hapter 30
hapter 30
After speaking, Billy walked way from Henry without a backwal glance.
Through the rain–streaked window of our master bedroom in Maple Grove, I caught a glimpse of Henry standing in the downpour. Even from this distance, I could feel the weight of
packing what remained of my life into a single suitcase.
grey eyes, I turned away, focusing on the task at hand
When you truly love someone, I thought as I folded another sweater with mechanical precision, you can’t remain friends after parting. If friendship is possible, it only proves the love was never real to begin with.
“Mom?” Billy’s small voice drew my attention. “Will we ever come back here?”
I paused, a silk scarf hanging forgotten in my hands. “Probably not, sweetheart. Will you miss it?”
My son stood by the window, his reflection ghostly against the rain–streaked glass. I could see him wrestling with thoughts too heavy for his young shoulders.
“The kids at school…” he began hesitantly, “they might laugh about the divorce.”
My heart clenched. I moved to kneel beside him, but before I could speak, Billy straightened his small shoulders.
“But it doesn’t matter,” he declared with startling maturity. “As long as Mom is happy, I don’t care what they say.”
Tears threatened as I pulled him close. My mind raced with worries – how my new salary would barely cover decent clothes for him, how he might resent this decision once he experienced true hardship. Every worst–case scenario played through my head like a horrifying slideshow.
“Mom, don’t be sad.” Billy’s small hands patted my back awkwardly. “Wherever you are is home. We’ll take care of each
other.”
I swallowed hard, struggling to steady my voice. “Thank you, baby. From now on, it’s just us. You’re my everything, and I’m yours. We’ll be fine, won’t we?”
“Of course!” Billy’s conviction brought fresh tears to my eyes. “Everything’s good when we’re together!”
I pressed a kiss to his forehead before pulling away. “Go pack your things, sweetheart. Take your favorite toys, and we’ll
leave the rest, okay?”
“Okay, Mom.”
Billy hesitated at the door, then turned back. “Mom? Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, sweetheart.” I set down the silk blouse I’d been folding.
“When we leave…” he fidgeted with the hem of his sweater, “will Dr. Sanders come visit us sometimes? He explains things really well, and he never makes me feel stupid when I ask questions.”
My heart squeezed painfully in my chest. “Billy…”
“I know he’s not Dad, Billy rushed to add, his small face serious “But he’s nice
smiles, not the sad ones you think I don’t notice.”
to us. And he makes you smile – real
1/3
Chapter 30
1 knelt to his level, cupping his face in my hands. When did you get so observant, hmm?
I watch everything, he admitted softly. “Like how Dad looks at sabella–auntle, and how you look when you see them together. That’s why we’re leasing, isn’t it? Because love should hurt like that,”
Tears pricked at my eyes. “Who taught you to be so wise?
“You did, Mom.” His small fingers wiped away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. “You always say we should be honest about out feelings. And honestly? I just want you to be happy again.”
I pulled him into a tight hug, breathing in his familiar scent of crayons and baby shampoo. “I love you so much, you know
that?”
“I know.” He squeezed back just as tight. “We’re a team, right?”
“The best team,” I whispered into his hair.
Suddenly, the sound of the door bursting
open made us both jump. Grace Harding stood in the doorway, her designer outfit perfectly pressed despite the late hour. The sight of her made my stomach twist – Henry’s sister had never bothered to hide her contempt for me.
“Well, well,” Grace’s voice dripped venom. “If it isn’t Mrs. Harding. Packing already? What’s the rush?”
I continued folding clothes, keeping my movements deliberately calm. “Grace, please leave.”
“Leaving so soon?” She sauntered into the room, running a manicured finger along the dresser. ‘Missing my brother already? Is this divorce talk just another attention–seeking game?”
She moved closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Let me tell you something about Henry. He’s not easy to manipulate. Only Isabella can soften him the rest of us are lucky if he even notices we exist.”
“Grace–auntie,” Billy’s clear voice cut through the tension. His small fists were raised protectively as he positioned himself between us. “Don’t bully my mom. She deserves your respect!”
The pride I felt at my son’s bravery quickly turned to horror as Grace’s perfectly painted face twisted with rage. She grabbed Billy’s collar, yanking him off his feet. “You little bastard! Who gave you permission to speak?”
