In walked Mrs. Loretta Cole—her mother-in-law—chin lifted, eyes sharp with practiced disdain.
Behind her was Ethan, head lowered like a man walking into his own guilt.
And on Ethan’s arm, clinging like she belonged there, was a woman in glittering jewelry and heavy makeup—Madison Crane, Ethan’s “childhood friend” from a wealthy family.
“Ethan…” Ava called weakly, forcing herself upright. “You’re here. Look… look at our son.”
Ethan didn’t even glance at the baby.
Mrs. Loretta marched forward and slammed a thick document onto Ava’s bed with a smack that felt louder than it should’ve.
“Don’t act dramatic, Ava,” Loretta said coldly. “We didn’t come to admire that child. We came to give you this.”
Ava’s eyes found the title.
DIVORCE PAPERS.
And beneath it—a custody waiver.
Her hands trembled.
“Ma’am… Ethan… what does this mean?” she whispered. “I just gave birth…”
“We know,” Madison cut in, smiling like she was doing Ava a favor. “That’s why we’re doing this now—so everything is clear immediately.”
Madison’s eyes swept Ava from head to toe.
“Look at you. You’re poor. No job. No money. You’re a burden.”
Ava’s throat tightened. “Ethan… please—”
Ethan finally spoke, voice flat. “I’m leaving you, Ava. Madison is pregnant too. And… she can help my mother’s business. You can’t help with anything.”
PART 2 — “You’re Worthless. Sign It.”
Ava’s eyes burned.
“You promised me,” she said, voice cracking. “For richer or poorer. I endured your mother’s insults. I pretended it didn’t hurt. I thought we were building a family—”
“We don’t care about your tears!” Loretta snapped, jabbing a finger toward the papers. “Sign that! Give us the child. You can’t afford to raise him. Then get out of our lives!”
Madison stepped closer and placed a ballpoint pen on the bed like a judge passing sentence.
“Just sign it, Ava,” she purred. “Accept you lost. I’m rich. I won. Go back to whatever miserable life you came from.”
The baby stirred, a soft cry starting.
