On December 31st, New Year’s Eve, Kate started bustling about early in the morning, putting out festive decorations, chilling champagne, and preparing the ingredients for the evening’s dinner. Outside, the American flag on the neighbor’s porch stirred in the winter wind, a small reminder that this was just another holiday season in a typical U.S. neighborhood.
As they had agreed, Michael was more attentive than usual. When he was helping to hang some fairy lights in the family room, he even took the initiative to talk to her.
“The left side is a little crooked, a little higher,” Kate said, directing Michael to adjust the position of the lights.
Their hands accidentally touched and he recoiled as if he had been electrocuted. Kate, on the other hand, looked completely natural.
“Okay, that’s good,” she said.
The children were playing a board game in the family room, their laughter crisp. The lively sounds of the neighbors’ celebrations also drifted over from the cul-de-sac. The entire subdivision was filled with a festive atmosphere.
“Mom, Grandma’s on the phone!” Mia ran over holding Kate’s cell.
Kate took the phone. “Mom, happy New Year’s Eve. We’ll be over tomorrow afternoon. Yes, we’re having dinner at our place tonight. You guys just come over. Okay, drive safe.”
After hanging up, she glanced at Michael. He was looking at his phone again, his brows slightly furrowed, his fingers typing quickly. It wasn’t hard to guess that he was explaining to that woman why he couldn’t spend New Year’s Eve with her.
Kate turned and went back to the kitchen to continue preparing the ingredients. The knife rose and fell on the cutting board, making a rhythmic sound. In her mind, she was silently taking stock. The accounting certification exam was in a month. She had already sent her résumé to three companies. She had saved $15,000 in a secret account, all squirrelled away little by little from the household expenses over the years.
It wasn’t a fortune, but it was much better than three years ago. Three years ago, she could do nothing but cry and beg.
At noon, her in–laws arrived.
Michael’s father was a retired history professor, and his mother was a homemaker— a typical traditional American family. They were quite satisfied with Kate, mainly because she managed the household well and had given them a grandson and a granddaughter.
“Catherine, you’ve worked so hard making all this food,” her mother–in–law said politely, though her eyes were critically scanning every corner of the living room.
“It’s my pleasure,” Kate said with a smile, pouring coffee. “Dad, Mom, have some coffee.”
“Where’s Michael?” her father–in–law asked.
“He’s in his office dealing with work. He’ll be out in a minute,” Kate said.
As she spoke, Michael came out, putting on a gentle and filial mask.
“Dad, Mom, you’re here. Was the traffic bad on the way?”
The family sat in the living room and chatted. The topics were nothing more than the children’s school, work, and recent news about relatives. Kate served drinks and snacks on the side, interjecting a few words from time to time, playing the role of the perfect daughter–in–law.
She noticed that her mother–in–law was wearing a new bracelet, a very nice one.
“Mom, that bracelet is beautiful. Is it new?” Kate asked casually.
A smug smile appeared on her mother–in–law’s face. “Michael bought it. He said it’s from Tiffany’s. I don’t really know.”
Michael quickly chimed in. “I saw it on a business trip last time and thought it would suit Mom, so I bought it.”
Kate smiled and nodded, but in her heart, she was calculating. That bracelet must have cost at least a few thousand dollars. Michael had never bought her such expensive jewelry. For her last birthday, he had given her a sweater from Kohl’s, bought on sale online.
She said nothing and continued to peel apples and arrange the fruit platter.
The New Year’s Eve dinner was very sumptuous, with a full table of dishes. Kate made prime rib, scalloped potatoes, roasted asparagus, and a large salad. Michael opened a bottle of red wine and poured a little for everyone.
“Here’s to a happy new year for our whole family, good health, and all the best,” he said, raising his glass.
Everyone clinked glasses and said, “Cheers.”
Kate looked at this scene and suddenly felt it was absurd. This family was clearly falling apart; just two days ago, this man had handed her a divorce agreement, and now they were sitting together for a reunion dinner.
But she smiled very naturally, serving her in–laws, cutting up food for the children, and topping off Michael’s wine glass. Her acting was superb, flawless.
After dinner, Michael played chess with his father, and her mother–in–law watched the New Year’s Eve specials on TV. On the screen, the countdown celebrations in Times Square filled the room with light. Kate cleaned up the kitchen. The sound of the dishwasher masked the laughter and conversation in the living room.
She stood alone at the sink, wiping down the counters.
“Mom, I’ll help you,” Mia ran in.
