The dining room was full of dishes I had spent the whole day preparing. The phone glowed with my messages to Lucas, messages he had never answered. It was our third wedding anniversary, and I had waited from morning until night. A new message appeared.
He said he had something to tell me. At eight o’clock, I heard my son’s laughter outside the door. I ran to open it. “Why are you so late, Colin?
”
My son didn’t even look at me. He rushed straight upstairs. “I made blueberry cheesecake,” I called after him. He turned around, his eyes lighting up.
“Save it for me. I want to take it to Ella tomorrow. It’s her favorite. ”
Ella Whitfield.
The woman Lucas had never been able to forget. Lucas walked in and placed a document on the coffee table. “Sign it. ”
It was the divorce agreement.
Darkness flickered before my eyes. “Can Colin stay with me? ”
“Are you really going to use our son to manipulate me again? ”
“What?
”
“You married me back then because you were carrying my child. All these years, you haven’t changed a bit. ”
“You’ve got it wrong. I was set up back then.
”
“Enough, Julia. ”
He sat on the sofa and lit a cigarette. “Three years. Is Mrs.
Grant still not satisfied? ”
Tears streamed down my face. “Fine, let’s divorce. I wish you happiness, Mr.
Grant. ”
I signed my name and took off my wedding ring. I went upstairs, packed my suitcase, and walked past my son’s room. I hesitated.
Even though I knew Lucas would never give me custody, I still wanted to fight for him. I knocked gently. “Colin, can I come in? ”
He didn’t answer.
A voice drifted through the crack in the door. “Ella, come early tomorrow. I prepared a piece of blueberry cheesecake for you. ”
I pushed the door open.
“Mom, don’t you know it’s rude to barge in? ”
“Colin, would you ever consider—”
“No. You’re useless. All you do is spend Dad’s money, and you’re always nagging.
I wish Ella were my mother. ”
His words sliced right through me. This was the child I carried for nine months and brought into the world. I smiled bitterly.
On this third anniversary, I finally learned something. Some people are just never going to warm up to you. Under the cold moonlight, I walked out of the villa. Once I gave up everything for love.
From now on, I would live for myself. I went straight to the small apartment I had prepared for myself. Whenever I argued with Lucas, I would go there to cool off. I never thought it would become my refuge.
The next day, I took a taxi to the Grant Group and submitted my resignation. I had joined only to be closer to Lucas. Now that we were getting divorced, I had no reason to stay. Lucas’s private secretary, Chris White, hesitated.
He was one of the few people in the company who knew my connection to Lucas. “Can you finish the resignation process today? ”
He wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Please wait a moment.
I need to ask Mr. Grant. ”
“Do you really have to tell him? ”
“Sorry for the trouble.
”
As I returned to my desk, the elevator doors opened. Lucas and Ella walked out side by side. “What are you doing at the company? ” he asked.
I never thought I’d run into Ella here. “Because I’m still an employee here. ”
Ella tried to leave, but Lucas grabbed her wrist. “You’re my special consultant.
No need to hide. ”
Special consultant? I nearly ended up in the hospital for a major project, and he gave the position to her. Chris came over with my resignation report.
“Ma’am, you are discussing your resignation with Mr. Grant. ”
Lucas looked at me contemptuously. “What trick are you trying to pull now?
Are you planning to quit and then go whining to grandma? ”
“I’m not that despicable, Mr. Grant. ”
Lucas grew inexplicably irritated.
“Just don’t come crawling back. ”
“No need to worry. ”
He signed the resignation report. I took it from his hand and turned to leave.
As I walked out the gates of the Grant Group, the sun fell upon me. I felt completely free. Just then, my phone rang. It was my best friend, Ruby, her voice frantic.
“Julia, it’s an emergency. I need your help. ”
“What’s wrong? ”
“I took on an oil painting restoration, but the damage is so severe that no one can fix it.
That client has a major partnership with my family. If I can’t restore it, my grandfather will kill me. You were once the most brilliant genius restorer. I know you stopped taking positions after getting married, but I really have no other choice.
Please, just help me this once. ”
I remained silent for a moment. She thought about how I had given up my thriving career for Lucas. “Okay, I’ll restore it.
”
Early the next morning, I arrived at Ruby’s studio. The painting on the table was badly damaged, the paper yellowed. All the clients and staff were watching me. They didn’t believe someone so young could restore it.
The moment my fingers touched the paper, I forgot all the pain. This was who I really was. Everyone was stunned by my technique. “My god, how did she manage that?
”
“I told you she’s a genius. ”
“Miss Foster, I’ll pay 200,000. Please restore my painting. ”
“I’m willing to pay 500,000.
”
Everyone wanted to give me orders. Ruby grabbed my hand. “Julia, have you thought about coming back? ”
“I’ve left the Grant Group.
I’m going back to my old gig. I just don’t know if you’ll hire me. ”
“That’s wonderful. I’ll hook you up with projects.
I’ll only take 10%, and you’ll get 30% of the shares. ”
“The shares are not necessary. Without you, this studio might not even exist. ”
“I promised you this.
It’s yours by right. ”
Seeing her rare serious expression, my nose tingled. “If you’re touched, just help me turn our studio into something big. ”
I laughed and nodded firmly.
That evening, there was a celebration banquet. I drank quite a bit and stepped outside to clear my head. A woman suddenly appeared in front of me. “Julia, what are you doing here?
”
Amelia frowned with disgust. “How much have you had to drink? Remember who you are. Running around with those low-class friends.
It’s a disgrace to the Grant family. ”
She was Lucas’s sister. She had always looked down on me. “I’m hosting important guests the day after tomorrow.
Come early and cook chicken soup for them. ”
“Sorry, I’m busy. ”
“What? ”
I used to tolerate her for Lucas.
But we were divorced now. I didn’t have to please anyone anymore. “I really don’t have time. Find someone else.
”
“Fine. Don’t come crying later. ”
She left in a huff. A male colleague came out of the hotel and walked over to me, worried.
“Are you okay? ”
“I’m fine. Let’s go back. ”
Amelia took a picture of me and the male colleague walking side by side into the hotel.
The next day, Lucas called. Not about Amelia, but about his grandmother’s birthday. “Grandma keeps asking about you. Join us for dinner on her birthday.
”
In the entire Grant family, only his grandmother truly cared for me. I had to go. “Fine, I’ll be there. ”
On the day of the birthday, I brought a gift to Grant Manor.
The moment I walked in, I saw Ella sitting next to Lucas’s grandmother. My son sat beside Ella, dressed like a little prince. Amelia turned her head and deliberately mocked me. “Ella, I’ve always wanted you to marry my brother.
