A House for Him, a Divorce for Us

When my wife, Lily Devon, got home, I was taking Paroxetine, medication for depression.Ever since John Clapton reappeared, this suffocating marriage had pushed me from a healthy state into moderate depression.Lily came over, grabbed my pills, and threw them in the trash. "Why do you start taking your meds the second I come home? Stop acting pitiful around me, will you?" she said, tossing a bouquet in front of me. "This is from John.""I asked him what it'd take for him to forgive you, and he was kind enough to say you just need to apologize, and he'll let it go."I looked at the half-wilted flowers on the table. When I smelled them closely, I could sense the foul odor of rotting stems. Three days ago, John had posted this bouquet, captioning it with, [Ah, flowers and a beautiful woman, what a happy afternoon.]The painful memories came rushing back. I picked up a fruit knife to peel an apple, trying to distract myself."I don't want anything from him. It's dirty."Lily frowned

I did not want to engage with Lily any longer, so I made an excuse to go to the restroom.Lily followed me outside."I already explained to you about the house; I promised him that a long time ago. Don't force me to be heartless. Tony, I haven't treated you badly either.""Mmh." I ignored her and went straight into the men's restroom.When I returned, someone new was by her side. John was in my seat, leaning intimately against Lily.I glanced at them and then moved to sit next to Lomi.When John saw me, he gasped. "Oops, sorry, I'm just used to sitting with Lily. You don't mind, do you?"I shook my head. "Actually, I'm pretty grateful you took her off my hands."Lily's face darkened instantly. John's expression tightened as he took a deep breath, forcing a smile. "Lily's no burden. She bought me that million-dollar house without me spending a dime! But I should thank you for being so generous, letting your wife spend money on me."His words made everyone gasp.John was Lily's

Lily looked at me with disdain."Just look at yourself. You're a mess because of work. You have no sense of style at all. What woman doesn't like a handsome man? If I said I loved you now, would you believe me? If I walked down the street with John next to you, who do you think looks more like my husband?"It was true. Over the past few years, I did not pay much attention to my appearance because of work.Even so, did she ever ask herself who stayed up late with her, night after night, finishing documents after a full day of work? Did she remember who pulled strings to help her secure the big clients she could not land herself? I spent my youth and energy in building her business empire, only for her to despise me now for not dressing well.I always believed that people had hearts, and that with enough effort, she would eventually notice everything I had done.Blinded by love, I failed to see her true nature. If she was a heartless person, all my sacrifices meant nothing to her.

[Planning to run off abroad? We bought our wedding rings, and in the end, I'm still the one laughing.][You, getting a divorce and diagnosed with a tumor, are worse off than a stray dog.]I smiled slightly and replied to him, [Do me a favor and have her sign the divorce papers quickly. Don't make me come back from abroad just to find out she's still someone else's wife and you're still a kept man.]Right after I sent that text message, my phone started vibrating non-stop. John was furious, cursing me viciously.[You only have your privilege to thank. You're just lucky to be born with good parents. What makes you think you can act all high and mighty?][I stole your woman and took your house. Doesn't that bother you?]I responded slowly.[I'm not like you. You had a winning hand and managed to mess it up completely. Me? I might not play it perfectly, but I didn't blow it.]Then, I muted his number.Half a year later, my lawyer contacted me with news about a breakthrough in the