After a Family Trip Without Me

Our wedding anniversary also happens to be our son's birthday. A month in advance, I carefully plan a family trip for the three of us—me, my husband, and our son.

But right before we're supposed to leave, both of them suddenly disappear on me.

I'm left standing alone in the pouring rain, dialing their numbers.

On the other end, my son's young voice comes through, sounding cold and impatient. "Dad's having dinner with Ms. Moore. We don't want to go anymore."

The call ends, and I'm blocked.

Later that night, they intentionally lock me out of the house. I'm left standing in the freezing cold all night long.

Soaked from the rain, I come down with a high fever and develop pneumonia.

Meanwhile, my husband and son are off vacationing with Sophia Moore, smiling for a happy family photo with just the three of them.

And in that moment, I know this marriage has truly come to an end.

Chapter 1

When I woke up, the sharp scent of disinfectant filled my nose. Every inch of my body ached, and a heavy grogginess weighed me down.

A nurse informed me that I had collapsed on my front doorstep the night before. It was a neighbor who found me and brought me to the hospital.

Out of nowhere, my son, Jackson Walker's voice, rang in my mind. "Ms. Moore." He was referring to Sophia Moore—my husband, Mason Walker's, first love.

It was midday, and the ward was alive with occasional bursts of laughter and conversation from other patients and their families. But at the foot of my bed, there was only emptiness.

After sitting in silence for what felt like an eternity, I decided to call Mason. As always, he didn't answer.

I scrolled through my social media feed, only to find his latest post. It read, "A once-in-a-lifetime family trip with the one I love."

In the photo, Mason and Sophia had their arms around Jackson. They smiled brightly at the camera, their fingers forming a heart. They looked like the perfect family of three.

A bitter smile tugged at my lips. It would be a lie to say I wasn't hurt, but moments like this had become so common that I'd grown numb to the ache.

I even hit "like" on the post before putting my phone down.

In the days that followed, I stayed in the hospital while Mason and Jackson were off traveling with Sophia.

On the day I was discharged, I packed my things quietly and returned home alone. As I opened the door, I heard Mason and Jackson laughing from inside. They were sitting on the couch, surrounded by lavishly wrapped, expensive gifts.

The moment they saw me, their faces hardened. Their demeanor was cold and indifferent, as if I were a stranger to them.

In the past, I would have pretended everything was fine and made the effort to break the ice and start a conversation. But now, I was completely drained, both physically and emotionally. I had no strength left, no desire to make an effort.

Mason sat there, one leg crossed over the other, staring at me with a look of contempt.

"Athena Thornton, where have you been fooling around?

"You've been ...