If it weren’t for some woman—”
I ignored her and went straight to Lucas’s grandmother. “Happy birthday, my dear. ”
She held my hand, her eyes red. “You’ve lost weight.
Are you overworked? ”
I almost cried too. After offering my birthday wishes, I was about to leave. Just then, Amelia blocked the doorway, holding up her phone.
“Everyone, look at this photo. Julia cheats on my brother. ”
All eyes were on me. Ella covered her mouth in shock.
“That can’t be real, can it? She doesn’t seem like that kind of person. ”
I looked at the photo. It was me and the male colleague walking into the hotel.
“The man in that photo is already married, and he’s not nearly as handsome as Lucas. Do you think I would be seduced by him, or do you just like this kind of thing? ”
“You stop fighting. I believe Julia.
She is not that kind of person. ”
After the birthday banquet, Amelia didn’t let up. She pulled Lucas aside. “Lucas, look at this house.
How can it function without a woman? And Colin needs someone to take care of him. Isn’t Ella perfect for this role? Let her move in.
”
“I don’t know. Isn’t that a bit inappropriate? ”
“Come on. She’s your first love and she’s good to Colin.
Julia is gone. You can’t stay single forever. ”
Lucas fell silent. He remembered how Colin had been down in the dumps lately.
“Fine, I’ll talk to Ella. ”
Ella moved into the Grant house the next day. She stood in the middle of the living room looking around like the lady of the house. “Lucas, I’ll take good care of Colin.
Don’t worry. ”
Colin ran downstairs, saw Ella, and his eyes lit up. “Ella, you’re really moving in. That’s great.
”
Ella crouched down, patting Colin’s head. “I will be with you every day. ”
“Hooray. That’s really great.
”
Lucas stood on the stairs watching, saying nothing. On Ella’s first day, she started redecorating according to her own tastes. “And those ornaments, too tacky. Replace them.
”
“Miss Whitfield, these are Mrs. Grant’s things. ”
“She’s no longer Lucas’s wife. Put everything into storage.
”
The housekeeper followed orders. The photos, ornaments, even the spice jars in the kitchen that I left behind were all stuffed into cardboard boxes. “Aunt Ella, this vase looks good here. ”
“Good boy, Colin.
From now on, you and everyone else will listen to me. ”
Lucas came home from work, saw the living room had changed, froze for a moment, but said nothing. He walked into Colin’s room and found the drawing of the family of three that used to hang on the wall had also been taken down. “Where’s the drawing?
”
“Ella said it wasn’t pretty, so she put it away. Dad, I think she is way better than Mom. ”
After returning, I devoted myself entirely to restoring paintings. I received a big project at the studio: the restoration of Professor Shaw’s late wife’s portrait.
“Julia, Professor Shaw is a big name in the industry. If you do this well, our studio will become famous overnight. ”
“I’ll do my best. ”
I put on my gloves and began.
Just then, a young man walked into the studio. He was tall, handsome, with a gentle and polite smile. “Excuse me, is Miss Foster here? I’m Professor Shaw’s grandson, Darien Shaw.
”
“That’s me. What can I do for you, Mr. Shaw? ”
“Grandpa asked me to check on the restoration progress.
And by the way, I’ve never seen your technique before. It’s extraordinary. ”
“You flatter me. ”
“I truly mean it.
I hope we have a chance to work together in the future. ”
We shook hands. His hand was warm, his gaze sincere. I didn’t know this person would change my life.
After a few days at the Grant House, Ella’s true colors began to show. Colin came home from school holding his homework. “Ella, I don’t know how to do this problem. Can you teach me?
”
Ella didn’t even look up from her phone. “Go ask your father. I’m busy. ”
Colin walked away disappointed.
Later, the cook happened to be off, and no one was cooking. “Ella, I’m hungry. ”
“Order takeout. I don’t want to cook.
”
The takeout soon arrived. Colin took a bite and frowned. “This isn’t good. I want blueberry cheesecake.
Mom used to make it for me. ”
“You want blueberry cheesecake? It’s too late now. I will have the cook make it for you tomorrow.
”
Colin lowered his head, looking disappointed. “Mom always made it for me. ”
Lucas worked late and came home. The moment he opened the door, he froze.
The living room lights were on, the TV playing. Ella’s bedroom door was shut tight. Colin sat alone on the sofa, hugging a pillow, his eyes barely open. “Colin, why are you here alone?
Where’s Ella? ”
Colin rubbed his eyes. “Ella said she’s tired from work, so she told me to watch TV by myself and wait for Dad. ”
A wave of complicated feelings welled up in Lucas’s heart.
When I was still there, no matter how late he came home, the lights were always on and warm food was always on the table. “Let’s go. Time for bed. ”
“Dad, I feel awful.
”
Lucas touched his forehead. It was burning hot. “Ella? Colin has a fever.
Didn’t you know? ”
Ella was startled awake. “What? Colin has a fever?
I didn’t know. Lucas, I’m sorry. I was just too tired, so I crashed first. ”
Lucas didn’t knock again.
He picked Colin up and rushed out of the house. For the first time, he felt disappointed in Ella. At the hospital, the doctor took the child’s temperature. “Why did you wait until the fever got this high?
Any later and it would have been dangerous. ”
“It’s my fault. ”
He sat by the hospital bed holding his son’s little hand. His phone rang.
It was Ella. “Lucas, how’s Colin? The maid said she’d handle it. You should come home.
It’s the middle of the night. My son is running a fever, and you want me to come home? You have to go to the company tomorrow. ”
Lucas hung up directly.
He looked at Colin’s flushed face and felt annoyance toward Ella. “Mom, don’t go. ”
“Colin, what did you say? ”
“Mom, I want Mom.
”
Something sharp pierced Lucas’s heart. He stayed awake all night. As dawn approached and Colin’s fever broke, he finally leaned against the bed and dozed off. The portrait of Professor Shaw’s wife that I restored received high praise in the industry.
Darien came to the studio. “Miss Foster, there’s an auction next week. My grandfather would like to invite you. ”
“An auction?
I’m not really interested in that. ”
“There are several paintings that need an expert like you to authenticate. ”
“Okay, I’ll go. ”
On the day of the auction, I wore a veil and a black dress sitting beside Darien.
I didn’t want to be recognized. Lucas and Ella had arrived too. Lucas’s gaze fell on me. “Who is the woman wearing a veil beside Darien?
Why do I feel like I know her? ”
The auction began. The auctioneer presented an oil painting. “This Renaissance oil painting, starting bid 3 million.
”
Everyone was stunned. “Lucas, this is beautiful. Shall we bid? ”
“If you like it, go ahead.
