The Conspiracy of My Husband's First Love

Crowley stared at me for a few seconds, then furiously flipped the table over.

Hot chili oil splattered all over me, burning my skin.

"What makes you think you have the right to ask for a divorce? I haven't even held you accountable for turning Avalynn into such a liar. Now she is just like you!"

His cruel words cut deep into my heart.

Tears welled up as I looked at Crowley.

"What's wrong with Avalynn not liking spicy food? Don't you know she had a stomach problem? Just to please Megan, you forced her to eat all that chili. Do you have any idea that she'd already..."

"Enough!" Crowley cut me off impatiently.

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Avalynn was already spoiled by you. How could a kid have a stomach problem? A bit of chili wouldn't have killed her, but if Megan's depression flares up, she might just end her own life."

My heart ached so badly it felt like I couldn't breathe.

All Avalynn ever wanted was for Crowley to share a meal with her.

But Crowley was always too busy with work or with catering to Megan's fake depression.

He was hardly ever home.

Whenever he was home, I'd make sure to prepare all his favorite dishes.

I respected his preferences. But as a father, he didn't even know Avalynn couldn't eat spicy food because of her condition!

Maybe he knew, but he just didn't care.

"If you care so much about that mistress, why not just divorce me? You could stay with her all day and wouldn't have to juggle both sides."

"Jealous shrew!"

At my words, calling Megan a mistress, Crowley nearly raised a hand against me.

He glared at me with disgust.

"I don't have time for your nonsense. Think carefully. Without me, would you have this happy life? Fine, divorce it is, but don't even think about getting the house, the savings, or Avalynn. No man would take in an old, divorced woman like you!"

I never cared about the money. All I ever cared about was Avalynn and Crowley.

But now, Avalynn was gone.

And Crowley was no longer worth holding onto.

There was nothing left in this home for me to cherish.

Seeing that I wasn't responding, Crowley angrily kicked the food containers scattered on the floor, grabbed his coat, and stormed out without looking back.

He knew I loved him deeply, which is why he always hurt me so recklessly.

Every time we fought, I would always swallow my pride, apologize, and beg for his forgiveness.

But not this time.

I picked up the divorce papers stained with greasy food and signed my name.

After that, I held Avalynn's ashes and left that house for good.