“He’s nobody, and he was just leaving.” Her voice comes out strong and firm. I look at her. “Thank you for bringing Dylan home. We’ll see you tomorrow.” And just like that, my heart breaks for the woman who I thought was mine.

Chapter Twelve

Caroline

My day went from amazing to kick in the stomach yet again. And I’m suddenly reminded not to ever get my hopes up again. Every single time I think things are looking up, someone somewhere says “Not today.”

I got my groceries for just under a hundred dollars. With the leftover food stamps that I had and shopping the sales, I was winning. Then I was about to cook dinner and thinking of doing something nice for Justin after everything he’s done for me, but when I went to call him, I got sent to the collections department. Since it was my third time being late, they couldn’t do anything unless I paid off the total due, which at this time was going to be impossible. I had just hung up the phone when I heard a knock on the door, and when I opened it, Justin stood there with a worried look on his face.

I avoided eye contact, knowing full well he could probably tell I’ve been crying again. But then everything happened so fast—the joy of Dylan finally seeing the old fridge full to the front door swinging open. Andrew’s eyes went straight to Justin, and the only thing I could think of was to get him as far away from Andrew as I possibly could.

“He’s nobody, and he was just leaving,” I say in my firmest voice possible. Justin turns his head to look at me, and I see the hurt in his eyes, but it’s better this way. “Thank you for bringing Dylan home. We’ll see you tomorrow.” He looks at me one last time before nodding and turning to walk out of the apartment. The sound of the door softly closing behind him is almost too much for me. Heading to the kitchen, I turn on the tap to get some water, and the whole time, I’m fighting the stinging of tears in my eyes.

“So is that a new boyfriend?” Andrew asks, and I don’t turn to him. “Dylan, go to your room while your mom and me talk.”

“But, Dad,” he says but then just walks away. I wait for the door to close before I turn around and look at him.

“Get the fuck out,” I say in a voice so soft it’s like a whisper.

“Oh, what’s the matter, Caroline? Sad that your boyfriend left with his tail between his legs.” He taunts me. “I should remind you that we are still married.”