The Last Birthday

PART 2 — THE WOMAN WHO DISAPPEARED

At seven o’clock that evening, Julian arrived home with Megan and Leo.

Megan wore a beautiful cream-colored dress and carried an expensive handbag. She looked around the living room as if she were already the lady of the house.

“Oh, Julian, everything is so lovely!” she exclaimed.

Julian smiled.

“I told you. You’ll have plenty of space here.”

I stood near the staircase, holding a glass of water.

“Welcome, Megan.”

She gave me a sweet smile.

“Thank you, Eevee. I know this situation is awkward, but I hope we can become friends.”

“Of course.”

Julian looked pleased.

“See? This is how mature adults handle things.”

I didn’t respond.

During dinner, Megan sat in my usual seat beside Julian. Leo sat between them, happily telling Julian about his kindergarten activities.

“Daddy, can Megan sleep in your room tonight?”

Julian nearly choked on his wine.

Megan laughed softly.

“Leo, don’t ask silly questions.”

But Julian simply patted the boy’s head.

“Let’s talk about that later, buddy.”

I put down my fork.

“Actually, I have something to tell everyone.”

Julian glanced at me.

“What is it?”

“I’m leaving tomorrow morning.”

His expression changed.

“Leaving? Where?”

“London. I’ve accepted a position with my company’s headquarters.”

He frowned.

“You can’t be serious. What about the house?”

I smiled politely.

“What about it?”

“Well, Megan and Leo are moving in. We need to discuss the arrangements.”

I looked directly at him.

“Julian, this house belongs to me. You should have read the property documents before making promises to other people.”

Silence filled the dining room.

Megan’s smile disappeared.

“Julian told me it was your marital home.”

“It is my home. I purchased it before our marriage, and the title has always been in my name.”

Julian pushed his chair backward.

“Why are you bringing this up now?”

“Because you invited someone else to live in my house without asking me.”

“You’re being ridiculous!”

I calmly placed an envelope beside his plate.

“Your signed divorce agreement is inside. My lawyer will contact yours about the remaining legal details.”

He stared at the envelope.

“You already signed it?”

“Yes.”

For the first time that evening, Julian seemed uncertain.

He had expected tears, arguments, perhaps even begging.

He hadn’t expected me to leave so quietly.

Megan suddenly reached for his hand.

“Julian, maybe we should go.”

He ignored her.

“Eevee, we need to talk privately.”

“There’s nothing left to discuss.”

I turned toward Leo and gently kissed his forehead.

“Goodnight, sweetheart.”

He wrapped his little arms around my neck.

“Are you going somewhere, Mommy?”

My heart tightened.

“Yes, darling. Mommy has to go to work in another country.”

“Will you come back?”

I smiled, fighting the tears in my eyes.

“I’ll always love you.”

Julian watched us but said nothing.

Later that night, while everyone slept, I packed two suitcases, collected my personal documents, and left my wedding ring on the dining table.

Beside it was a small birthday card I had written to myself.

To the woman who waited five years to be loved properly: It’s time to choose yourself.

At 5:30 the next morning, my car disappeared through the gates.

Julian was still asleep.

He had no idea that his wife had already left his life.

And he had no idea that Monday morning would change everything.