Love's Last Thread

When Julian Carter returned home, he found me still awake and gave me a puzzled look. He asked, "Delilah? Why are you still awake?"The sky was just beginning to brighten as I slowly raised my head, staring blankly before noticing the marks on his neck. I froze for a moment before letting out a bitter smile."Why are you coming home at this hour?" I questioned him back. Even though I should have guessed what was happening, I just never expected it to be so blatantly displayed before me. Julian hesitated when he heard my hoarse voice. Then, he noticed where I was looking and instinctively touched the marks on his neck. He said awkwardly, "I was helping Nadine fix her refrigerator. It took until late, so I dozed off at her place. I didn't want to disturb you and Ezra by coming home, and these marks are just bug bites—don't overthink it." A mosquito bite in the dead of winter and right after Valentine's Day, no less. Julian's excuse made my expression grow colder as I gently so

The streets of my hometown still held remnants of the Valentine's Day celebrations, with deflated heart-shaped balloons and confetti scattered on the snowy sidewalk.Julian had spent Valentine's Day at Nadine's place while I sat alone, watching the city lights and lovers strolling outside through my window all night. Coming back here for the first time in years, I finally felt a sense of belonging. "Delilah, what are you doing back here?" Mom exclaimed when she opened the door, surprised to see me.Noticing my face red from the cold, she quickly warmed my cheeks with her hands before taking Ezra. Dad came shuffling out in his slippers when he heard us. When he saw how thin I had become, he hurried to welcome me inside."Delilah, why didn't you tell us you were coming home? We could have picked you up," Dad said. Sitting on the couch and looking at my parents' worried faces, I finally broke down. Mom's concerned questions turned my tears into heavy sobs. My crying startled them

It took Julian a moment, but he finally shouted back, "Y-You can't take away my right to be a father!"I laughed coldly and lashed out at him, "Julian, ask yourself honestly. Have you ever fulfilled your duties as a good father or husband?"Julian was speechless, and tears began falling as he lowered his head in regret. He pleaded, "I know you won't believe anything I say now, but Delilah, I just want one more chance!"Think about Ezra! Think about our years together! I'll be better to both of you from now on!"I snapped, "Not a chance! If I gave you another chance, Ezra might not make it out alive next time."I refused to budge, my voice firm. Just as the tension reached its peak, Ezra started crying in the other room, likely disturbed by all the noise.His cries immediately caught both of our attention. "Ezra! Ezra, you hear my voice, don't you? Don't cry. I'm here!" Julian quickly stood up and tried to push past me into the bedroom. Before he could make it, Dad swiftly gra

In the following days, Julian repeatedly tried to contact me, especially after my divorce petition was approved and he received the court summons. Using Nadine's viral video and my recorded conversation with Julian, I successfully submitted all the evidence needed to file for divorce. He would yell, "Delilah! Open the door! Please! How can you be so cruel as to divorce me? And you're suing me, too! Can't we just talk this out?" "Henry, Annette, open up! I just want to see Ezra! Please, just let me see my baby!"I ignored all his attempts and called the police every time he showed up, which resulted in him being arrested several times for disturbing the peace. Even then, he refused to give up. After his release, he tried harder—constantly sending flowers and gifts even when I refused them. Eventually, he even wore his old college graduation gown, hoping to remind me of the day he proposed.But all I felt was utter disgust.Finally, the court date arrived, and the judge's quest