Chapter 2

The man who once loved me no longer existed.

Gary used to follow me to every fashion exhibition in the country, just to support my dreams. Even in small boutiques overseas, he held my hand and swore he would stand by every decision I made.

Because I loved him, I gave up my career after we married and stayed home to take care of him. My friends often invited me to fashion shows, but I always turned them down.

In my gray, colorless life, the only comfort I had left was the collection of clothes I once poured my heart into. They were locked away in my closet, carrying the weight of my abandoned dream.

He knew how much those things meant to me, yet he still allowed Lucy to trample all over me.

A week from now, I'd be starting a new life. His life, on the other hand, would come to an end. With that thought, my emotions finally settled.

However, the next day, one phone call from Lucy shattered my peace.

"Zoey, are you doing this on purpose? Not a single one of those dresses fits me! I know you hate me, but getting back at me like this is too cruel, don't you think? How could you be so heartless?"

Confused and furious, I hung up on her.

However, the look in Gary's eyes made my stomach drop. "Zoey, you need to apologize," he said.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. How could he say something so absurd? "You two stole my designs, and I haven't even held her accountable. Why should I be the one to apologize?"

His face darkened instantly, irritation flickering in his eyes. "Zoey, can't you be more sensible? No matter what, you ruined Lucy's banquet. If you refuse to apologize, I'll have to reconsider Mr. Johnson's medical expenses this month."

The mention of my dad made my heart sink, followed by a wave of bitter despair.

Once, Gary had treated my dad with deep respect. On the day of our wedding, he had knelt before him, swearing to love me for life. Whenever my dad's illness flared up, Gary was always the first to rush to his side.

People used to praise him for being so devoted, saying I had married the right man. Even my dad often held his hand with tears of gratitude in his eyes.

It was said even the most devoted child grew weary after years at a sickbed, yet he, with no blood ties, cared for my dad tirelessly for ten years.

However, now, he was threatening my dad's life for Lucy's sake. The sorrow in my chest was overwhelming, but for my dad's sake, I had no choice but to give in.

I had no savings after years of being a housewife, so I borrowed money from a friend to transfer my dad to another hospital. By coincidence, it was right next to my new job in Pereem. That way, I could cut ties with Gary once and for all.

That afternoon, Gary dragged me to Lucy's place to apologize.

She loved cats, and her house was full of them. The moment I stepped inside, they lunged at me, their claws tearing bloody scratches down my legs.

Only then did Lucy appear, feigning surprise. "Oh my, I forgot Zoey is afraid of cats. Sorry about that. There are just too many. I can hardly keep them under control."

Gary's eyes were full of concern for Lucy. He shook his head and said, "It's nothing. It's just a few scratches. Zoey's not that delicate."

I used to be afraid of cats. Five years ago, a stray cat had pounced on me. The shock was so severe that I lost the baby I had been carrying for eight months.