The next day, while I was at the hospital with Mom, Melody called.
“Hey Iris, sorry to bother you. The home system detected an anomaly–someone tried to force their way past the security protocols. Was that you?”
I frowned. “I just wanted to turn on the AC.”
“Oh, you should’ve just asked me!”
Her voice carried a hint of smugness.
“Forcing the system triggers security alerts. Jax takes homework security very seriously.”
“It’s my house!”
“I know, but rules are rules.”
“Oh, and Jax wanted me to tell you–don’t wait up for dinner tonight. We’re pulling an all–nighter prepping for next week’s project presentation.”
After she hung up, I saw her Instagram story.
[Some people think the world revolves around them, not realizing what really matters is creating value 1
The photo showed her work badge: “Executive Assistant.”
Mom caught my mood. “That woman again?”
I nodded.
Then said quietly: “Mom, I’ve decided to get a divorce.”
Mom was stunned.
“Sweetheart, what did you say?<b>” </b>
“I’m divorcing Jaxon.”
I squeezed her hand.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. It’s not impulsive.”
“But… honey, you need to think this through.”
Mom looked at me with concern. “Divorce isn’t trivial. You’d be on your own…”
“Mom, I have thought it through.” I stared in her eyes. “Living like a prisoner in my own home, needing permission to adjust
the thermostat–that’s not marriage, it’s humiliation.”
“But Jaxon, aside from being overly logical, hasn’t been terrible to you…”
“Not terrible?” Iughed bitterly.
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“Mom, when you were dying, he said it was too dangerous for me to leave the house. But one phone call from Melody about database issues, and he immediately rushed out in a storm. In his mind, your life and mine are both less important than his
work.”
Mom fell silent.
“Sweetie. I’m just worried…”
“I know what you’re worried about.”
“But Mom, I’m his wife, not some Sterling family essory.”
Mom didn’t say anything more, but the look in her eyes held even more heartache for me.
That evening at home, I found evidence someone had been there.
Two sses on the coffee table, throw pillows rearranged, a faint lingering perfume in the air.
Not mine.
I checked the door logs–Melody had entered at 3 PM, left at 6 PM.
Reason listed: “Retrieving work files.”
But Jaxon’s office was upstairs. Why would she spend three hours in the living room?
I called Jaxon. “Melody was at the house today?”
“Yeah, getting files.” His tone was casual. “Why?<b>” </b>
“She was there for three hours.”
“Probably waiting for documents to print.” He suddenly got annoyed. “Iris, don’t be paranoid. Melody was there for work.”
“She used my coffee mug!”
“It’s just a mug. Are you really going to be that petty<b>?</b><b>” </b>
I took a deep breath.
“Jazon, if Melody said she needed to move into our house for work convenience, would you agree?”
He was quiet for a moment. “What kind of crazy talk is that?”
“Answer me.”
“Of course not.”
He continued: “You’re my wife. This is our home.”
“But the person controlling this home is her, not me,”
“That’s just temporary system ess issues!” He finally lost it.
“Iris! Can you please act like an adult? Stop whining like some bitter housewife!”
“Bitter housewife?” Iughed coldly. “Yeah, I guess I am–a bitter housewife who needs permission to turn on lights in her own
home.”
I hung up and texted my best friend, Lora.
[Free to talk? Need advice about divorce proceedings.<b>] </b>