Leaving My Cheating Husband and Found My Worth

The day Tamara Gerrem went into labor,her husband,Callum Blackwood,was busy helping his close female friend,Seraphina Wolan,move.

While she lay alone in the hospital,no one was deep there to sign the consent form for her emergency surgery.She came dangerously close to dying on the operating tableher and her unborn baby both.

And on the day of her mothers funeral,Callum was nowhere to be found again.He was off on vacation with Seraphina.

The relatives gathered around Tamara were furious.

He didnt even come to his mother-in-laws funeral?Thats completely unacceptable!

Call him!Tell him he has to come.

But Tamara said nothing.

She simply knelt before the blazing funeral pyre,the firelight washing her already-pale face in a faint glow.Her fingers curled tightly against her knees as she stared into the flames.

After a long silence,she finally spoke,her voice so soft it was almost swallowed by the crackling fire.

Forget it.I'm getting a divorce anyway.

Her relatives stared at Tamara in disbelief.

They all knew how much she had sacrificed for Callum back then.She had been so determined to be with him that she was willing to cut ties with her own family.

She had turned down an offer from one of the most prestigious corporations overseas without a second thought.For the sake of her marriage,she had even given up the career she had built abroad,along with her entire social life,choosing instead to stay home and devote herself to her husband and child.

But now,she truly wanted out.

She had already prepared the divorce papers before the funeral even began.

This time,she would leave Callum,and take their child with her.She would disappear from his life completely,leaving nothing behind but her absence.

***

Her relatives looked at Tamara with worried expressions.

Tamara,your father passed away years ago,and now your mother is gone too.You have a child to raise on your own.Are you really sure about this?

Raising a child alone as a single mother is going to be incredibly difficult.

Tamara had barely opened her mouth when a deep,familiar voice came from the doorway.

What do you mean,a single mother?What have you been talking Tamara into now?

Callum had arrived.

But he wasnt alone.

Seraphina was with him,the woman who had once been Tamaras closest friend.

Back in high school,Seraphina had lost both of her parents.It was Tamara who brought her home and welcomed her into the family,eventually making her their adopted daughter.

For all these years,Tamara had loved Seraphina like a younger sister.She had protected her,cared for her,and given her all the love she could.

Worried that Seraphina might feel unloved,Tamara had gone out of her way to include her in everything.

Even when she went on dates with Callum,she brought Seraphina along.When she and Callum went away for their honeymoon,Seraphina came with them too.Even when they visited Callums family for dinner,Seraphina was always there.

Callum himself had once told her that she was far too good to Seraphina.

But all that love and sincerity had never been enough to earn the same in return.

The moment Seraphina finished her MBA and returned home,she ended up in bed with Tamaras own husband.

The memories came rushing back like a thousand tiny needles,each one pricking at an old wound until Tamaras nerves went numb.

Afraid her relatives might lose their temper and reveal the truth,Tamara spoke before they could say another word.

They were just saying there are so many single mothers in the world,and that I should stay with you and make our marriage work.

At that,the anger on Callums face eased slightly.

But then his eyes fell on Tamara,and he froze for a few seconds.

Tamaraits only been a few days.How did you lose so much weight?

Tamara let out a bitter laugh.

Lost weight?

She was lucky to still be alive.

A few days earlier,her daughter had been burning with a fever that refused to break.Tamara had carried her from one hospital to another,desperate to find someone who could help.

Every doctor gave her the same answer:her daughters condition was too serious.She needed to be transferred to a larger hospital immediately.

Tamara had called Callum countless times,but he never answered.

Then,by chance,she saw Seraphinas post on social media:

Someone who truly loves you will cross the world just to find you.

The location tagged beneath it was a resort in the neighboring city.

Of course Callum hadnt rushed to find her and their daughter.

The person he loved now wasnt Tamara.

She spent the entire night keeping vigil at her daughters hospital bed.Just when she thought the worst was finally over,she received the devastating news that her mother had suffered a sudden stroke and died.

The grief hit so hard that Tamara could barely speak.

She called Callum,hoping that he would come home and help her through it just this once.

He answered.

But instead of asking if she was all right,his voice was cold and impatient.

Tamara,youre an adult.You need to learn how to handle your own problems.Stop calling me every time something happens.

I have to deal with things at work,and now I have to deal with everything at home too.Im exhausted.

It wasnt that Callum didnt have the time or energy.He simply gave all of it to Seraphina.

He would take her to concerts.He had even flown overseas in the middle of the night just to stand in line and get her a limited-edition designer bag.

But Callum was right.

Tamara was an adult.She should be capable of handling her own problems.

If the problems between them couldnt be solved,then perhaps the person causing them should be

Tamara raised her eyes,a bitter smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Its fine.Im doing much better now.

Oh,and Ive chosen a burial plot for my mother.Its one of the properties owned by the Callum Group.Could you sign the paperwork for me?

