Chapter 4: The Wife Who Wouldn’t Break

Still, I drove to the mall.

In the kids’ play area, a four- or five-year-old girl, carrying a Hermès backpack, ran around gleefully. "Mom and Dad, I want to play this!"

Her laughter echoed through the mall, bright and unselfconscious. She darted from game to game, her backpack bouncing. I watched from a distance, my heart pounding.

Savannah clung to Colton’s arm, tilting her head. "Then you have to ask Daddy if he’ll buy it for you."

She leaned in, voice playful. The scene was picture-perfect—two parents, one happy kid. I felt like an outsider, watching a life that should have been mine.

The little girl immediately ran to Colton, looking up. "Daddy, can I?"

Her eyes sparkled, hope shining in her face. Colton knelt down, ruffling her hair, his smile easy and warm. My chest tightened.

What a heartwarming scene—if only I weren’t here.

I watched them, a lump rising in my throat. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t. The whole thing felt staged, like a cruel joke at my expense.

Our eyes met. Colton’s smile froze.

He looked startled, guilt flickering across his face. Savannah’s grip on his arm tightened, her smile slipping. No one said a word.

Savannah finally let go of his arm. "Hey, I got used to this before I got married. It doesn’t mean anything."

She stepped back, hands up like she was surrendering. Her voice was light, but her eyes were wary. I could see the calculation in her face.

The little girl pouted. "Auntie, why do Mom and Dad always separate whenever you’re around?"

Her voice was small, uncertain. She looked at me, confusion clouding her face. The question hung in the air, sharp and unanswerable.

I crouched down and, under Colton’s anxious gaze, patted the little girl’s bun. "Because I’m your daddy’s wife."

I spoke softly, my hand gentle on her head. I met Colton’s eyes, daring him to contradict me.

The whole play area seemed to hold its breath.

The whole play area fell silent for a beat. Then the little girl burst into sharp cries. "You’re lying! Mommy said if I do what she says, Daddy will be mine one day. He’s my new daddy, and his wife can only be my mommy. You’re lying, you’re mean!"

Her words tumbled out, raw and desperate. She stomped her feet, tears streaming down her face. The other parents glanced over, uncomfortable, unsure if they should step in.

Tears streamed down her face as she pushed me with all her might. "You’re mean, you’re mean!"

Her little hands hit my legs, her sobs growing louder. I stood up, swallowing my own tears. The whole mall felt like it was closing in on me.

I stood up. Colton’s face darkened. "Why would you say that to a child?"

He stepped between us, voice low and angry. His eyes burned, his whole body tense. I could feel the judgment coming from every direction.

Savannah shielded the child, her eyes red-rimmed. "Look, even if you don’t like me, there’s no need to drag a kid into it."

She cradled Ellie, rocking her gently. Her voice was shaky, but her gaze never wavered. The blame was clear—this was on me, not them.

"Exactly..." I drew out the words. "Using a kid in grown-up drama is just low."

I stared at Savannah, my voice calm. The words hung in the air, sharp and final.

Savannah stared at me in shock. Colton’s expression was ugly. "Lauren, that’s enough."

His voice was cold, final. He turned away, gathering Ellie and Savannah.

The three of them walked off, leaving me standing alone in the middle of the play area. I watched them go, the ache in my chest sharper than ever.

I didn’t chase them. For the first time, I wondered who I was when I wasn’t someone’s wife.