Chapter 9
As the teacher was about to bring Christopher out, I was already turning to leave, but then Hanley suddenly groveled in front of me, squeezing out two tears.
“Dawn, Honey, I truly know I was wrong. My mom is in the hospital with no one to take care of her, and I still have to work. I can’t manage everything alone. Please. We were once married. Please, come back. If you do, I’ll transfer the house into your name…‘
“I
I didn’t care about the curious stares from the onlookers as I shouted, “Once married? Thinking back on those years with you makes me want to throw up! What, you suddenly want me back now that you don’t have a maid at home? Do you think I’ll let myself be taken advantage of again? I’m living a good life with my son–why would I go back to serve you and your mom? You should wake up!”
Hanley hung his head, ashamed, not saying a word.
The teacher came out with Christopher, and I glanced at Hanley. “Don’t ever come near me again. Stay far This is what you said to me before, and now I’m saying it to you.”
away.
I paused, then added, “By the way, you have a biological father out there, right? If things are so tough now, you can go to him. Don’t bother me.”
Hanley, furious, stood up. “How could you…”
With that, I grabbed Christopher’s hand and pulled him into a nearby taxi, leaving without a second glance at Hanley, who stood frozen in place.
After thinking it over, I decided it was best to leave this place with Christopher. Staying here any longer meant Hanley would likely continue to harass us.
I made up my mind and went ahead with the transfer application for Christopher’s school.
As expected, Hanley didn’t let up. He bombarded me with calls and messages, desperately trying to get me to change my mind. At first, I ignored him, but he only became more persistent. Soon, he was calling me non–stop and even showed up at my house, refusing to leave.
He kneeled in front of the door, crying as he muttered, “Honey, I really know I was wrong. Christopher can’t grow up without a father. Please, let’s get back together.”
The neighbors, thinking we had just had a fight, tried to intervene. “No marriage is without its problems. Why not just take a step back and make peace?”
I grabbed Hanley by the shoulders and pushed him into the neighbor’s house. Rolling my eyes, I said, “Why don’t you take a step back and bring him home with you? I’m done with this guy. Besides, we’re divorced.”
Hanley, who had always cared about appearances, was humiliated by my actions. Furious, he began slamming my door.
When the police arrived, he was holding a brick in his hand
Hanley glared at me. “Even though we’re divorced, it doesn’t change the fact that Christopher is my son.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, leaning in close to his ear and whispering with a smirk, “You’ve never had a paternity test with Christopher, so how can you be so sure he’s your son?”
Hanley froze, staring at me in disbelief, and then was taken away by the police.
As he was being put into the patrol car, he didn’t forget to curse me. “Dawn, you shameless woman! You’d better tell me, is Christopher really my son?”
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Chapter 9
I smiled cryptically, saying nothing in response.
1 booked the soonest flight out of the city, planning to leave with Christopher.
Hanley had caused enough trouble, breaking property and disturbing the peace. He wouldn’t be out in less than a week, and I wasn’t worried about him coming after us again.
On the plane, Christopher tilted his head and asked, “Mom, where are we going?”
Looking out the window as the city slowly disappeared beneath the clouds, I stroked his head. “We’re going somewhere where no one can find us. Don’t be scared. I’m with you.”
Christopher grinned. “I’m not scared!”
After a moment, he asked again, “Mom, do I have a dad?”
I thought for a moment before replying softly, “You did once, but not anymore.”
He didn’t ask any more questions. Instead, he leaned back in his seat, watching the scenery outside.
Suddenly, I remembered the last words I’d said to Hanley. It had been nothing more than passing remarks, but he was still doubtful, thinking that everyone was as shameless as his family.
Leaving him was the best decision I ever made.
It was exactly the kind of retribution his family deserved.
When the plane landed, I grabbed Christopher’s hand and walked toward the exit. The sun was shining brightly outside–perfect for a new beginning.
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