Callum took the papers without hesitation.

Tamara,were husband and wife.You dont have to ask me for help.Theres no need to be so formal with me.

Callum was always a cautious man.Perhaps the guilt he carried had finally gotten to him,because this time,he signed the agreement without even reading it.

What he didnt know was that hidden beneath the cemetery transfer agreement was their divorce agreement.

After signing,Callum took Seraphina with him to pay respects at Tamaras mothers memorial tablet,lighting some of incense.

Then he pulled out an elegantly wrapped gift box.

Tamara,Ive been swamped with work lately.Please take care of everything for Moms funeral.If you need more money,just tell the companys finance department.Whatever you need,theyll approve it.

I also brought you a little something from my trip.Consider it a small token of my love.

The bag Callum had bought was exquisite,beautiful in every detail.

It was the first gift he had given Tamara in the entire year since Seraphina came back into their lives.

But Tamara recognized the bag immediately.

It was the exact same one Seraphina was carryingthe complimentary bag that had come with the purchase.

As if she were afraid Tamara might miss the resemblance,Seraphina deliberately nudged her bag forward,drawing attention to it.

Look,Tamara.We have the same bag.Callum really is fair to both of us.He treats us exactly the same.

Tamara lowered her gaze and let out a quiet,bitter laugh.

She knew exactly what Seraphina was doing:provoking her.She was deliberately rubbing salt into the wound.

Tamaras voice remained cool.

If you know hes your brother-in-law,then you should know better than to get too close to him.Anyone who didnt know better might start wondering if you two were the married couple.

That single remark was enough to make Seraphinas eyes redden.

She immediately reached for the hem of Callums sleeve,her voice turning soft and wounded.

Callumdid I upset Tamara again?

The trace of guilt Callum had felt toward Tamara moments earlier vanished from his face.

Callum immediately took Seraphinas side and turned on Tamara.

Tamara,there are so many people here today.You shouldnt say something that could ruin someones reputation.

If you dont want us here,then Ill take Seraphina and leave.

With that,Callum took Seraphina by the hand and walked away.

Several relatives moved to follow them,ready to demand an explanation and stand up for Tamara.

But Tamara stopped them.

Its fine.I already have the signed divorce papers.Let them go.

She pulled out her phone and sent the signed divorce agreement to her lawyer.

The reply came almost instantly.

[Come back in ten days to collect your divorce certificate.]

For the first time in what felt like forever,a faint smile touched Tamaras lips.

She had already booked her flight out of the capital for ten days later.

This time,she would take her daughter with her and disappear from Callums world for good.

Tamaras mothers funeral lasted seven days.

For all seven of those days,Callum stayed away,keeping Seraphina company instead.

When Tamara finally finished everything and returned home,she found Callum helping Seraphina move.

The moment he saw her,the first thing out of his mouth was,Why are you back?

Tamara gave a quiet,bitter laugh.

So that was how it was now?

She had only gone away to bury her mother,and even coming home had become something she needed permission to do.

Callum seemed to realize how harsh his words had sounded.He quickly tried to explain.

Tamara,thats not what I meant.Its only been five days since Mom passed.I thought youd still be busy with the funeral for a few more days.

Something inside Tamara sank a little deeper.

Callum,she said quietly,today is the seventh day.

Callum was not a forgetful man.He remembered the smallest things about Seraphina.

Once,she had casually mentioned that she was allergic to peanuts.After that,he replaced every peanut-containing item in their home.

When he found out she was allergic to dog hair,he even gave away the dog they had raised together for seven years.

His memory was better than anyones.

He simply never cared enough to remember the things that mattered to Tamara,or to her family.

Callums expression flickered with embarrassment,and he quickly offered an explanation.

Im sorry,Tamara.Ive been incredibly busy these past few days.I just didnt have the time to deal with everything surrounding Moms funeral.

But shes gone now.We still have to keep moving forward.

And with Mom gone,Seraphina shouldnt have to live alone at the old home.Were all family,after all.Ive already had her move in with us.

The room upstairs has been empty,so I let Seraphina move in for now.You dont mind,do you?

Tamara looked up at Callum,unable to hide the faint disbelief in her eyes.

He had already moved Seraphina into the room,yet here he was,putting on a show of asking for her permission.

Even if she said she minded,would he actually ask Seraphina to leave?

But the funeral had drained Tamara of the last of her strength.She had no energy left to argue over something that had already been decided.

What are you going to do with everything thats in there?

That room held years of memories she and Callum had shared.Every gift they had given each other since they were young was still inside.

Callum frowned.

Seeing his reaction,Tamara made the decision for him.

If everything in there is only going to get in the way,then throw it all out.

Callum stared at her in disbelief.

Throw it all away?Those things are our memories.How can you just throw them away?

Tamara,I know youre angry about Seraphina and me.But life is long.Its hard to spend an entire lifetime loving only one person.Even if it werent Seraphina,there would be someone else eventually.If thats the case,why cant you just accept her?

