Chapter 3

A chill shot from the soles of my feet straight to my scalp.

Had Christian sold my cart to get that one thousand dollars for Lydia?

More than half an hour later, Christian finally showed up at the police station. Wiping sweat from his forehead, he explained to the officer he had noticed that one of the cart's wheels was broken. He claimed he had just taken it in for repair and that all of this was a misunderstanding.

His expression didn't change as he spoke, but he couldn't meet my eyes. I knew he was lying again.

"Christian, that cart was my livelihood. How could you just sell it? For Lydia, you sold my cart today. Tomorrow, will you sell the house too? Do you have any conscience at all?"

His face stiffened, then twisted with anger. "Winona, why are you acting like a shrew, accusing your own husband in front of all these people? Besides, Lydia and I are just friends. If she's struggling a little, what's wrong with me helping her out?"

The more he spoke, the more agitated he became. He stepped forward and grabbed my arm. "Come on. Let's go home. Stop embarrassing yourself!"

Even at that moment, he spoke of betrayal as if he were righteous.

My stomach churned. Coldness spread throughout my entire body, right down to my fingertips. The man I had shared a bed with for ten years now felt like a stranger. He was utterly despicable.

"Christian, listen carefully. I can't live like this for even one more day. I want a divorce. And one more thing. If my cart isn't returned to its exact spot tomorrow, you'll regret it!"

Christian's pupils shrank as he registered the threat in my words. Before he could grab me again, I shook off his hand and rushed out of the police station.

The night wind cut across my face, sharp and stinging. But I didn't feel the cold.

I walked aimlessly for a long time until my legs went weak. Only then did I realize I was standing outside my best friend's house. When I raised my hand to press the doorbell, my fingers were still trembling.

Celeste Winter opened the door in her pajamas. The moment she saw me, her brows knitted together. "Winona, what are you doing here?"

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. My tears were first to fall.

Seeing my swollen eyes, she froze, looking concerned. "Come in. Let's talk inside."

Celeste looked at my disheveled appearance and sighed. In the end, she didn't bring up our falling-out years ago.

Back then, she had caught Christian entangled with Lydia and warned me about it. But I was blinded by love and accused her of meddling. After a big fight, we drifted apart.

Now, as I sobbed uncontrollably, she simply listened in silence.

Her eyes reddened as she gripped my hand tightly. "Winnie, it's not too late. You have to divorce him. I'll help you find a lawyer. We'll figure out Alina's medical bills together."

I was so overwhelmed. I didn't know what to say.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Celeste and I both froze, glancing toward the door. At this hour, who could it be?

The door opened, revealing Christian standing on the other side. He dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face.

"Dear, please come home. Stop making a scene, okay? I'm begging you. Look, I brought your cart back. I didn't sell it. I really just took it for repairs."

I looked toward where he was pointing and saw my food cart.

Celeste stepped in front of me, asking sharply, "Christian, what game are you playing now?"

Christian ignored her, looking at me and crying instead. "Dear, I swear, I'll never contact Lydia again. Let's just be together properly, okay? Don't divorce me, alright? Alina can't grow up without a father…"

Seeing my hesitation, Celeste grabbed my arm urgently. "Winnie, don't fall for his bullshit again. Don't go soft now!"

I turned to her and gave her a small smile.

The next second, a loud slap landed on Christian's face.

"Christian, listen carefully. This divorce is happening!"

The commotion drew neighbors out into the hallway.