75

Erina’s POV

After filing for divorce from Neo, my life changed drastically. The luxurious house that once felt comfortable now became a place full of bitter memories. When I was kicked out, it felt like waking up from a nightmare. However, behind the sadness, there was a new hope blossoming in my heart.

I stepped out of the house, gazing at the bright sky. "It's okay," I whispered to myself. "I will find a wealthier man who can appreciate and love me wholeheartedly."

With renewed determination, I began planning my future. New meetings, new opportunities, and of course, new love. Every step I took was to prove that I could rise and be better than before.

During this journey, I learned that happiness is not solely determined by wealth, but by love and self-belief. And who knows, perhaps out there is someone better who loves me more than Neo.

After being kicked out of Neo's house, I decided to go back to my parents' home. A mix of emotions overwhelmed me—sadness, anger, but also relief. My parents' home always provided a sense of safety and comfort, a place where I could return and reflect.

I suddenly returned with a large suitcase in hand. My mother's face looked sour, clearly unhappy with my return. "Why are you back?" she asked sharply.

"Don't tell me you were kicked out by your husband? What trouble did you cause there?"

My mother's words stung, but I didn't want to explain everything that happened. The pain from the divorce still lingered, and I just wanted to find peace in this home.

I set my suitcase down and stepped inside, feeling nostalgia enveloping every corner of the house. Although my mother's demeanor was harsh, I knew in her heart there was worry and love.

In moments like this, I missed warm hugs and wise advice. Yet, I also knew that returning to my parents' house was the right step to start anew.

I put on a pitiful face, trying to hold back tears. "Neo cheated, Mom."

My words were like a sharp knife, piercing through the tension in the room. My mother fell silent for a moment, her eyes widening in shock. In an instant, all her worry and anger were clear on her face.

"What?!" My mother stared in disbelief, her expression reflecting deep incredulity. "Don't slander your own husband, Erina!"

Her words heated the atmosphere, as if pouring cold water on my feelings. I knew she wanted to protect me, but my pain was too real to ignore.

The moment felt heavy. Returning to my parents' home should have been an escape, but now it added pressure. My mother couldn't accept this bitter reality, and I felt trapped between truth and hope.

"I'm not slandering, Mom. I'm being honest." My face was pitiful, pleading more. "I even have proof."

With trembling hands, I took my phone from my pocket and showed my mother the photo of Neo and Maisie.

My mother's face changed, from a skeptical look to one of shock. Her eyes widened as she saw the clear image. The pain and betrayal I bore were now visible in my mother's eyes.

She fell silent, her mouth slightly open, as if searching for the right words. Silence hung in the air, and I knew my world would change forever.

In that moment, I felt a mix of relief and sadness. Relief for being able to reveal the truth, but also sadness because all of this had to happen. With the evidence in my hand, I knew the next steps had to be taken, even though it was heavy.

My mother studied the photo for a moment. "Isn't this your father-in-law's wife?"

The question left me momentarily speechless. Confusion and anger mingled within me. Not only about Neo's betrayal, but also how this related to my family.

My mother continued to gaze at the photo, as if trying to uncover the truth behind the image that turned our world upside down. Tension grew, and I could feel the shift in emotions between us.

With my heart racing, I realized everything was more complicated than I had expected. This wasn't just about me and Neo, but about broader relationships that could change the family's view of this situation.

I nodded slowly, watching my mother shed tears of sorrow. "They used to be exes, Mom. Maybe they felt nostalgic after living together, and it just happened," I whispered while crying and rubbing my growing belly.

The pain deepened, as if every word I spoke added weight to my chest. Tears flowed freely, reflecting the anguish I had long suppressed.

My mother's eyes were filled with empathy and concern. She reached out, trying to offer support even though her heart was shattered by this unexpected reality.

In that moment, I felt reconnected with my mother. We shared the same sorrow, and although the road ahead seemed dark, we knew we were not alone.

"How outrageous!" my mother hissed in anger, her face filled with burning rage. "How could Neo cheat with his own father-in-law's wife while his wife is pregnant? Does your father-in-law know about this?"

My mother's anger stunned me, as if reminding me how serious this situation was. My pain mixed with the anger that arose from deep within me.

I shook my head slowly, my feelings growing heavier. "Not yet, Mom. I haven't had the chance to tell him," I replied, my voice trembling.

My mother took a deep breath, clearly trying to hold back her emotions. She knew how difficult this situation was, and I could feel our shared helplessness.

We fell silent for a moment, absorbing the bitter reality we had to face. Even though this situation seemed grim, we both knew that the next steps had to be taken for our well-being.

I nodded again. "I'm sure his wife was kicked out of the house. Maybe she's about to get divorced soon. And I’ve already filed for divorce from Neo, Mom. I can’t keep our marriage if he’s kissing his ex."