After my bedridden father-in-law, Mr. Sterling, shredded my and Chloe’s marriage certificate for the ninth time, something inside me just… broke. I looked down at the certificate, torn in half, the pieces still sticky with the soup Mr. Sterling had just flung at me. Every time he threw a tantrum, that damn marriage certificate was always the first casualty. “What are you looking at?” Mr. Sterling snapped from his hospital bed, his voice shrill. “If it weren’t for you, you jinx, would I be stuck in this miserable bed?” Silently, I picked up the torn fragments from the floor. A sharp edge cut my finger. I didn’t say a word, just lightly wiped the grease stain off my white shirt. “Don’t pretend to be pathetic!” Mr. Sterling grabbed the water glass from his bedside table and hurled it at me. “Get out! Just looking at you makes me sick!” **Chapter 1** The glass whizzed past my ear, smashing against the wall and scattering shards everywhere. I slowly backed out of the room, gently closing the door behind me. Leaning against the corridor wall, I took a deep, shaky breath. The scent of antiseptic filled my nostrils, reminding me of countless nights spent in hospitals over the past two years. I pulled out my phone and sent Chloe a SnapChat: “Hey, babe, maybe we should hire a nurse for Dad? He’s been acting up again…” I saw she’d read it, but no reply ever came. I stared at the screen for ten minutes before locking my phone, deciding to go to the Registrar’s Office to get a replacement marriage certificate. The Registrar’s Office wasn’t busy. I handed the damaged certificate to the clerk. She glanced at it, then checked her computer and frowned. “Mr. Miller, your divorce is in a mandatory cooling-off period for another seven days. We can’t re-issue your marriage certificate right now.” “Divorce? What divorce?” I thought I’d misheard her. The clerk turned the screen towards me: “Our system shows your wife filed for divorce. You’re currently in the cooling-off period.” My fingers clamped down on the counter’s edge, my face going pale. I suddenly remembered a document Chloe had given me to sign. She’d said it was a hospital bill. I’d been so busy taking care of Mr. Sterling that I hadn’t even looked, just signed it. The clerk looked at me sympathetically. “Would you like to withdraw the divorce petition?” The people behind me in line started whispering: “Isn’t that the guy who married into the wealthy Davis family? The one they say lives off Chloe?” “You know it. I heard if it weren’t for him, Mr. Sterling’s legs might have been saved back then.” I looked down at the ring on my ring finger, my heart twisting with pain. “No, it’s okay. In seven days, the divorce will be final, right?” I whispered. After receiving an affirmative answer, I bolted from the Registrar’s Office as if my life depended on it, but standing under the scorching sun, I felt an icy chill seep into my bones. I hailed a cab back to the hospital. On the way, Chloe finally replied: “Busy with work. Let’s talk tonight.” I repeatedly opened the chat box, wanting to demand answers, but I couldn’t bring myself to type anything. The hospital corridor was eerily quiet. As I approached Mr. Sterling’s room, I heard bursts of laughter from inside. Gently pushing the door open a crack, the sight before me froze me in place. Mr. Sterling was standing by the bed, his legs firmly on the ground, eating fruit with a fork. Leo Hayes sat beside him, peeling an apple, and Chloe, who’d claimed to be so busy, was gently massaging Mr. Sterling’s shoulders. “This faking paralysis trick was brilliant,” Mr. Sterling said smugly. “That jinx would never have guessed I could walk ages ago.” “Uncle, don’t say that,” Leo chided gently. “Alex has been working hard taking care of you.” Mr. Sterling snorted. “He owes me! If he hadn’t stopped Chloe from answering her phone, would I have been stuck in this hospital bed for so long?” My hand clenched tightly around the doorframe. I watched Chloe. Her expression was complicated, but she didn’t contradict her father. “The divorce papers are signed, why hasn’t he left yet?” Mr. Sterling suddenly asked. Chloe murmured, “We’re still in the cooling-off period, and…” “And what?” Mr. Sterling cut her off sharply. “Don’t tell me you still miss him! What does Leo lack compared to him?” “Dad!” Chloe’s voice rose sharply. “I have my reasons for the divorce. You just rest.” Mr. Sterling waved his hand dismissively. “Fine, fine, whatever. Anyway, the divorce is happening. If he wants to be a free caretaker, let him.” I slowly backed away, tears blurring my vision. So, I was the last to know about my own divorce. I turned and left, the laughter from the room echoing behind me. I stood by the window, pulled out my phone, and dialed a number I hadn’t called in a long time. “Hello, it’s me.” My voice was unnaturally calm. “Help me get out of here, as fast as possible.” There was a moment of silence on the other end. “You’ve thought it through?” “Yes.” I looked at the sycamore trees outside the window, their leaves swaying gently in the wind. “Two years. I think I’ve paid off everything I owe their family.” I hung up, glancing towards Mr. Sterling’s room. The laughter continued, a picture of warmth and joy, like a happy home. Except, I had never been truly welcomed in it. **Chapter 2** I didn’t go back to the hospital room. Instead, I hailed a cab and went home. It wasn’t until Chloe opened the door that evening that I finally snapped my packed suitcase shut. I didn’t look up. “Dad threw his bowls three times today. Said I wasn’t as attentive as Leo.” Chloe loosened her tie, a hint of impatience in her voice. “He’s been sick for two years, it’s normal for his temper to be bad. What’s wrong with cutting him some slack?” “Cut him some slack?” I suddenly laughed, picking up the soup-stained shirt from earlier that day. “This morning, I splashed that on myself on purpose.” “Enough!” Chloe snatched the shirt from my hand and threw it on the bed. “Alex, you weren’t like this before!” “What was I like before?” I shot up, my eyes burning. “Was I like the guy who woke up at 5 AM every day to make your dad porridge? Or the guy who knelt to wipe the floor while he cursed me as a jinx?” Chloe’s lips thinned, and she uncomfortably turned her face away. “You know why my dad is paralyzed in bed.” The air suddenly grew heavy. My fists clenched. That phone call. Two years ago, that night, we