My Dad’s Cheating Had a Price Tag Until It Couldn’t Keep My Mom Here Chapter 01

My Dad’s Cheating Had a Price Tag Until It Couldn’t Keep My Mom Here Chapter 01

The night my parents got back together and remarried, my mom handed my dad a small black notebook.

I stole a glance at it. There was only one rule inside:

[Every time you run off to that widow Ondine, you transfer ten grand to me.]

Ondine was my late uncle’s widow.

Technically, she was Dad’s sister-in-law, but to me, she had always been Aunt Ondine.

Dad smirked and signed it without a second thought.

Mom said nothing. She put the notebook back in the drawer and locked it.

After that, I thought things would get better.

But the phone calls from that woman never stopped.

Eleven at night. Three in the morning. Weekend mornings.

Every single time, Dad would hesitate for a few seconds. Then he’d get up, get dressed, make the transfer, and walk out the door.

Mom never stopped him. She just collected the money in silence.

In six months, she bought me a luxury condo in the downtown district and transferred five million into an account under my name.

One night, I was burning up with a fever. Dad was carrying me to the car when his phone rang again.

“Caelian, I’m scared. Can you come stay with me?”

He hesitated.

I kept my eyes shut.

“Dad, just go. But don’t forget to transfer the money to Mom.”

…

The car went dead silent.

Dad stared at me like I was a stranger.

After a long pause, his voice came out tight. “Elowen, when did you turn into your mother? Is money all you think about?”

“What else should I want? Your love?”

Mom’s voice came from behind us.

She stood in the rain in nothing but a thin nightgown, her face completely blank.

Dad’s throat moved.

“I already told you. This remarriage was about making things work. As for Ondine…our family failed her. I owe her. I have to do something.”

Mom didn’t answer. She just walked over and pulled me tight against her chest.

I leaned into her and almost laughed.

Yeah. Nothing beat money.

…

Once, Mom only had eyes for Dad.

He still hurt her. He still divorced her.

I remember the day the divorce was finalized. I had a 104-degree fever.

Mom carried me into the ER alone, shaking so hard she could barely fill out the intake forms.

She kept begging the nurses to take me first, promising she would deal with the insurance paperwork later.

That day, Dad walked right past us with that woman in his arms. He didn’t even glance our way.

…

Then the thunder started. Every clap made Mom’s shoulders jerk.

She’d been terrified of thunderstorms since she was a kid.

Dad’s expression shifted. He took a step toward her.

His phone rang again.

“Caelian, the thunder’s really bad right now. I’m so scared. Can you please come quicker?”

Dad looked at Mom. He didn’t say anything.

The voice kept going.

“Your brother always used to come be with me when it stormed. I know you have your own family now. I shouldn’t be bothering you…”

She didn’t even finish.

“Ondine, don’t be scared. I’m on my way.”

A second later, Mom’s phone buzzed.

“Elowen, I transferred a hundred thousand to your mom. Take good care of her.”

I was dizzy and could barely hold myself together. I didn’t respond.

He looked like he didn’t know what else to say. He yanked open the door on my side, lifted me out, and shoved me into Mom’s arms.

Not long after he left, a taxi pulled up in front of us.

Mom struggled to get me into the back seat and let me rest against her.

She pulled out her phone and glanced at the notification.

The wire had come through. A hundred thousand.

Then she wrapped her arms around me and rested her chin on my burning forehead.

Her voice was tiny, like she was talking to herself.

“Elowen, remember this.”

“Money matters more than love.”