Chapter 4

On Christmas Day, the school organized a performance show, and my teacher chose me to be the host.

I jumped up with joy.

After I got home, I kept the news carefully hidden.

I only practiced secretly in front of the mirror when no one was around.

"Dear teachers, dear classmates, hello, everyone..."

I practiced again and again.

I thought that as long as I performed well enough, as long as I was outstanding enough and became Mom's pride.

Then maybe Mom would not throw me away like she threw away Ayuna, and maybe she would love me again.

On the day of the show, I stood onstage in my school uniform.

Dad had specially asked for leave to come watch my performance, and he sat in the first row.

He made a cheering gesture at me, and my heart felt warm.

When it was my turn to announce the next performance.

"Next, please enjoy the dance..."

I saw Mom carrying a white plastic bucket in her hand, walking toward me step by step.

I froze, not understanding what she was going to do.

"Mom?" I called tentatively.

She did not answer me.

Under the eyes of all the teachers and students in the school, she walked up to me and raised the bucket in her hand.

A bucket of ice water poured down from the top of my head.

My hair stuck to my face, my vision blurred, and my whole body was soaked.

Whispers rose from below the stage.

"Look at her. She looks so stupid!"

"What is her mom doing? That's so weird! Why would she treat Maria like that?"

Mom's voice rang out.

"Your hosting is a complete mess. Go home and be embarrassing there."

Dad rushed onto the stage and took off his suit jacket to wrap me up.

He held me very tightly, and I could feel his body trembling.

"Catherine, are you even human?"

Dad carried me through the chaotic crowd.

The teachers and school leaders tried to come forward, but Dad's icy gaze forced them back.

He stuffed me into the car and did not glance at Mom as she chased after us.

When we got home, Dad brought up divorce.

"I'm taking Maria with me."

He flung a document out of his briefcase and slammed it onto the coffee table, a divorce agreement.

That document made Mom's body shake violently.

But she quickly straightened her back, her face cold.

"Fine. Take her away."

"I won't pay a cent in child support."

She picked up a pen and signed the divorce agreement.

I saw that the hand holding the pen was shaking badly, almost unable to hold onto it.

After signing, she threw the pen down, turned around, and rushed into the bathroom.

Immediately after, I heard the sound of vomiting from inside.

The tiny bit of satisfaction that had risen in my heart because of her signature was shattered by that vomiting sound.

I wanted to go forward and check on her, but my feet felt nailed to the floor.