Tamara opened her mouth to respond,but before she could say a word,Callums phone rang.

His expression changed the moment he saw the caller.

When he answered,his voice softened into a tenderness Tamara hadnt heard from him in a long time.

Did you hurt your ankle?Where are you?Send me your location.Dont move.Ill be there right away.

The moment the call ended,Callum didnt even bother to say goodbye.He simply grabbed his coat and walked out.

Back then,Callums phone was always on silent,twenty-four hours a day.Getting him to answer a call had always felt like a matter of luck.

Tamara had argued with him about it more times than she could remember.She had even asked him repeatedly to set her number as a priority contact,so her calls would always get through.

He refused every time.

But just now,Tamara had heard it clearly.Seraphinas number had been given that very priority ringtone.

So it wasnt that Callum couldnt do it.He simply hadnt wanted to do it for her.

A bitter ache settled in Tamaras chest.

A maid approached her hesitantly.Mrs.Blackwood,what should we do with all these gifts from the room?

Tamara glanced coldly at the memories that had once meant everything to her.Throw them all away.

The maid frowned,reminding her carefully,But didnt Mr.Blackwood just say not to throw anything out?

Tamara let out a cold laugh.I dont even want him anymore.Why would I care what he says?

For the next few days,Tamara didnt see Callum at all.

She didnt need to.

She knew exactly where he was and what he was doing.

Seraphina had a habit of casually posting photos of herself and Callum on social media.She was clever about it,too.Every picture was carefully framed just enough to make her point without giving anyone a reason to call her out.

Sometimes,she would post a photo of her hand intertwined with Callums,making sure his face was visible while keeping her own out of the frame.

The message was obvious.

She wanted Tamara to see it.

And she made sure there was nothing in the photos that could be used against her.

In the past,seeing those pictures would have sent Tamara into a rage.She would have confronted Callum,demanded answers,and made a scene.

But now,she felt strangely calm.

When her daughter,Tilly,came over,she happened to see the latest photo on Tamaras phone.

Mom,she asked hesitantly,people outside keep saying Dad is cheating on you and doesnt want us anymore.Is that true?

Tamaras heart clenched painfully.

How was she supposed to explain something like infidelity to a child?

She swallowed the ache in her throat and carefully chose her words,telling Tilly only what she needed to know.

No matter what happens between grown-ups,none of it is your fault.

Tilly,Mommy is going to separate from Daddy.Do you want to leave with me?

Her daughter wrapped her arms tightly around Tamara and nodded without hesitation.

I do.I want to stay with Mommy forever.I only want Mommy.

Tears of emotion filled Tamaras eyes as she pulled her daughter into an even tighter embrace.

Okay.From now on,itll just be the two of us.

That afternoon,Tamara took Tilly to a real estate agency.

The house they currently lived in was registered under Tamaras name.Callum had cheated on her,so there was nothing wrong with selling the property and keeping the money for herself.

After several rounds of negotiation,Tamara finally sold the house for seven million dollars.

It was below market value.She was in a hurry to turn the property into cash and had insisted on receiving the full payment upfront,which meant there werent many buyers willing to meet her terms.

Still,Tamara never expected to run into Callum on her way out.

Tilly gently tugged at her mothers sleeve and whispered,Mommy,is that the woman Daddy cheated on you with?

Tamara followed her gaze.

Across the street,Callum was helping Seraphina look at houses.

Every time the real estate agent showed Callum another property,he found a dozen reasons to reject it.

No.The master bedroom is too small.It doesnt give Seraphina enough room to move around.

This one wont do either.The master bedroom doesnt get enough sunlight.Thats not good for her health.

The agent knew Callum was a wealthy client,so he had gone out of his way to show him only the finest properties.

Yet Callum still managed to find fault with every single one.

Back when Tamara and Callum were looking for their marital home,he hadnt even bothered to look at the online listings.

Tamara had always thought he was simply the kind of man who didnt like to fuss over things.

Now she finally understood.

It wasnt that Callum didnt care enough to make an effort.He simply never cared enough to make an effort for her.

Seeing him clearly for the first time,Tamara forced a faint smile and gently took Tillys hand.

Tilly,youre still too young to understand grown-up matters.Come on,lets go home.

With that,Tamara turned to leave with Tilly.But before they could get far,Tilly suddenly broke free from her mothers hand and ran straight toward Seraphina.

Youre a bad woman!You broke Mommy and Daddy apart.Youre a homewrecker.

The childs shrill voice immediately drew the attention of the people nearby.Within seconds,a small crowd had gathered.

Seraphinas face flushed with embarrassment.She pointed at Tilly and spat,You little brat!Who taught you to say those things?Your mother?

Ill teach you a lesson today!

She raised her hand,ready to strike Tilly.

