She was like a second mother to me, especially since she never had children of her own. And when she passed away six years ago, it was the first time I truly felt such a profound sense of grief and loss.
Just before I married Adrian, my father, a ruthless judge, made sure I protected myself financially. He insisted we sign a well-drafted Binding Financial Agreement—a prenup, that kept anything belonging to my family firmly separate, including anything I might one day inherit.
Unlike Adrian, my parents had considerable wealth, and my father was determined it would stay in our family. And since he never trusted my husband to begin with, he made sure it was handled before we ever walked down the aisle.
If Adrian ever thought to challenge me over the house, he’d have my father to contend with. That, at least, is one thing I don’t have to worry about. I love that house. I renovated and decorated it myself, and the outdoor garden alone added significant value thanks to the care I poured into it. I can only hope the tenants have kept it in the same immaculate condition I left it in.
The buzz of my phone on the bedside table has both my mother and me snapping our heads towards it. Adrian’s nameflashes across the screen. I let it ring out, sending it straight to voicemail, just like I’ve been doing since I arrived at my parents’ house this morning.
“You have to talk to him at some point, sweetheart.”
“I know that. But I’m not ready—not yet. He can wait. He owes me at least that much.”
“And what about Zac?”
“I told him that once we’re settled in, we can talk about his visitation.”
“Let’s hope he respects your wishes and gives you the space you need. If he becomes too much of a bother, we’ll let your dad take care of it. He’s a well-connected man and can be a real shark when he wants to be.”
“No. I can handle this myself. This is between Adrian and me, and at the end of the day, he’s still Zac’s father. I hate him for what he did, but I don’t want to destroy his life.”
“He deserves far worse than that,” my father interjects, leaning casually against the doorframe with his arms crossed.
When did he even come in? My mind’s been so clouded lately, I barely notice what’s happening around me anymore.
“Jesus, Dad. It’s eleven in the morning, I’ve barely slept, and I’ve just driven two hours straight to get here. I really don’t have the energy to argue with you right now.”
“I’m not arguing with you, petal,” he assures me, using the nickname he gave me as a little girl who loved flowers. “I’m just saying this because I’m your father, and it hurts to see you hurt. Ever since you called us last night—crying, barely able to get the words out, I’ve been holding myself back for yoursake. But I’ll respect whatever decision you make for now. Just know that your mother and I are here for you, in whatever way you need. You don’t have to be strong all the time. And if you ever decide you want me to scorch his arse…” He pauses, his expression hardening. “Just say the word. I’ve got you covered.”
“Thanks, Dad. But I’ll be okay. It’ll take time, I know, but I’m not going to let his betrayal define our lives. Zac and I will rebuild—slowly, piece by piece, without him. What matters most is protecting Zac from all of this.”
“I still can’t believe he had an affair,” my mother says, her expression twisting with disgust. “We trusted him to never hurt you again, and he did, only this time it’s so much worse. When you called me, I nearly grabbed my new garden shovel and went looking for him.”
“She ain’t lying. Your mother was almost out the door before I was able to stop her.”
I let out a soft chuckle and sigh. “I hate that after all these years of being loyal to him—sacrificing my job, house, Zac’s school, our friends and family to follow him to Sandy Vale, this is what he’s reduced our marriage, our lives to: absolute ruin.”
“I’m so sorry, baby,” my mother says softly, at the same time my father mutters, “I’m gonna destroy that bastard,” under his breath.
“That confrontation yesterday has seriously drained every ounce of my energy. All I want now is to get settled and stay in bed for the rest of the day.”
“Well, you can’t do that. I’ve invited your brother, Claire, and the girls over for dinner tonight.”
“What? No, Mum. I’m not in the mood to socialise. I literally just found out my husband cheated on me, left him, and I’m now moving back in with you and Dad. The last thing I need right now is to plaster on a fake smile and pretend everything’s peachy.”
“Yep, that’s my cue to go,” Dad murmurs, already backing out of the room. “I’m going to watch a movie with Zac. Let me know if you ladies need anything.”
He slips out of the room without a word, leaving my mother and me alone once more.
“Hope, honey, it might actually help to be around family while you’re going through this. I worry you’ll spend too much time alone, lying in bed with your thoughts.”
“It’s going to happen regardless, Mum.”
“I know,” she says gently. “But if we can help ease even a little of that hurt, we will. We love you, and you will always be surrounded by people who love you. Remember that, especially when things start to feel a little heavy and you can’t see past the fog.”
“I really appreciate all your help. And thank you for taking us in when we had nowhere else to go.”
“Oh, my darling. You never have to ask. You and Zac are always welcome to stay here. We’re all just so happy to have you guys back. Now, finish getting settled in. I’ll make us something to eat.”