”
I stared at the painting. The more I looked, the more something felt off. Finally, I stood up. “Wait a second.
”
The auctioneer paused. I walked to the stage. “This oil painting is a fake. ”
The whole room erupted.
“Everyone look here. The edges of the light and shadow are harsh and the color is wrong. On a real Renaissance painting, the light and shadow are layered. This one is a forgery.
”
An expert walked up to inspect. “She’s right. This is indeed a fake. And the forgery is crude.
”
Lucas stared at the veiled woman, his heartbeat quickening. “This woman, why does she feel so familiar? ”
The school held a parent-child activity and notified parents that attendance was mandatory. Ella promised to go, but then completely forgot.
Colin stood at the school gate watching all the other children being picked up by their parents. He was the only one left. “Mr. Grant, it’s the parent-child activity today.
Your wife didn’t come. Can you come over? Colin has been waiting here alone for a long time. ”
“What?
I’ll be right there. ”
He left an ongoing meeting and drove to the school. The moment Colin saw him, tears fell. “Dad, Ella lied.
She said she would come. She lied. ”
“I’m sorry. Dad is late.
”
“Dad. Mom always remembered every little thing about me. ”
Lucas fell silent, his dissatisfaction with Ella quietly mounting. When he got home, he confronted her.
“Why didn’t you go to the parent-child activity today? ”
“Lucas, I’m so sorry. I got busy at the company today and completely forgot. I’ll definitely go next time.
”
Lucas went upstairs, looked at his son’s sleeping face, and for the first time wondered: was letting Ella move in a mistake? I was restoring a painting when my phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number. “Julia, short on cash lately.
Transfer some money over. ”
“I don’t have money. Figure it out yourself. ”
“Your husband, the president of the Grant Group, Lucas Grant—how could you not have money?
”
“We’re already divorced. ”
“What? You’re divorced? I’m your father.
Why didn’t you tell me? Transfer me 50,000 this month, or I’ll come make a scene at your studio. ”
“Dream on. I’m not giving you another cent.
”
I hung up and continued restoring. Darien walked in. “Who was that on the phone? You look upset.
”
“Nothing. My father asked for money. I turned him down. ”
“Your father.
He doesn’t sound like a good person. ”
“He never was. ”
Darien looked at my calm face. “You’ve been through so much yet remain strong.
That’s not easy. Julia, you’re an amazing woman. ”
“Thank you. But I don’t need anyone’s pity.
”
“It’s not pity. It’s admiration. ”
After not hearing from me for a while, Lucas suddenly wanted to know what I was doing. “What’s Julia been up to lately?
”
“She has started a studio with her friend, and business is thriving. She has taken on several major projects from Mr. Shaw, and the industry speaks highly of her. ”
“Darien Shaw again.
”
Ella overheard the conversation. After Chris left, she burst into the study. “Lucas, you’re looking into Julia. ”
“You’re overthinking it.
I’m just curious. ”
Ella nodded, but a strange look appeared in her eyes. Colin’s birthday arrived. Every year before, I would make him a blueberry cheesecake with my own hands.
This year, Ella only bought a ready-made one from the cake shop. “Ella, is this store-bought? Mom always made it for me before. ”
“Making it by hand is too much trouble.
Store-bought cakes taste the same. Your mother had time to waste on useless things, but I don’t. ”
“Mom’s tasted better. And it had little flowers on top.
”
“Take it or leave it. So picky. ”
Colin lowered his head. Lucas happened to walk in.
“What’s wrong, Dad? I want to eat Mom’s cake. ”
Lucas looked at Colin’s disappointed face and remembered how I used to bustle around in the kitchen. “Dad will make it for you next year.
”
“You don’t know how to make it, Dad. Mom’s cake tastes good. ”
Lucas sat on the sofa looking at the store-bought cake, an indescribable feeling welling up in his heart. He was the one who drove me away.
Recently, I’d taken on a major project that required collaborating with Darien. We discussed restoration plans in the studio, growing more and more in sync. “Julia, your precision with color is amazing. My grandfather was right.
You’re a genius. ”
“I’ve just been doing it for a long time. Practice makes perfect. ”
“Not everyone can do it.
Let me take you to dinner tonight to celebrate. ”
“No need. I still have work to finish. ”
“Then tomorrow you have to eat, don’t you?
Darien. Thank you for your kindness, but I’m not ready to move on to someone new. ”
“I just want to have a meal with you. You’re too tense.
You need to relax. ”
I looked at his sincere eyes but finally shook my head. “I’m not ready to let anyone in yet. Some other time.
Not today. ”
“Okay. ”
He turned and left. I watched his retreating figure, a trace of warmth in my heart.
He was different from Lucas. He didn’t push. One day, my father, Josh, showed up at the studio door with his second wife, Diana, and her daughter, Mina. “Julia, now that you’re doing well, you’ve forgotten your father.
Give me money. ”
“I told you I’m not giving you another cent. Leave. ”
“How can you be so heartless?
Your father raised you, and now you’re turning your back on him. ”
“Julia, please help us. I really need a job. ”
“I don’t have jobs to offer you.
I work for someone else too. ”
“You have a studio and you don’t have money. Do you want me to trash this place? ”
Josh raised his hand to strike.
Just then, a hand grabbed his wrist. “How dare you lash out at this place? Have you thought about the consequences? ”
“Who are you?
I’m disciplining my daughter. That’s none of your business. ”
“I’m Darien, the president of the Shaw Group. This studio is partnered with me.
Causing trouble here is ruining my business. I’ve already called the police. ”
Josh and his family slunk away. I looked at Darien, warmth rising in my heart.
“Thank you. ”
“You’re welcome. If they come again, just tell me. ”
Ella’s patience with Colin was running thin.
One day, Colin accidentally spilled water on the floor. “What’s wrong with you? You’re so clumsy. All you do is cause trouble.
You keep asking for your mother. Then go find her. ”
Colin was so scared he burst into tears, ran back to his room, and locked the door. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
“Mom, when are you coming back? Ella yelled at me. She’s so mean. ”
On the other end, I remained silent.
I listened to his crying, but my heart felt nothing. “Then when are you coming to see me? ”
“We’ll see. I’ll let you know if I have time.
”
I hung up without giving him a chance to continue. The old me would have dropped everything and run to him. Not anymore. “Julia, was that Colin?
Aren’t you going to see him? ”
“He has a father. He doesn’t need me. ”
Lucas caught a glimpse of Colin’s phone and discovered my number.
“Colin, you called your mother? ”
“Yes. Ella yelled at me. I was scared.
I missed Mom. ”
Lucas didn’t scold his son. He patted Colin’s head. “Next time you miss your mother, you can call her.