“Put him down!” The words tore from my throat before I could think.
“Why should I listen to you??” Grace sneered, shaking my son slightly.
“Stop it, Grace.” I struggled to keep my voice steady, even as rage built inside me. “Your problem is with me, not my son!”
Grace’s lips curved into a cruel smile. “Your son? Don’t make me laugh. He’s a Harding heir- the only reason you’re even here. Did you really think Henry married you for love?”
“Let him go,” I warned, taking a step forward. “Now.”
“Or what?” She tightened her grip on Billy’s collar. “You’ll run crying to Thomas Sanders? Everyone knows you throwing yourself at him. Such a desperate little gold–digger, already looking for your next target.”
Deen
I watched Billy’s face turning red, his small hands clutching at his collar. Something dark and protective rose in my chest.
2/3
The Ex Wife’s Redemption: A Love Reborn
Chapter 31
In the bedroom, my hands trembled slightly as I checked Billy for injuries, my fingers gentle as they traced his neck where Graces grip had left angry red –
marks.
“Baby, are you okay? Does it hurt anywhere?” I kept my voice steady despite the rage building in my chest.
Before Billy could answer, movement reflected in the antique mirror caught my eye. Grace was approaching from behind, her designer heels clicking against the marble floor like the countdown to an explosion. The wild look in her eyes made my blood run cold.
“You bitch,” Grace’s voice dripped venom as she advanced. “You dare hit me? Do you know what happens to people who strike a Harding?”
I positioned myself between Grace and Billy, never taking my eyes off her reflection. “Sweetheart,” I said softly to my son, “everything’s fine. Don’t be scared.”
“Ha!” Grace’s laugh held an edge of hysteria. “Still playing the devoted mother?”
Billy stepped forward, his small frame vibrating with determination. “Grace–auntie, please don’t talk to my mom like that.”
The raw courage in my five–year–old’s voice made my heart swell and break simultaneously. But before I could move him to safety, Grace’s perfectly manicured hands shot out like vipers, wrapping around my throat.
“Grace, I managed through gritted teeth, “let go. Now.”
“Or what?” Grace sneered, her perfectly manicured nails digging deeper into my skin. “You think that Thomas will come to help you? Don’t daydream!”
“At least I’m not obsessed with my brother’s love life,” I shot back, struggling to draw breath. “What’s wrong, Grace? Jealous that Henry’s attention is split between Isabella and me?”
Her eyes went wild with rage. “How dare you! You’re nothing but a parasite feeding off our family name!”
Her grip only tightened as she shoved me against the wall. A Venetian vase crashed to the floor, its pieces scattering like broken dreams across imported marble. “You worthless nobody! If it weren’t for you, Henry and Isabella would be together by now!”
Black spots danced at the edges of my vision as her fingers dug deeper. “Grace… stop…”
“Die! You cheap whore!” Grace’s voice rose to a shriek that echoed off, the vaulted ceilings. “Everyone in New York society knows how you climbed your way up! Before you came, Daddy and Grandfather loved me best! Now they only care about you! What are you? Nothing! Die! Die!”
The pressure on my throat increased, and somewhere distant I heard Billy’s terrified voice calling for me. The sound of my son’s fear cut through the fog in my brain like a knife, activating something primal and fierce.
Suddenly, I broke Grace’s grip, pivoted, and executed a perfect shoulder throw. She sailed through the air with a shocked gasp before landing hard on the floor.
“Miss Grace!” A maid rushed forward, hands fluttering uselessly. “Are you alright?”
*Someone get Mrs. Harding!” Another servant called out, panic clear in her voice.
Grace writhed on the floor, her perfect hairdo ruined, designer dress twisted around her legs. “I’ll kill you,” she moaned, clutching her side. ‘I’ll kill you…”
I touched my throat gently, assessing the damage. The skin felt tender but intact to check on Billy.
–
there would be bruises, but nothing serious. More importantly, I turned
My son stared at me with wide eyes, but not with fear – with pure adoration. “Mom, that was amazing! You’re like a superhero!”
“You weren’t scared, sweetheart?” I knelt to his level, smoothing his ruffled hair.
Billy shook his head emphatically. “No way! Mom, can you teach me self–defense? Then next time I can protect you!”
