Chapter 5 

I honestly have no idea what goes through the minds of that father and son. 

It had barely been a week before Kaiden called me again. 

He used a different number this time, because I’d already blocked him. 

Dragging things out like this wasn’t his usual style. 

When I answered, there was silence on the other end for several seconds. 

Just as I was about to hang up, confused and annoyed, Kaiden’s voice finally came through. 

“Valerie.” He said my name, “Your parents told me you haven’t been home. Where did you go? Are you in San Diego?” 

He was checking up on me. 

I knew he had the resources to do that. 

And yet, I couldn’t even put into words how furious it made me. 

During our nine years of marriage, he’d always been distant, indifferent–we were like two strangers sharing the same roof. 

Now, in just a couple of weeks, he’d called me more times than he had in the entire past year. 

Back then, I’d send him WhatsApp messages. 

“Will you be home for dinner tonight? 

“Are you still in a meeting? 

“Is your stomach hurting? Should I make some soup and bring it to you?” 

At best, he’d reply with a single, “Yeah.” 

The rest was just me, talking to myself. 

But now, it was as if nothing had ever happened. 

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05:57 

Chapter S 

288 Vouchers 

His voice was rough over the phone, asking, “Valerie, I was out drinking for work tonight, and my stomach’s acting up. Where did you put the medication at home? 

“And Nash caught a cold at preschool–his temperature’s up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and he’s been whining nonstop. What did you use to do to help him feel better?” 

I was beyond angry 

I forced myself to stay calm, not wanting to sound like a hysterical lunatic, and told him, word by word, “Kaiden, we’re divorced. 

“I’m not your wife anymore, and I’m not your maid. Whether your stomach hurts or not, whether you can find your medicine, it’s none of my business. You have plenty of people who can buy whatever you need. 

“If Nash is sick, telling me won’t help. I’m not a doctor, and I’ve never seen a father ask his ex–wife what to do when his kid has a fever. 

“I don’t know what you’re trying to accomplish–maybe you’re resentful, maybe you’re just used to me taking care of everything. 

“But Kaiden, I’m trying not to be cruel, so let me make this clear–we’re done. Please stop calling me. Do you understand?” 

I hung up for good after saying that. 

Then I flipped my phone over, pulled out the SIM card, and tossed it straight into the trash. 

05