and go inside. I decide who stays here."

Pauline shot me a look, all fake sympathy. "But... where will Zoe and Luca live?"

Tony snapped, "Wherever they want. It's not my problem!"

Then he shot me a look like I was trash, walked over to Pauline, and handed her a cloth bag.

She caught me staring, yanked the bag from him—and dropped it.

For a split second, guilt flashed across Tony's face.

I stood there, calm, just watching her put on a show. Maybe that ticked Tony off, because he suddenly exploded.

"Why are you still here? Get out!"

I didn't say a word. Just packed up what was ours—and dumped anything he'd ever given us. Then I walked away with Luca, head high.

A few steps out, I still heard Pauline whining. "I always see Zoe at the department store with her boss. They must be close. I'm sure she's got somewhere to go.

"But Tony, did you really kick her out just for me? What if she complains to her boss and he talks to mine?

"Oh, and there's a promotion at the store, but they're worried I won't focus without a husband to help with Ryan, so... I probably won't get it..."

I didn't stick around to hear the rest.

After leaving the house, I went straight to the company and asked for Mr. Baxter.

"Mr. Baxter, I'm ready to transfer to the new branch in Avenville."

His face lit up. "Perfect. That place is a joint project—I need someone solid to run it. Your dad and I go way back, and I trust you. Don't worry, you'll get your base salary plus a cut of the profits."

Once it was official, I moved into the company dorms with Luca while I wrapped up my tasks.

A week later, Tony showed up.

His first words?

"Let's get a divorce. I need to fake-marry Pauline so she can get the job. After that, I'll remarry you."