Love, No More

It took them exactly 20 minutes from start to finish. They must have practiced extensively to achieve such precise timing.As Regina got dressed, Jared reached out and pulled her into his arms.Flirtatiously, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Miss me already, Mr. Hampton?"Unfazed, he picked up a lacy piece of underwear and tossed it at her face. "Stop leaving things around. You're taking too long—Vanessa will be back soon."Regina's smile froze. She harrumphed. "Yeah, yeah. How could I possibly compare to Ms. Geis, hmm?"Isn't it sad? How my unborn child will always be someone lesser…"Jared smiled at the mention of her child. "You're pregnant?!"He kissed her cheek, lifted her into the air, and twirled her in delight.Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he cautiously set her down on a chair and caressed her stomach.Regina smiled and leaned into the nervous man. "It's been two years. Don't you think something would've taken by now?"'Two years, huh…'Two years ago

The last time Jared looked this nervous was during their wedding, back when his love was passionate, and his vows were thundering.He had stayed loyally by her side, even after her accident and the loss of her eyesight.She once thought their love would last forever, but dreams were never permanent.After a while and some hesitation, Jared said, “Vanessa, we should have a big celebration for our anniversary this year.”I agreed. This celebration would mark the end of our marriage.Jared gave me a genuine smile.Over the next few days, a sense of normalcy returned. Jared was seldom home, busy with preparations for the celebration.Not only had he booked the rooftop banquet hall, but he even arranged for the ingredients for the banquet to be transported from abroad on the day of the event.It was a day of happiness for some, and frustration for others. Regina hadn’t smiled once since Jared began preparing for the celebration.Soon, the day arrived.The majority of River City’s

The line fell silent. After a minute, he chuckled dryly.“That’s not funny, Vanessa.”“I’m not joking.” The determination in my voice made Jared anxious.“Vanessa!”Despite his fury, he kept his tone low.“What can a blind woman like you do without me?“Who would take pity on you and take care of you, huh?! Not even your family would do the things I’ve done for you!“Apologize to me and say you’re sorry now! Or I’ll never forgive you, and you’ll just be an orphan that nobody wants!”He had said the same things before, and back then, I believed them. I felt like the biggest burden.That was why I agreed and chose not to follow my brother to Murica.This method worked every single time in the past—I always ended up bending to his will.But this time, I hummed noncommittally. “Sure, whatever.”Jared was stunned. “You’re… crazy…”“Jared, I was blind, not stupid. And I’ve already recovered anyway.”He laughed dryly. “R-really? That’s great! Once you come back, we can—”I scof

I knew his voice anywhere.I looked at him warily. “What are you doing here?”Jared’s stubble was showing, his hair was a mess, and his wrinkled clothes left no doubt that he had rushed over.In my memories, he had always been calm and collected. This was the first time I had ever seen him so ruffled.His eyes were red and teary. “Please, Vanessa. I don’t want to get a divorce.“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. Please, forgive me.”He stepped forward to grab my hand, but I turned to evade him.I scoffed at the pitiful look on his face. “Aren’t you tired of all this acting, Jared?”“Van…” He opened his mouth to explain himself, but I didn’t want to hear it.“Then we’ll go to court. My lawyer will contact you.” With that, I turned to leave.Suddenly, I felt something tighten over my wrist.Eyes red, he grabbed my hand and shouted, “How can you be so ungrateful? All I did was make a small mistake! Why do you have to ruin me like this?“I was there for you when you were blind! I to

I feared they would reappear, so I moved out of my brother’s house.Normalcy returned, and I even signed up for several hobby courses.They were fun and fulfilling.Just as I was preparing to start anew, I received a parcel containing a child’s toy drenched in fake blood.Inside was also a picture of me, my face sliced with a dagger, alongside the words scrawled in red ink: “Go to Hell!”Terrified, I quickly contacted building management, only to learn that the surveillance cameras had been destroyed three days earlier.I was sure this was a targeted attack.Before I could take action, I received a new project from my company—my hundredth new couple.If this project worked out, I would finally achieve my dream and earn a promotion.Excitedly, I walked into the conference room, only to be met with the face I detested most.“Vanessa, this is Mr. Hampton. You will be in charge of his wedding planning.”Jared extended his hand, his eyes filled with adoration.“Long time no see, Vanessa.”I