Page 1 of Everything I Promise

Chapter One

Lacey

I am now a single mother. Officially.

My soon to be ex-husband, Michael, signed paperwork today so he no longer has parental rights to our six year old son, Oliver. All so he can go raise his new baby, with his new girlfriend.

The one he started dating and screwing while still married to me.

Apparently, waiting for the divorce to come through, was too long of a wait for her. She feels too insecure to not make him leave his child behindright now. In an unlikely turn of events, which I’m still processing, he agreed and is letting her call the shots.

Maybe I should have tried that earlier in our marriage, but I’d been too blinded by his narcissistic charm. Things didn’t start getting really bad until I was already pregnant. I didn’t want tohave a child from a broken home so I made the decision to stick it out.

That worked well for me.

It's been a fun few months dealing with everyone’s emotions and demands. But the paperwork is signed and the house is listed for sale.

In just a few hours, Oliver and I will be back at my mom’s house in New Hampshire. And I am ready for this fresh start.

“You stupid bitch!” I look around to find the sudden commotion coming from inside the quiet courthouse, “How dare you treat my man that way!”

Yup. There she is, Michael’s new girlfriend. I knew I wouldn’t make it through the day unscathed.

I start to walk away before she can get any closer but unfortunately she is faster than me. I feel her grab my shoulder and pull me back. “I said how dare you treat my man that way.”

The look in her eyes is pure venom. I can feel her saliva hitting my face as she spits the words at me.

“I didn’t treat Michaelanycertain way. Now, if you’ll excuse me I have to go getmyson.” I start to walk away again but she stands in front of me, blocking my path out the door.

I donothave the patience for this right now. I want to be at my Mom’s house, to feel comfort, and to be away from this old life. I squeeze my eyes closed and take a deep breath.

“You absolutely did.” She spat. “You were a total bitch to him in there. You made him look like a deadbeat!” She is seething, staring at me like I’m the crazy one here instead of her.

“I don’t really know what story you and Michael want to believe here but I told the truth. Michael got you pregnant, while married to me, now he wants to give up his son and go start a new life with you. Am I wrong?” I look around and see a few people staring at us.

Great, this is exactly what I need today.

I sigh and run my hand over my face, exhaustion taking over.

“Michael is a great father. He wants what is best for his child. And having your toxic ass in his life isn’t what is best for his child.” She puts her hands on her pregnant belly, as if to really drive her point home.

“Right, because his child isn’t Oliver, it’s the baby you’re having.” I roll my eyes and try to keep the tears away. I’m too tired for this nonsense and I’m about at my breaking point.

“Absolutely!” At this point a security guard finally catches on to the commotion and comes over. Thank goodness for small favors. I don’t have it in me to take the high road with this woman.

“Is there a problem here?” he asks motioning between the two of us.

“No sir, I am just trying to leave and this woman here seems to have lost something, but I am on my way out and cannot help her find it.” What I haven’t said is that the something she lost is her mind.

With the guard there she finally relents and lets me leave the courthouse. All I can say is thank god I don’t have to co-parent with them. Once that divorce is final and the house is sold, I’m free. Free to start a new life that my son and I both deserve.

Shutting the door to my car, I sink into the seat and let out a breath. I don’t move for a moment, letting the sun’s warmth take over on my skin. Today was too long, and I just want to go get my son.

I punch in Mom’s number to let her know that court is over and I’m going to get Oliver. Thankfully Oliver has been at summer camp this year.

“Hey Honey, how did everything go?” She answers, her voice settling my nerves almost immediately. Mom has been my saving grace throughout this whole process.

“Long. She verbally attacked me at the end when I was trying to leave, but it's over and Oliver is officially all mine and only mine. Bonus, I didn’t hit either of them so I’m counting that as a win today.” I sigh dramatically.

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