“No need. Go watch TV with Grandma,” Kate said, patting her daughter’s head.
“I want to stay with Mom.” Mia leaned against the counter. “Mom, you made so much food today. Are you tired?”
“Not tired,” Kate said. “As long as you’re happy, Mom is not tired.”
This was half true. She was tired, but she hadn’t known what true happiness was for a long time.
After cleaning up the kitchen, Kate cut some fruit and brought it out. Her mother–in–law was talking about her niece.
“She’s divorced and has a child. It’s so hard,” her mother–in–law sighed. “I tell you, women shouldn’t get divorced easily. It’s always the woman who suffers.”
This was clearly directed at Kate.
In the traditional view, a divorced woman is a failure, especially a housewife with no job.
“You’re right, Mom,” Kate agreed. “So women should have their own careers and not rely entirely on men.”
Her mother–in–law was taken aback, not expecting her to say that. Michael also glanced at her, his expression complicated.
“Catherine has a point,” her father–in–law interjected. “But taking care of the family is also an important job.”
Kate smiled and didn’t say any more. She glanced at the clock on the wall. It was almost 11:30 p.m.— time for the countdown.
“I’ll get the champagne ready,” she said, standing up.
“I’ll help you,” Michael also stood up and followed her into the kitchen.
With the door closed, only the two of them were left in the small space.
“What Mom said just now, don’t take it to heart,” Michael said in a low voice.
“I won’t,” Kate said as she started getting out the glasses. “She’s right. It’s not easy for a divorced woman.”
Michael was silent for a moment. “Kate, I know I’ve made mistakes, but feelings can’t be forced.”
“I understand.” Kate arranged the glasses on a tray. “You don’t have to explain. I understand everything.”
Her calmness made Michael uneasy. The crying, nagging, and bargaining he had expected never happened. Kate was as calm as if she had been prepared to accept all of this long ago.
“After the holidays, I’ll go through the procedures as soon as possible,” he said. “I won’t give you less money or the house.”
“Okay,” Kate said. “You go be with your parents. I can handle it here.”
Michael stood there for a few seconds and finally went out.
Kate watched his back, a cold smile on her lips. He thought she was surrendering, but in fact, she was positioning herself.
At midnight, the sound of cheers and fireworks rang out. On TV, the ball was dropping in Times Square. The children ran excitedly to the window to watch the neighborhood fireworks. Her in–laws exchanged hugs and well–wishes.
“Leo, Mia, come get your New Year’s gift,” Michael called. He took out some envelopes.
The two children ran over and took the envelopes, saying sweetly, “Thank you, Dad. Happy New Year, Dad.”
“And here’s yours, Catherine.” Michael handed Kate an envelope.
Kate took it. It was of average thickness, probably a check for a few hundred, just like in previous years.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Open it,” Michael said.
Kate opened the envelope. Inside there was a check for $5,000 and a small card that said, “For all you do.”
Kate understood. This was hush money, compensation for his conscience, the price for her to divorce him peacefully and not cause trouble.
“Thank you. It’s too much,” she said, handing the check back.
“Keep it.” Michael held her hand. “You’ve worked hard all these years.”
His hand was warm, but Kate only felt cold.
She withdrew her hand and put the check in her pocket. “Then thank you,” she said.
This gesture completely reassured Michael. He thought that by accepting the money, Kate had accepted all the terms of the divorce. He would never know that what Kate wanted was far more than this.
At 2:00 a.m., after seeing off her in–laws and putting the children to bed, the house finally became quiet. Michael finished washing up and hesitated for a moment.
“I’ll still sleep in the guest room,” he said.
“Mm. Good night,” Kate replied.
She went back to the master bedroom, but didn’t go to sleep right away. From the depths of the closet, she took out a small fireproof box. Inside were various documents: her Social Security card, college diploma, professional certifications, and a few passbooks and bank cards. These were all things she had secretly prepared over the years. The diploma and certifications were her confidence, and the bank accounts were her way out.
At the bottom was an employment contract she had just signed last week— an accountant position at a midsized firm downtown, with an annual salary of $65,000. She would start work after the holidays. The company valued her ten years of prior work experience and her recently obtained certifications and had agreed to give her a chance.
Sixty–five thousand dollars a year might be what Michael spent on a few business trips, but for her, it was the starting point of a new life.
Kate put the things back in their place and then opened her phone to check the messages in her study group. She had scored at the top of her class in the final exam for her certification program. The instructor had sent her a private message asking if she was interested in pursuing a higher–level CPA license.
