Kathleen hung up the phone and red in the direction of Maxine’s house, her eyes glinting with malice.

Inside, Maxine leaned against the closed door, exhaustion weighing her down.

Maxine tiptoed to Jessica’s room, relieved to find her still asleep, undisturbed by the earlier chaos.

Maxine quietly shut the door and retreated to her study, video–calling Cleo.

Cleo answered immediately, mouth full of food. One look at Maxine’s weary expression and she knew something was wrong. “What happened? You look pissed.”

Maxine sighed, recounting the bday’s /bdrama.

Cleo mmed her fork down. “Damn it! Why didn’t you call me sooner? I’ll go over there and kick their basses/bb!/bb” /b

Cleo jumped up, already rummaging for her keys. “Wait, I’m going right now!”

“Cool it.” Maxineughed weakly. “I didn’t call for backup.”

“Then why? You should let me!” Cleo paused, squinting at Maxine’s expression. “Wait… you’re overthinking something. Spill

it.”

Maxine hesitated. “I keep wondering…did I misjudge Sebastian and Kathleen?”

Cleo nearly choked. “Seriously?! Are you actually considering reconciling with that jerk? I’m warning you–do that and we’re done.”

“No, no–nothing like that,” Maxine hurried to exin. “Whether they’re involved or not, I’m still divorcing him.”

Cleo frowned. “Then why bring it up?”

Maxine paused. “You’ve met Sebastian. Does he seem like the cheating type?”

Cleo froze, scratching her head. “Honestly? No. But who cares? Emotional affairs are just as rotten.”

“He ignored you and coddled her. That’s betrayal either way.” Cleo added.

Maxine was silent for a moment before retorting, “Maybe he just sees Kathleen as a friend?”

Cleo pursed her lips. “Even if that’s true, Kathleen’s motives are shady. And Sebastian’s either clueless or doesn’t care enough to set boundaries. Either way, your marriage is done.”

Maxine fell silent, then nodded slowly. ‘She’s right. I left because he never loved me. That hasn’t changed,‘ she thought.

Noticing Maxine’s sadness, Cleo softened her tone. “Look, you’ve spent years being a mom and a wife–always putting others first. It’s okay to feel lost.”

Then Cleo continued, “Maxine, once this mess is over, take a break. Travelb, /bbinge Netflix, whatever. Just… live for yourself for once.”