had just made love. Mr. Sterling’s call came in. “Don’t answer it.” I was still lost in the moment, my arm wrapped around her waist. “Tonight’s our anniversary…” Chloe hesitated, then leaned down and kissed me. “Just one minute.” “You always say that!” I snatched her phone and threw it on the floor. “How many times has your dad faked being sick? If you answer that call tonight, we’re over!” I remember Chloe’s eyes then. Shock, helplessness, and finally, resignation. She sighed, picked up her phone, put it aside, and hugged me. “Okay, I won’t answer.” But the next day, we found out Mr. Sterling had suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage the night before. Because no one answered his call, rescue was delayed, and he became paralyzed. “Yes, I owe him,” I heard my voice, hoarse and raw. “So for the past two years, I’ve been their beast of burden, deserved to have your dad spit his food all over me, deserved to be treated like Leo’s personal servant?” Chloe suddenly ran a frustrated hand through her hair. “Leo is moving in tomorrow.” “What?” “My dad likes him.” Her tone softened, as if she were coaxing a child. “Just for a few months, until his condition stabilizes, then I’ll have Leo move out.” “Chloe,” I gently interrupted. “I went to the Registrar’s Office today.” Her body visibly stiffened. “The clerk said our divorce cooling-off period has seven days left.” I watched her frozen expression. “The document you had me sign a month ago, that was actually the divorce agreement?” “You found out!” Chloe grabbed my wrist. “My dad threatened to die if I didn’t! I was just humoring him!” “Humoring him so much you couldn’t even tell me?” I yanked my hand away. “Seven years of a relationship, and I don’t even deserve to know?” Chloe was enraged. “Can you stop being so aggressive? Do you have any idea how hard it is for me, stuck in the middle?” I froze. I vaguely remembered the first time she took me home to meet her parents. Mr. Sterling had spilled soup on me in front of her. “The only son-in-law our Davis family will have is Leo.” That night, she hugged me on the balcony and apologized. “My dad has a bad temper, please bear with him. It’s so hard for me, stuck in the middle.” Later, at our wedding, Mr. Sterling refused to attend. She held my hand and said, “My dad just needs some time to accept it. Let’s give him a little more time.” And then, when Mr. Sterling was paralyzed, she knelt and begged me to quit my job to take care of him. “Alex, only you can help me now.” Every time, I softened. “Chloe,” I suddenly felt exhausted. “Do you still love me?” She paused, then blurted out, “Of course I do!” “Just don’t make things difficult for me, Alex.” I deflated. Anyway, only seven days left. Forget it. I silently nodded. “Leo will sleep in the guest room.” She finally stiffly changed the subject. “Get some rest early.” After the door closed, I slumped onto the bed. Moonlight leaked through the gap in the curtains, and I saw the dusty photo frame on the bedside table. In the picture, Chloe was holding my hand, running on the beach. Waves splashed her dress, and she turned back, laughing, shouting, “Hurry up, Mr. Miller!” Seven years of love, just a bubble. I pulled out my phone and sent a message: “In seven days, pick me up as planned.” Just as I pressed send, a loud crash suddenly echoed from downstairs. **Chapter 3** I went downstairs and saw Mr. Sterling being pushed by Leo. A group of people were bringing in boxes and bags. “Well, well, finally decided to come down, have we?” Mr. Sterling lifted his eyelids, a cold smirk playing on his lips. “I thought you were going to hide in your room forever.” Leo stood beside him, holding a cup of tea, and spoke softly. “Uncle just finished his physical therapy. The doctor said he needs to move around more.” “Physical therapy?” I looked at Mr. Sterling’s legs. He proudly patted his knees. “What, surprised? The doctor says I’m recovering well. A little more rest and I’ll be completely fine.” He pointed upstairs. “Leo’s moving in here starting today, to make it easier to take care of me. You can disagree all you want, but he’s staying.” I didn’t say anything, just curled my lips, my gaze shifting to Chloe, who was standing nearby. She pursed her lips and whispered, “Alex has already agreed.” Mr. Sterling paused, then sneered. “Finally, a sensible decision from him.” Leo immediately smiled, affectionately hugging Mr. Sterling’s arm. “Uncle, let me help you take your luggage upstairs?” Mr. Sterling patted his hand. “Go ahead, pick any room you like.” Leo’s eyes lit up, and he hurried upstairs. Not long after, a loud crash echoed from above. I looked up and saw Leo directing the staff to take down the decorative painting in the hallway. It was one Chloe and I had picked together, a painting of the beach where we had our first date. “This painting is so tacky, it doesn’t match the current decor.” Leo gleefully tossed the painting aside, then pointed to the photos on the wall. “Take these down too, they’re an eyesore.” Photo after photo was pulled down, including our wedding picture. Chloe stood at the top of the stairs, frowning slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she just looked at me and said, “Let them do it. We can hang them back up later.” I just quirked my lips, saying nothing. Leo peeked his head out from upstairs, pouting playfully. “Chloe, I want the master bedroom! It’s close to Uncle’s room, which makes it easier to take care of him.” Mr. Sterling immediately nodded. “Yes, yes, Leo is so thoughtful.” Chloe instinctively looked at me, seemingly waiting for me to object. But I just calmly nodded. “Fine. I’ll move to the guest room.” I turned to go upstairs, but Chloe grabbed my wrist. “You’re acting strange.” I turned back to her. “What’s wrong? Didn’t you all want him to move in?” “But you…” Chloe frowned deeply. “You wouldn’t have done this before.” “Before?” I scoffed. “Isn’t this exactly what you wanted?” I pulled my hand free and walked straight into the master bedroom, starting to pack my things. Chloe followed me in, standing in the doorway and watching me put my clothes one by one into the suitcase. Finally, she couldn’t help but ask, “What is going on with you?” I didn’t look up. “Making room for you all.” Chloe paused, then said nothing. At seven in the evening, I went downstairs for dinner. In the dining room, Mr. Sterling, Leo, and Chloe were