After speaking, Billy walked way from Henry without a backwal glance.
Through the rain–streaked window of our master bedroom in Maple Grove, I caught a glimpse of Henry standing in the downpour. Even from this distance, I could feel the weight of
packing what remained of my life into a single suitcase.
grey eyes, I turned away, focusing on the task at hand
When you truly love someone, I thought as I folded another sweater with mechanical precision, you can’t remain friends after parting. If friendship is possible, it only proves the love was never real to begin with.
“Mom?” Billy’s small voice drew my attention. “Will we ever come back here?”
I paused, a silk scarf hanging forgotten in my hands. “Probably not, sweetheart. Will you miss it?”
My son stood by the window, his reflection ghostly against the rain–streaked glass. I could see him wrestling with thoughts too heavy for his young shoulders.
“The kids at school…” he began hesitantly, “they might laugh about the divorce.”
My heart clenched. I moved to kneel beside him, but before I could speak, Billy straightened his small shoulders.
“But it doesn’t matter,” he declared with startling maturity. “As long as Mom is happy, I don’t care what they say.”
Tears threatened as I pulled him close. My mind raced with worries – how my new salary would barely cover decent clothes for him, how he might resent this decision once he experienced true hardship. Every worst–case scenario played through my head like a horrifying slideshow.
“Mom, don’t be sad.” Billy’s small hands patted my back awkwardly. “Wherever you are is home. We’ll take care of each
other.”
I swallowed hard, struggling to steady my voice. “Thank you, baby. From now on, it’s just us. You’re my everything, and I’m yours. We’ll be fine, won’t we?”
“Of course!” Billy’s conviction brought fresh tears to my eyes. “Everything’s good when we’re together!”
I pressed a kiss to his forehead before pulling away. “Go pack your things, sweetheart. Take your favorite toys, and we’ll
leave the rest, okay?”
“Okay, Mom.”
Billy hesitated at the door, then turned back. “Mom? Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, sweetheart.” I set down the silk blouse I’d been folding.
“When we leave…” he fidgeted with the hem of his sweater, “will Dr. Sanders come visit us sometimes? He explains things really well, and he never makes me feel stupid when I ask questions.”
My heart squeezed painfully in my chest. “Billy…”
“I know he’s not Dad, Billy rushed to add, his small face serious “But he’s nice
smiles, not the sad ones you think I don’t notice.”
to us. And he makes you smile – real
1/3
Chapter 30
1 knelt to his level, cupping his face in my hands. When did you get so observant, hmm?
I watch everything, he admitted softly. “Like how Dad looks at sabella–auntle, and how you look when you see them together. That’s why we’re leasing, isn’t it? Because love should hurt like that,”
Tears pricked at my eyes. “Who taught you to be so wise?
“You did, Mom.” His small fingers wiped away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. “You always say we should be honest about out feelings. And honestly? I just want you to be happy again.”
I pulled him into a tight hug, breathing in his familiar scent of crayons and baby shampoo. “I love you so much, you know
that?”
“I know.” He squeezed back just as tight. “We’re a team, right?”
“The best team,” I whispered into his hair.
Suddenly, the sound of the door bursting
open made us both jump. Grace Harding stood in the doorway, her designer outfit perfectly pressed despite the late hour. The sight of her made my stomach twist – Henry’s sister had never bothered to hide her contempt for me.
“Well, well,” Grace’s voice dripped venom. “If it isn’t Mrs. Harding. Packing already? What’s the rush?”
I continued folding clothes, keeping my movements deliberately calm. “Grace, please leave.”
“Leaving so soon?” She sauntered into the room, running a manicured finger along the dresser. ‘Missing my brother already? Is this divorce talk just another attention–seeking game?”
She moved closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Let me tell you something about Henry. He’s not easy to manipulate. Only Isabella can soften him the rest of us are lucky if he even notices we exist.”
“Grace–auntie,” Billy’s clear voice cut through the tension. His small fists were raised protectively as he positioned himself between us. “Don’t bully my mom. She deserves your respect!”
The pride I felt at my son’s bravery quickly turned to horror as Grace’s perfectly painted face twisted with rage. She grabbed Billy’s collar, yanking him off his feet. “You little bastard! Who gave you permission to speak?”
