Goodbye Means Never Again

On Christmas Eve, while her husband takes their son to watch fireworks with his first love, Justine Payne finally makes up her mind—she's getting a divorce.

They've been married for five years. To everyone else, she's the lucky woman with the perfect life. She has a devoted husband and a smart, adorable son.

But only she knows the truth—her husband has never let go of his first love.

Even worse, the child she nearly died giving birth to can't wait to replace her with someone else.

So, Justine decides to set them both free—a husband whose heart doesn't truly belong to her and a son who can't wait to replace her. She refuses to keep holding on to love that isn't returned.

The fireworks burst in rapid succession outside the window, breaking the silence of the night.

Justine Payne blinked back to reality. She ran her fingers over the divorce agreement in her hand, then slowly picked up a pen and signed her name.

Tonight was Christmas Eve, but neither her husband nor her son had come home.

A message buzzed on her phone. It was from her husband, Noah Oliver. "Out with clients. I asked my assistant to watch Gavi for a bit. After dinner, I'll take him to see the fireworks. Don't wait up—get some rest."

Justine pulled the corners of her lips into a faint, mocking smile.

Noah wasn't with a client, and he hadn't taken their son, Gavin, to see fireworks just for fun.

Justine knew exactly where they were and who they were with. There was no need to ask, no need to investigate. Noah and Gavin were spending Christmas Eve with that woman, Hazel Gilbert.

Her gaze landed on the large family portrait hanging in the living room. Noah was holding Gavin in one arm while the other was wrapped around her waist. Noah kissed her cheek while Gavin pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Her face was glowing with happiness; Gavin was laughing freely; even Noah, who always wore a stoic expression, looked gentle.

To anyone else, they looked like the perfect family of three. But everything changed the moment Hazel came back.

Just as fireworks lit up the sky again, Justine's phone buzzed. She had been sent a video.

Hazel had filmed the backs of Noah and Gavin, the two of them walking side by side. The diamond ring on her finger sparkled blindingly as she held the camera. The three of them shouted together, "Merry Christmas!"

Then, Noah turned around, his eyes warm as he said softly to Hazel, "Starting this year, I'll never miss another Christmas with you."

That kind of tenderness… He had never shown it to Justine.

Even during the two most passionate years of their marriage, through anniversaries and holidays, all he had ever given her was a brief kiss on the forehead and a cold, mechanical "Thanks".

Justine had always thought Noah was like a statue—distant and unfeeling.

Now, she knew better. He wasn't cold; he