After Rebirth, I Dumped My Scumbag Husband

The day I learned I was pregnant, my husband Peter announced he was moving his late comrade's widow onto the military base, leaving me to care for his aging mother. He insisted it was perfectI, a former nurse's aide, could quit my job and tend to his mother. Once the baby came, wed join him.
But two months later, his paychecks stopped. I told myself he was sacrificing for our future, so I stayed silent even as we starved.
Four years later, I returned home after selling a kidney in the city, only to learn the truth from a neighbor: his mother had been killed by a wild boar while foraging, and my son died of fever without medicine I couldnt afford.
At the funerals, Peter didnt mournhe blamed me, called me useless, and demanded a divorce. Soon after, he married the widow. She managed his money now, living comfortably off-base while eating pork chops and rice.
My life ended the night she had a healthy son.
But when I opened my eyes, I was backthree days before my son and his grandmother were fated to die. This time, I wouldnt sell a kidney. This time, Id take them straight to Peter and reclaim everything that was stolen.

1
Mom, I have to find Peter. Only the army has the medicine. Only he can save Leo.
My mother-in-laws eyes were hollowed out by hunger, her gaze sweeping over the barren walls of our crumbling, dirt-floor cottage. Tears welled.
Alright, she whispered. Ill do whatever you say.
I took the last of Peters thingshis old army canteen and the one sturdy stool we had leftto the market. I traded them for ten pounds of sweet potatoes and a small bag of cornmeal.
Back home, I cooked a thick, warm porridge. It was the most filling meal wed had since the food ran out. After we ate, I settled my mother-in-law and my son onto a rickety handcart and started pushing them toward Peters base.
We asked for directions to Fort Sterling as we went. I was stunned to learn it was barely thirty miles away.
Closer than the city Id been planning to travel to.
And still, in all these years, he hadn't come home to see us even once.
When we finally arrived, the guard at the gate handed me a pen and a visitor log. As I prepared to write Wife in the relationship column, Peter himself appeared in the doorway.
His features were sharper, more defined than I remembered. He was more handsome, more imposing in his uniform. His eyes swept over our ragged forms, and his expression shifted from shock to pure, unadulterated embarrassment.
Elara What are you doing here? He quickly pulled us aside, out of the main thoroughfare, before muttering a quiet, Mom.
His gaze fell on our son. Is this my boy?
I swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat and nodded sharply.
Leo, say Daddy.
My sons cheeks were flushed with fever, his body weak and frail. But seeing his father for the first time, his eyes lit up. He stretched out his tiny arms.
Da
Before the second syllable could escape his lips, Peter clamped a hand over his mouth, his voice a harsh whisper.
Don't you dare call me Dad here. Do you understand?
Leo flinched, terrified. His little lip trembled, and he burrowed his face into my side. My mother-in-law looked at Peter, her face a mask of confusion and hurt.
I bit my lip, my fists clenching at my sides. A sharp pain lanced through my heart.
Peter, Leo is sick. I have no money for his medicine. You have to help him!
He looked baffled. What do you mean, no money? Didnt I send you
Just then, a vintage-style army jeep pulled up. Peter snapped to attention, his back ramrod straight as he delivered a sharp salute.
Good afternoon, General!
The window rolled down, revealing the kind, weathered face of an older man.
Captain, the General said, his eyes landing on us. And who are these folks?
Peter hesitated for a fraction of a second before his voice boomed with false confidence. Report, sir! This is just my housekeepers family. Theyre visiting for a few days.
The General smiled, told him to be a good host, and drove on.
Peter let out a quiet breath of relief and hurried us through the gate. A flicker of guilt crossed his face, but his tone was devoid of any real sympathy.
Elara, this is reckless. You cant just show up like this without any warning, dragging Mom and the boy all this way. He lowered his voice. Im up for a promotion. Im this close to making Major. You cant cause trouble for me now.
My mother-in-law weakly smacked his arm with the walking stick she leaned on. Tears streamed down her face.
Son, you could be a general, and youd still be Elaras husband. She has suffered so much taking care of me and this child all these years, and you never even came home to see her. Her voice broke. How could you call her a housekeeper? How could you forbid your own son from calling you Daddy?
