The CEO Mom's Regret

The green booklet in my hand had replaced the red one as I stepped out of the Civil Registry Office.

The Divorce Certificate gleamed coldly under the sunlight.

Benjamin reached out to touch my shoulder, but I sidestepped his gesture.

Evelyn's eyes were red-rimmed, her voice trembling. "Charlotte, thank you for letting us be together."

Noah excitedly flipped through the divorce papers like a child with a new toy.

"Finally! Aunt Evelyn can be part of our family now."

He froze, realizing his slip-up, and shot me a guilty glance.

Benjamin quickly intervened. "Don't worry. You'll always be the most important person to me."

Evelyn wiped her tears. "It's all my fault. You shouldn't have had to divorce at this age."

I remained silent, watching the plane tree leaves drift to the ground one by one.

No one noticed my clenched fists trembling slightly.

Evelyn suddenly grabbed my hand. "You're angry, aren't you? Let's go back and undo this!"

She pretended to drag us toward the registry office.

Benjamin and Noah immediately surrounded her, murmuring reassurances.

Noah yanked my wrist, pulling me toward Evelyn.

I stumbled, pain shooting through my arm.

"Mom, tell them you wanted the divorce!"

Rubbing my reddened wrist, I met his gaze.

"Are you happy now? No need to fake an illness anymore?"

Noah's face turned pale, his lips parting soundlessly.

I turned and walked toward the waiting taxi.

He chased after me, gripping the car door. "Mom, are you mad at me?"

"I just thought Aunt Evelyn was so pitiful..."

Straightening his collar, I kept my voice steady. "It's getting cold. Take care of yourself."

As the door closed, Benjamin called out, "Charlotte, come home with us!"

Home?

That place full of lies had stopped being my home long ago.

The taxi pulled away, leaving their figures behind.

In the enclosed space, I finally allowed myself to relax.

The driver remained silent, like a statue behind the wheel.

Tears I'd held back for so long finally broke free.

Memories flooded in.

That day, I'd carried a pot of homemade chicken soup to the hospital.

The door to the hospital room was slightly ajar, Noah's familiar voice drifting out.

"Mom's so easy to fool. She actually believed I was sick."

I froze, unable to believe this was my obedient son.

Evelyn's laughter followed. "Thanks to you, Noah. I finally got what I wanted."

"Don't mention it, Auntie. You treat me better than my own mom."

Benjamin chuckled. "We'll celebrate properly after the wedding."

"Of course..."

I stepped back, the aroma of the soup suddenly turning nauseating.

Rushing into the restroom, I poured the entire pot down the toilet.