Chapter 3

“Nathan, are you serious?!”

I couldn’t believe it. “Your son has serious issues, and when I try to teach him a lesson, somehow it’s my fault?”

Nathan’s face showed nothing but annoyance.

“Carter’s just a kid. What does he know? But you’ve let him go hungry this long? That’s on you.”

Carter looked smug, glancing at me, while he whined to Nathan about wanting fried chicken.

Before the two of them could head out, I yelled, “If either of you walks out that door today, I’m done with this house!”

The only response I got was the slam of the door and the sound of their laughter fading down the street.

I collapsed on the couch, tears running down my face. Seven years of my life, all for nothing.

Every day, I’d wake up early, cook, clean, take care of Carter, and do all the household chores. My workload wasn’t any less than Nathan’s.

But now, neither Nathan nor Carter appreciated me.

Well, if they think I’m so embarrassing, I’m done. I’ll spend my time and money on self-care and clothes. Let’s see who misses me then.

After making up my mind, I tossed Nathan’s stuff into the guest room. There was no way I was sleeping next to that man for another minute.

I called up Bianca and we made dinner plans. Nathan took Carter out for fried chicken, so I wasn’t going to hold back either.

After dinner, Bianca and I hit Rivercrest Shopping Mall. I had years of missed self-care to make up for!