Welcome Party for My Wife's First Love

But the sound of her hanging up was starkly clear and felt almost mocking. I forced a bitter smile and repeatedly opened that photo, my heart racing as if it might burst out of my chest. The comments from our old classmates only added to the sting.

"Wow, isn't this our class heartthrob? He’s back in the country? Let’s meet up!"

"He came back for his girlfriend; it’s true love!"

"Left for love, came back for love—impressive!"

I closed my eyes, fighting the urge to dwell on it, and turned off the app. Thankfully, Eddie was out of danger. I fell asleep by his bedside but was woken the next morning by the sound of a heated argument.

Louisa’s sharp voice cut through the air, "My son was in critical condition, and you didn’t inform me? If anything had happened to him, I’d never forgive you!"

As I rubbed my temples, trying to wake up, I heard Simon’s voice.

"Louisa, don’t get upset. Maybe Damien was just trying to protect you from worrying. Let’s go see how Eddie is."

With that, the door opened. My disheveled appearance contrasted sharply with Simon’s neat suit. I clenched my fists.

Louisa didn’t even look at me as she rushed to Eddie’s side. He was still asleep, and only then did she seem to remember to show some concern. I tried to reassure her, "Eddie is out of danger, so there’s no need to—"

Before I could finish, Louisa cut me off with an angry glare. "You didn’t tell me our son was in surgery just because I didn’t answer your calls for a few days? Damien, how could you be so selfish? If something had happened to him today, what would you have said to me? You should be thankful he’s okay, or I’d never forgive you!"

Her outburst woke Eddie. Louisa always only cared about herself; this wasn’t the first time. If Eddie hadn’t been eager to see her, I might have confronted her. Simon gently patted her shoulder, his eyes filled with a taunting look that Louisa didn’t see.

Eddie looked at his mother, still unsure if he was dreaming. In the past, I would have been desperate to apologize, willing to do anything to make her happy. But now, I turned and left the room without saying a word. I went to the bathroom to freshen up. When I returned with breakfast, I overheard voices through the door.

"Damien was just worried about the kid. You haven’t answered his calls for days. Maybe you should talk to him," Simon was saying.

Louisa’s voice was unusually gentle, "If it hadn’t been for... I wouldn’t have married him. My son doesn’t need his concern. I’ve explained why I didn’t answer his calls. If he’s going to keep being unreasonable, there’s nothing I can do!"

Not wanting to hear more, I pushed open the door and saw Eddie eating fried fast food. I dropped what I was holding in shock.

"Eddie just had surgery. How can you give him this?" It was the first time I spoke to Louisa with such a demeanor. She looked surprised, and her face twisted with anger.

"My son doesn’t need your interference! You’ve already put him through enough. Stop meddling!"

Ignoring her, I rushed to Eddie and tore the junk food away from him, making him cry loudly. Louisa slammed her phone down on the table.

"Leave your food here. My son doesn’t need you!"

Seeing the raw hatred and disgust on her face, I said coldly, "Let’s get a divorce. I’ll take custody of Eddie. That should suit you just fine. There’s need to consult your advisor online anymore."

My fists clenched tightly, nails digging into my palms to keep myself steady. For five years, I had been fooling myself. It was time to wake up from those youthful dreams. Hearing the word "advisor," Louisa’s expression shifted. She quickly stepped up and slapped me, leaving five bloodied marks with her sharp nails. She seemed surprised I didn’t flinch, then angrily accused me, "How dare you look at my phone? That’s an invasion of my privacy! I could call the police! You’re disgusting!"

My gaze fell on Eddie’s face, filled with hurt and fear. I chose not to respond to her accusations, wanting to protect her image in front of Eddie. After her outburst, she turned and left the room with Simon.