I Found a One-Way Ticket to Freedom

The airport was freezing cold at night, and it was pouring heavily outside. Jessica's post on social media ruffled my feathers to no end. I gripped my phone tightly, resisting the urge to throw it.This was the 99th time Derrick had stood me up.An uncontrollable tremble ran through me. The last trace of hope in my heart had utterly vanished.Just a week ago, Derrick had publicly abandoned me at a banquet, exposing me to ridicule and scorn, all because Jessica had been locked out of her house.As the banquet had been held in a remote place, a close friend of mine had to come a long way to pick me up and send me home after it was over. I had been angry at Derrick for a long time because of that. That was, until I saw two tickets to Frantines in his office.When I discovered them, he said coldly, "I was planning to surprise you for our anniversary. Since you've already seen them, we'll just meet at the airport."I knew he was just trying to placate me. Every time he broke a pro

Everyone knew that back in college, I had pursued Derrick relentlessly for three years, and in the end, he had no choice but to marry me, only because we had slept together.I had a rare talent for design and had even had the opportunity to further my studies in Crestver. But I gave it up without a second thought to marry Derrick, choosing instead to become a full-time housewife. I even picked up skills I never bothered with at home, like cooking and giving massages, for him. I ignored my teachers' and parents' stern warnings, and even my best friend's frustration at my stubbornness. None of them mattered. All I cared about was staying by Derrick's side.I shook my head, pushing those memories away, and smiled at Crystal."I called you here today because I need your help to draft a divorce agreement."Shocked by my words, Crystal immediately pulled me into her car.I listened as she rambled on, saying she would help me fight for more rights and free myself from that jerk as soon

Derrick froze for a moment, staring down at the divorce papers without speaking for a long time. The corner of the papers was already creased in his grip."Very well-prepared with your props, aren't you?"He flung the divorce papers hard against my face."You think I'd believe you? You threaten me with divorce every time. Do you really think I won't go through with it? You didn't come home last night, ignored my messages, and refused to answer my calls. I haven't even settled that score with you yet. There's a limit to how much you can act out!"I caught the falling papers and couldn't even be bothered to argue. "I mean it this time."I stubbornly handed the divorce papers back to Derrick and repeated myself. "I really want a divorce. Since you like Jessica so much, I might as well step aside and let you two be together."Derrick instantly flew into a rage and tore the papers to shreds right in front of me."Jessie and I are innocent! There's nothing going on between us! You'r

I saw Derrick again.Maryanne immediately recognized him as the man who had bought the house next door. Worried that something might happen to me, she stubbornly refused to leave. So the three of us sat facing one another in my living room.In just a month, Derrick had grown noticeably thinner, with heavy dark circles under his eyes.It was fall now, yet he wore only a thin long-sleeved shirt. However, the commanding presence he had built over many years in the business world was hard to ignore.He motioned for Maryanne to leave, but I held her hand and shook my head."If there's anything you have to say, say it."His gaze was dark, calm, and fixed right on me. "I finally meet you again, Claire."Claire. It had been so long since I'd last heard that nickname. Derrick only ever called me by my name. The only exception was when we were in bed. He would call me Claire over and over again in the heat of passion, turning it into a word heavy with seduction. Hearing it now, ther

Derrick's strength was overwhelming, and his movements were hasty and reckless. He completely disregarded my consent.But I had practiced martial arts for years before I met Derrick and had only put up a front of being weak. Having had enough, I kicked him. He only rolled to the side from the impact, but it seemed to have knocked some sense into him."I just… I just can't accept it! Do I not compare to any of those men outside?"I spoke calmly, catching my breath."Was one miscarriage not enough? Do you want me to go through another one?"His hand froze midair. Both of us were thinking about my first miscarriage. Derrick was fast to respond. He was almost obsessive, even. "Don't worry. It won't happen again this time."The very next second, Crystal kicked the door open. "Fear not, Clarisse! I'm here to save you!"As she helped me up, she instructed the others behind her, "Do you see that man? Beat him up!"None of them held back. In the end, Derrick landed in the hosp