Tamara rushed forward and caught her wrist before she could.

Seraphina,I warned you.Stay away from my daughter.Touch her again,and I swear youll regret it.

But before Tamara could say another word,Callum stepped in.

He grabbed Tamaras wrist and squeezed hard enough to make her wince and let go.

His voice was cold.Tamara,I warned you too.Stay away from Seraphina.If you lay a hand on her again,I wont let you off.

Pain shot through Tamaras wrist,but it was nothing compared to the ache spreading through her chest.

When Seraphina was hurting her daughter,Callum had been nowhere to be seen.

Yet the moment Tamara stepped in to defend Tilly,he was there,protecting Seraphina as though she were the one who needed saving.

For the first time,Tamara understood how completely he had chosen her.

In the past,whenever Tamara or Tilly was treated unfairly by someone in the Blackwood family,Callum would have his security team throw them out without a second thought.

His love for them had once been impossible to miss,written into every little thing he did.

But so was the fact that his heart had changed.

Tillys eyes were swollen and red from crying.She clung desperately to Callums sleeve,trying to pull his hand away.

Let go!Dont hurt Mommy!

Callums expression darkened.

Before he seemed to realize what he was doing,his hand swung back and struck his daughter across the face.

Tilly fell hard to the floor and immediately burst into tears.

Tamaras heart lurched.Her eyes turned red with fury as she screamed,Callum!Shes just a child!

Shes your daughter!And now youre willing to hit your own child for another woman?

A shadow crossed Callums face.

He hadnt meant to hit Tilly.His reaction had been instinctive,his body moving to protect Seraphina from getting hurt.

But the slap had already happened.

So instead of apologizing,he hardened his voice.Shes picked up all these bad habits from you.Youre telling me she doesnt deserve a lesson?

Tilly only turned out this way because she was raised by you.Ill take her with me from now on.You dont need to raise her anymore.

Tamara felt as though the ground had vanished beneath her feet.

Before she could even process what had happened,Callum ordered his security team to forcibly take Tilly away.

Tamara lunged after her daughter,but Seraphina grabbed her and held her back.Her expression was gentle,almost considerate.Callum,take the child away first.Ill stay here and keep an eye on Tamara.

Callum gave a low hum of acknowledgment,then picked up Tilly and walked away with her.

Mommy!Tillys cries faded into the distance.

Tamara wrenched herself free from Seraphinas grasp,only for Seraphina to slap her hard across the face.

A searing pain spread across Tamaras cheek.

She raised her hand to strike back,but Seraphina caught both her wrists before she could.

With Callum gone,Seraphina finally dropped the sweet,innocent facade she had been wearing.

A cold smile curled across her lips.Tamara,sometimes I really dont understand what youre holding on to.After everything thats happened,why are you still refusing to leave?

She leaned closer,her voice laced with cruelty.But look at you now.Your sick mother is dead,your daughter has been taken away,and everyone youve ever held close has left you one by one because of you.

How can you still sit there so comfortably,as if none of this has anything to do with you?

Tamaras gaze turned icy.She stared straight into Seraphinas eyes.What exactly did you mean by that?What do you mean,everyone close to me has left because of me?

Seeing the confusion and devastation on Tamaras face,Seraphina broke into a delighted smile.

She slowly leaned down until her lips were right beside Tamaras ear,then whispered each word with deliberate cruelty.

Tamara,how can you be this stupid?Did you really never wonder why your mother was perfectly fine before,only to suddenly die?

It was me.I deliberately pushed her over the edge.I told her that her son-in-law was going to be my husband soon.

She couldnt even take a few words from me.She started foaming at the mouth right in front of me.

And when she was still clinging to her last breath,she crawled across the floor like a dog and begged me to save her.But she was your mother.

Seraphinas smile widened.Why would I ever want to save her?I wanted her dead.

Tamara felt the blood drain from her body.

Until now,she had believed her mothers death was simply a sudden heart attack brought on by her age and poor health.

But it hadnt been an accident.

Her mother had been deliberately murdered.

Tamaras entire body began to tremble.Her eyes burned red with fury as she shot to her feet.

Seraphina,my mother loved you.She treated you like her own daughter.How could you do this to her?You deserve to die!

Tamara grabbed Seraphina by the collar and tried to shove her over the railing,ready to take them both down with her.

But the moment her hands touched Seraphina,Callum rushed over and shoved her away with all his strength.

Tamara stumbled backward,her head slamming hard against the railing.

Pain exploded through her skull.

Blood trickled down,drop by drop,staining the floor beneath her.

But Callum didnt even look at her.His entire attention was on Seraphina,his face filled with panic and concern.

Seraphina,are you all right?

Seraphina immediately put on an innocent expression again,burying herself in Callums arms as she cried.

Callum,I dont know what happened.Tamara suddenly accused me of killing her mom and even said she wanted to die with me.Callum,Im so scared.

