Chapter 2: Because of her…

Taking a deep breath, Karimba Cellon softly responds to Brenda Mclean:

"Don't overthink it. Just come back safely. You're flying down to City K tomorrow, right? I'll arrange for someone to pick you up."

Karimba Cellon doesn't want to continue this headache-inducing conversation. He gently hints at wanting to pick up Brenda Mclean himself. Brenda Mclean actually wants Karimba Cellon to personally pick her up, but being someone who knows when to advance and when to retreat, she replies in a soft voice:

"I can manage to go home on my own. But... if you're so kind-hearted, I'll accept your offer!"

Accompanying her sweet words is a tinkling laughter. Karimba Cellon also chuckles, asking a few more questions before hanging up the phone.

Outside Karimba Cellon's room, Alley Houston sits crouched on the floor, tears flowing before they have a chance to dry. She had just brought that divorce document into the room to meet him, but before she could even cling onto him, he was already engaged in an intimate conversation with another girl.

If Alley Houston isn't mistaken, that girl must be Brenda Mclean. With this realization, Alley Houston's smile turns bitter.

The next morning, Alley Houston, with panda eyes, walks down to the ground floor. The housekeeper tells her that Karimba Cellon left early, saying he was going to pick up a friend. Remembering Karimba Cellon's words to Brenda Mclean last night, Alley Houston quickly throws on a coat, grabs a pair of sandals, and rushes outside.

Alley Houston drives like a maniac to the airport. She knows she's gone mad! Whatever the reason, she must hold on to Karimba Cellon, hold on to this marriage, even if her happiness for the past three years has been a facade. She can't turn back now!

Arriving at the airport, Alley Houston frantically looks around to find Karimba Cellon. She runs along the crowded corridor, finally hearing a familiar voice.

"Don't worry, we're getting a divorce soon," Karimba Cellon gently smiles, wrapping his arm around the girl beside him, making a confident announcement. The girl next to him is none other than Brenda Mclean. Brenda Mclean is taken aback. She had heard about Karimba Cellon's dissatisfaction with his marriage to Alley Houston, but she didn't expect things to escalate so quickly. She pretends to ask again:

"Divorce?"

With a soft and tender voice concealing her delighted smile, Brenda Mclean continues:

"She is a good wife. Why would you... Oh, Karimba, don't ruin your happy marriage because of what she did to me."

Karimba Cellon sighs and shakes his head in response:

"What kind of happiness? I've been living in hell for the past three years. I can't bear her anymore! Moreover, it's not just towards me, but towards my family and even herself, she behaves outrageously! I'm suffocating!"

Karimba Cellon's words bring joy and hopeful anticipation to Brenda Mclean, while they pierce Alley Houston's heart like a knife. She has loved and cared for him so devotedly, without ever forcing him into anything. Why would he...

Unable to think further, Alley Houston runs in front of Karimba Cellon and Brenda Mclean. Her presence startles the two of them, and they look at each other like guilty thieves.

"Ms. Alley, don't misunderstand. Between me and Karimba..." Brenda Mclean tries to explain.

Slap!

Brenda Mclean pretends to be shocked, clutching Alley Houston's hand and quickly justifying herself, fueling the anger in Alley Houston's heart, igniting a fire that consumes her reason. The result is a resounding slap on the left cheek.

"Alley Houston, you're insane!"

Karimba Cellon, infuriated, tightens his grip on Alley Houston's wrist. Even the slightest touch from him fills Alley Houston with disgust.

"You find me disgusting, don't you?"

Alley Houston sneers with bitter laughter, tears streaming down her face, her beautiful face unable to hide the pain.

"If you dare touch Brenda Mclean again, I won't respect our three-year relationship anymore!" Karimba Cellon doesn't respond to Alley Houston but growls, warning her, holding her wrist tightly.

"We're not divorced yet!" Alley Houston shouts, pushing Karimba Cellon's hand away. "We're still husband and wife, and you shamelessly cavort with her, defending her in front of me. After all, what have you seen me as for the past three years?"

"Our affair is in the past, so please don't bring it up to torment me anymore, okay?" Karimba Cellon responds to Alley Houston, gritting his teeth tightly, as if trying to suppress the rising anger. He detests her crazy and reckless behavior more than ever. He detests seeing her desperately cling to him, just like his stepmother does whenever his father gets angry.

Pathetic, despicable.

Alley Houston cannot face the cruel reality unfolding before her. She bursts into uncontrollable tears, her initially sorrowful and pained eyes suddenly filled with hatred. She opens her fiery red eyes wide and stares at Karimba Cellon, pointing a finger at Brenda Mclean and shouting at her:

"All this time, she has always stood between you and me. Please answer me, Karimba, is it because of her that you've been cold and distant towards me for the past three years? And now, is it because of her that you want to divorce me? I can not accept it!"

Karimba Cellon sighs heavily. Here we go again! The chaotic scene caused by Alley Houston draws countless people's attention at the airport, sparking discussions and pointing fingers. He wearily closes his eyes, suppressing his anger, and then calmly speaks with all the composure he can muster:

"Listen carefully, Alley Houston, this is your last chance. Firstly, you must not touch Brenda. Secondly, if you refuse to sign the divorce papers, I will unilaterally submit them to the Court."

Alley Houston smirks. The bitterness, resentment, endurance, and tolerance she quietly accumulated over the past three years now amount to nothing more than a cold divorce document and the callousness of the man she devoted her youth to loving. How could Alley Houston accept this?

"Answer my question, or else..."