already seated, the table laden with dishes. Leo was carefully placing a piece of fish into Mr. Sterling’s bowl, and Mr. Sterling’s eyes were crinkled in a pleased smile. “Leo is still the most thoughtful.” Chloe looked up, saw me, and motioned for me to come over. “Come eat.” I walked over. As soon as I sat down, my gaze swept across the dinner table and suddenly froze. Every single dish was something I was allergic to. Seafood, mango, peanuts… everything that could trigger my allergies. I looked up, meeting Mr. Sterling’s knowing, half-mocking gaze. Chloe seemed completely oblivious. She picked up a shrimp and placed it in Leo’s bowl. “Try this, it’s your favorite.” Leo smiled sweetly. “Thanks, Chloe.” She then served Mr. Sterling a bowl of soup. When she turned to me, seeing me still and unmoving, she frowned. “Don’t throw a tantrum. You still need to eat.” I froze. She didn’t remember. I had a severe seafood allergy; once, after accidentally eating just a tiny piece of shrimp, I was rushed to the emergency room in the middle of the night. Chloe had stayed by my side all night then, her eyes red, saying, “From now on, I promise I’ll pick out all your allergens.” But now, she was serving shrimp to Leo, soup to her father, and she didn’t even remember what I couldn’t eat. I lowered my eyes, picked up my forks, and slowly chewed on a green vegetable. Mr. Sterling suddenly spoke. “Chloe, Leo has been pursuing you for so long, asking for nothing. All he wants is a wedding, you know.” Chloe’s forks clattered slightly, and she instinctively looked at me. Leo immediately looked hurt. “Uncle, don’t make things difficult for Chloe. I… I don’t mind.” Mr. Sterling patted his hand. “How can you say that? You can’t just remain unnamed and unacknowledged.” The dining table fell silent for a few seconds. Chloe hesitated, then softly said, “Let me discuss it with Alex first.” “No need to discuss.” I suddenly spoke. Everyone looked at me. I put down my forks and said calmly, “It’s fine. You can have it.” **Chapter 4** The entire table fell silent instantly. Mr. Sterling’s eyes widened. Chloe looked up abruptly. “What did you say?” I stood up. “I’m done eating. Please, enjoy your meal.” I turned to go upstairs. Behind me, I heard Mr. Sterling mutter, “Is he losing his mind?” As I reached the stairs, Chloe caught up, grabbing my arm. “What did you mean just now?” I turned to her. “Didn’t you all want to have a wedding? I agreed.” Chloe frowned deeply. “That was just for show! My dad just got out of the hospital, I didn’t want to upset him.” “Hm.” I nodded. “Whatever you want.” Chloe stared into my eyes, as if trying to discern something, then finally whispered, “Don’t worry, I’ll withdraw the divorce petition before the cooling-off period ends.” I smiled. “Good.” She visibly relaxed, reaching out to touch my hair. “Good boy.” I dodged her hand, a mocking curve on my lips, and turned to go upstairs. Chloe stood rooted to the spot, watching my retreating back, a strange, unsettling feeling bubbling up inside her. The next day, after Chloe left for work, I finally emerged from the guest room. Downstairs, Mr. Sterling was already seated at the dining table, his fingers impatiently tapping the surface. Seeing me descend, he immediately spoke in a cold tone. “What are you standing around for? Aren’t you going to get me ready?” Usually, at this time, I would immediately fetch hot water, get a towel, and squat down to wipe his face, massage him, and even kneel to put on his shoes. But today, I merely gave him a detached glance, walked straight to the kitchen, poured myself a glass of milk, and slowly toasted a slice of bread. Mr. Sterling’s face instantly darkened. “Are you deaf?” Seeing this, Leo quickly spoke in a soft tone. “Uncle, let me help you.” He knelt down, awkwardly wiping Mr. Sterling’s face, though a faint frown creased his brow. I sat at the dining table, watching the scene coldly, suddenly feeling foolish. I had waited on Mr. Sterling for two years, bringing him tea and water, wiping him down and feeding him, and even smilingly cleaning up after he deliberately spat food on me. Now, Leo was just wiping his face, and he was already showing his impatience. Mr. Sterling, however, seemed oblivious, even patting Leo’s hand affectionately. “Leo is still the most thoughtful.” After breakfast, Mr. Sterling suddenly said he wanted to go out and get some sun. “Alex, push my wheelchair,” he commanded. I put down my cup and said calmly, “Isn’t Leo quite good at waiting on people? Let him push you.” Mr. Sterling’s face stiffened, and Leo also looked stunned. “You—” Mr. Sterling was about to lose his temper, but Leo quickly offered a placating smile. “Uncle, I’ll push you.” Mr. Sterling huffed, reluctantly agreeing. The three of us went outside. Leo pushed the wheelchair, and I walked beside them. When we reached a downhill slope, Leo suddenly let out a yelp of “Oops!”, his foot slipped, and he abruptly pushed me! Caught off guard, I stumbled forward, my elbow hitting the wheelchair. The wheelchair instantly lost control, speeding down the slope! “Dad!” My pupils contracted. I instinctively lunged forward, trying to grab the wheelchair. But just as my hand was about to grasp the handle, Mr. Sterling suddenly turned his head and shoved me hard! “Get lost!” I staggered backward, directly into the middle of the road. “Bang—!” The screech of brakes pierced the air. My body was violently thrown, crashing heavily onto the ground. In the last second of excruciating pain that swept through my body, I saw Leo standing on the roadside, holding Mr. Sterling, a cold smirk playing on his lips. **Chapter 5** “You’re awake?” Chloe’s voice came from beside me. I painfully turned my head to see her sitting by the bed, her brows furrowed, a flicker of concern in her eyes, quickly replaced by anger. “Do you know you have broken bones?” Her voice was low. “The doctor said if it had been a little worse, you would have died!” I opened my mouth, my throat dry. “Leo pushed me.” Chloe’s face instantly darkened. “Even now, you’re still trying to blame others?” “I’m not!” I struggled to prop myself up. “Your dad pushed me into traffic!” “Enough!” Chloe abruptly stood up, her eyes blazing with fury. “My dad just woke up and said *you* pushed him! Leo also saw with his own eyes that *you* hit the wheelchair!” I stared hard at her. “Check the security footage.” “Check what