She had done something so cruel,yet now she played the victim as though she were the one who had been wronged.

Tamara barely felt the pain anymore.She pointed at Seraphina,her voice shaking with fury.

Shes lying.She admitted it herself just now.She said she was the one who drove my mother to her death.

She barely got the words out before Callums furious voice cut through the room.

Enough!Tamara,your mother just died,so Ill let this go.But her death was simply her own fate.You cant blame anyone for it.

And dont let me hear you accuse Seraphina of this again.Otherwise,dont blame me for turning against you.

Tamaras heart sank.

Callum wasnt incapable of seeing the truth.He simply cared too much about Seraphina.

So no matter what she did,he was willing to believe her.

In the end,Callum turned and walked away with Seraphina.

Just before leaving,Seraphina glanced back at Tamara and gave her a smug,taunting smile.

Callum noticed the blood covering Tamaras hair and frowned.Once youve calmed down,go find a doctor and have that wound treated yourself.

And dont take things too far.Leave yourself some room to turn back.I told you beforeas long as you stop making a scene,youll always be Mrs.Blackwood.Well always be family.

Family?

In love,there had never been room for a third person.

If Callum was willing to make Seraphina part of his family,then Seraphina was no longer family to Tamara.

She was her enemy.

Her mother had lost her life because of her.

And Seraphina would pay for it.

The moment they were gone,Tamara pulled out her phone and called the police.

Hello.Id like to make a real-name report.Someone deliberately caused my mothers death.

That very night,the police took Seraphina in for questioning.

The officer handling the case had once been one of Tamaras mothers students,so no matter what Callum tried,he couldnt get her released on bail.

Early the next morning,Callum stormed back home.

At the time,Tamara was in the quiet memorial room,standing before her mothers photograph with a candle in her hand.

The moment Callum stepped inside,he knocked the candle from her hand.

The burning tip struck the back of Tamaras hand,searing her skin.

But Callum didnt even notice.

There was nothing in his eyes except anger.

Tamara,I promised you that Seraphina would never cause you any harm.So why wont you leave her alone?

Tamara lowered her gaze to the reddened burn on her hand and gave a bitter,self-mocking laugh.

Once,Callum couldnt bear to see her suffer even the slightest injury.

Now,he was the one hurting her,and he didnt even notice.

But now,all he could see was Seraphina.He no longer cared about what Tamara was feeling,or what she had been through.

Tamara lifted her eyes,her voice cold and steady.She hurt my mother.She has to pay with her life.

A flicker of exhaustion crossed Callums eyes.

Your mothers death had nothing to do with anyone else.Why are you so determined to blame Seraphina?

You havent investigated anything.You didnt even bother to ask what happened.So what gives you the right to say she had nothing to do with my mothers death?

The next words left Callums mouth without hesitation.Because I believe her!

Tamara froze.

For several seconds,she simply stared at him,unable to process what she had just heard.

Back in college,Tamara had once been falsely accused of plagiarizing her final project.Everyone had turned against her.

Even her own parents had doubted her.

Only Callum had stepped forward in front of everyone.

Back then,there had been something almost radiant about him.

He had looked at the crowd and said,I believe Tamara.

It hadnt been that long ago.

His trust was still there.It had simply been given to someone else.

Tamara remained firm.You believe her.I dont.If she killed someone,she should pay with her life.If the police investigate and prove she had nothing to do with my mothers death,theyll release her.Simple as that.

Callums expression gradually darkened,his voice turning colder than Tamara had ever heard it.Tamara,youre forcing me to do this.

Tamara almost laughed.Forcing him?

She was the one who had been pushed into a corner from the very beginning.

Callums affair had driven her to the brink.

Seraphina had taken her only mother from her.

And now,even her daughter had been taken away from her.

He was the one causing all this pain,yet somehow,he still managed to play the innocent victim.

It was only now that Tamara finally saw Callum for who he truly was.

She had fallen for a man like him all those years ago.She had been blind.

Callum didnt say another word.He turned and walked away,slamming the door so hard that the entire house seemed to shake.

Tamara stayed home,waiting anxiously for the results of Seraphinas investigation.

But before she could hear anything from the police,her daughter called.

Mommy,help me!Daddy is sending me away.

Tamaras face went deathly pale.Dont be scared,Tilly.Tell Mommy where you are.Ill come get you right now.

Before Tilly could give her the address,Callum snatched the phone away.Tamara,Im not telling you where your daughter is.Give up.

Tamara was trembling with rage,her voice rising into a near scream.Callum,what will it take for you to give my daughter back to me?

His voice softened noticeably on the other end.If you want Tilly back,fine.First,write a statement declaring that your mothers death had absolutely nothing to do with Seraphina.

Tamaras heart shattered completely.

Of course.

It was Seraphina again.

For her sake,Callum was now willing to use even his own daughter as leverage against Tamara.

