chapter 285

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Chapter 285

Liberty was not at the market for groceries. Instead, she had spent the day searching for a job and decided to make a stop at the market on her way home. The produce prices tended to be lower in the evening, allowing her to save some money.

Although Liberty had not secured a job and couldn’t depend on her husband, she still had not exhausted her resources. It was fortunate that she had listened to her sister’s advice to save some money in the past.

Her sister had opposed Liberty’s decision to quit her job to prepare for pregnancy after marriage. She believed that women should maintain their own income rather than relying entirely on men, whether before or after marriage.

Everything was fine as long as the husband treated his wife well.

However, if a husband fell out of love and began to cheat, a wife without a job or income would find herself in a precarious situation, potentially facing despair.

Liberty had been naive.

She believed that her relationship with Hank was strong and that he would never betray her.

He encouraged her to invest money in renovating their home, and Liberty thought it was essential to create a beautiful love nest. Since she was part of it too, she promised to spend hundreds of thousands of her savings on the renovations.

Hank urged her to leave her job and prepare for pregnancy, assuring her he would support her financially.

Trusting his sweet words, she resigned despite her boss’s attempts to keep her. She transitioned from working in an office to building her home.

What did she ultimately gain?

Heartbreak.

LE

Liberty pushed her son in a stroller as she walked to her sister’s bookstore.

She chose not to visit Brynfield, fearing she might inconvenience her brother-in-law so early in the morning.

While

As she strolled, tears streamed down Liberty’s cheeks while she reflected on the past. She thought she would be okay since she had prepared herself for the divorce, but she had overestimated her strength. She felt deeply sad—terribly sad.

It would be a lie to say she had no lingering feelings for him; twelve years of knowing someone cannot be erased so easily.

Sonny, still asleep in the stroller, was gently lifted by Liberty and placed inside so he could continue his nap. Despite the move, he remained undisturbed in his dreams.

Liberty wheeled her sleeping son forward, moving ahead like a marionette.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Serenity prepared breakfast and packed the freshly cleaned lunch boxes. She set aside some food for Zachary but left nothing for herself.

Hurrying out of the kitchen with the two lunch boxes in hand, she crossed paths with Zachary.

“Good morning, Mr. York,” Serenity greeted him. “Breakfast is ready in the kitchen. You can help yourself; I made sandwiches.”

Zachary glanced at the lunch boxes she held and asked, “Haven’t you eaten?”

“Not yet. I’m heading to my sister’s place. Sonny loves sandwiches, so I’m bringing him some.”

Serenity had not concealed her brother-in-law’s infidelity from Liberty. She had informed her sister the night before and now worried that Liberty might lose her appetite over the news. That’s why she packed sandwiches—at least her sister and nephew would not go hungry.

With the containers filled, there would be enough for both Serenity and Liberty to share, ensuring they would both have their fill.

The sisters had relied on each other over the years. Although Liberty had prepared herself for a divorce, they had dated for seven years and been married for three. That was a significant portion of their lives.

A ten-year relationship has come to an end, which will be difficult for Liberty to cope with. Zachary understood why Serenity was eager to reach his sister-in-law’s house.

“I’ll go with you,” he offered.

“That’s okay. You haven’t had breakfast, and you need to get to work later. I’ll manage, Mr. York. Don’t forget to eat breakfast and wash up when you’re done,” Serenity encouraged before quickly leaving with the lunch boxes.