Sensing hed gone too far, Peter softened his tone. Mom, it hasnt been easy for me, either, getting to where I am. Everything I do is for this family, isnt it?
I didnt want to argue. I just wanted the medicine for Leo.
Soon we arrived at his quarters. He knocked on the door, a sudden, cheerful lilt in his voice.
Scarlett, open up! Im home.
Coming, coming! a light, musical voice replied, followed by the sound of quick footsteps.
The door swung open. The moment the womanScarlettsaw me, her bright smile vanished, replaced by a thunderous scowl.

2
Scarlett was wearing a well-tailored floral dress. Her makeup was perfect, her hair styled, and a light, pleasant fragrance drifted from her.
And then there was me. My own dress was a patchwork of faded fabric and mended holes. My face was a constellation of sunspots from years of laboring under the sun.
Scarlett feigned surprise. Peter, is this Elara?
The disgust in her voice was a physical thing, thick and suffocating.
I locked eyes with Peter, my voice ice. Why is she living with you?
Seeing someone walking down the hall, Peters eyes darted nervously. He shoved us inside the room, his movements clumsy with panic.
Scarlett rushed to explain, her voice a placating coo. Elara, please dont misunderstand. Peter and I are living together, but its completely innocent. He was just taking pity on me and my daughter, a widow and her fatherless child. Were just looking out for each other.
A fatherless child?
Just then, a little girl, about Leos age, ran out and threw her arms around Peters legs, whining playfully.
Daddy, youre so late! Molly is hungry. Mommy made pork ribs today, and they smell so good!
Seeing the thunderstruck expressions on my face and my mother-in-laws, Peter quickly tried to explain.
Mom, Elara, dont get the wrong idea. Molly isnt my child with Scarlett. Scarlett was already pregnant when she came to the base. Molly is my fallen comrades daughter. He sighed. Shes just a little girl, she doesnt understand. She sees all the other kids have fathers, so she started calling me Daddy.
So that was it. He wouldnt let his own son call him Daddy because he was too busy playing that role for another mans child.
He was raising someone elses daughter to be healthy and bright, feeding her rice and pork ribs every day, while his own son, who hadnt tasted meat in his life, was wasting away, on the brink of death.
A white-hot rage surged through me.
Noticing my stare fixed on the girl, Peter instinctively scooped her up, positioning himself in front of Scarlett as if to shield them both.
Elara, if youre angry, take it out on me. Leave the child out of it.
The sight of him protecting Scarlett, protecting her child, sent a chill down my spine. The scene suddenly overlapped with a memory from my past life.
In that life, he had brought a black-clad Scarlett home, announcing she would be moving to the base with him. Her husband, hed explained, had died saving his life on a mission. His dying wish was for Peter to look after his new bride.
Hed told me that since I was pregnant, the long journey would be too hard. He wanted me to stay behind with his mother. He swore on his life that he would come for us as soon as the baby was born.
I believed him.
I never imagined that wait would end in ruin and death for my family. And for him? He got the girl, the career, and a life of success built on our graves.
And here he was now, holding another man's daughter, refusing to even touch his own flesh and blood.
Alright, youre here now, Peter said, breaking the tense silence. Lets just eat. Scarlett, set three more places.
On the table was a platter of fragrant, steaming pork ribs and a large bowl of fluffy white riceluxuries my son had never known. The aroma made my mouth water. Even my mother-in-law couldn't help but swallow hard, her eyes glued to the food.
Scarlett didnt say a word, but the contempt pouring from her was unmistakable. She sullenly placed three bowls of rice on the table for us, then one for Peter. For herself and Molly, she set out empty bowls filled only with water.
She then invited everyone to eat, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
It had taken us a full day to find Peter. We hadnt had a drop of water or a crumb of food. We were starving.
We shoveled the rice into our mouths. My son, Leo, gave up on his chopsticks and grabbed two ribs with his bare hands.
Peter watched us, a look of revulsion on his face. Slow down. No ones going to take it from you.
We were country folk, and our table manners were rough when we were hungry. But I had always taught my family to be considerate, to only take food from the part of the dish closest to them. Every dish, we only touched one side.
Suddenly, Scarletts daughter, Molly, started banging her empty bowl with her chopsticks, wailing loudly.
I want to eat! I want pork ribs! Mollys hungry!
