Chapter 2 He Doesn't Want to Go With Me

Charles was about to say something when his phone rang.

The moment he took it out, Seraphine saw the caller ID on the screen.

It was a call from Vivian.

Charles answered the phone. Whatever was said on the other end made his expression change instantly.

"Got it."

After hanging up, he glanced at Seraphine.

"We'll talk about whatever it is when I get back."

With that, he walked away without looking back.

Seraphine watched his tall, straight figure, her expression calm.

Charles had many good qualities—he was tall, handsome, and successful in his career.

But his flaws were just as obvious as his strengths.

He was arrogant, selfish, only loved Vivian, and habitually ignored everything Seraphine did for him.

Before, she had expectations of Charles, so she could accept his put-downs and disdain. But now, she wouldn't give in to him anymore.

She was going to live for herself this time.

That same evening, Seraphine packed her bags and left home.

The night wind was cold, and at some point, it had started raining outside.

She lifted her head and blinked. Raindrops fell on her face, and she felt the cold seeping into her bones.

Seven years ago, when she came, she had one suitcase. She never imagined that seven years later, when she left, she'd still have just one suitcase.

She lowered her lashes. The ride-hailing app on her phone still showed no drivers accepting her request.

By the time she reached her best friend's place, she was soaked through.

Nicole Griffin froze for a moment, then pulled her into the room. "Oh my God, what happened to you?"

Seraphine told her about the divorce.

Nicole was silent for a long time, her eyes reddening too. "Charles is such a scumbag! You had his child, took care of his parents, looked after the house, and this is how he treats you!"

Then she grabbed Seraphine's hand with concern.

"What about Sean? Who gets custody of Sean?"

Seraphine looked down. "He'll naturally stay with Charles."

"Can you bear to let him go?" Nicole asked unwillingly. "You had such a difficult delivery when he was born, and all these years, while Charles was busy with his career, you were the one taking care of him. Why should Charles get custody?"

"Because he doesn't want to come with me."

Seraphine smiled bitterly. "Right now, all he has in his heart is Vivian."

Nicole pursed her lips, still disagreeing. "Kids are just temporarily confused. But you're his real mother."

This time, Seraphine didn't say anything.

She suddenly remembered taking care of Sean before.

Sean had a congenital heart condition, so whether it was his diet or daily routine, she handled everything personally, afraid of the slightest mistake.

Sean used to like curling up in her arms, saying she was so good to him.

But now, it had been a long time since they'd had a proper conversation.

Just then, her phone rang.

It was Sean. Seeing the caller ID, Seraphine's heart skipped a beat.

Had he noticed she wasn't home and called to check on her?

Seraphine answered. "Sean, why aren't you asleep yet?"

"I'm at Vivian's place." When Sean mentioned Vivian, his voice was full of excitement. "Vivian has so much good food at her house!"

Seraphine's heart sank completely.

"Mom, I heard Dad and Vivian talking just now."

Sean said seriously, "Vivian was crying. She said you've lost your mind because you're jealous of her. She said you copied her work, and that her award-winning piece was designed by her."

Seraphine gripped her phone tightly. "What about you? Do you think I would falsely accuse someone?"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end.

"Mom, Vivian is really talented. You stay home every day, cooking for Dad and me. How would you know how to design jewelry?" Sean's innocent voice was full of anger. "Mom, can you please stop deliberately targeting Vivian?"

Sean's words were like a dull knife, cutting open Seraphine's heart.

He really was Charles's child—when making choices, they made the same ones.

She wanted to say she used to be a talented jewelry designer, too.

But the words reached her lips and wouldn't come out.

What was the point of explaining all this to a six-year-old?

He already had his own judgment, thinking that Vivian, who gave him building blocks, was good, while his mom, who strictly disciplined him, was bad.

"Sean, take care of yourself from now on. The doctor said you can't eat junk food, can't stay up late, and you can't—"

"I know!"

Before Seraphine could finish, Sean interrupted her on the other end, his tone impatient. "Mom, you're always like this. So annoying, so nagging. Vivian never says these things!"

Then he hung up.

The dial tone rang in her ear for a long time before Seraphine slowly lowered her phone.

Maybe she was a bit nagging.

But soon, there wouldn't be another chance like this.

Nicole looked at her and asked carefully, "What did Sean say?"

Seraphine shook her head, her throat too choked up to make a sound.

After who knows how long, the pain in her heart finally eased a little.

"Nicole, I want to do design again."

Nicole's eyes lit up. "That's great! You should have done this ages ago. Back when you won that international award, the judges called you a genius in the design world. If you hadn't gotten married..."

She suddenly stopped, realizing she'd said the wrong thing.

But Seraphine laughed, with self-mockery. "Maybe. But I chose this path myself. I can't blame anyone else."

After having Sean, she'd given up her career.

Looking back now, seven years of marriage had brought her nothing but endless drain.

Just then, Seraphine received a message from the bank, notifying her that her card had been frozen.

She stared at the text for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed.

"What's wrong?" Nicole asked.

"Charles." Seraphine took a deep breath. "He froze my card."

Nicole's eyes widened. "What does he mean by that?"

"The meaning is simple." Seraphine put away her phone. "He wants me to think it over and go back."

"Does he think that by cutting off your money, you'll obediently go back?" Nicole's face flushed with anger. "What does he think you are?"

Seraphine didn't know herself.

"It doesn't matter. I wasn't planning to spend his money anyway."

She had hands. These hands used to draw designs that amazed the international community. Now, she still could.

After they settled in, Nicole could see she was in a bad mood and suggested, "Tomorrow's the weekend. Let me take you out to eat. There's a new restaurant downtown that's really good!"

Seraphine nodded in agreement.

The next evening, the two came to the restaurant.

A server led them to their reserved table. Just as they sat down, they heard a familiar voice.

"Congratulations on winning the gold award."

It was Charles's voice.

Her whole body stiffened. She turned her head.

Not far away, Charles, Sean, Vivian, and several of her friends were sitting together.

The table was set with fancy dishes, and in the center was a cake that read: Congratulations to Vivian on Her Award!

They sat together like a real family.

Sean was eating crab while saying unclearly.

"Vivian is the best! My mom never lets me eat these things!"

Vivian asked with a smile, "So do you like me more, or do you like your mom more?"

"Of course I like you more!" Sean answered without hesitation. Then his little head drooped. "I wish you were my mom."

Vivian didn't say anything. She looked at Charles.

"Charles, do you think so too?"

After a moment of silence, Charles nodded.

Seraphine's chest felt like it was being strangled with wire. The pain drained the color from her lips.

Perhaps her gaze was too intense. Charles looked over.