(Emily's POV)
The next morning, I found myself dragging my suitcase down the hall, preparing to leave.
As I passed Caleb's room, my steps faltered for a brief moment.
I had planned to leave without saying anything, but something made me pause.
I had always been the one to care for Caleb, especially since his early birth. From the moment he was born premature, frail, and sickly, everything about him had been my responsibility. I had raised him, loved him, and made sure he was always cared for.
He looked like Ethan—too much like him. His quiet demeanor, his indifference.
It was Saturday, and Caleb wasn't in school, so he was in his room, absorbed in his homework.
When he noticed me, he gave me the usual, "Good morning, Mom," before burying his face back in his schoolwork.
I couldn't help but notice how much he resembled Ethan, his profile exactly like his father's. I took a deep breath and spoke softly, "Caleb, I'm leaving. Take care of yourself."
Without looking up, he simply said, "Okay."
Ever since Sophia had entered our lives, Caleb had grown distant, colder toward me.
I remembered the video Sophia had posted on her ins not long ago.
In the video, Caleb was munching on Snickers, his words mumbled between bites.
"I like being with Aunt Sophia. She lets me eat all the best stuff."
Sophia had asked, "Does your mom take care of you well?"
"Mom always tells me what I can and can't do," he'd grumbled. "Auntie Sophia doesn't care. She just lets me do whatever I want."
Sophia pressed, "So, who do you like better, your mom or me?"
"Of course I'll choose Auntie Sophia," Caleb had answered without hesitation. "If Mom was half as nice as you, I'd be so happy."
That hurt. I knew it wasn't a surprise. The leniency, the pampering from Sophia—it was exactly what Caleb wanted. I had always been the strict one, trying to raise him right, to make him healthy. But it wasn't enough.
I had watched over him every day, ensuring he went to bed on time, that he didn't eat junk food. His health had improved over the years, but I couldn't help feeling like I was losing him.
Just as I was about to leave, I heard Caleb call out.
"Mom."
I turned back to look at him.
He stood there, looking up at me with his eyes—so much like Ethan's—and said, "You always said that if I liked someone, you would like them too. I really like Aunt Sophia. Does that mean you like her too?"
My heart shattered with those words.
For a moment, I closed my eyes, feeling the last shred of hope I had for us break completely.
I gave a soft, almost invisible smile before responding. "You've always wanted to protect her, right? From now on, you and Dad can protect her together."
Caleb looked at me, confused, clearly not understanding what I meant.
I didn't say anything else. I turned and walked out the door, not looking back.
Outside, my friend Ava was waiting in the car.
She helped me load my suitcase into the trunk and then turned to look at me, her eyes full of concern.
"Emily, are you really going through with this? The divorce?"
I nodded, a quiet resolve in my movements. "Yes. I'm sure."
Ava hesitated, then asked, "What about Caleb?"
I sighed. "Even if I fought for custody, I would lose. And besides…"
I managed a bitter smile. "Caleb wouldn't want to stay with me. Right now, to him, Sophia is everything."
Ava frowned, shaking her head. "You fought for hours to bring Caleb into this world. You've always been there for him, taking care of him. He's your son. How could he choose her?"
I looked out the window, feeling the weight of everything settle over me. "It just shows how much they're alike—father and son. Even their choice in women."
Ava raised an eyebrow. "What about Ethan? Does he know you're leaving?"
I shook my head. "He's probably still with his 'first love,' isn't he?"
Before Ethan and I had gotten married, I had my own apartment, a small space I had kept to myself. It had been a while since I had stayed there. After a quick clean-up, Ava suggested we go out to distract me.
"Emily, we haven't had a proper day together since Caleb came along. Want to go shopping?"
I hadn't realized how much I had lost myself. All my focus had gone to Caleb and the family. I had given up everything that was mine, my own life and time.
Looking at Ava's bright eyes, I suddenly remembered who I was before everything happened. I used to be full of energy, just like her.
Five years of marriage had aged me more than I'd realized. I felt like a hollow version of myself.
I nodded softly. "Okay."
Just then, Ava's phone rang. After a brief conversation, she furrowed her brows in thought.
A moment later, she looked at me. "Emily, someone wants to buy 'Summer Night's Star,' the violin you signed over to Aria Strings Studio. The manager says the buyer is important. He doesn't want to turn them down."
"Really?" I said, surprised. I hadn't touched my violin in years. Since Caleb came along, I had let Ava manage everything related to it.
Hearing about the violin again, I felt like I was hearing about someone else's life.
******
As we walked into the music store, my feet froze.
There, standing in front of the display case, was Ethan with Sophia, admiring Summer Night's Star.
Sophia's voice was soft, almost tender as she said, "So this is Summer Night's Star. It's even more beautiful than I imagined."
"You know, Ethan, you've always loved hearing me play the violin," she continued. "I want to hold one last concert before I go. I'd love to use this violin. What do you think?"
Ethan's voice came low and steady, "It sounds perfect."
The store manager, visibly nervous, was trailing behind them, wiping sweat from his brow.
When he saw Ava and me walk in, his eyes widened, clearly relieved.
"Miss Ava! You've finally arrived! Mr. Carter is interested in buying Summer Night's Star, and he's willing to meet any terms. Please, have a look…"