Chapter 5
Declan stared at our son, completely stunned, like he couldn’t believe what he’d just heard.
He must’ve thought Jasper was making it up.
But Jasper was only eight.
He didn’t even know how to lie like that.
So of course, Declan turned to me.
“Serena, is what Jasper said true?”
He seriously asked that?
Like he didn’t already know?
He knew everything.
Before that night–before him–I’d never been with any man.
I still remember how long he stared at the bloodstain on the sheet when he woke up.
And how all he said was, “I’ll take responsibility.”
I thought it was the beginning of a fairytale.
Turns out, it was just the first brick in the prison he built for me.
I let out a bitter laugh, pulled the divorce papers from my bag, and held them out.
“I am taking Jasper to find his real dad.”
“So do us all a favor and sign this.”
“After today, we’re done.”
Declan’s face darkened.
And then rage took over.
He grabbed the divorce papers and flung them into the air.
The white pages spun and fluttered, scattering across the floor like confetti from a broken dream.
That was our marriage in a nutshell.
No give–and–take.
20:22
He Called Me His Ex’s Name, So I Took Our Son and Left
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Chapter 5
Just me–giving.
And my son, waiting for a love that never came.
“You’re mine,” Declan snarled.
“Even if you die, you’re getting buried next to me.”
He never loved me.
But he wanted to own me.
Even in death.
But why?
I’d never done a damn thing to hurt him.
So why should I spend my life suffocating in his shadow?
Right then, the airport PA system chimed in.
The flight to New Zealand was boarding.
I took a deep breath and grabbed our suitcase with one hand and Jasper with the other.
“I’ll file for divorce,” I said quietly.
“My lawyer will be in touch.”
Just as I started walking, I felt the suitcase jolt back.
Declan had grabbed it–and then he grabbed me too.
His eyes were bloodshot, wild.
Like a caged animal ready to snap.
In all these eight years, I’d never seen him like this.
“You’re not leaving,” he growled.
“Not without my permission.”
He yanked me back, hard.
People started to stare.
Jasper, scared and shaking, broke free from Declan’s grip.
He darted into the crowd, eyes scanning until they landed on a tall man.
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He Called Me His Ex’s Name. So I Took Our Son and Left
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Chapter 5
“Sir!” he cried, running up to him.
“Please help my mom!”
“That man won’t leave us alone–he wants to take us away!”
My son’s voice cracked with sobs, every word full of desperation.
The man looked down at Jasper, then up at me.
In a flash, he was striding over.
When his eyes met mine, he paused–just for a second.
Then his fist met Declan’s face.
People gasped and rushed in, forming a tight circle around Declan.
I didn’t wait.
I grabbed our things and Jasper’s hand and ran for the gate.
The second we boarded the plane, I finally let myself exhale.
We were really leaving.
I was terrified Declan would pull me back into that darkness one last time.
But he didn’t.
Jasper tugged at my sleeve, practically bouncing in his seat.
“Mom!” he whispered, eyes wide with excitement.
“That nice man from earlier–look! He’s on our flight!”
I looked up, and my eyes locked with his.
“Serena,” he said, stunned.
“It’s you.”