Dad won’t stop you. ”
“Really? ”
“Yeah. ”
That night, while Lucas was showering, Ella sneaked a look at his phone.
She found he had been searching information about my studio. “You’re still hung up on her. ”
She put the phone back, her eyes full of jealousy and hatred. Ella and Amelia teamed up to cause trouble for my studio.
They hired someone to pose as a client and file a complaint, claiming the restored work had issues. Facing the complaint, I didn’t panic. In front of all the clients, I demonstrated the restoration process again. “Everyone, please take a look.
This is the comparison before and after my restoration. Every detail can stand up to scrutiny. If anyone slanders me, I will not hesitate to take legal action. ”
“We trust Miss Foster’s skills.
Someone must be jealous of you. We’ll keep coming to you. ”
The clients all sided with me and gave me even more orders. Darien was there the whole time, applauding.
“You handled that beautifully. Want me to help find out who’s behind this? ”
“No need. I know who it is.
But I’m not going to waste my energy on it. ”
“Someone from the Grant family? ”
I didn’t answer and just continued sorting my tools. Lucas came to my studio for the first time.
He saw me and Darien restoring a painting together, laughing and chatting in perfect sync. “Sorry to interrupt. ”
“What are you doing here? ”
“I have a painting I’d like you to restore.
”
“Leave it. I’ll handle it through the normal process. ”
“I’d like to discuss the restoration plan with you in person. ”
My tone was all business.
“No need. Just relay any requirements through Chris. ”
Lucas stood there watching me and Darien working together, his heart filled with a suffocating feeling. “I’ll let you get back to work.
I’ll be going. ”
He turned to leave, but at the door he looked back. Neither I nor Darien looked up at him. For the first time, he felt he had truly lost me.
A few days later, Colin’s teacher called Lucas. “Mr. Grant, Colin has been keeping to himself at school lately and doesn’t play much with others. His drawings are always just the three of you.
”
Lucas went to the school and saw Colin’s drawing. Him, me, and Colin holding hands, smiling so happily. “Colin, did you draw this? ”
“Yes.
Dad, when is Mom coming back? I want her to see my drawing. ”
Lucas couldn’t answer. He held his son and remained silent for a long time.
“I’m sorry. I drove your mother away. ”
“Then if we apologize to Mom, will she come back? ”
“Maybe.
”
Now, today, the studio received an urgent order. The client wanted the painting restored within 3 days. “Julia, this order came too suddenly. Something feels off.
”
“Check the painting first. ”
I put on my gloves. The moment I opened the frame, I smelled a faint chemical odor. Someone had tampered with this painting.
Under the light, the canvas edges were already corroded. Anyone who tried to restore the paint layer would peel it off. “This isn’t a commission. It’s a setup.
Back up the footage and ink records. ”
Minutes later, the client rushed in with two online reporters behind him. “Where’s my painting? Did you ruin it?
I heard your studio has fame but no real skill. ”
“We just opened the painting. This painting was treated with chemicals before it arrived. You came so fast.
Did you know something would happen? ”
“Cut the nonsense. Pay me today, or I’ll expose you. ”
“Fine, then let’s call the police together.
”
I turned on the inspection lamp. The chemical marks along the canvas were clear. “This isn’t a restoration mistake. It’s deliberate damage.
You’d better say who sent you. ”
The client’s face changed. Even the reporters stopped filming. News that someone had tried to frame my studio soon reached Lucas.
“How is Julia? ”
“Miss Foster is fine, but the painting had been tampered with beforehand, and they almost blamed it on her. ”
“Who did it? ”
“We’re still looking into it, but they brought online reporters with them.
Clearly, they wanted to ruin Miss Foster’s reputation. ”
Lucas stayed silent for a long time, then called me. “Mr. Grant, what is it?
”
“I heard something happened at your studio. Are you okay? ”
“I’m fine. ”
“I can have my lawyers look into it.
”
“No need. I’ll handle my own affairs. ”
“Julia, you don’t have to be so distant with me. ”
“Lucas, when I needed help the most, you never came.
”
“I just want to make it up to you. ”
“Making it up to me doesn’t mean disturbing me. Just take care of Colin. ”
I hung up.
In the Grant living room, Colin asked him quietly, “Dad, were you calling Mom? ”
“Yes. I miss Mom. ”
At the staircase, Ella heard it, and her face changed.
“She has Darien protecting her. Does she need your concern? ”
“Enough. ”
Ella finally realized Lucas was starting to waver.
Colin snuck out of the Grant house and took a bus alone to my studio. He stood at the door, his clothes wrinkled, his eyes red. “Why are you here? How did you get here?
”
“I took the bus here by myself. Mom, I don’t want to go back. Ella yelled at me again. ”
“I’m not your mother anymore.
On the day of the divorce, you said you wished Ella were your mother. Go find her. ”
“No, no. I was wrong.
Mom, I was really wrong. Ella is mean to me. She yells at me and won’t let me eat. ”
I looked at him, and in the end, my heart softened.
“Take a seat. I’ll call your father to pick you up. ”
“No, I don’t want to go back. ”
“You have to go back.
That’s your home. ”
Lucas arrived within half an hour. He rushed into the studio, saw Colin sitting in the corner and me standing by the window. “Colin, come home with me.
”
“No, I want to live with Mom. ”
“Julia, let’s talk. What about remarrying? Have you thought about it?
”
“Are you joking? Now Ella is living in your house, and you’re talking about remarrying me. ”
“I can have her move out if you’re willing to come back. ”
“I’m not willing.
From the day I signed those papers, we were over. ”
“Mom, please don’t abandon me. ”
“It’s you who abandoned me. Now you regret it.
Too late. ”
I turned and walked into the inner room, closing the door behind me. I heard Colin crying and Lucas comforting him. I leaned against the door and closed my eyes.
Still, I didn’t shed a single tear. Colin refused to go back to the Grant House, so Lucas had to stay with him at a hotel near the studio. Early the next morning, they came back. “Julia.
Colin says he doesn’t want to go back. Can he stay here for a few days? ”
“No. ”
“Mom, I promise I’ll be good from now on.
I won’t make you angry anymore. Please let me stay. ”
“What did you say that day? You wished Ella were your mother.
Did you forget? ”
“I was stupid then. Mom, I really know I was wrong. ”
“So what if you know you were wrong?
The wound may heal, but the scar remains. Go back home. ”
I pushed Colin out the door and closed it. I heard his heart-wrenching sobs.
My hands were trembling, but I didn’t open the door. That night, Darien invited me to dinner to celebrate the project signing. I agreed. I needed something to distract myself.
