Chapter 4

Three months passed just like that. And the family started to break apart.

As much as Carl didn't want to argue, with Ashley provoking him, he eventually started to.

Every day, they would fight, sometimes even in front of Hope. By the day, Hope would regret not telling the truth. She was anxious every day, not only because of her parents but also about her, going to middle school again.

She couldn't cope with it.

Carl seemed tired and angry while Ashley was full of joy. Her plan would come to an end, and her so-called family would fall apart.

It was now the start of September. The anxiety was creeping from inside for Hope. That summer, she had a panic attack, but she didn't tell anyone since she was in her room when it happened.

Her dad was becoming a different person, and her mom was as usual. It was not the best environment for a kid who would start school soon enough.

For the record in about 2 weeks.

There wasn't a family moment in those 3 months. Everyone would be inside a room alone. Furious, happy, and anxious.

That was happening every morning and night. They didn't seem to care for Hope now. That caring dad faded long ago.

It was now a morning. Hope, got up, walked to her desk, and marked the end of the first week. Another one remained for the start of school.

Ashley was in a guest room, She didn't want to sleep with her husband, nor did he. In that time period, she had already packed her luggage and talked with her current boyfriend.

She had to hurry if she wanted to leave Carl before Hope would start school. So that day was the final.

She walked out of the room and barged in Carl's.

"I want a divorce right now, and don't worry about the custody she is all yours. Oh, also, I'm gonna leave tomorrow. Bye Carl"

He was shocked, devastated. The woman he loved for years and built a family with, was walking out of his life.

He got up from the bed where he was sitting and grabbed her - not too harsh.

"W-why, look, I'm sorry. I didn't want to argue with you. I love you, please don't leave. W-what about Hope, she needs her mother.

She slapped him hard, opened the door, and looked at him for a moment. He was on the verge of crying.

"Don't even talk about love. You were just a moment, an insignificant moment of my life. I already have a boyfriend. And that brat will manage to live without me."

She slammed the door and headed to her room.

After a minute, a click was also heard. Hope closed her door, too. She slid down to her door and cried, for her and for her dad, who both loved the wrong person.

She was his wife and her mom, how couldn't they love her.

Time flew by faster that day, and everyone remained in their rooms. It was early in the morning, and Hope woke up to the sound of her parents talking loudly.

She ran downstairs only to see her mom with her luggage outside, ready to leave.

Hope teared up. She wouldn't even say goodbye to her. She went closer and was about to hug her for the last time.

Ashley, though didn't want to see her again, so she just pushed, making her fall down. A car was parked outside of their house and shouted at Ashley.

"Come on honey, leave them alone."

Ashley smiled and ran to the car. They kissed, and they left the house.

3 days until Hope was about to start middle school, and Ashley managed to ruin them.

Carl was on his knees emotionless, looking at the door where Ashley left.

Hope got up to close the door, but Carl grabbed her.

" W-where are you going, you also gonna leave, aren't you. NO, no, you can't. "

Hope was tearing up, looking him at with pity. She crouched down and hugged him.

"I won't leave you, don't worry. I was going to close the door. People are passing by, looking at us."

He seemed less tense when she told him that, and he let her go.