And yet,once upon a time,Tilly had been the person he cherished most.

A wave of dizziness washed over Tamara,but she forced herself to stay upright.

No.I wont.

Callums voice turned cold again.If you refuse,then dont expect to see Tilly ever again.

Tilly,remember this.Daddy isnt the one tearing our family apart.Your mother is the one who doesnt want you.

Her daughters anguished sobs echoed through the phone.

Tamara clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms,drawing blood.She could barely breathe through the pain.

He was using their own daughter to punish her.And he was making Tilly believe that her mother had abandoned her.

But Tamara waited.

She was waiting for Callum to soften.She was betting on the fact that Tilly was his daughter too.

Surely,no matter how much he cared about Seraphina,he couldnt really be heartless enough to hurt his own child.

But once again,Tamara had overestimated how much he cared about them.

Tillys voice grew fainter and fainter through the phone,each sob cutting deeper into Tamaras heart.

In the end,she gave in.

Her voice was hollow with resignation.Callum,let my daughter go.Ill write the statement.

A clear sigh of relief came from the other end.Tamara,you have no credibility with me anymore.What if I give Tilly back to you and you change your mind?

Tamaras composure finally cracked.Then what do you want me to do?

The mans voice dropped,cold and deliberate.Im giving you two hours.Get the statement you wrote to the police station.The moment Seraphina is released,Ill tell you where Tilly is.

Tamara,dont try anything clever.Do exactly as I say,and Ill let you see your daughter.Otherwise,Ill make sure shes sent away for good.

Callum knew exactly where Tamara was most vulnerable.

And he knew how to strike where it would hurt the most.

He was ruthless enough to do it without hesitation,even when it meant using their own daughter against her.

Tamaras voice trembled as she forced the words out one by one.Fine.Ill do it.

Her hands shook uncontrollably as she wrote the statement.

The moment she finished,she drove straight to the police station and handed it in.

One of her mothers former students tried to reason with her.

Tamara,weve almost finished the investigation.Give us a few more days,and well have everything figured out.Please,just wait a little longer.

There was nothing left in Tamaras eyes but despair.

She shook her head.I dont have time.My mother is already gone.I cant lose my daughter too.

The other person immediately sensed that something was wrong.

Tamara,is someone threatening you?

Tamara couldnt bring herself to say anything.She was terrified that if Callum found out,he would send Tilly away in a fit of anger.

After all,he was Tillys father.

If he really took their daughter away,Tamara knew she might not be able to win a custody battle against him.

Tamara only said,Jasper,thank you for everything youve done for me.But everyone has their own path to walk.I was blind back then and chose the wrong man.This is a mistake I have to pay for.

Tamara had already made up her mind,and Jasper didnt try to persuade her any further.

When Seraphina was released,Callum arrived just in time.

He hurried over to her,his face filled with concern.Seraphina,did they treat you badly in there?

Sometimes,Tamara wanted to tear Callums heart open just to see how deeply it could favor one person over another.

She had lost more than ten pounds in a single month,and he hadnt cared.

Their daughter had been taken away,crying until her voice was hoarse,and he hadnt cared.

But Seraphina had spent only a few days in custody,and Callum was already beside himself with worry.

Seraphina deliberately nestled into his arms,her voice trembling with practiced helplessness.

I was terrified.I thought Id never see you again.

Callum patiently comforted her.Dont worry.Im here.I wont let anything happen to you.

Tamara could barely stand the sight of them together.The scene made her eyes ache.

She forced herself to remain calm and asked coldly,I did what you asked.Now,where is my daughter?

Before Callum could answer,Seraphina gently tugged at his sleeve,deliberately stirring up trouble.

Callum,she had me arrested this time without even knowing the truth.What if she does it again?Im scared.

Callum immediately soothed her.Then how do you want to handle this?

Seraphina hesitated before putting on a forgiving expression.

Forget it.Were all family,after all.If Tamara sincerely apologizes to me,Ill let this go.

Callum nodded in satisfaction before turning his gaze to Tamara.

Tamara fought the urge to slap Seraphina across the face.

Callum,that wasnt part of our agreement.

Youre right.It is now.Apologize to Seraphina.

And what if I refuse?

Callum narrowed his eyes,his voice carrying a clear threat.Then you can forget about seeing your daughter.

For a moment,Tamara felt utterly exhausted.

Tilly had once been the precious little girl born from their love,the child they had both cherished beyond measure.

Now,Callum had turned their daughter into a weapon to control her.

But this would be the last time.

Tomorrow,Tamara would finally get her divorce certificate.Then she would take Tilly and leave this place far behind.

At last,Tamara apologized to Seraphina.Im sorry.This was my fault.

Where Callum couldnt see,Seraphina gave her a triumphant,mocking smile.

But Tamara no longer cared.

She had made mistakes,that much was true.

She had been too trusting back then,too willing to open her heart and her home to someone who never deserved either.

