Ex-Wife Moving Wife Giving Birth? Congratulations, You’re Single Now novel Chapter 20

Chapter 8

Three months later, I’d settled into the new job.

My manager was impressed. Said even though I’d been out of the game for five years, I was a fast learner and picked things up quickly.

My salary bumped up from $3,500 to $5,500.

Not a fortune, but enough.

Jamie loved preschool. Came home every day chattering nonstop about his day.

“Mommy, the teacher said my drawing was the best!”

“Why did she say that?”

“Because mine was the prettiest!”

“That’s amazing!”

I scooped him up and kissed his cheek.

Jamie laughed, so happy. Never asked about Daddy anymore.

I never brought up Ryan either.

In Jamie’s world, there was just Mommy, Grandma, Grandpa, and his preschool friends.

That was enough.

One day, Cassie asked me out for coffee.

“Heard Ryan and Sienna broke up.”

“Oh?”

“Sienna ditched him when his money ran out.”

I laughed. “Saw that coming.”

“Yeah, mistresses are after the money, not the man.” Cassie said, “Ryan’s pretty pathetic now. Renting a studio, work’s not going well, heard he got demoted.”

“Huh.”

“You’re not curious?”

“Nope.” I took a sip of coffee. “How he’s doing has nothing to do with me.”

Cassie gave me a thumbs–up. “You’re such a badass.”

“Badass?”

“Yeah. Most women after divorce still stalk their ex’s every move. But not you.”

Ex–Wife Moving> Wife Giving Birth? Congratulations, You’re Single Now

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Chapter 8

“Because I know keeping tabs on him would just waste my time.”

“Exactly.” Cassic said, “By the way, ever think about dating again?”

“Haven’t thought about it.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m doing just fine right now.” I looked out the window. “Got my job, got Jamie, got myself. That’s enough.”

Cassie didn’t push, just smiled at me.

“What?”

“Nothing. Just think you’ve changed a lot.”

“How so?”

“Before, you always leaned on other people. Now you only lean on yourself.”

I smiled. “Yeah. Now I only trust myself.”

Six months later, I got promoted.

From copywriter to creative lead. Salary: $8,000.

My manager said, “Evelyn, you’ve got real potential. Keep this up, sky’s the limit.”

“Thank you.”

I walked back to my desk, looked at the campaign proposal on my screen. Felt calm.

Months later, Ryan called.

“Evelyn.”

“What is it?”

“Can I… can I see Jamie?”

I didn’t answer right away. “Why?”

“Because I miss him.”

“You miss him?” I laughed. “Did you think about him when you were cheating? Did you think about him when you took your mistress to Hawaii?”

“I was wrong, Evelyn. I really was.”

“Ryan, your mistakes aren’t mine to forgive.” I said, “Jamie’s doing great. He doesn’t need you.”

“But he’s my son.”

Chapter 8

“Yeah, he’s your son. So you have visitation rights.” I said, “But I’d rather you didn’t use them. Because I don’t want him knowing what kind of person his father is.”

“Evelyn…”

“When he’s eighteen, he can decide if you’re worth his time.” I said, “But not now.”

I hung up, set my phone on the table.

Jamie ran over. “Mommy, who was that?”

“Nobody.” I picked him up. “What do you want to eat?”

“Ice cream!”

“Okay, let’s go get some.”

I took Jamie’s hand, walked out the door.

Just when I thought life would keep rolling along like this, a little ripple showed up.

A new coworker joined the company–Ethan Mills, 32, divorced, with a daughter.

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