“Julia, you’ve lost a lot of weight lately. Is someone bothering you again? ”
“No, I just don’t feel like eating. ”
“Is it because of Lucas?
”
“No, I don’t want to talk about him. ”
“Okay. I have something to tell you. ”
“Go ahead.
”
“I like you. Not because I feel sorry for you. From the very first time I saw you restore that painting, I was drawn to you. Your focus, your talent, your stubbornness.
I love all of it. ”
I put down my knife and fork and looked at him. His eyes were bright like stars. “Darien, I don’t know if I can trust anyone again.
”
“That’s fine. I’ll wait. Until the day you say yes. ”
I looked out the window, and finally tears fell.
Not for him, but for myself. I could finally start over. Lucas somehow found out that Darien had confessed his feelings to me. He started sending flowers and gifts.
He even waited for me outside the studio. I didn’t even glance at them. One day he came again, holding a bouquet of roses. “Lucas, can you please stop bothering me?
”
“Julia, give me one more chance. I promise I won’t let you down this time. ”
“How can you guarantee? You promised to treat me well back then.
And what happened? On our third anniversary, you handed me divorce papers. Your promises are worthless. ”
“That was because Ella—”
“Enough.
Stop making excuses. Now you regret it and want to shift the blame. Lucas, you are really pathetic. ”
Lucas stood there, the roses falling from his hand, the color draining from his face.
“Julia, do you really not love me anymore? ”
“No. From the day I signed the divorce papers, I stopped loving you. Go away.
Don’t come back. ”
I closed the door and leaned against it. There was no sound outside. He was gone.
Lucas started learning to cook. He bought a cookbook and followed the steps, measuring ingredients one by one. The kitchen was a mess. The pot was burnt, eggs broken, too much salt in the dish.
“Mr. Grant, how about I do it? ”
“No, I’ll do it myself. ”
After three hours of struggling, he finally made a table of dishes.
They didn’t look good, but they were edible. “Dad, what is this? ”
“I made this meal for you. Try it.
”
Colin took a bite and frowned. “It’s not as good as Mom’s cooking. Mom’s ribs are sweet. This is too salty.
”
“Sorry, this is my first time cooking. I’m not very good at it yet. ”
“Then when is Mom coming back? I miss Mom’s cooking.
”
Lucas put down his fork and couldn’t say a word. He remembered how I used to cook different dishes every day, and he never once said thank you. Ella grew increasingly uneasy. She noticed that Lucas often spaced out alone and had photos of my studio saved on his phone.
“Lucas, are you still thinking about Julia? She’s already with Darien. Why can’t you let go? ”
“My business is none of your concern.
”
“Why can’t I say something? I’m your girlfriend. What’s so great about Julia? She’s just a scheming woman.
She used a child to force you into marriage back then, and now she’s cozying up to Darien. ”
“Enough. She is not that kind of person. ”
“What did you say?
”
“I said she is not that kind of person. She never used a child to force me into marriage. It was my fault back then. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have married me.
”
Ella’s face turned pale. “You’ve changed. You weren’t like this before. ”
“I didn’t change.
I finally see things clearly. ”
Ella ran out crying. Lucas didn’t chase her. Darien and I went on our first date.
He chose a quiet restaurant, warm lighting, soft music. “Julia, do you like this place? ”
“Yeah, it’s nice and quiet. ”
“I know you don’t like noisy places.
I picked this one on purpose. ”
I looked at him, warmth in my heart. He always remembered what I liked. Just as we raised our glasses, a familiar figure appeared at the restaurant entrance.
It was Lucas. When he saw us, he froze. He didn’t walk over. Instead, he found a seat in the corner.
But his gaze kept falling on us. “Lucas is over there. Should we go somewhere else? ”
“No, just pretend he’s not there.
”
We continued eating, but I could feel that burning gaze. I didn’t look at him once. When we finished, I took Darien’s arm and left. As I passed by Lucas, I smelled strong alcohol.
I didn’t pause or look back. Josh spread rumors online again. This time, he said I had abandoned him after making money from my studio, that I was an ungrateful daughter. The post went viral, and the comments were full of people criticizing me.
“Julia, your father has gone too far. You can’t let this slide. ”
“I know. I’ve had enough.
”
I had Ruby help me organize years of transfer records to Josh and his family, as well as videos and recordings of him causing trouble at the studio. The next day, I went live. No crying, no playing the victim. I just laid out the evidence piece by piece.
“Everyone, these are my father’s records of asking me for money, 123 times in total. This is the video of him causing trouble at my studio, five times. This is the recording of him threatening me. You can choose whom to believe, me or him.
”
Public opinion instantly flipped. Netizens started cursing Josh. Darien helped me contact a lawyer. “Julia, the lawyer says we can sue for defamation.
Just say the word, and we’ll send the letter immediately. ”
“Okay, sue him. I won’t go easy on him this time. ”
Lucas learned about Josh’s rumors and called me.
“Julia, I heard about your father. I can help. ”
“No need. I’ve already handled it.
”
“I can have my lawyer—”
“I said no. Lucas, my affairs have nothing to do with you. Stop calling me. ”
I hung up.
Lucas held his phone, standing by the window, not moving for a while. In the living room, Ella and Amelia sat together, plotting. “Julia is getting more and more arrogant. We can’t let her keep this up.
”
“I heard she recently got a very important project. We’ll figure out a way to destroy that painting and ruin her reputation. ”
Late at night, the studio’s alarm suddenly went off. When I arrived, the lock had been pried open.
An important painting had been splashed with paint. I looked at the ruined painting, paint dripping from the canvas. This was a piece I had been restoring for half a month. It was due to an overseas client next week.
Ruby arrived and cried out in shock. “Oh my god, who did this? Did you call the police? ”
“Yes, I’m waiting for them.
”
The police soon arrived. The security camera captured a blurry figure in a black hoodie. The face unrecognizable. “Miss Foster, the perpetrator deliberately avoided the cameras.
We’ll continue our investigation, but I can’t guarantee we’ll catch them. ”
“I understand. ”
The next day, the client called. It was a collector from England with a short temper.
“Miss Foster, I heard about the painting being destroyed. This piece is very important to me. If you can’t deliver on time, you must compensate. According to the contract, triple the deposit.
”
“Sir, I’m figuring out a way to restore it. Please give me some time. ”
“Three days. I’ll give you only three days.
”
Ruby looked at me, her face pale. “Triple the deposit? That’s an astronomical amount. Julia, what do we do?
”
“I’ll figure something out. You go back first. ”
I stood in front of the ruined painting and closed my eyes. I couldn’t fall apart.