That apology wasnt for Seraphina.It was for her motherfor all the ways Tamara had failed to protect her.

After Tamara apologized,Callum finally gave her Tillys location.

As Tamara turned to leave,Callum reminded her,Tilly cried pretty badly this time.Make sure you comfort her.When I get back next time,Ill buy her some building blocks.

Tamara didnt even look back.

There was no future left for them.

Once she found Tilly,the two of them would leave tomorrow and never look back.

An hour later,Tamara arrived at the Blackwood familys private helipad.

But there was no cheerful daughter waiting to greet her.Only Tilly,lying motionless on the ground,not breathing.

Tamaras heart stopped.

She approached slowly,almost afraid of what she would find,then carefully checked for a breath beneath Tillys nose.

Nothing.

Her little girl was dead.

Tilly had suffered from a heart condition since she was young.The intense emotional distress must have triggered something her fragile heart couldnt withstand.

But if Callum had cared enough to leave someone with her,even just one person to watch over her,Tilly might still be alive.

Why?

After enduring so much,after holding on for so long,why had she still lost everything?

The grief and shock overwhelmed Tamara,and she collapsed.

When she woke again,she was in the hospital.

A bodyguard stood beside her bed,holding out a small urn.

Mrs.Blackwood,the rain had soaked and damaged Miss Tillys body,so we took the liberty of having her cremated.

We tried calling Mr.Blackwood over and over,but we couldnt get through

Tamaras face remained eerily calm.She simply stepped forward,took the urn containing her daughters ashes into her arms,and spoke in a barely audible voice.

It doesnt matter anymore.What difference would it make if he knew now?

Callum knew better than anyone how much Tilly meant to her,yet he had still used their daughter to threaten her.

He knew Tilly was terrified of the dark,yet he had still left her alone in a warehouse at the helipad.

How was that fair?

Why had everyone she loved been taken from her while the people responsible were still alive and well?

That afternoon,Tamara went to the airport with Tillys ashes in her arms.

She had booked a flight to Mordova.

Callum had no idea that Tamara had a father.Her parents had divorced when she was young,and she had grown up with her mother.

Her father was a powerful politician in Mordova.If she wanted revenge,getting his help would be effortless.

Before boarding the plane,Tamara took one last look in the direction of the Blackwood estate.

More than a decade of love.Seven years of marriage.In the end,it had all been wasted on the wrong people.

The next time they met,there would be no mercy between them.

Two lives had been taken,her mothers and her daughters.

They would pay for both.

It wasnt until a week later that Callum finally returned home.

To make it up to Seraphina,he had taken her on a week-long trip out of town and bought her plenty of gifts.

He hadnt come home all week,but a part of him had still been thinking about Tamara and Tilly.

He had bought Tamara her favorite cosmetics and picked out a set of building blocks for Tilly,knowing how much she loved them.

As soon as he got home,he placed the gifts on the table and called upstairs,Tamara,Tilly,Im home!I brought you both some gifts.Come down and take a look.

He waited.

But even after several minutes,there was no response from upstairs.

Callums brows drew together.

Tamara was probably still angry with him over what had happened.

In the past,Callum would have lost his temper by now.

After all,so much time had passed,and he had already been the one to swallow his pride and come home.What more did they want from him?

But then he remembered Tillys cries the last time,and a flicker of guilt stirred in his chest.

Forget it.

They were his wife and daughter,after all.As a man,he supposed he could afford to be a little more understanding.

So Callum went upstairs himself.He headed straight for the master bedroom,expecting to find Tamara there.

But the room was empty.

A strange heaviness settled in his chest.

Usually,by this time,Tamara would already have brought Tilly downstairs to wait for him.

Still,considering that her mother had only just passed away,Callum decided not to hold it against her.

It was already late.Surely Tamara was resting in Tillys room.

Callum turned and headed there,but just like the master bedroom,it was spotless and empty,as though no one had set foot inside for days.

He switched on the light and immediately noticed a layer of dust on the windowsill.

His irritation flared.

Tillys asthma always acted up around this time of year,which was why her room had to be kept practically dust-free.

He had only been gone for a few days,yet the household staff had already become this careless.

Callum stormed downstairs and called all the servants together,his expression stern.

Tilly gets asthma around this time every year.What exactly have you all been doing?Theres this much dust in her room,and none of you thought to clean it?

Ive only been away for a few days,and this is how youve been doing your jobs?

The servants exchanged uneasy glances before quickly explaining,Sir,Mrs.Blackwood and Miss Tilly havent been home these past few days.

Callum froze.They havent been home?Then where are they?

Sir,how would we know where Mrs.Blackwood and Tilly went?They wouldnt tell us.

Callum fell silent.

That was true.

Tamara had always been headstrong.She would go wherever she pleased without explaining herself to anyone.

But Tilly was his daughter too.

For Tamara to take their daughter away without even telling him was a blatant disregard for him.