“Put him down!” The words tore from my throat before I could think.
“Why should I listen to you??” Grace sneered, shaking my son slightly.
“Stop it, Grace.” I struggled to keep my voice steady, even as rage built inside me. “Your problem is with me, not my son!”
Grace’s lips curved into a cruel smile. “Your son? Don’t make me laugh. He’s a Harding heir- the only reason you’re even here. Did you really think Henry married you for love?”
“Let him go,” I warned, taking a step forward. “Now.”
“Or what?” She tightened her grip on Billy’s collar. “You’ll run crying to Thomas Sanders? Everyone knows you throwing yourself at him. Such a desperate little gold–digger, already looking for your next target.”
Deen
I watched Billy’s face turning red, his small hands clutching at his collar. Something dark and protective rose in my chest.
2/3
The Ex Wife’s Redemption: A Love Reborn
Chapter 31
In the bedroom, my hands trembled slightly as I checked Billy for injuries, my fingers gentle as they traced his neck where Graces grip had left angry red –
marks.
“Baby, are you okay? Does it hurt anywhere?” I kept my voice steady despite the rage building in my chest.
Before Billy could answer, movement reflected in the antique mirror caught my eye. Grace was approaching from behind, her designer heels clicking against the marble floor like the countdown to an explosion. The wild look in her eyes made my blood run cold.
“You bitch,” Grace’s voice dripped venom as she advanced. “You dare hit me? Do you know what happens to people who strike a Harding?”
I positioned myself between Grace and Billy, never taking my eyes off her reflection. “Sweetheart,” I said softly to my son, “everything’s fine. Don’t be scared.”
“Ha!” Grace’s laugh held an edge of hysteria. “Still playing the devoted mother?”
Billy stepped forward, his small frame vibrating with determination. “Grace–auntie, please don’t talk to my mom like that.”
The raw courage in my five–year–old’s voice made my heart swell and break simultaneously. But before I could move him to safety, Grace’s perfectly manicured hands shot out like vipers, wrapping around my throat.
“Grace, I managed through gritted teeth, “let go. Now.”
“Or what?” Grace sneered, her perfectly manicured nails digging deeper into my skin. “You think that Thomas will come to help you? Don’t daydream!”
“At least I’m not obsessed with my brother’s love life,” I shot back, struggling to draw breath. “What’s wrong, Grace? Jealous that Henry’s attention is split between Isabella and me?”
Her eyes went wild with rage. “How dare you! You’re nothing but a parasite feeding off our family name!”
Her grip only tightened as she shoved me against the wall. A Venetian vase crashed to the floor, its pieces scattering like broken dreams across imported marble. “You worthless nobody! If it weren’t for you, Henry and Isabella would be together by now!”
Black spots danced at the edges of my vision as her fingers dug deeper. “Grace… stop…”
“Die! You cheap whore!” Grace’s voice rose to a shriek that echoed off, the vaulted ceilings. “Everyone in New York society knows how you climbed your way up! Before you came, Daddy and Grandfather loved me best! Now they only care about you! What are you? Nothing! Die! Die!”
The pressure on my throat increased, and somewhere distant I heard Billy’s terrified voice calling for me. The sound of my son’s fear cut through the fog in my brain like a knife, activating something primal and fierce.
Suddenly, I broke Grace’s grip, pivoted, and executed a perfect shoulder throw. She sailed through the air with a shocked gasp before landing hard on the floor.
“Miss Grace!” A maid rushed forward, hands fluttering uselessly. “Are you alright?”
*Someone get Mrs. Harding!” Another servant called out, panic clear in her voice.
Grace writhed on the floor, her perfect hairdo ruined, designer dress twisted around her legs. “I’ll kill you,” she moaned, clutching her side. ‘I’ll kill you…”
I touched my throat gently, assessing the damage. The skin felt tender but intact to check on Billy.
–
there would be bruises, but nothing serious. More importantly, I turned
My son stared at me with wide eyes, but not with fear – with pure adoration. “Mom, that was amazing! You’re like a superhero!”
“You weren’t scared, sweetheart?” I knelt to his level, smoothing his ruffled hair.
Billy shook his head emphatically. “No way! Mom, can you teach me self–defense? Then next time I can protect you!”
1/2
Chapter 31