I couldn’t let whoever did this win. Darien learned about the ruined painting and immediately rushed to the studio. “Julia, I’ll figure out the compensation. I can advance it for you.
”
“No, this is my studio’s problem. I’ll solve it myself. ”
“Don’t carry everything alone. I’m your partner.
Let me help you. ”
“Darien, I said no. I don’t want to owe anyone. ”
“Okay, but if you can’t handle it, you must tell me.
”
Meanwhile, Lucas learned about this from Chris. Chris found out who the client was and contacted him. “Mr. Grant, we’ve reached an agreement with the client.
He agrees to give another week and won’t pursue compensation. ”
“Don’t let her know it was me. ”
I didn’t know what Lucas did behind the scenes. The client suddenly called and said he was willing to give me another week and wouldn’t pursue compensation.
“Miss Foster, I trust your professional ability. I await your good news. ”
“Thank you. I won’t let you down.
”
For the next seven days, I locked myself in the studio. I slept only three hours a day. Where the paint was splashed, I repaired it bit by bit with the finest brush. Some areas couldn’t be fully restored, but I used new techniques to give them another kind of beauty.
On the seventh day, the client came to the studio in person. He stood in front of the painting and looked at it for a long time. “This is even more beautiful than my original one. Your professionalism moves me.
I will entrust all my future collections to you for restoration. ”
The client left. Ruby gave me a hug. I leaned back in my chair and finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Chris sent a text saying the client’s leniency was due to someone’s help. I immediately knew who it was. I hesitated for a long time, then sent Lucas a text. Ella saw that text and her face instantly changed.
“Julia texted you? You’re still in touch? ”
“She was just saying thank you. I did her a favor.
”
“You helped her? Why would you help her? What is she to you? Your ex-wife.
You’re already divorced. ”
“She ran into trouble. Is it wrong for me to help? ”
“Are you still in love with her?
Tell me. ”
“Ella, can you stop being unreasonable? I’m tired. ”
“You’re tired?
I’m even more tired. Do you know what it feels like to watch you think about her every day? ”
“If you’re unhappy in my house, you can leave. I won’t stop you.
”
Ella froze. “You’re kicking me out for her? ”
“I’m not kicking you out. I’m just telling you that you have a choice.
”
Ella ran upstairs crying. The next morning, with red swollen eyes, she went to find Amelia. “He said I could leave. He wants to kick me out for Julia.
”
“What is he crazy? What’s so special about Julia? ”
“Amelia, what should I do? I can’t lose him.
I’ve loved him for so many years. ”
Amelia smirked. “Don’t worry. I won’t let Julia come back.
Lucas is just confused. He’ll come to his senses. ”
“But he’s already getting annoyed with me. ”
“Don’t worry.
Once Julia’s completely gone, Lucas will come back to you. ”
“Completely gone? What do you mean? ”
Amelia lowered her voice.
“This time we should be ruthless. We can’t give Julia a chance to recover. I have a plan. Follow my instructions, and Julia will never be able to recover.
”
“What plan? ”
“Doesn’t she make a living from restoring paintings? Then we’ll make sure she can never do that again. ”
Ella’s hands trembled, but she didn’t refuse.
She had no way back. “Okay, I’ll do as you say. ”
Unbeknownst to me, a storm was approaching. For days, I kept thinking about Darien’s words.
I decided to give myself a chance. I sent him a text: “I’ve made up my mind. Let’s be together. ”
Darien immediately called me.
“Julia, are you serious? You’re not lying to me. ”
“I’m serious. ”
“I’m coming over right now.
”
Twenty minutes later, he stood in front of me, out of breath. His eyes were bright like stars. “Julia, I will cherish you. I swear.
”
“I know. ”
He held my hand tightly as if afraid I’d run away. I didn’t pull back. Lucas learned from Chris that Darien and I were together.
He locked himself in his study, drinking heavily. Beside his hand was the wedding ring I had taken off on the day of the divorce. He clutched it, his knuckles white. Colin heard from a maid that I had a boyfriend.
He hid alone in his room, hugging the plush toy I had made for him. Lucas pushed the door open. “Colin, what’s wrong? ”
“Dad, is Mom not coming back?
Does she have a new boyfriend and doesn’t want me anymore? ”
“It’s not that she doesn’t want you. We hurt her before. That’s why she is like this.
”
“Then let’s go apologize to her. As long as we say sorry, she will come back. ”
Lucas held his son, unable to say a word. “Dad, I miss Mom so much.
”
“Dad misses her too. ”
Darien and I attended an industry event together. This was our first public appearance as a pair. I wore a deep blue gown.
He wore a suit and stood beside me. “Nervous? ”
“No, nothing to be nervous about. ”
“You’re always so calm.
”
We walked into the venue, hand in hand. Cameras flashed. I saw Lucas. He was here too, standing alone in the corner, holding a wine glass.
“Lucas is over there. ”
“I know. Ignore him. ”
Throughout the night, Lucas watched us.
Before the event ended, he left. Ella was there too. She saw how upset Lucas was, her fingernails digging into her palms, consumed by jealousy. Her eyes clung to me like a viper’s.
Josh and his family learned I was with Darien, and their attitude towards me completely changed. Mina called me. “Julia, I’m so happy for you. Darien is richer than Lucas.
You’ll have to take good care of me from now on. ”
“I have nothing to do with you. Don’t call me again. ”
Josh grabbed the phone and scolded angrily.
“How dare you talk to your sister like that? I’m your father. Now that you’ve hooked someone rich—”
“You only came to me for money. Now you mean nothing to me.
”
I hung up and blocked their numbers. Ella found Josh. They sat together plotting how to destroy me. “Mr.
Foster, I don’t want Julia to have an easy life. Let’s join forces. ”
“What do you have in mind? ”
“Doesn’t she make a living restoring those paintings?
Then let’s make sure she can never do that again. We’ll frame her for stealing cultural relics, ruin her reputation, and even send her to prison. ”
Josh hesitated. “Miss Whitfield, stealing cultural relics, that’s a crime.
What if we get caught? ”
“We won’t get caught. I’ll arrange everything. You just need to help me place a stolen item in her studio.
”
“Fine, I’ll do it. Since she doesn’t acknowledge me as her father, why should I show her any mercy? ”
Three days later, late at night, I was about to leave the studio. Suddenly, several police cars stopped at the door.
“Miss Foster, we received a report that your studio is suspected of illegally possessing and trading cultural relics. Please cooperate with the search. ”
“What? That’s impossible.
I’ve never—”
The police rushed in and started searching everywhere. I stood at the door, my whole body cold. I knew someone was setting me up. The police took out an ancient Egyptian bronze artifact from the cabinet.