footage?” Chloe grabbed my wrist, her voice laced with suppressed anger. “Don’t I know what kind of person my dad is? And Leo is so gentle, what reason would he have to harm you?!” I suddenly laughed, a bitter, eye-watering laugh. She believed everyone else but me. I reached out and pressed the call bell by the bed. When the nurse came in, I said directly, “Call the police.” Chloe’s face instantly changed. “Are you crazy?” The police arrived quickly. As they questioned me, Chloe coldly interrupted, “He has mental issues, depression. He often hallucinates that people are trying to harm him.” The police looked at me suspiciously. I said calmly, “I demand to see the security footage from the intersection.” Chloe lowered her voice to the police. “I apologize, his emotional state has been unstable recently. I’ll take him to a psychiatrist.” The police hesitated for a moment, then simply made a brief report and left. The hospital room door closed, and Chloe gripped my shoulder, her voice icy. “Do you really have to make a big deal out of this?” I looked up at her. “I just want the truth.” “Truth?” Chloe sneered. “You’ve been putting on this act since yesterday, all to try and frame my dad and Leo today? Alex, you’re truly ruthless.” I stopped speaking, just staring at her quietly. Chloe’s heart twitched under my gaze, but the next second, Leo suddenly pushed open the door, his eyes red. “Chloe! Uncle woke up, and he said Alex pushed him!” Chloe’s eyes turned completely cold. “I knew it.” She released me and turned to the bodyguard at the door. “Take him to the electroshock therapy room.” I was pressed onto the bed, my limbs bound tightly by restraints. Chloe stood by the door, her brows furrowed, seeming to hesitate for a moment. But Leo suddenly stepped forward and said softly, “Chloe, Uncle said he’s very unstable right now. What if he harms himself again?” Chloe closed her eyes, then said coldly, “Begin.” The moment the current connected, excruciating pain swept through my body like a tide. I bit down hard on my lip until the taste of blood spread in my mouth. “Did you push him?” the doctor asked. I didn’t answer. The current surged again, my body convulsed uncontrollably, and a painful whimper escaped my throat. Chloe stood nearby, her fingers trembling slightly. Suddenly, she spoke. “Enough!” But Leo pressed her arm, his voice soft. “Chloe, Uncle said he won’t tell the truth unless he suffers a little.” Chloe clenched her fists, finally turning her face away. During the third electroshock, I finally broke. Hoarsely, I gasped, “I pushed him.” Chloe spun around, a flicker of pain in her eyes, but it quickly turned cold again. “Wouldn’t it have been easier to admit it earlier?” She walked closer, reaching out to touch my face, but I turned my head to dodge her. Her fingers hung in the air, then she pulled them back, saying coldly, “Keep him here for two days. Let him cool down.” With that, she turned and left. Leo, however, didn’t rush off. Instead, he gave the doctor a meaningful look. **Chapter 6** After two days locked up, when the door was pushed open, blinding light flooded in, and I instinctively curled up, retreating into the corner of the wall. Chloe stood in the doorway, her brows furrowed. “What happened?” The doctor stood nearby, about to speak, but Leo had already hurried in, saying softly, “Chloe, Alex has suffered enough. Let’s take him home quickly.” He reached out to help me, but I sharply recoiled. I kept my head down, my right wrist still bandaged, my fingertips trembling slightly. Chloe stared at me, her tone somewhat displeased. “It’s only been two days, hasn’t it? Why are you like this?” The doctor hesitated, but Leo had already linked arms with Chloe, whispering, “Alex’s right hand is still injured, so he must be uncomfortable.” Chloe frowned, walked forward, and reached out to touch my hair. “Alex, let’s go home.” I trembled violently, reflexively shrinking back. Chloe’s hand froze in mid-air. On the way home, I leaned against the car window, my gaze vacant as I watched the scenery flash by outside. “Tomorrow,” Chloe suddenly spoke, her voice a little hesitant. “Leo and my wedding is just for show.” I didn’t say anything. “You know, it’s just to make my dad happy.” She glanced at me. “I’ll withdraw the divorce petition. Nothing has happened between me and him.” I remained silent. Leo, sitting in the passenger seat, turned around and said softly, “Alex, why don’t you come with me to pick out a suit tomorrow?” Chloe frowned. “He’s still recovering from his injuries.” “But Alex has been married before, he must know what styles are suitable,” Leo blinked, his tone innocent. “Besides, I’d like him to help me choose.” Chloe hesitated, then finally looked at me. “Want to come along?” “Okay.” At the bridal boutique, “This style looks great!” I smoothed the suit jacket, turning to Chloe with a gentle smile. “Chloe, I love this one.” I looked up sharply. That was *my* suit. My father, a top fashion designer during his lifetime, had personally designed this suit as his final masterpiece for me. It was the only one of its kind in the world. After my marriage, it had been stored in this very boutique for long-term care. “No,” my voice trembled. “That’s mine.” Leo looked hurt as he turned to Chloe. “But I really like it.” Chloe was silent for a moment, then finally whispered, “Alex, it’s just a suit. Let him have it.” I looked at her in disbelief. “You know what that means to me!” It was the last thing my father had left me. Chloe looked away, her tone cold. “Just order another one.” Leo was already impatiently asking the staff to take it down for him to try on. I stood rooted to the spot, my fingertips digging deep into my palms, yet I felt no pain. When Leo walked out wearing the suit, the staff exclaimed in admiration. “It looks so good!” “It’s as if it was custom-made for him!” Leo turned, triumphantly looking at me. “Alex, what do you think?” I stared at him, my throat constricted as if by something, unable to utter a single word. Chloe stood nearby, her gaze complex, but she merely said, “It suits you well.” Leo’s smile grew even wider. Suddenly, he let out an “Oops!” and tripped, falling to the ground. “Riiiiiip!” The suit jacket ripped. My mind buzzed. I rushed forward like a madman, shoving him away and pulling the jacket off him. “You did that on purpose!” Leo’s eyes instantly reddened. “I didn’t mean to, Alex. Why