My Family Abandoned Me, I Reclaim My Throne

Natalie's POV:   Please divorce Dad and let Vanessa be my mom. Dad said he's a two-time world champion while you're just a homemaker. You're not good enough for him. I received that "honesty note" from my son at a parent-child workshop.   I clutched the note tightly, my heart aching. Years ago, I had given up my shot at the championship and returned home to take care of Ryan Carter and our son—and now I was being treated with such contempt. That night, Ryan brought out a divorce agreement he had already prepared. I signed it. Then I accepted my coach's invitation and returned to the chess world. 10 years ago, I had left the game so he could focus on winning the title. This time, I would sit across from him.   *****   In the car, Leo Carter sat with his head down, fiddling with his fingers. The smartwatch on his wrist suddenly rang.   Ryan's voice came through the speaker, his anger barely restrained. "Leo Carter! What did you write at the parent-child workshop today? Do you know another kid took a picture of that letter? It's all over the parents' group chats now! How is your mother supposed to face the other parents after this?"   Leo's lower lip trembled, and he burst into tears. "I didn't make it up! You said it yourself, Dad! I heard you! You were drunk and crying when you said it that night. I remembered every word!"   Ryan stopped scolding him at once. A few seconds later, he spoke again, this time with a trace of panic. "Where is Mom? Is she next to you? Did she hear that?"   Leo wiped his tears with the back of his hand. "She's not my mom! I don't like her! She's right next to me, driving! I said it on purpose so she'd hear!"   Even over the phone, I could practically picture the embarrassment on Ryan's face.   Ryan launched into a stiff explanation. "Natalie, you can't take drunken words seriously. Leo only thinks about chess. He doesn't understand people's feelings, just like me. I'm really sorry. Today is your birthday. I promise I'll come home tonight."   I was surprised. In 10 years of marriage, he had never celebrated my birthday.   That worked out perfectly. We could settle everything at once.   I said evenly, "Good. When you get home, we can deal with the divorce paperwork."   My words seemed to flip a switch. Leo stopped crying instantly and cheered. "Yes! This is great! Vanessa was right! No matter what I ask for, you always agree!"   Silence stretched across the call. Several seconds passed before Ryan finally said, "We'll talk when I get home."   I ended the call.   A huge roadside billboard flashed past outside my window. Ryan was on it, holding a chess piece with his brows drawn in concentration.   TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION RYAN CARTER CHASES A THIRD TITLE.   Sunlight struck the billboard and flashed sharply into my eyes. For a moment, I drifted back in time.   I had been one of the favorites to win a major title 10 years ago, too. Then I got married, had a child, and stepped away to focus on my family.   I thought about the husband and son who had both turned away from me, and my heart went cold.   I no longer wanted a man or a child who didn't love me.