“Found it. Miss Foster, please come with us. ”
I looked at that artifact, my mind blank. “That’s not mine.
I’ve never seen it before. Someone is framing me. ”
“You can say all that at the station. ”
I was put into the police car.
Through the window, I saw a familiar figure standing in the corner. It was Ella. She was smiling. I was taken to the police station.
The interrogation room was cold, the lights way too bright. “Miss Foster, that Egyptian bronze artifact is a national cultural relic. How do you explain it? ”
“I don’t know how it got into my studio.
I’ve never seen it before. Someone reported you for illegal trading of cultural relics. ”
I didn’t say anything more. I knew someone wanted to destroy me.
Darien received the news and immediately rushed to the police station with a lawyer. “This is Julia’s lawyer. She has the right to remain silent. You cannot detain her without evidence.
”
“We have evidence. That Egyptian bronze artifact was found in her studio. ”
“That’s not evidence. It’s a frame-up.
I will prove it to you. ”
Lucas also learned the news from Chris. He used all his connections. “Ella.
It was her. Keep investigating. I need evidence. ”
Darien obtained evidence of Josh and Ella working together through surveillance footage and call records.
He took the evidence to the Grant house. “Lucas, take a look at these. Your first love teamed up with Josh to frame Julia. That ancient Egyptian bronze artifact was bought by Ella and planted in the studio.
”
“Ella, get down here. ”
Ella came downstairs. When she saw Darien, her expression changed. “Did you do this?
You and Josh teamed up to frame Julia? ”
“I didn’t. Don’t listen to him. He wants us to fight.
”
“The evidence is right here. And you still dare to deny it? ”
“So what? What makes Julia so special that you can’t forget her?
I won’t accept this. ”
“You’re insane. You did this just because you were jealous. ”
“I’m insane because of you.
Your heart only has room for her. When have you ever truly cared about me? ”
“Get out. I don’t want to see you anymore.
”
Ella ran upstairs crying. Lucas stood in the living room, trembling all over. This time, he finally saw her for who she really was. I spent the whole night in the detention center.
No sleep, no rest. I thought a lot about the past, about the future. Early the next morning, Darien completed the bail procedures. He stood at the entrance of the police station, holding a coat.
“Julia, it’s okay. Let’s go home first. ”
He put the jacket over my shoulders and supported me. His hands were warm.
My body was still trembling. “Darien, thank you. ”
“As long as you’re okay, that’s all that matters. ”
Lucas was also there.
He stood not far away, holding a bouquet of flowers, his eyes full of guilt and frustration. “Julia, I—”
“Mr. Grant, she needs rest right now. Please don’t disturb her.
”
“I came to apologize. This was Ella’s doing. I didn’t know. ”
“She lives in your house.
You didn’t know, Lucas? Your apology is cheap. ”
I didn’t look at him. I took Darien’s arm and got into his car.
After getting home, Darien and I organized the evidence together. Surveillance footage, call logs, transfer records. “This is enough to prove your innocence. Josh was involved in the whole plan.
He was the one who planted the bronze artifact in the studio. ”
“Call the police. This time, I won’t go easy on him. ”
Based on the evidence, the police arrested Josh.
As he was being taken away, he was still cursing me. “JULIA, YOU UNGRATEFUL DAUGHTER. YOU’RE SUING YOUR OWN FATHER. ”
“I don’t have a father like you.
”
Ella panicked. She called Amelia, her voice trembling. “Amelia, Josh was arrested. Will I get arrested too?
Help me. ”
“I can’t help you with this. You made this mess, and you need to deal with it. Don’t drag me into it.
”
The call ended. Ella held the phone, trembling all over. The truth came out. I was released without charge.
Josh was detained for false accusation. Diana and Mina came to the studio begging me. “Julia, your father knows he was wrong. Please let him go.
He’s your father. ”
“Julia, please. Our family can’t live without Dad. ”
“When he set me up, did he think about the consequences?
Now you come begging. It’s too late. ”
I closed the door without looking at them again. Ella escaped legal punishment because the chain of evidence was incomplete.
But Lucas was completely disappointed in her. “Ella, move out. I don’t want to see you anymore. ”
“Lucas, I was wrong.
I was really wrong. Please don’t kick me out. ”
“I gave you chances. You didn’t cherish them.
Now get out. ”
Ella walked out of the Grant house with her suitcase. She stood at the door, looked back, her eyes full of hatred and frustration. “Julia, you destroyed everything I have.
I won’t let this go. ”
After being kicked out, Ella checked into a hotel. She didn’t go back to her hometown. She stayed in this city because she hated me.
She started following me. Every day she crouched across from the studio taking photos of Darien and me together. Colin learned from the housekeeper that Ella was gone. He jumped for joy.
“Really? Ella is really gone? That’s great. No one will yell at me anymore.
”
“Young master, keep your voice down. ”
“I want to tell Mom. She will be happy too. ”
Colin used the housekeeper’s phone to call me.
I looked at the number, hesitated for a moment, then answered. “Mom, Ella is gone. She’s never coming back. ”
“That’s your business.
It has nothing to do with me. ”
“Mom, when are you coming back? I miss you. ”
“I’m not coming back.
Don’t call me again. ”
I hung up. Colin’s laughter still echoed in my ears, but I felt nothing. He realized his mistake too late.
Ella followed Darien and me to a restaurant. She hid in a corner, secretly taking photos of us. She sent them to Lucas, trying to provoke him. “Take a look.
Your ex-wife is with another man. Does it break your heart? ”
Lucas looked at the photos, his hands trembling. He slammed the phone down, his face dark with rage.
“Ella, you’re sick. ”
He blocked her number. When Ella tried to send more messages, they failed to deliver. She stared at the screen, her eyes reddening.
“You blocked me, Lucas. You’re ruthless. I have nothing left. ”
She slammed her hand over the table, crying until her whole body shook.
A waiter came over to ask if she needed help. She pushed him away and stumbled out of the restaurant. “Julia, I will make you pay. ”
Ella returned to the hotel, opened her suitcase, and took out a small notebook.
It was filled with her plans. “Since you destroyed me, then we die together. ”
She contacted several shady individuals, paying them to help her. “Miss, kidnapping is a serious crime.
The money you’re offering isn’t enough. ”
“Double it. After it’s done, there’s a bonus for you. ”
“Deal.
When do we do it? ”
“Tomorrow. When school lets out, pick him up at the gate. Say his father sent you.
”
The next day after school, Colin stood at the school gate, waiting for the housekeeper. A silver van pulled up in front of him. “Are you Colin? Your father sent me to pick you up.
He’s busy today. ”
“My father? He didn’t tell me. ”
“It was last minute.
