Divorce Papers and New Beginnings

vel itinerary on my laptop. The place was quiet, a welcome respite from the c

the door chimed, a

ho was holding baby Leo in a carrier. They h

s flushed with color, her movements energetic as she adjusted the baby's blanket. She l

they would just get their coffee and le

Well, look what th

table, their presence c

ng little Leo for his first outing." She looked down at me, her eyes filled with

ust stared at the

napped. "Chloe is trying to be nic

said dryly, my eyes flicking to C

lways so career-focused. I guess you just don't have that ma

she now had. I remained silent, my fingers frozen on the keyboard. M

low and angry. "Chloe is sick. The least you can do

der. When a colleague had made a dismissive comment about female surgeons, Ethan had been so angry on my behalf, his voice shaking with indi

neered, as if reading my mind. "What's the point of all that success if you

nto my palms. I focused on the pain, using it to anchor myself,

closer to me. "We're having Leo's naming ceremony on Saturday. Y

She was cementing my place as a periphera

Chloe's shoulders. "Yes, Ava. Yo

voice dropping to a harsh whisper so only

ng. The love I had for him had curdled into a strange, detached pity. He

I watched them walk down the street, Ethan pushing the stroller,

ou want me at the naming ceremony? I'll be there. A