His Mistake, My Freedom

Sera’s P.O.VWhen being trailed by the murderer, I called Mark Simpson.He answered impatiently, “I already told you I’m working late tonight. What do you want now?”The person behind me continued to follow relentlessly, forcing me into a dead end.My heart pounded like a drum, and my voice trembled. “Help me, I’m being followed by a murderer. He’s holding a knife…”“There’s no murderer. Stop imagining things!” Mark’s tone was annoyed. “You always call me at night. Can’t you just let me work in peace? Will this ever end?”I humbly tried to explain, “It’s true. I’m not lying…”Suddenly, a sweet, flirtatious female voice came through the receiver. “Marky-boo, does this lingerie look good on me?”Hearing Angela Bright’s voice, I froze. Before I could question anything, Mark immediately hung up the phone.My heart sank, and the murderer’s footsteps grew closer. The instinct to survive overcame my fear. I clenched my fists tightly and then threw my phone at him with all my strength

I suddenly laughed. Laughed at how naive I had been in my youth, believing in things like promises.“So? You want me to just let it go?”“Sera, enough already. It’s just a bracelet. Do you really have to make things difficult for Angela? She’s just a college student.”While we were at a stalemate, Angela suddenly stepped forward with tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault. Sera, don’t be mad at Mark! I’ll pay you back for the bracelet. I’ll work part-time to earn the money…”Mark cut her off. “Angela, you don’t need to pay her! It’s just a bracelet. What’s the big deal?” He then turned to Angela with concern. “Angela, she pushed you so hard just now. Let’s go to the hospital and have you checked out.”As he left, Mark shot me a glare sharp as a knife.Watching them leave, my tears began to fall uncontrollably. I wasn’t crying over Mark’s change of heart but over my mother’s death. Now, even the sole thing she had left me was gone. The broken bracelet on the ground cou

Under the guise of holding a fake wedding with Angela, Mark grew increasingly close to her.I was considerate enough not to disturb their happiness.Years ago, I gave up an opportunity to transfer for work to another province because of Mark. At the time, my boss had promoted me with a raise and wanted me to manage a branch office, but I turned it down because of something Mark said.“A woman should focus on taking care of the family. Don’t let the internet brainwash you into thinking you need a career. What could you even achieve?”I thought it was because he couldn’t bear to be far from me. It wasn’t until later that I realized he just wanted someone to prepare his three meals a day. Back then, I genuinely wanted to be a good wife.Now, I saw how foolish I was. My boss readily approved my request to transfer to the branch office this time.Meanwhile, Mark really went through with the wedding with Angela.Angela posted online as if she couldn’t wait. “Finally got to wear the we

Sera’s P.O.VI divorced Mark.The moment I received the divorce certificate, I let out a long sigh of relief.Mark looked a little dazed as if he wanted to say something to me, but I ignored him and brushed past without a word.At that moment, I was free. Free from following his orders. Free from rushing home every evening to prepare his favorite dinner.I once pretended to live a happy life, but maintaining that happiness was solely my effort—an effort he took for granted. He never learned to cherish it.After hearing about Mark’s divorce, Angela couldn’t wait to post on social media. “You’re finally mine!”Once, words like that would have stung and made me jealous and sad, not because of Angela, but because Mark’s heart had changed. Nevertheless, now that I no longer loved him, her words only seemed ridiculous.My life no longer revolved around Mark. My new job kept me fulfilled and busy.Angela even sent me a message, “Sera, thank you for giving him back to me.”She contin