did you push me?” Chloe grabbed my wrist. “Alex Miller! What are you doing? Are you insane?” I looked up at her, tears splattering onto the suit. “This is the last thing my dad left me.” Chloe froze for a moment, seeming to waver, but Leo was already sobbing, leaning on her shoulder. “Chloe, it hurts so much.” She closed her eyes, then said coldly, “Don’t make any more of a scene.” With that, she turned and left. The staff exchanged glances, whispering. “How pitiful.” “I heard it’s all because of him that Mr. Sterling was paralyzed for two years.” I knelt on the floor, looking at the deliberate rips Leo had made when he took off the suit, tears falling onto the back of my hand, scalding hot. I hugged the damaged suit tightly, breaking down into sobs. Just like my love, once brilliant as a diamond, now shattered into worthless pieces. **Chapter 7** I stood in the corner of the wedding venue, my fingertips digging deep into my palms. Tomorrow. Tomorrow would be the end of the divorce cooling-off period. I could finally leave this place for good. But today, I had to witness Chloe and Leo’s wedding with my own eyes. Guests filled the seats on both sides of the red carpet. Mr. Sterling sat in his wheelchair, smiling happily. The music started. Chloe, in a white wedding gown, slowly walked down the aisle, arm-in-arm with Leo. I vaguely remembered my own wedding day. The same chapel, the same red carpet. Chloe’s palms were sweaty with nervousness, but she held my hand tightly, whispering, “Alex, I’m finally marrying you.” And now, she was arm-in-arm with another man, her gaze calm, walking the path I once walked. A tear fell unexpectedly. I quickly lowered my head to wipe it away, but then I heard the whispers of the guests around me. “Isn’t that Mrs. Davis’s ex-husband? How dare he show his face here?” “I heard he has mental problems and almost killed Mr. Sterling.” “Tsk, how pathetic.” I pretended not to hear, just staring blankly at Chloe on the stage. She seemed to sense something, her gaze searching the crowd until it landed on my tear-streaked face. She paused, her eyes complex, but in the end, she said nothing, just turned her head and continued the ceremony. *Alex, you’ll understand, right?* After the wedding, the guests dispersed. As I reached the master bedroom door, I suddenly heard intimate sounds from inside. “Chloe, slower.” Leo’s voice was like a knife, plunging savagely into my heart. My body stiffened, my fingers trembling, but then I heard Chloe’s breathless warning, “Don’t make a sound.” “What are you scared of?” Leo chuckled. “He’ll find out sooner or later anyway.” “Shut up.” “Do you regret marrying him?” Leo suddenly asked. I held my breath. Silence hung in the room for a few seconds, then Chloe’s frustrated voice came, “Yes, I regret it.” Those two words were like a brand, searing pain through my insides. I remembered our wedding day, when she solemnly told the pastor, “I will never regret this, not for a lifetime.” And now, she said she regretted it. I didn’t want to hear anymore. I turned, stumbling back to the guest room, closed the door, and sank to the floor. The sounds from next door continued late into the night: the creaking of the bed, Leo’s low moans, Chloe’s gasps… Finally, Mr. Sterling’s joyful voice came. “Have a baby soon! Dad’s waiting to hold his grandchild!” I leaned against the wall, laughing as tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. The next morning, I had already packed all my luggage. I looked down at my phone. Today was the last day. Laughter drifted up from downstairs. As I walked down the stairs, Chloe was bending over, tying Mr. Sterling’s tie. Leo stood nearby, holding a silver suitcase. The three of them, a picture of domestic bliss, looked like a perfect family. “Oh, up so early?” Mr. Sterling glanced at me, his smile instantly turning cold. “We’re going out. Remember to change the sheets in the master bedroom.” Leo feigned thoughtfulness. “Uncle, let the staff do it. Alex’s hand is still injured.” Chloe only then noticed me, frowning slightly. “Where are you going?” “Today is the last day of the cooling-off period.” I looked directly into her eyes, my voice eerily calm. “To the Registrar’s Office.” Chloe froze for a moment. “I promised to take Dad and Leo to the hot springs resort today.” The air solidified for a few seconds. “You go and withdraw it,” she suddenly said. “After I spend two days with them, everything will go back to how it was.” “Okay,” I mumbled, lowering my head slightly. Chloe visibly relaxed, then turned to help Mr. Sterling. “Dad, let’s get in the car.” I stood rooted to the spot, watching the black Maybach slowly drive out of the courtyard. Not until it was completely out of sight did I raise my hand to wipe the tears from my face, pick up my suitcase, and walk towards the main gate without looking back. The official seal clicked down with a soft sound. “Here’s your divorce certificate. Please keep it safe.” The clerk handed me a dark red booklet. “The property settlement agreement is already in effect, signed by your ex-wife.” I didn’t even look at it, just shoved the divorce certificate into a padded envelope, and filled in the address of the Davis family mansion. “Please send this to this address, cash on delivery.” Walking out of the Registrar’s Office, the car sent to pick me up was already parked by the roadside, Seeing me emerge, Jake immediately waved. “Over here!” I opened the car door, then suddenly remembered something, fumbling in my pocket for my wedding ring. Chloe had put it on my finger herself on the beach. “Forever” was engraved on the inside. I stared at the ring for two seconds, then raised my hand and threw it out the window. It landed with a faint “clink” in the middle of the road, quickly crushed by the wheels of a speeding car. “Let’s go,” I closed the car door. “Never coming back.” **Chapter 8** The car pulled away from the Registrar’s Office. I leaned against the window, watching the familiar streets recede little by little. I thought I would cry, but my eyes were so dry they hurt, not a single tear fell. “Hungry?” Jake gripped the steering wheel, glancing at me from the corner of his eye. “Want to grab something to eat first?” I shook my head, my fingers unconsciously tracing the faint ring mark on my ring finger. Where the ring had been, the skin was a little paler than elsewhere, as if it had left a permanent