8
That evening, Sera received a call from Julian at the hospital.
“Sera, I’m sorry. Chloe’s not doing well, and she need to stay at the hospital for a few more days. Her brother asked me to look after her, and I can’t refuse. I won’t be able to come home for a while.”
She responded calmly.“It’s fine. Take care of her.”
Julian, you can spend your life with her now.
There were only three days left.
Chloe sent Sera a video. It showed another birthday party in the same place. Chloe was in a princess dress and tiara, surrounded by gifts. Julian embraced her from behind, kissing her ear. “Happy birthday, Princess. What’s
your wish?”
Chloe tilted her chin haughtily.“I want you to grant me whatever I wish! Just like the way you treat Sera.”
Julian pinched her nose affectionately.“Anything for our princess.”
Sera saved the video and left the house.
She took the signed paper to her lawyer. Her lawyer said, “Mrs. Stone, the divorce agreement is ready. Once you sign, your marriage will be officially dissolved.”
Sera signed
Two days left.
without hesitation. She and Julian were officially strangers.
Chloe sent Sera another video. Julian was gently pressing his ear to Chloe’s belly. Chloe smiled.“The baby’s only three months old. What can you hear?”
Julian feigned seriousness.“I heard him call me Daddy.”
Chloe laughed, slightly lifting her nightgown.“He can’t talk yet, but if you want to hear something, I can give you… Daddy.”
Julian’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He pinned her to the bed. The bed groaned under their
movements.
“Julian, wait… don’t lift me!”
His voice was low and husky.“Didn’t you call me Daddy? This is how Daddy hugs his girl…”
Sera didn’t reply. She called her lawyer and sold the shares Julian had transferred to her. Then, she went to the bank and exchanged a portion of the money into foreign currency. On the day of departure, Sera woke early. Three tasks awaited.
First, she gathered all the gifts Julian had given her over the years and distributed them to the household staff. They were both delighted and bewildered.
Sera smiled.“I’m celebrating something wonderful, and I want to share my joy. Don’t worry, just keep them.”
“Also, I’ll give you all a day off today.”
The staff, overjoyed, thanked her profusely before departing with armfuls of gifts.
< 8
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Second, she compiled Chloe’s taunting texts, videos, and the recording. The texts were printed a million times and distributed across the city by drones. The videos were displayed on the biggest billboard, looping continuously. The recording was blasted from ten thousand speakers in the central square.
Third, she packed her bags and placed the divorce papers on the table. Her phone rang. It was Julian. His voice was still tender.“Sera, I’ll be home soon. I’m almost done.”
Sera hummed in response.“I have a surprise for you.”
He was clearly excited.“Oh? What surprise?”
She spoke calmly.“You’ll see when you get back.”
Or perhaps, with good timing, he might see them on his way the broadcast…
home- the drones, the billboards,
He hung up, anticipating his surprise. Sera grabbed her suitcase and walked out. She encountered some neighbors on the tree–lined street.
“Sera, going somewhere?” they asked.
She smiled brightly.“Yes.”
And without coming back.
The sun was shining. Sera, with her suitcase, boarded the plane, never looking back.
