Chapter 8

Mia ran to me, shaking, sobbing. “Daddy, don’t hit Mommy. That lady started it.”

He slapped her. “You’re just like her liars, both of you. Linda’s sweet. She wouldn’t upset anyone.”

I pulled Mia in, wrapped her up.

“Not another word,” I whispered.

Then I locked eyes with Joshua. “Divorce. Now.”

Linda clung to his arm. “Mr. Ziegler, don’t let this ruin things. It’s just a misunderstanding. Please don’t get divorced.”

He wasn’t hearing any of it. Full meltdown.

“Fine! Let’s get divorced!”

He yanked the papers from a drawer and signed them without blinking.

I stood up, grabbed our packed bags, and walked out with Mia.

As we passed, I caught Linda frowning, like she didn’t actually want us to split.

Weird. She said all that trash to shove me out-so why the sad face now?

Didn’t matter. I was done. Time to go and actually live.

The little house I’d just rented was cleaned up and ready to go.

Mia and I could move in right away.

I still had some cash saved from years of hustling.

Ran down to the corner shop and called Philip. Told him the papers were signed.

He showed up fast, Aunt Freya right behind him.

She scooped Mia into a hug. “Oh my, you’re still just as cute as ever.”

Mia smiled. “Hi, Great-aunt. Hi, Uncle Philip.”

Once we got inside, Philip looked over the papers and gave a solid nod. “Alright. Don’t stress. I’ve got the rest covered.”

“Thank you both. Really. I don’t even know how to say it right.”

Aunt Freya patted my hand. “You’re family. That’s all that matters.”

Aunt Freya shot Philip a look, and he jumped in fast. “Exactly. We’ve got your back. Need anything else?”

I tucked my hair behind my ear, feeling a little shy. “Actually, yeah. Mia’s growing up-she’ll need school soon. I want to earn enough for tuition. We’re not going back to the countryside. I’ve thought about it a lot. I’m good at cooking, so… maybe a small restaurant? Think that’s doable?”

Aunt Freya glanced at Philip. He went quiet, and my heart sank.

Maybe he thought it was a dumb idea.

Then he asked, “Got any specialties?”

“Not really. But I’m solid with pasta-different kinds.”

“Perfect. Stick with that. Simple menu’s easier to manage and expand. Less stress for you. I’ll take care of the storefront and all the paperwork. Just stay home and wait for my call. Oh, and I already scheduled a phone install for tomorrow. That way we can talk anytime.”

Tears welled up before I could stop them.