Only then did Peter seem to notice their empty bowls. His brow furrowed. Why arent you two eating?
Scarletts face paled. She forced a smile. There wasnt any rice left after I served you all. You eat. Molly and I can just have some water.
Peter looked heartbroken. He started to push his own bowl toward them.
Scarlett stopped him. No, you work so hard. You need your strength. Im just sitting around all day, I can miss a meal. Its just Molly
Her voice trailed off. She put on a brave face and picked up her daughter. Ill take Molly to the field to see the outdoor movie. Thatll distract her. You finish your dinner, dont worry about us.
After finishing his two ribs, my son dutifully stopped himself from taking another. He looked up at me, his eyes wide with curiosity. Mommy, whats an outdoor movie? Can Leo see it too?
Scarletts body went rigid. Peters face flushed with shame.
Scarlett turned and walked away, stopping at the door to spray Molly with bug repellent.
Peter was silent for a long moment. Finally, he looked at me, his expression strained.
Elara, he said, his voice tight. When when are you planning on heading back?

3
I met his gaze head-on.
Were not. Were moving in.
What? Not leaving?
Peters eyes shot toward the door. Just outside, Scarlett, holding Molly, had already started walking away. She let the door slam shut with a loud bang.
He instinctively called out, Scarlett!
When he turned back to me, his face was a dark mask. Elara, dont be ridiculous. Im about to be promoted. I cant have a single thing go wrong.
You need to take Mom and Leo back home. Once I
I slammed my chopsticks down, cutting him off. Wait, wait, wait Peter, have you forgotten every single promise you ever made? My voice rose, shaking with fury. You said youd send for us after the baby was born! Its been four years! We havent gotten so much as a letter. I thought you were dead!
He bristled, his own anger flaring. Why are you talking like this now? So coarse. What happened to the educated woman I married?
I was already holding back. How could a few harsh words even begin to cover four years of misery and betrayal?
Peter, do you have any idea what our lives have been like for the past four years? My voice trembled.
The first year, I was pregnant, managing everything inside and out. I was harvesting crops with a giant belly, and I nearly died giving birth!
The second year, the drought hit. The crops failed. Your mother and I climbed the mountains every day, foraging for wild greens just to have something to eat. She got sick, and we couldnt even afford a doctor!
The third year, she got worse. I had to sell my blood to pay for her medicine.
And now my son is sick. I cant buy the medicine he needs. And the first thing you do when we get here is try to kick us out? Are you trying to kill us?
With every word I spoke, the color drained further from Peters face.
Wild greens? Selling blood? What happened to the money I sent every month?
I stared at him, incredulous. What money? When did you ever send us money?
At that exact moment, Scarlett returned, holding Molly. She was drenched, her clothes clinging to her, making her look fragile and pitiful.
She forced a weak smile. It started raining. I hope you all finished eating. Ill do the dishes.
Peter looked as if a lightbulb had gone off in his head. He grabbed her wrist. Scarlett, what about the money I gave you every month to send to Elara? Why didnt she receive it?
Tears instantly welled in Scarletts eyes. Peter, I am so sorry, she sobbed. I failed Elara. I was pregnant then, and it was so hard to move I kept meaning to send it, I was just going to wait a day or two.
But then you got hurt during training, and you needed better food to recover, so I I spent the money on that. And then I just I forgot.
Its all my fault. Im a terrible person. Ill take Molly and leave right now. I wont disturb your family reunion anymore.
The more I listened, the hotter my anger burned. I couldnt hold back any longer.
Was it to help Peter recover, or to stuff your own face? Did you forget to send the money, or did you never intend to send it? Scarlett, you know the truth better than anyone!
Peter couldnt stand hearing me speak to her like that. Elara! Why cant you just speak normally? Why do you have to be so aggressive?
Youve suffered, I get it, but has it been easy for Scarlett? Shes taken perfect care of me for years!
My head was buzzing, my entire body shaking with rage.
You bastard, Peter! I screamed. In what capacity has she been taking care of you? Dont you dare tell me youve been living under the same roof for years and nothing has happened!
Youve kept her and her daughter plump and rosy while your own family starved! Open your damn eyes and look at your son! Look at your mother! Look at what theyve become! This is all because of her!
