11

11

I thought, giving him some leeway, he would catch on.

After all, things were laid out so clearly, I should have received Dashiell's divorce papers pretty soon.

The result? Never underestimate how shameless a scumbag can be.

The next time I saw Dashiell was in my mom's hospital room.

Dashiell was peeling fruit for my mom at the side, while my mother-in-law chatted with her. Their attitude was much more humble than it had been for the past nine years.

"Emily, come," Dashiell enthusiastically tried to take my bag, acting as if nothing had happened.

My mom's health had been poor ever since my dad passed away.

The doctors repeatedly emphasized to us, the family members, not to upset her.

Dashiell knew I wouldn't dare confront him in front of my mom, that's why he dared to show up.

Unfortunately, he truly underestimated women, underestimated a mother's intuition.

My mom had already stopped talking to my mother-in-law and put down the fruit Dashiell had peeled for her.