“No, Mom and Dad are fine,” she said. “It’s just that Mom is a little tired lately.”

“Then Mom should rest more,” Mia said, hugging her. “When I grow up, I’ll help Mom with the housework and Mom won’t be tired anymore.”

Kate’s tears almost fell. She hugged her daughter tightly, breathing in the sweet scent of the child. This little life that she had carried for nine months— how could she bear to give her up?

But she had to. A temporary separation was for a longer–term reunion.

“Mia, promise Mom one thing,” Kate said softly.

“What is it?”

“No matter what happens in the future, you have to remember that Mom will always love you. And your brother.” Kate looked into her daughter’s eyes. “Always and forever.”

Mia seemed to half understand, but she still nodded. “I will always love Mom, too.”

Kate kissed her daughter’s forehead, her heart filled with strength. For her children, she had to be strong. She had to succeed.

On the way home, Kate received a message from her attorney.

“Some evidence has been collected, including hotel records and credit card statements,” the text read.

“More direct evidence is needed,” she replied. “Continue. Everything must be in place by the end of the week.”

The street scene outside the car window flew by. Kate looked at this city where she had lived for twelve years and suddenly felt it was strange. But being a stranger was also good. It meant she could start over.

From January 3rd to the 7th, life went on as usual. Michael still left early and returned late, and Kate still played the role of a virtuous wife and loving mother. But Michael felt more and more that something was wrong. Kate was too calm. So calm that it was unsettling.

On the night of the 8th, Michael finally couldn’t take it anymore and knocked on the master bedroom door after the children were asleep.

“Kate, let’s talk,” he said.

Kate was reading a book. She took off her glasses. “Talk about what again?”

“You,” Michael said. He hesitated for a moment. “What are your plans for the future? I mean, after the divorce.”

“Find a job and start over,” Kate said. “Otherwise, I guess I’ll wait to go broke.”

“I don’t mean that,” Michael said, walking in and sitting down on the edge of the bed. “I mean, if you need help, like finding a job or—”
“No need,” Kate interrupted him. “I can take care of myself.”Michael looked at her and suddenly realized that Kate had changed. Not her appearance, but her eyes. In the past, her eyes were always gentle, even a little timid. Now, they had become sharp and determined.

“Kate, do you hate me?” he asked.

“Hate?” Kate laughed softly. “Hate is too tiring. Michael, I don’t hate you. I’m just disappointed in you, and even more disappointed in myself for being so blind for so many years.”

These words were more hurtful than hate. Michael’s face changed slightly.

“I know. I’m sorry,” he said.

“No need to explain,” Kate said. “We’ve already signed the agreement. We’ll soon have no legal relationship. We’ve had no emotional relationship for a long time. So there’s really no need to explain.”

The distance in her tone made Michael feel very uncomfortable. He stood up.

“Then… you should get some rest,” he said.

At the door, he turned back. “Kate, no matter what, I hope you’re okay.”

“I will be,” Kate said. “Definitely.”

The door closed.

Kate picked up her phone and sent a message to her attorney. “He’s getting suspicious. Speed up the process. Also, check his recent large transfers, especially to that woman.”

Soon, the attorney replied: “I’m on it. By the way, the change in his company’s shareholding that you asked me to check has a lead. Six months ago, he transferred 10% of his shares to a shell company. The legal representative of that company is Jessica’s younger brother.”

Kate’s eyes narrowed. Michael had not only cheated; he was also hiding marital assets. This required an adjustment to her previous plan. A house and $100,000 were far from enough.

She replied, “Collect all the evidence, including the share transfer documents, bank statements, and communication records. I’ll need them by this weekend.”

Putting down her phone, Kate walked to the window. The night was dark, with a few scattered lights on the tall buildings in the distance. She remembered that night three years ago when she first discovered Michael’s infidelity and cried all night in the bathroom. At that time, she felt like her world was collapsing.

But now, standing here, she felt calm and determined.

People are forced to grow. Gentleness is easy when there is someone to rely on. Strength is what’s left when there is no other choice.

Kate had no other choice, so she had to be strong.

On Friday, January 10th, Kate prepared a large table of dishes as usual. Michael also came home for dinner on time. At the dinner table, he announced, “Let’s go out to eat as a family tomorrow night. I’ve booked a nice restaurant.”

“Okay!” the children cheered.

Kate glanced at him. “Why the sudden desire to eat out?”

“It’s the weekend and it’ll be nice to do something special,” Michael said. “And we might not have the chance in the future.”

His words were meaningful. Kate understood. He wanted to play the role of a harmonious family one last time before the divorce— perhaps for his own conscience, or perhaps to leave a good memory for the children.

“Okay,” Kate agreed. She also had her own plans. After tomorrow, everything would change. Let tonight be the last ordinary supper of this family.

That night, after the children were asleep, Michael knocked on the master bedroom door again.

“Still up?” Kate asked.

“I want to talk to the children after dinner tomorrow night,” Michael said. “It’s time to tell them about the divorce.”

Kate nodded. “Okay. But I want to be there.”

“Of course,” Michael said. “Kate, thank you. Thank you for your cooperation during this time.”