Scarletts face crumpled. She swayed, looking like she was about to faint.
Peter immediately caught her, pulling her into his arms.
But she pushed him away dramatically, her voice a careful whisper. Dont touch me. Im soaked. Youll catch a chill. She coughed delicately. Molly is cold, too. Ill give her some medicine and then well go. Please, dont fight because of me.
Her gentle, considerate act only made me look more like a hysterical, unreasonable shrew.
Peter shot me a look of pure disgust before following Scarlett into her room.
A moment later, they emerged. Peter was holding a first-aid box.
As Scarlett opened it, my eyes locked on a small vial inside. In my past life, it was the very medicine I sold my kidney for and still couldnt afford

4
I snatched the vial from the box, my hands trembling with a desperate excitement.
Mom, this is it! I cried. This is the medicine that can save Leo!
The next second, Scarlett ripped it from my grasp.
No, you cant have this! she said, her voice sharp. She quickly softened it, blushing and lowering her gaze. Theres a bad childrens virus going around. This is for Molly. They only issue one vial per family.
She caught herself, realizing her slip of the tongue.
After the agony of losing my son in my past life, I would do anything to save him this time.
So you do know who the real family is, I snarled. Give me the medicine!
Scarlett looked at Peter, her eyes shimmering with tears.
He turned on me, his voice a low growl. Thats enough, Elara. Its just one vial of medicine. I can request another one for you, cant I?
How long does a request take?
Three days, tops.
Leo didnt have three days.
No! My son is gravely ill. He cant wait that long!
Peters face darkened. Elara, are you just trying to pick a fight with me? Its only three days. Why cant he wait?
The cure was right there, in my hands. I couldnt give up. If I had to fight for it, I would.
I was done arguing. While Scarlett was distracted, I lunged forward and grabbed the vial.
I twisted off the cap, ready to pour the life-saving liquid into my sons mouth.
But before a single drop could touch his lips, Peter seized my arm, yanking me back so hard I stumbled. He wrenched the vial from my hand, his eyes blazing with fury and disgust.
Elara! Have you no shame? Stealing what isnt yours? Do you have any idea what a breach of discipline this is?
I dont know about discipline! I only know that if you wont save our son, I will!
Peters face contorted with rage. Youre putting on quite a show just to get back at me, arent you? I really underestimated you, Elara. You are a massive disappointment!
I ignored him, clawing at his hand, trying to get the medicine back.
Leo, terrified, hid behind his grandmother, his small body wracked with silent sobs.
My mother-in-law began hitting Peter with her wooden stick. You ungrateful boy! Your grandson is truly sick! Give Elara the medicine!
But Peter was unmoved. Mom, are you in on this act with her? he spat. She cant stand that Im good to Scarlett and Molly. She sees this medicine has the fanciest label and decides its some miracle cure she has to have. Is she a thief now?
Elara, if you dont stop this nonsense, dont blame me for what happens next!
I was nearly mad with grief and rage, scratching and clawing at him wildly. Peter, you monster, give me the medicine! Are you really going to let our son die? You call yourself a soldier, a protector of this country?
ENOUGH!
Peter exploded. With a roar of fury, he hurled the vial to the ground. It shattered, sending shards of glass and precious medicine flying across the floor.
Get out, he seethed. Get out of my house right now!
We have no place for a lunatic like you here!
Staring at the glittering fragments on the floor, my heart shattered with them. I don't know where the strength came from, but a primal scream tore from my throat as I launched myself at him, hitting and kicking.
I truly became the lunatic he called me. I shrieked curses I didnt know I knew. I swept the television and radiothings I had only ever dreamed of seeingoff their shelves. I turned their cozy little home into a wasteland of broken things.
The commotion was so loud it finally brought the base commander and neighbors from upstairs and downstairs running.
A sharp knock sounded at the door.
Panic flared in Peters eyes. He grabbed me, pinning my flailing arms, his voice suddenly dropping to a desperate, pleading whisper.
Elara, Elara, please, calm down. Dont let everyone see this. Im up for promotion, I cant have a scandal.
Im sorry, okay? Can we just stop this?
But I shoved him away. And under his horrified gaze, I wrenched the door open.

First, search for and download the MotoNovel app from Google. Then, open the app and use the code "294874" to read the entire book.