imprint. “Don’t look at it,” Jake reached over and covered my hand. “That kind of woman isn’t worth it.” I softly hummed in agreement, then turned my head to look out the window again. The airport was bustling with people. Jake walked ahead, dragging my suitcase, occasionally looking back at me as if afraid I might suddenly disappear. I walked behind him, my steps feeling light. “Here,” Jake tucked the boarding pass into my hand. “Get some sleep on the plane. I’ll wake you when we arrive.” I looked down at the destination on the boarding pass, a southern city I had never been to. I opened my mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end, I just nodded. “Cry if you need to,” Jake handed me a tissue. “What’s the point of holding it in?” I shook my head, forcing the tears back. I couldn’t cry, at least not now. Crying would make it seem like I still cared. As the plane took off, the sensation of weightlessness made my heart plummet. I gripped the armrest, closing my eyes. “Feeling sick?” Jake asked. “No,” I said softly. “Just remembered the last time I was on a plane was with her, on our honeymoon.” Jake rolled his eyes. “Don’t even bring her up.” I stopped talking, turning to look out the window. The flight attendant brought meals. I mechanically picked up my forks, but couldn’t eat a single bite. My stomach felt heavy, and even breathing felt like an effort. “Eat something,” Jake frowned. “Look how thin you’ve gotten.” I managed to swallow a mouthful of bread, but my throat felt constricted, a painful lump stuck there. By the time the plane landed, night had already fallen. The unfamiliar city was alight with neon. I stood at the airport exit, the cold wind whipping my hair, and suddenly felt a profound sense of bewilderment. There was no Chloe here, no Mr. Sterling, no suffocating days. “My sister’s picking us up,” Jake pointed to a tall woman not far away. I looked at the unfamiliar young woman, unable to connect her with the chubby little girl I remembered. “Alex,” Maya took my suitcase. “Tired from the trip?” Her voice was gentle, tinged with concern. In the car, Jake suddenly pulled out a pair of small pliers. “Give me your phone.” “What?” “I’m taking out the SIM card.” Jake deftly removed it, opened the car window, and threw it out. “From today on, you’re free.” I watched the passing streetlights, and finally, tears streamed down my face. Maya glanced at me in the rearview mirror, saying softly, “I put an easel on the balcony for you, Jake said you used to love to paint.” I froze for a moment, suddenly remembering how long it had been since I’d picked up a paintbrush. After getting married, Chloe was always busy, and Mr. Sterling needed care. I gradually forgot that I used to be a boy who loved to sketch the world on canvas. A red light flashed, and the car stopped. A couple was arguing on the street, the boy crying, begging the girl not to leave. I turned my head away, crying harder. Jake reached over and patted my cold hand. “Don’t look, it’s all in the past.” Yes, it was all in the past. Seven years of love, two years of marriage, all that was left was this exhaustion and a heart riddled with holes. The car entered a residential area, stopping in front of a quiet apartment building. I looked up. “We’re home,” Maya said. Home? Standing in the unfamiliar hallway, I suddenly realized that from now on, I no longer had that “home” to return to. My heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, hurting so much that I bent over, the repressed sadness from the journey finally making me sob out loud. **Chapter 9** The hot spring mist billowed. Chloe leaned against the edge of the pool, the warm water soothing her taut nerves. Mr. Sterling, pushed by Leo, slowly approached the poolside, a satisfied smile on his face. “This place is well-chosen, much more comfortable than home.” Chloe smiled, reaching out to wipe the damp hair from his temples. “Dad, your leg just healed, don’t soak too long.” Mr. Sterling patted her hand, his tone unusually gentle. “Don’t worry, Dad knows what he’s doing.” Leo stood nearby, gently offering a towel. “Uncle, wipe your face.” Mr. Sterling nodded contentedly, then looked at Chloe. “Leo is such a thoughtful boy, much more so than some people.” The smile on Chloe’s lips faded slightly. She didn’t reply. She looked up at the distant mountains. For some reason, she suddenly thought of me. I never ingratiated myself with her father like this, but every time Mr. Sterling was sick, I would silently stay by his bedside, making medicine, wiping him down, changing his sheets, never complaining. “Chloe?” Mr. Sterling’s voice broke her reverie. “What are you daydreaming about?” Chloe came back to herself, shaking her head. “Nothing.” She paused, then suddenly spoke. “Dad, you promised not to interfere with Alex and me.” Mr. Sterling’s smile stiffened, then he waved his hand dismissively. “Alright, alright, I know you still care about him. Now that my leg is better, I can’t be bothered with your affairs.” Chloe’s heart lightened, as if a great weight had been lifted. Yes, her father’s leg was better, and the wedding was done. When they went back, everything would go back to normal. She and I could be like before. That evening, Chloe sat on the suite’s terrace, staring blankly at her silent phone on the table. Leo pushed open the door, clad only in a towel, his hair still dripping water. “Chloe, why are you out here alone?” He walked closer, his fingers gently resting on her shoulder. Chloe turned her head, her gaze falling on the red marks on his neck. She had left them there last night when she lost control. She frowned, a sudden surge of irritation welling up inside her. “Leo,” she said, her voice a little cold. “Even though the wedding happened, Alex is still my husband.” Leo’s fingers stiffened, then he nodded, feigning understanding. “I know, I won’t make things difficult for Alex.” Chloe’s expression softened slightly. “You’re very understanding, and I appreciate it.” Leo lowered his head, his bangs concealing the gloom in his eyes. “Whoever Chloe likes, I like too.” Chloe reached out and ruffled his hair, her tone gentle. “Go back, get some rest.” Leo obediently assented, then turned and left. Chloe watched his retreating back, but a strange emptiness inexplicably settled in her heart. She took out her phone, hesitated, but still didn’t send me a message. *Forget it, I’ll talk to him when we get back.