Back To 1981, No More Wife, No More Mother Chapter 01

Back To 1981, No More Wife, No More Mother Chapter 01

It was my son’s birthday, and I gave him a call.

“I’d have loved to come to your birthday party, if my poor health didn’t leave me barely able to walk.”

On the video call, Daniel gave a careless shrug. “Don’t bother coming. Dad and Nicole are already here. Nicole is the only mom I recognize.”

I froze, my mind turning blank and hazy.

“What on earth are you rambling about?” I demanded through clenched teeth.

He yanked a family photo out of his backpack and shook it fiercely right at the camera.

“You’re about to die, so I’m telling you the truth. For the past twenty years, Nicole’s lived with my dad. They even have a daughter together.”

“My sister just got her acceptance letter to NYU. We’re going out for a big dinner later to celebrate her graduation.”

I stood there stunned, like a ton of bricks had crashed down on me. Then he said something even crueler.

“Remember that state school you got into years ago? Dad handed your acceptance spot and scholarship over to Nicole. She’s the one who took your spot and graduated in your place.”

My eyes flew wide open. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

His voice was cold, dripping with mockery. “Dad took me in and shut you out for good. Too bad for you that you were so desperate to find me. Once a chance slips away, it’s gone for good.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. Back then, I’d been hit by a speeding truck while trying to find my son. I lost the use of my legs, my face was destroyed, and I lost one eye.

I’d turned into a broken, pitiful joke played on by life.

Consumed by endless regret and resentment, I drew my final breath.

The next second, I opened my eyes. I was back in 1981—and the state university acceptance letter was sitting quietly in the mailbox.

…

“Sweetheart, it’s okay if you didn’t get in,” James said with a shrug, barely looking at me. ” No one would want a housewife with a child to take care of.”

My eyes snapped open, my heart pounding.

He turned to Nicole, a small smile on his lips. “Congratulations, Nicole. City life and college are waiting for you.”

Nicole held his arm, her voice soft. “Thanks to James… and to you too, Grace. For all your help over the years.”

I stared at her, the fury from my death burning inside my chest.

James switched channels on the couch, speaking lazily. “You’ve tried your hardest, Grace, but luck simply never favored you. There’s always next year.”

Daniel shot into the room like a little rocket. He jumped onto the couch, raising his hands in the air. “Congrats on getting into college, Nicole! I knew you could do it!”

Nicole patted his head gently, her face full of warmth.

She pulled an avocado from her pocket, cut it open, added a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt, and scooped out a small bite with a spoon. “A little California-style treat,” she said.

Daniel took it happily, chewing and laughing. “Nicole’s the best!”

I looked down at my own lunch—cold leftover potatoes and canned soup—and a cold dread settled over my heart.

Three months ago, I’d scrimped and saved to buy a whole case of avocados to surprise Daniel.

Now all that was left in the fridge were a few eggs and some milk.

I turned around, my voice cold as ice. “Nicole, that avocado in your hand—where did it come from?”

Nicole froze and moved slightly behind James. ” It’s just a little fruit, Grace. Daniel was craving it.”

James frowned, stepping in front of her. “It’s nothing. Nicole just wanted to make the boy happy. Grace, you’re making a huge fuss over nothing.”

My fists clenched. My breathing quickened. “That was my money. I bought those for Daniel.”

Nicole’s eyes glistened. She bit her lip, looking wounded. ” I… I didn’t mean to take it…”

Daniel shook his head and gave me a look of disgust. ” I don’t want any fruit from a loser. Nicole’s the only one I care about.”

I looked at that child—the son I’d given birth to, the son I’d raised—and felt like a hammer had struck my chest.

I turned and walked upstairs. The bedroom door slammed shut behind me.

Downstairs, Nicole’s soft voice floated up. “James… is Grace upset? Maybe I shouldn’t even go off to college now…”

James sighed, his tone soothing. “She’ll get over it. Grace always blows off steam and gets over it quickly.”