Chapter 3 After I settled into my new place in San Diego, I wandered all over the city. The gentle rain, the winding alleys—each little detail made me fall in love with this place. I never expected that on the third morning, I’d suddenly get a call from Kaiden. He sounded like he’d just woken up, his voice rough and sleepy. “Valerie, where did you put those ruby cufflinks you bought me at last year’s auction?” I paused for a moment. “They’re in the drawer of the second wardrobe compartment.” I asked, “What’s the occasion?” “Ribbon-cutting at a mall,” Kaiden replied. “The matching suit is the fourth one on the second row.” Kaiden still sounded half-asleep. I could hear him rummaging around on the other end, muttering under his breath. I listened for a while, then asked, “Did you find them?” The line went quiet, as if he’d finally realized what he was doing. “Found them. “Sorry—I didn’t mean to bother you.” I just said, “I know.” And told him, “Have the maid reorganize your closet. If you can’t find something, ask them. “From now on, don’t call me for help.” Kaiden was silent for a moment, then said, “Okay.” After we hung up, I blocked his number and drifted back to sleep. But this time, I couldn’t rest easy. My dreams were vivid and strange. I was 14 again, laughing and joking with classmates at school. Fifteen, meeting Kaiden for the first time on a sunny day. Sixteen, sneaking out to race cars and getting caught—my dad breaking my leg in punishment. And then… The shrill ring of my phone jolted me awake. Annoyed, I reached for it on the nightstand. It was an unfamiliar number. I answered, and a polite voice came through. “Hello, is this Nash’s mother? “I’m Nash’s preschool teacher. Today, we’re having a robotics showcase, and Nash is participating. He didn’t bring his project, though—he said his mother was making it for him. Would you be able to drop it off?” The teacher sounded genuinely warm. My fingers tightened around the phone. I closed my eyes, feeling a wave of exhaustion. Not long ago, I was sitting in the living room, studying video instructions frame by frame to help Nash build his craft project. But I left in such a rush that day—the robot was only half finished. I looked out at the sun blazing high above the city and replied softly, “I’m sorry, but I’m no longer Nash’s legal guardian. I won’t be handling anything for him anymore. “And… is he there with you now?” “Uh,” the teacher sounded a little embarrassed, “yes, Nash is right here beside me.” I sighed. “Could you put me on speaker, please?” “Of course, yes.” “Thank you.” I heard the phone shuffle, then silence. I knew Nash could hear me. I spoke gently, “Nash, the robot is in your toy box in your room. “You can call your father to bring it to you, or ask anyone else, but from now on, I hope you won’t call me. I won’t pick you up, and I won’t help you with your crafts. You know I’m not your mother anymore.” I apologized to the teacher again, then hung up.
Tailor-Made Wife
Status: Ongoing
