Chapter 1

"Hey babe, you and V are super close. Me checking on her and the baby isn’t a big deal, right?"

I gave him a weak smile.

Of course, it’s not a big deal.

A father visiting his own son?

Totally logical.

He just didn’t have the guts to admit it.

I call Violet “V” all the time—it’s what best friends do.

But Derek calling her that?

It’s too much, too familiar.

And honestly, it’s not just the nickname.

They crossed that line long ago.

I bet they’ve used sweeter, more intimate names when no one’s around.

Not that it matters anymore.

When your heart’s already shattered, you stop caring.

After Derek left, my mom, who was changing my son Grayson’s diaper, muttered:

“Derek’s something else. Can’t take care of his wife, but he’s running off to check on someone else’s kid.”

“If you didn’t know better, you’d think he was Violet’s husband!”

I patted her hand.

“Mom, Violet’s doing this all on her own. I’m just letting Derek help out. It’s fine. Don’t overthink it.”

She sighed, worried.

“Sweetheart, I know you’re kind, but there’s an old saying: ‘Trust no one—not even your best friend.’ Don’t let Derek end up in her bed, alright?”

If only she knew the truth—Derek had already been there.

They even had a child together.

If my mom found out, her temper would drive her to tear Derek apart.

I could live without a marriage, a husband, or even a child.

But not without my mom.

When my ex-boyfriend passed away, I fell apart—completely.

Depression swallowed me whole.

I stood on rooftops, ready to jump.

I picked up knives, thinking of ending it all.

Through it all, my mom never left my side.

She followed me everywhere, day and night, until I couldn’t bear to see the toll it took on her.

Her hair turned gray overnight.

Seeing her worn-out face, something clicked.

I found strength, rejoined the world, started a new job, and opened my heart to love again.

As I held her calloused hands and saw her teary eyes, I promised her:

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll raise my son well.”

“One day, I’ll give you the surprise of your life.”

She wiped her tears and smiled.

Derek came home, finding us laughing together.

“What’s so funny?” he asked, grinning.

“I’m going to raise Grayson to become a PhD. Just wait—it’ll be a big surprise for you both.”

I said.

Derek, clueless as ever, replied.

“Sounds great! Can’t wait for that surprise.”

Chapter 2

After leaving the hospital, Violet and I both moved into private recovery suites.

Of course, Derek was footing the bill.

His money, his problem.

I used to scrimp and save for this family—wore the same clothes for years, skipped fancy skincare, avoided spas.

While I was pinching pennies, Derek was splurging.

Diamonds, limited-edition handbags—you name it, he bought it for Violet.

At first, I didn’t believe it.

Then I found receipts in his bag and thought they were for my birthday.

For days, I was secretly thrilled.

Until Violet posted a picture online.

A close-up of her diamond ring and designer bag, with Derek’s like sitting right there.

That’s when I realized what a joke my life was.

I cried until there were no tears left.

I finally saw the truth: If I didn’t spend his money, some other woman would.

So, I started spending.

The suite we moved into was top-tier—luxurious, quiet, and equipped with personal nurses.

I told Derek I needed the best for my recovery.

And I didn’t stop there.

I asked for expensive foods—bird’s nest, caviar, anything with a price tag that screamed “elite.”

I even hired a fake fortune teller who told Derek I needed gold to balance my energy.

Guilt-ridden, he bought me several gold bars worth tens of thousands.

I handed them over to my mom for safekeeping.

Life at the care center was a breeze.

After eating well and resting, I’d visit Violet’s room to see her son.

The little guy was chubby and rosy, with eyes like shiny black pearls.

He’d giggle and stretch his tiny legs whenever he saw me.

Violet grabbed my hand one day and said, teary-eyed:

“My late husband died too soon. Having his son makes people judge me even more.”

“Caroline, will you and Derek be his godparents? Please?” she begged.

I hesitated.

“Violet, it’s not that I don’t want to. Being godparents is like being real parents—we’d have responsibilities.”

“You know I have Grayson, and two kids are expensive. Let me think about it, okay?”

“Money’s not an issue,” Violet insisted.

“My husband left me a big settlement—it’s yours if you say yes.”

I smiled. “Alright, then. If you’re sure.”

As godmother, I named him Elliot.

Every time I held him, he’d kick his little legs and giggle.

And every time, my heart felt full for the first time in a long time.

In my mind, I whispered to him:

“Stay safe and grow up strong, baby.”

Chapter 3

Time flew by, and Violet and I stayed in the recovery suites for two weeks.

Derek came to see me every other day.

Every time, he’d completely ignore the baby.

He’d either crash on the bed, glued to his phone, or stare into space like he was somewhere else.

Physically, he was next to me, but his heart?

That was miles away.

Honestly, I didn’t want to see him either.

I wished he’d disappear from my life altogether.

But I had to keep up appearances, so I forced myself to play the loving wife, even throwing in a complaint:

“I only get to do this recovery thing once in my life, and you can’t even be here for me?”

“It’s not fair. I’m really upset.”

For a split second, he looked surprised.

I’d never cared about his comings and goings before—not even during pregnancy, when I needed him most.

Guilt flashed across his face.

“Jo, work’s been crazy. I’ve got this huge deal I’m trying to close.

Once it’s done, I’ll be here for you, I promise.”

He leaned in to kiss me, but I turned my face away.

Pretending to be understanding, I gently pushed him off.

“Well, if you’re so busy, then you’d better get back to it.”

Derek wasted no time leaving.

I followed him quietly.

Sure enough, as I’d guessed, he took the elevator straight up to Violet’s room.

The door was slightly ajar.

Inside, Violet had her arms around his neck, kissing him like her life depended on it.

Derek unbuckled his belt and tossed it to the floor.

In no time, they were tangled up on the bed.

Meanwhile, little Elliot was in his crib, happily chewing on his tiny fingers.

The creaking bed was too much for the baby, who started to cry.

Only then did those two finally separate.

Breathless, Violet glared at Derek.

“From now on, you’re not allowed to touch Caroline—not even a finger.”

Derek hesitated.

Violet pinched his arm hard, her voice sharp:

“What’s that hesitation about? Am I not enough for you? I’m barely out of recovery, and you’re still not satisfied?”

“Do you really think Caroline treats you better than I do?”

Derek quickly kissed her, whispering promises while taking a jab at me:

"Of course, I’ll do whatever you want. You’re everything to me. Caroline? She’s lifeless in bed, absolutely nothing like you."

Violet pouted, clearly hurt.

“If it weren’t for Elliot needing to call you ‘Dad’ without raising suspicions, I’d never let Caroline be his godmother.”

“I even gave her money for it. Just thinking about it makes me sick.”

Derek held her close, trying to soothe her.

“Hang in there. One day, it’ll just be the three of us together.”

I smirked and walked away.

Oh, Derek and Violet, I’m looking forward to the day you two finally get what’s coming.