“No need to thank me,” Kate said. “I’m also doing it for the children.”

Michael stood at the door, hesitating. In the end, he only said, “Get some rest. Good night.”

“Good night,” Kate said.

She closed the door and leaned against it. Tomorrow, everything would end— and everything would also begin.

She took out the black journal, turned to the last page, and wrote:

“January 10, 2026. Ready. New life begins tomorrow.”

After writing, she closed the journal and put it in her purse. This journal, which had recorded her inner journey for the past three years, was her most private witness. After tomorrow, it would become the past.

The next evening, Kate began to prepare for the negotiation.

She changed into a new, sharp pantsuit, put on light makeup, and tied her hair into a neat ponytail. The person in the mirror didn’t look like a stay–at–home mom at all, but more like a corporate executive.

Michael was stunned when he saw her.

“Wow. Where are you going dressed like that?” he asked.

“Can’t I?” Kate replied.

“No, I just think it’s a bit formal for dinner,” Michael said.

“Today is an important day. It’s good to be formal,” Kate said meaningfully.

Michael thought she was referring to the conversation with the children and didn’t ask any more questions. He didn’t know that what Kate meant by “important” had a completely different meaning.

At 6:00 p.m., the family set off for the restaurant. Michael had booked a high–end steakhouse with a private room, suitable for talking. The children were very excited because they rarely came to such an expensive place.

When ordering, Michael was very generous, picking the children’s favorite dishes. He ordered a bottle of Cabernet for himself and also poured a glass for Kate.

“It’s a special occasion. Have a little,” he said.

Kate didn’t refuse. She needed a little alcohol to calm her nerves, although she was already well prepared.

Halfway through the meal, Michael put down his fork and cleared his throat.

“Leo, Mia,” he began, “Dad has something to tell you.”

The children looked up at him.

“Dad and Mom…” Michael glanced at Kate. “We’ve decided to separate. From now on, Dad and Mom won’t live together anymore.”

The private room went completely silent. Leo was the first to react.

“Are you getting a divorce?” he asked.

That word, coming from an eight–year–old child’s mouth, had a surreal absurdity. Kate’s heart ached, but she remained calm on the surface.

“Yes,” Michael said with difficulty. “But don’t worry. Dad and Mom still love you. It’s just… we just won’t live together anymore.”

“Why?” Mia asked, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Because…” Michael didn’t know how to explain.

“Because your father has fallen in love with someone else,” Kate said calmly, taking over. “He has a new relationship outside, so he doesn’t want our family anymore.”

These words were like a bomb exploding in the private room.

“Kate, what are you saying?” Michael’s face turned pale. “What are you talking about?”

“Am I wrong?” Kate asked.

She took a manila folder from her purse and pushed it in front of him.

“These are your hotel records with Jessica starting from three years ago, a total of forty–seven stays. Do you need me to read them to the children?”

Michael’s face turned white instantly. He grabbed the documents, his hands trembling.

“You… you investigated me,” he stammered.

“Of course,” Kate said.

She took out another stack of papers.

“These are your credit card statements. Last year alone, you spent over $50,000 on gifts for her. And this—” she tapped the final document— “is proof that you transferred company shares to her younger brother’s shell company six months ago without disclosing it. That’s a serious problem, Michael.”

With every sentence she spoke, Michael’s face turned a shade paler. The children looked at their parents, completely confused about what was happening, but they could feel the terrifying atmosphere.

“Kate, let’s go outside and talk,” Michael said, standing up, his voice trembling. “Not in front of the kids.”

“Why go outside?” Kate sat still. “The children have the right to know the truth. Michael, you wanted a divorce. Fine. I agree. But not according to your agreement.”

She took out another document from her purse.

“This is my divorce agreement,” she said. “The house is mine. The full value of the shares you transferred— estimated at $1.2 million— is mine. In addition, you will pay $200,000 in damages for emotional distress. And full custody of the children goes to me.”

“You’re out of your mind,” Michael hissed. “On what grounds?”

“On these grounds,” Kate said, pointing to the evidence on the table. “On the grounds of your infidelity. On the grounds of your hidden transfer of marital assets. On the grounds of your attempt to deceive me and your children.”

She leaned forward slightly.

“Michael, if this evidence is submitted to the court, how do you think the judge will rule?” she asked quietly. “How will your investors react? How will your board react?”

Michael collapsed back into his chair, sweat beading on his forehead. For the first time, he realized that he didn’t know Kate at all. This seemingly gentle and quiet woman had secretly collected so much evidence and laid such a careful plan.

“You… you knew all along,” he whispered.

“I knew three years ago,” Kate said. “I didn’t expose you then because I had no job, no income, and no ability to raise the children alone. But now I do.”

She looked at the children.

“Leo, Mia, Mom has to tell you— Dad made a serious mistake, and he won’t be living with us anymore. But Mom wants you. Mom will work hard to give you a good life. Are you willing to live with Mom?”

The two children were already in tears. Mia threw herself into Kate’s arms.

“I want Mommy. I want Mommy,” she sobbed.

Leo also walked over and hugged Kate’s arm.

“I also want Mommy,” he said, his voice shaking.