The protagonist received a massive bouquet of roses from her husband, Milo Quinn, on their seventh wedding anniversary.
After surgery, she calmly requested a divorce, sparking an emotional response from Milo's girlfriend.
The gifts from Milo seem hollow and insincere; he lacks thoughtfulness and caters to her tastes less than before.
She inquires about the divorce timing, noting Milo's busy schedule and the influence of his female secretary.
Chapter 2: Milo Quinn
Jenny, Milo's childhood friend, has taken on a close role in his life, becoming his personal assistant and sharing accommodations during business trips.
The protagonist does not blame Jenny for her interest in Milo, acknowledging that it takes two people for a relationship.
She feels a disconnect with her son’s education due to the strict elite schooling and limited interactions with him.
Chapter 3: Education Struggles
Despite being a mother, the protagonist feels estranged from her son, who attends boarding school.
She feels that her marriage to the Quinn family is more of a burden than an honor and struggles with isolation as a mother.
Milo advises her to be more involved in their son’s life, hinting that another woman (Jenny) is fulfilling that role.
Chapter 4: Miscarriage Incident
The protagonist reveals that she had a miscarriage a month ago, a painful experience compounded by Milo’s absence.
She had to drive herself to the ER after learning about the loss, experiencing a mix of relief and heartache.
Their strained relationship is encapsulated in her decision to confront Milo about their marriage after the tragedy.
Chapter 5: Their Love Story
A flashback reveals how they met under tense circumstances, where Milo was being threatened, leading to a turning point in their relationship.
Milo showed deep emotion during her injuries, establishing a strong, albeit complicated, bond.
The protagonist shares a childhood trauma about receiving roses as apologies from her father, equating them to her relationship with Milo.
Chapter 6: Early Relationship Dynamics
Their initial romance flourished out of adversity; after overcoming financial struggles he faced when his father cut him off, they bonded over mutual hardships.
Despite their struggles, the couple shared laughter and joy, highlighting a stark contrast to their current situation.
Chapter 7: Hospital Encounter
A visit to the hospital brings a confrontation with Jenny, who expresses sympathy to the protagonist regarding her miscarriage.
Milo’s anger over her health shows misunderstanding; he wrongly assumes her actions are for attention.
Chapter 8: Ongoing Tensions
The protagonist declares her independence after arranging her own living situation, which Milo interprets as a game.
It becomes clear her past trauma is feeding into her current circumstances as she stays firm on her decisions.
Chapter 9: Family Dynamics
An urgent call from Milo regarding their son's health leads to a painful family encounter.
The scene reveals the dynamics between her, Milo, Jenny, and their son highlighting her perceived inadequacy as a mother amidst the Quinn family.
Chapter 10: Conclusion
Confrontation of personal struggles underlies the protagonist’s silence, despair, and the family’s disdain towards her.
The final interactions with the Quinn family expose her past tolerances and current resolve to no longer endure emotional hardship without acknowledgment.