Get in. ”
Colin hesitated for a moment, then got into the van. The moment the door closed, he saw Ella in the back seat. “Ella, why are you here?
”
“I’m taking you somewhere fun. ”
At the school gate, when the housekeeper arrived, Colin was nowhere to be seen. She panicked and immediately called Lucas. Lucas was in a meeting.
When he got the call, his face changed. “What? Colin is missing? CALL THE POLICE RIGHT NOW.
”
He rushed out of the meeting room and called me at the same time. I looked at his name flashing on my phone screen and didn’t answer. Lucas immediately sent a text message: “Colin has been kidnapped. Answer your phone.
”
I saw the text. My mind went blank. I was about to go find Lucas when my phone suddenly rang. It was an unfamiliar number.
“Hello, Julia. Want to see your son? Come alone. Don’t call the police.
Otherwise, you’ll never see him again. ”
“Ella, you’re insane. Colin is still a child. Don’t hurt him.
”
“You pushed me into this. I’ll send you the address. If I don’t see you in two hours, you can start planning his funeral. ”
The call ended.
A text came with an address: an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts. I looked at the address, my hands shaking. I didn’t tell Lucas. I was afraid he’d call the police and Ella might really kill Colin.
I had to go alone. I grabbed my car keys and rushed out of the studio. On the way, I ran several red lights. Only one thought circled in my mind: I can’t let anything happen to Colin.
The car stopped in front of the abandoned warehouse. The sky had darkened. I took a deep breath and pushed open the rusted iron door. The warehouse was empty, filled with clutter.
I saw Colin tied to a chair, tape over his mouth. “Colin, Mommy is here. Don’t be afraid. ”
“Julia, you actually came.
You really are such a good mother. ”
“Ella, the person you want is me. Let my son go. Whatever you want, take it out on me.
”
“Julia, you destroyed everything I have. Lucas doesn’t want me anymore. I have nothing left. And I’m going to make sure you don’t have it easy either.
”
Her voice trembled, her eyes bloodshot like a wounded beast. I knew she was dangerous now. “Ella, calm down. Doing this will only send you to prison.
Think about your future. ”
“Lucas doesn’t want me. Everyone looks down on me. What’s the point of living?
”
“Colin’s innocent. Let him go, and I’ll stay. You can do whatever you want to me. ”
“If I let him go, you’ll run.
I’m not stupid. ”
She waved the knife and walked toward Colin. My heart leaped to my throat. I had to buy time.
“Ella, the person you hate is me. If you kill Colin, Lucas will only hate you more. You don’t want him to hate you forever, do you? ”
“I—I let him go.
We’ll settle things between us. ”
Ella’s hand trembled. She hesitated. Suddenly, the sound of sirens came from outside.
Ella’s face changed. “You called the police. You lied to me. ”
“I didn’t.
It wasn’t me. ”
The warehouse door burst open. Lucas rushed in with his men. When he saw the knife pointed at me, his face went pale.
“Ella, you’re insane. Put down the knife. ”
When Ella saw Lucas, she became hysterical. “You came.
You came for her. Lucas, your heart really only has room for her. ”
“Don’t do anything rash. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.
Let them go. ”
“What do I want? I want you to love me. Can you give me that?
”
She completely lost control. She raised the knife. “Julia, die. ”
I instinctively shielded Colin behind me.
The blade came at me. I closed my eyes. The pain didn’t come. I opened my eyes and saw someone standing in front of me.
It was Darien. The knife had cut across his arm, and blood immediately gushed out. “Darien, your arm. ”
“I’m fine.
Don’t worry about me. ”
The police broke in and subdued Ella. I held Colin, his body trembling. I tore the tape off his mouth, and he burst into tears.
“Mom, Mom, I was so scared. ”
“Mommy was scared too. ”
The police took Ella away. I supported Darien, his arm still bleeding.
The ambulance arrived, and a doctor bandaged his wound. “Darien, why did you take the knife for me? Do you know how dangerous that was? ”
“I promise to protect you.
”
Tears fell from my eyes. I was deeply moved. Lucas walked over, his head lowered, his face full of guilt. “Julia, I’m sorry.
I was wrong about Ella. I shouldn’t have let her move into the house. I shouldn’t have let her near Colin. It’s all my fault.
”
“It’s all in the past. You were a victim too. ”
“Can you forgive me? ”
“I forgive you.
But we’re done. ”
Lucas opened his mouth, but no words came out. Colin rushed over and hugged me, crying. “Mom, I’m never leaving you again.
Don’t abandon me. ”
“Mommy won’t abandon you. But you need to remember, Mommy is not your servant. You need to respect Mommy.
”
“I know, Mom. I was wrong. ”
Ella was arrested. The police uncovered all her crimes: kidnapping, false accusation, assault.
Amelia was also taken in for investigation. I looked at the TV screen, feeling no satisfaction, only exhaustion. This was finally over. Lucas came to the studio, standing at the door.
“Julia, I’m planning to send Colin to a boarding school. That way, he won’t disturb your life. Do you think that’s good for Colin? He just went through a kidnapping, and you’re sending him away from home.
”
Lucas was silent for a moment. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t want him to keep bothering you. ”
“He’s my son.
I will take care of him. I’ll pick him up on weekends. You don’t need to send him away. ”
Lucas’s eyes reddened.
“Thank you, Julia. ”
“Don’t thank me. I’m doing it for him. ”
I watched his back as he left, feeling no hate, no love, only calm.
One year later, my studio had grown bigger and became a well-known brand in the industry. Darien had been by my side the whole time, and our relationship was stable. Every weekend, Colin came to my place and stayed for two days. He had become more obedient, no longer as willful as before.
“Mom, I got first place at school today. ”
“That’s great, Mommy. I’m proud of you. ”
“When I grow up, I want to be as amazing as you.
”
When Lucas came to pick up Colin, he was very polite and kept his distance. He had lost a lot of weight, and there was gray at his temples. He regretted it, but he respected my choice. “Colin, say goodbye to your mother.
”
“Bye, Mom. I’ll come again next week. ”
“Okay. Be safe on the road.
”
Ella was sentenced to eight years in prison. Amelia got a suspended sentence for aiding the crime, and the Grant family had cut ties with her. Darien and I were restoring a painting in the studio. He sat beside me, helping me mix colors.
“Julia, thank you for allowing me to stay by your side. ”
“Thank you for never giving up on me. ”
Sunlight poured in through the window, falling on us. Sometimes we miss out on things so that we can meet someone better.
Some people leave just to make way for the right one. My name is Julia Foster. I am a genius restorer. I don’t belong to anybody anymore.
I’m finally my own.