* On the way back the next day, Mr. Sterling eagerly planned their arrangements for after they returned home. “Leo should just live at home from now on. The guest room is empty anyway.” Chloe gripped the steering wheel, responding with a faint “Hm.” Leo sat in the passenger seat, fiddling with his phone, a subtle, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips. Chloe caught a glimpse of him in the rearview mirror and suddenly felt a bit of a stranger. *It should be me, like this, by my side.* Her phone suddenly rang. She casually answered. “Hello?” “Ms. Davis, you have a cash-on-delivery package that needs to be signed for.” Chloe frowned. “What is it?” “Not sure, it’s in an envelope.” She absently replied, “Just leave it at the door. Have the butler sign for it.” After hanging up, she quickly put the matter out of her mind. As the car drove into the villa community, the sunset was perfect. Chloe’s mood inexplicably brightened. She thought, when she saw me later, she would have a good talk with me. Tell me that her father wouldn’t interfere with us anymore. Tell me that she loved me all along. Tell me that everything before was beyond her control. The car stopped. She pushed open the door and walked quickly towards the main entrance. Mr. Finch, the butler, came to meet her, holding a thin envelope. “Madam, your package.” Chloe took it casually, her fingertips brushing against a rigid edge. A bad premonition suddenly seized her. She tore open the envelope, and a dark red booklet slid out. Divorce Certificate. Date of Registration: Today. Chloe stood rooted to the spot. The sun was still warm, but she felt an icy chill spread through her entire body. *Did he not withdraw the divorce petition?* **Chapter 10** Mr. Sterling glimpsed the dark red divorce certificate, a flicker of triumphant amusement in his eyes, quickly suppressed. He feigned a regretful sigh, but his voice barely concealed his glee. “This is for the best. He finally knows when to back off.” Chloe looked up at her father. “What?” “Last night,” Mr. Sterling slowly began, “the butler said he stood outside your bedroom door for a while before leaving.” The air went still for a moment. Chloe’s breath caught, a buzzing sound in her ears, as if something had exploded in her mind. Last night. She remembered Leo wrapped around her, asking her, “Chloe, do you regret marrying him?” And she, in the haze of passion, had followed his lead, softly whispering, “Yes, I regret it.” Now, looking back, Alex must have heard! Her face instantly turned ashen, her hands clenching tightly. “Chloe!” Leo suddenly cried out, his eyes reddened. “Don’t say anymore, it’s all my fault.” Mr. Sterling sneered. “What’s your fault? If it weren’t for him—” “Enough!” Chloe sharply cut him off, her voice hoarse. “Everyone, go back to your rooms.” Her tone was icy. Mr. Sterling and Leo exchanged a glance, then finally said no more, Leo pushing Mr. Sterling away. The living room suddenly became quiet, leaving only Chloe standing there, breathing heavily. She stumbled to the sofa, collapsing onto it, her gaze fixed on the divorce certificate on the coffee table. This morning, she should have gone to the Registrar’s Office herself to withdraw the divorce petition. But she had casually said to me, “You go and withdraw it. After I spend two days with them, everything will go back to how it was.” And I had simply lowered my head, softly answering, “Okay.” Now, recalling it, my tone had been eerily calm. As if I had already planned to divorce. A suffocating ache suddenly welled up in Chloe’s chest. She remembered yesterday’s wedding, me standing in the corner, quietly watching her, tears silently falling. She remembered last night, lost in passion, she had personally told another man she “regretted” it. She remembered this morning, how she carelessly told me to withdraw the divorce petition, and I, in fact, went. But not to withdraw it. Instead, I picked up the divorce certificate. “Impossible,” she murmured, her trembling fingers picking up the divorce certificate, as if she could prove it was a lie. But the official seal was clear, the date glaring. I really had divorced her. This thought was like a heavy hammer, pounding fiercely on her heart, making it almost impossible to breathe. She abruptly stood up, grabbed her car keys, and rushed out, but then suddenly stopped at the door. *Divorce… wasn’t this what I always wanted?* **Chapter 11** Chloe sat on the sofa, staring at the divorce certificate on the coffee table. The living room lights were off. Outside, the rain was pouring heavily, the drops pounding against the window with a rhythmic clatter. She reached for the wine bottle on the table, found it empty, and casually tossed it into the trash can. In the trash can was also a half-finished, cold cup of coffee—the one I had brewed for her before she went out, she couldn’t remember which day. “Your stomach isn’t good, don’t drink too much.” I always looked at her with concern. She had drunk half of it, then poured the rest away. Now that she thought about it, I seemed to always say things like that. “Don’t stay up late,” “Remember to eat,” “Drink less alcohol.” She had gotten tired of hearing it, thought I was nagging, but now the house was terrifyingly quiet, and she suddenly wished she could hear me say just one more sentence. Just one. Mr. Sterling came out of his room upstairs, his wheelchair clattering on the floor. He glanced at the divorce certificate on the coffee table, his lips twitching, as if he wanted to smile but held it back. “It’s good that he’s gone,” he sat down, picking up a teacup. “His temperament was never suited for our family anyway.” Chloe didn’t speak. “If you ask me, he should have left ages ago.” Mr. Sterling patted her shoulder. “Look at him these past two years, always with a sour face, like someone owed him something.” “Dad,” Chloe said, her voice a little hoarse. “What? Did I say something wrong?” Mr. Sterling put down his teacup. “If he was truly sensible, he wouldn’t have stopped you from answering the phone back then, causing me to…” “Enough!” Chloe suddenly yelled. Mr. Sterling jumped, almost spilling his teacup. Chloe took a breath, her voice softening. “Please go back to your room.” Mr. Sterling glared at her, then got up and left. The house grew quiet again. Chloe leaned back into the sofa, closing her eyes. She remembered yesterday’s