The thought darkened Callums expression.When was the last time they were home?

The servants carefully counted the days before answering.

Callums brows drew together even tighter.

So Tamara and Tilly hadnt come home even once since the day he had given Tamara their daughters whereabouts.

A heavy frustration settled in his chest.

She really has some nerve.

Call her.Tell her to bring Tilly home before midnight.Otherwise,dont blame me if I divorce her.

The servants exchanged another uneasy look,clearly wanting to say something but hesitating.

Judging by the situation,it wasnt Callum who wanted a divorce from Tamara.

Tamara had simply reached the point where she could no longer stand the sight of him.

But Callum was their employer.No matter how clearly the servants understood what was really happening,they would never dare say it aloud.

In the end,they followed Callums orders and called Tamara.

The servant returned a short while later.

Callum gave a cold snort.Well?Did Tamara tell you where she and Tilly are?

The servant lowered her gaze,her voice barely above a whisper.

Mr.Blackwoodwe couldnt get through to Mrs.Blackwoods phone.

Callums expression darkened.

Cant get through?How could her phone suddenly be unreachable?

The servant didnt know how to explain it.She could only say,Sir,you could try calling her yourself.

Callum took out his own phone and called Tamara personally.

But he never got the chance to hear her answer.He had been blocked.

His expression turned frighteningly grim.

Thats what happened when you called her too?

The servant nodded.Yes,Mr.Blackwood.Even the house phone has been blocked.

The atmosphere in the living room grew unbearably tense.Not a single servant dared to speak.

Finally,Callum let out a cold,humorless laugh.

Good.Very good.She took my daughter and ran.Tamara,youve got some nerve.

He immediately called his secretary and ordered them to search everywhere for Tamara.

Find her no matter where shes hiding.Even if shes buried six feet underground,dig her out.

By the time Callum had finished making all the arrangements,Seraphina had come downstairs after freshening up.

Callum,why are you still down here?Come upstairs and get some rest.

Callum hesitated for a few seconds.

If this had been the old him,he would have gone upstairs without a second thought to keep her company.

But now,for the first time,he found himself questioning his own actions.

Tamara could be a little headstrong at times,but she had always been a good woman at heart.

For her to leave home with their daughter without saying a word,she must have been genuinely hurt this time.

After all,he was the one who had cheated on her.It would be a lie to say he didn't know he'd done something wrong.

He had always believed Tamara would never leave him,no matter what he did.That certainty had made him careless,even arrogant.

But now,he finally understood.

Tamara really could leave him.

He could keep up a front in front of the servants,but with no one else around,the panic he'd been suppressing finally surfaced.

What if Tamara never came back?

For the first time,Callum turned Seraphina down.

Seraphina,tomorrow Ill find you a place of your own.Or you can choose one yourselfanywhere in the country,as long as its at least 200 square meters.

Once youve picked one,let me know.Ill have my secretary handle the payment and transfer the property into your name.Then you should move out as soon as possible.

Seraphina froze for several seconds.

She had already sensed where this was heading,but she still couldnt accept it.

Callumare you saying you dont want me anymore?

Callum fell silent for a moment.

It wasnt that he wanted to cut her off completely.He just needed some time to clear his head.

Seraphina,Tamara left with our daughter.I do care about you.I really do.But what I feel for you is just affection.

With Tamara,its different.I have a responsibility toward her.She gave me a daughter,and what we have is more than love.There are years of memories and feelings between us that I cant simply erase.

Seraphina bit down hard on her lip,refusing to let the tears fall.

So youre going to abandon me for her?

Callum,if its because of the child,I can give you one too.Just give me a chance,and I will.

Please dont make me leave.I have no parents,no family,no children.Youre all I have.

Seraphina rushed down the stairs and threw her arms around him,clinging to him as though letting go would mean losing him forever.

Every other time,Callum would have held her back.

But this time,his arms remained at his sides.

After a long silence,he slowly pulled away from her.Seraphina,I already have a child.

Im not asking you this time.Tomorrow,Ill have my secretary come and help you move.I hope youll understand and cooperate.Dont make this harder for me than it already is.

With that,Callum turned and walked away.

No matter how desperately Seraphina called after him,he never looked back.

At that moment,Seraphina finally understood what Tamara had meant when she called Callum selfish and self-serving.

Whenever something threatened his own interests,he would abandon anyone without hesitation.

Callum didn't truly love anyone.

He only loved himself.

Outside the mansion,Callum had just stepped out,intending to clear his head,when his secretary called.

The secretary's voice trembled slightly.Mr.Blackwood,we've found something concerning about Tilly.

Callum was already in a foul mood.Hearing the hesitation in his secretary's voice only made his temper flare.

If you have something to say,just say it.Why are you dragging it out?

The secretary took a deep breath.Mr.Blackwoodwe've confirmed that Tilly has passed away.