1
The world looked on with envy at the seemingly flawless bond Wanda Hamilton shared with her spouse and child. However, she alone knew the bitter truth. Her husband had secretly created another family elsewhere, taking their son along with him.
The evening Eric Gordon whisked their boy away to commemorate his "unforgettable first love" clinching the prestigious Best Actress accolade at the Moviegoers Awards Festival, Wanda reached a life-altering conclusion.
She resolved to stage her own demise and vanish from their lives permanently. Within seven days, she would erase herself from existence. Neither her husband nor her child would remain in her world; she no longer desired their presence.
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"Ms. Hamilton, are you absolutely sure about orchestrating your death as an automobile collision on the fourteenth of this month?"
Wanda paused momentarily, but the recollection of her husband and son's jovial interaction with another woman steeled her determination. She affirmed her decision with a firm nod.
"I have an additional stipulation," she continued. "The staged version of myself must perish in Eric's presence. Preferably, he should be the one to strike me with his vehicle."
If she couldn't possess Eric's complete devotion, she'd ensure he spent his remaining days plagued by relentless guilt.
"That particular request...," the voice on the line faltered.
"Finances are not a concern," Wanda interrupted. After ending the call, her gaze fell upon a nearby family portrait. The trio beamed with happiness. Her expression softened with reminiscence.
She could still recall the day of his proposal, how Eric had been so anxious he could barely form words. During their wedding ceremony, he had been so overwhelmed with emotion that tears streamed down his face before countless guests.
Upon their son's birth, he had tenderly dabbed the perspiration from her forehead. He assured her that one child was sufficient, even undergoing a secretive vasectomy to guarantee it.
They had once been so content, the quintessential family that others coveted.
No matter how hectic Eric's schedule, he invariably returned home bearing a floral arrangement. He would often say, "My love for you is akin to nurturing a garden. I wish to witness your blossoming each day."
Even their son, Ben Gordon, emulated his father's gestures. He would proudly carry her belongings when they ventured out, insisting on being her small gentleman. His little face would flush with exertion, but he never allowed her to fret over anything.
Who could have foreseen that the husband and son, widely regarded as the embodiment of devotion, were secretly lavishing attention on another woman?
Countless evenings when Eric claimed to be "away on business," he was whispering tender words to someone else. Even their son, Ben, had begun addressing the woman as "sister" with unrestrained affection.
That father and son duo had constructed a new life beyond their home, concealing it from Wanda for three entire years.
She never imagined that after weathering the challenges of young love and the hardships of building a life together, her marriage would fall victim to the notorious "seven-year itch."
Upon checking her phone, Wanda noticed the trending news. Rising star Cristina Laurence had just secured the Best Actress Award at the Moviegoers Award Festival. The article featured an image of the stunning actress in a crimson gown, exuding beauty and youthfulness.
She was accompanied by Eric. He was walking close behind her, despite telling Wanda he was at the office. He wasn't alone but hand-in-hand with Ben, their five-year-old son.
The adoring gaze Eric directed at the woman mirrored the look he once reserved solely for Wanda.
Tonight marked Wanda and Eric's seventh wedding anniversary, and Wanda had devoted the entire day to preparations. She had personally prepared Eric's favorite soup, the beef stew, and crafted Ben's preferred dish, barbecue pork ribs.
Yet neither father nor son returned home.
She waited from six o'clock until ten, only to receive a terse text from Eric. It read, "Work emergency. Won't be home tonight. Our son is with me."
Recalling this, Wanda abruptly lost any desire for an explanation. She no longer wanted them. She didn't want Eric or the son she had risked her life to bring into the world.
She rose, discarded the meticulously prepared meals into the garbage, turned the family portrait face-down, and ascended the stairs.
Over the years, both father and son had showered her with gifts, especially Ben.
Children expressed their affection in simple, sincere ways.