wedding, me standing in the corner, watching her walk down the aisle arm-in-arm with Leo. I hadn’t spoken, hadn’t made a scene, just stood there, tears silently falling. She had seen it then, felt a pang in her heart, but quickly dismissed it with other thoughts. Now, she wondered if I had already decided to leave back then. Her phone rang. It was a SnapChat from Leo: “Chloe, I’m craving porridge. Should I ask Mrs. Gable to make some soup?” She didn’t reply. In the kitchen, my apron was still hanging there, light blue, a little faded from washing. I always liked to wear that apron when making her hangover soup, because she had many social engagements and often came home drunk late at night. Once, she drank too much and threw up violently. I was kneeling in the bathroom, patting her back. She found me annoying and pushed me. I hit the sink, leaving a large bruise on my waist. The next day, after she sobered up, she noticed me wincing when I bent over and then remembered what happened last night. “Does it hurt?” she asked. I shook my head, pushing breakfast towards her. “Eat while it’s hot.” Chloe suddenly stood up, walked to the kitchen, and picked up that apron. The fabric was soft, still carrying a faint smell of cooking oil. She gripped it tightly, then loosened her hold. The rain intensified, streaking the windows with water. Outside, the trees swayed wildly in the wind. Chloe stood by the window, looking at her reflection. She suddenly remembered that I was terrified of thunderstorms. Whenever it rained, I would always curl up in her arms, burying my face in her chest. She used to find me clingy, often pushing me away, saying, “You’re a grown man, why are you still scared of this?” Now, the thunder rumbled, the house was empty, and no one was seeking comfort in her arms. She took out her phone and dialed my number. “The number you have dialed is currently switched off. Please try again later.” The robotic female voice was cold, repeating over and over. Chloe stood there, listening to the rain and the busy signal, and suddenly felt an emptiness in her heart. She had never thought that I would actually leave. **Chapter 12** She stared at my face on the divorce certificate, suddenly recalling the first time she brought me home. Her father sat on the living room sofa, his face cold, scrutinizing me. He set his teacup down heavily on the coffee table. “Is this the boyfriend you found?” My back was ramrod straight, but my fingers secretly gripped the hem of my shirt. “Dad,” she said then, wrapping an arm around my shoulder, “I won’t marry anyone else but him.” She remembered her father was so angry he smashed his cup. She pulled me away, and we left without looking back. It was pouring rain that night. We took shelter in a small roadside shop. My hair was soaked. “Will your dad never like me?” “Who cares?” She pulled my cold hand to her face. “My liking you is enough.” Back then, I would blush at her words, sneak to her office to bring her late-night snacks when she worked overtime, and grumble while making her hangover soup when she drank too much. Chloe’s hand unconsciously traced my face in the photo. Later, everything changed. That phone call came at the wrong time. We had just finished being intimate, and I was curled up in her arms, half-asleep. When her father’s phone rang, I was unusually childish. “Don’t answer it tonight, please?” She hesitated, then put her phone on silent. The next morning, the hospital’s call was like a bucket of ice water. Her father had suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage. Because no one answered his call, the optimal time for rescue was delayed, and he became paralyzed. By his bedside, her father clutched her hand, crying, “If he hadn’t stopped you from answering the phone…” She turned, seeing me standing at the hospital room door, my face ashen. From then on, everything changed. She started working overtime frequently, because she didn’t want to go home and face the war between the two men. Every time she opened the front door, she either heard her father smashing things or saw me silently cleaning up clothes that had been spat on. “Can’t you just not argue with him?” One night, she said, annoyed. “He’s a sick man.” I was ironing her clothes. My hand trembled at her words, leaving a scorched mark on the hem of her skirt. “I’m sorry,” I said softly. “I’ll buy you a new one tomorrow.” She looked at my back and suddenly realized how much thinner I had gotten. The pajamas that once fit well now hung loosely on me, revealing a slender wrist. “Have you not been eating properly lately?” she asked. I shook my head, continuing to iron the clothes. “I’ve eaten.” Later, she gradually got used to this life. Used to seeing my pale face when she came home, used to her father’s endless picking on, and even used to my increasingly silent demeanor. Until the wedding day, when she walked down the red carpet arm-in-arm with Leo, and her peripheral vision caught sight of me standing in the corner. I was wearing the simplest white shirt, tears silently streaming down my face, but I didn’t raise a hand to wipe them away. At that moment, her heart twinged, but the officiant’s voice quickly broke her train of thought. Now, Chloe stared at the date on the divorce certificate and suddenly realized that I hadn’t smiled at her in a very long time. When was the last time? It seemed like half a year ago, she had come home on time, an unusual occurrence, to find me asleep at the dining table, with cold food in front of me. Hearing her voice, I groggily opened my eyes and smiled at her. “You’re home.” And then? Then her father called from upstairs, needing something. She left me and went to her father’s room. When she returned, I had already cleared the dining table and gone to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Chloe suddenly stood up and walked to the closet, pulling it open. My clothes were neatly hung. I hadn’t taken anything with me. Chloe suddenly found it hard to breathe. She remembered when Leo had asked her last night if she regretted marrying, and she had said, “I regret it.” Now she finally knew what regret felt like. The next day, Chloe prepared to drive to wherever I might be, telling Leo to take good care of her father as she left. Leo nodded obediently, then carefully asked, “Chloe, are you going to find Alex?”
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