I had proof of Jeff’s infidelity, and our assets
were documented, so–even his attempts to
hide assets were futile.
The only issue was Lily’s custody.
We couldn’t agree; the judge asked Lily.
Г
After what happened, I didn’t have high
hopes.
The lawyer warned me the judge would
respect Lily’s wishes.
Even if Lily chose Jeff, I wouldn’t blame her.
A child chooses comfort; it’s natural.
I’d always be her mother, always love her. But Lily chose me.
She explained why she stayed with Jeff. “Mommy was sick, alone. If I went back, you’d cook for me. You’d be too tired.” “Now you’re better, I want to be with you. I love you.”
She’d rehearsed it.
She said, “Sorry, Mommy. I didn’t mean to
upset you. I didn’t want you to be sick and
still take care of me..: I miss you…”
“”
She cried; I cried. Everyone was silent.
- 24.
I got custody. I don’t know why Jeff didn’t
fight it.
He disappeared, returning thinner, sickly.
I looked behind him.
He chuckled bitterly. “No one. Just me. “It’s not your visitation time.”
99
He nodded. “I know. I came to see you.”
He handed me a folder. Deeds, and a
notarized will.
“I don’t have much time. This is for Lily.
I was shocked.
Jeff nervously scratched his head. “Stomach
cancer. Late stage.‘
“”
“It’s progressing fast. If it had been found six
months ago…”
“It’s karma. You know, our company has
annual checkups. Last year, I missed it
because I was with Summer overseas.”
I knew he’d missed his checkup. He’d said he
was on a business trip.
Another lie.
I’d reminded him; he’d procrastinated.
Then the affair came out; I stopped caring. “Summer?”
Jeff chuckled self–deprecatingly. “I’m dying;
she’s long gone. Bad luck for her, we ran into
each other. She’s scared of me; she fell down.
the stairs at the mall. Her face is messed up.
Summer had plastic surgery; the impact was
severe.
He rambled, but I wasn’t listening.
All I heard was: I’m dying.