She replied, “Thank you. I will consider it.”
Turning off her phone, Kate lay down. The sound of fireworks outside had become sparse, with only a few sporadic pops, like the final echo of this marriage. She closed her eyes, and scenes from the past three years flashed through her mind— the shock and pain of discovering Michael’s infidelity, the despair of deciding to endure it, the calmness of making a plan, and the determination of implementing it step by step.
The most difficult moments had passed. Now she just needed to follow the plan and take the last few steps.
On New Year’s Day, Michael didn’t come home until 10:00 p.m., with the faint smell of alcohol and perfume on him. Kate was reading a book in the living room.
Without looking up, she asked, “Have you eaten?”
“Yes,” Michael said a little guiltily. “A client dinner. I couldn’t get out of it.”
Kate turned a page of her book. “The children are already asleep,” she said. “Keep your voice down.”
Michael stood in the middle of the living room looking at her calm profile. Suddenly, he felt an indescribable sense of unease. This unease had started when Kate had readily signed the divorce agreement and had grown stronger with time. None of the reactions he had expected had occurred— no crying, no questioning, no bargaining. Kate was as calm as if she had known this day would come, even as if she had been waiting for it.
“Kate,” he began, “let’s talk.”
Kate closed her book and looked at him. “Talk about what? The divorce agreement is already signed. What else is there to talk about?”
“You.” Michael chose his words carefully. “Can you really accept it? I mean, the divorce and the children going with me?”
“What can I do if I can’t accept it?” Kate asked. “Cry and beg you to come back? Would that work?”
Michael was at a loss for words.
“Michael, we’ve been married for twelve years. I know you,” Kate said, standing up and walking over to him. “You won’t change your mind about something you’ve already decided. Since that’s the case, why shouldn’t I be more dignified and save myself some pride?”
What she said was logical, but Michael still felt that something was wrong. The Kate in front of him was too calm, too rational— not at all like the gentle, even somewhat timid wife he thought he knew.
“As for the children, as we agreed, we’ll tell them after the holidays are over,” Kate said, cutting him off. “During this period, I hope you will cooperate. At least in front of the children, we should still appear harmonious.”
“I will,” Michael promised.
Kate nodded and turned to walk toward the bedroom. After a few steps, she turned back.
“By the way, as for your parents, you explain it to them yourself,” she said. “I don’t want to hear any gossip about me from them.”
“I won’t. I’ll handle it,” Michael said.
Kate closed the bedroom door. Michael stood in the living room, not moving for a long time. He took out his phone, wanting to call Jessica, but after thinking about it, he put it down. For some reason, he didn’t want to make that call in Kate’s house.
In the guest room, Michael tossed and turned. He recalled Kate’s changes in recent months. She had started wearing makeup and dressing up, enrolled in an online course, and would occasionally go out to dinner with friends. At the time, he thought it was a good thing. It meant that Kate had her own life and wouldn’t be too dependent on him.
Now that he thought about it, these changes might have been premeditated. But he quickly dismissed the idea. How could Kate have premeditated a divorce? She was a housewife. How could she live without him?
He must be overthinking it.
The next day, it was customary to visit one’s own parents. Kate took the children back to her parents’ house. Michael used the excuse of having to work and didn’t go. This was exactly what Kate wanted. She needed some time alone with her parents to talk.
Kate’s parents lived in the older part of town. The house was not big, but it was very clean. Her father had been a factory accountant before he retired, and her mother was an elementary school teacher. They were both honest and down–to–earth people.
“Why are you alone? Where’s Michael?” her mother asked as soon as she opened the door.
“He has something to do at the office and can’t come,” Kate said, putting down the gifts. “Dad, Mom, I have something to tell you.”
Seeing her serious expression, her parents exchanged a look. They both had a bad feeling.
Kate had the two children go to the den to play and then closed the living room door.
“What’s wrong? What happened?” her mother asked anxiously.
“Michael wants a divorce,” Kate said calmly. “I’ve already signed.”
The living room went completely silent. The coffee cup in her father’s hand almost fell to the ground. Her mother’s face turned pale.
“What divorce? Why? Is he seeing someone else?” her mother finally managed.
“Yes,” Kate said. “It started three years ago. I just never said anything.”
“How is that possible?” Her mother couldn’t believe it. “Michael seems so decent.”
“Mom, people change,” Kate said, holding her mother’s hand. “Don’t get too upset. Let me finish.”
