Chapter 9
1
These days, my life doesn’t get shaken up just because the Fielton men
show up.
Not long after I got back from my trip, I signed up for a racing club.
I just wanted to pick up some old hobbies, but to my surprise, I actually made it through the selection round for a big race.
Even though I knew I’d probably get knocked out in the first round, I still prepared seriously for weeks.
The race was set for a week later.
On the day I left, I booked a red–eye flight on purpose.
The pre–race nerves, the anticipation, the strange sense of calm-
On the track, the wind tore through the blazing sun, and time itself seemed to freeze with every squeal of rubber against asphalt.
Sweat soaked my racing suit, chasing me down, pulling at every muscle.
When I finally pulled off my helmet, drenched in sweat, I stood on the podium as wave after wave of applause rose from the crowd.
Second place.
I never expected to place that high.
As the crowd dispersed, I made my way out with everyone else.
There was Kaiden, standing in the middle of the throng with Nash by his side.
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Nash clutched a bouquet of flowers, holding them so carefully, as if any brush from a stranger might ruin them.
The moment Kaiden saw me, he nodded, a faint smile flickering in his eyes, and mouthed two words.
From the shape of his lips, I guessed “Congratulations.”
Nash’s cheeks were flushed with excitement. He waved at me, calling out in his clear, sweet voice, “Mother, you were amazing!”
People nearby watched us with gentle smiles, but all I felt was annoyance.
I gathered my things and kept walking.
Kaiden and Nash hurried to catch up.
“Valerie, I never knew you could do this. Why didn’t you ever mention it before?”
“Mother, you were so cool out there! You have no idea how nervous I was when you passed that car!”
I pretended not to hear, never slowing down.
Kaiden caught my hand, lowering his voice, almost pleading, “Valerie, why don’t we go out for dinner tonight–just to celebrate?
I… Nash really misses you.
Nash’s eyes lit up, and he tried to press the bouquet into my hands.
I pulled away, avoiding him.
“I’m busy. I don’t have time.
“You two go ahead.”
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05.59
Kaiden’s work ethic was slipping.
Nash hadn’t been home in ages.
It was inevitable that Marlene would come find me.
Looking at this woman–who once favored me, yet now felt so distant–I was swept by a sadness I couldn’t quite name.
Maybe it was because we were both mothers, or maybe just because we were both women.
“Valerie, I chose you back then because you were quiet, reserved- someone who seemed right for the Fielton family.
But now, both Kaiden and Nash are staying away from home because of you. How is this any different from what happened with Delaney?
Valerie, come back. For my sake, just give Kaiden another chance.”
Marlene was never the overbearing type you’d expect from a wealthy matriarch.
On the contrary, her voice was always gentle, her manners impeccable.
Just like…
Just like Kaiden and Nash had always been with me.
I thought, if it weren’t for her son and grandson, she would never have swallowed her pride to sit in my tiny two–bedroom apartment, asking me to give Kaiden another chance.
“But Mrs. Fielton, Kaiden doesn’t love me.
“Our marriage has already wasted nine years of my life.
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05.59
“You chose me for my family, not for who I am.
“I’ve given you everything you wanted–our families are now closely tied, inseparable. I gave birth to Nash, just as you wished. He’s grown up now, and even without me, the Fielton family will take good care of him. So… can you finally give me my freedom back?”
My father once broke my leg and killed my childhood dog.
I was timid, too scared to fight back.
Then I married Kaiden, and their goals were achieved–Nash, bound to them by blood.
I was no use to anyone anymore.
Most importantly-
“Mrs. Fielton, I don’t love Kaiden anymore.
My young heart once fluttered at.
“Valerie, if you fall asleep, you’ll never be free again.
“Will you marry me? Maybe I can give you freedom.”
But in the end, the man forgot the promise he had made so easily.
Marlene let out a long, heavy sigh, speaking into the silence, “Did you hear that, Kaiden? I tried.”
Next to her purse, her phone screen glowed.
Kaiden’s name was on the display—the call still connected.
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