Chapter 2

Zoe was stunned by the series of unexpected events. She sat there, frozen in place, unable to come back to her senses for a while.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and stood, pressing a hand against my stomach.

"I've said everything I came here to say. I won't bother you any longer. I've booked a room at a hotel. Sign the papers when you're ready. Let me know, and I'll come pick them up."

With that, I turned and left.

I was nearly out of the dormitory building when I heard hurried footsteps behind me.

"Jared! Jared!"

I kept walking.

Zoe rushed ahead and directly blocked my path. She grabbed my wrist, refusing to let go. Her eyes were red, and her voice trembled.

"No! We can't get divorced. Don't you love me anymore? Why does it have to come to this? And… your condition is urgent. You can't put off treatment. I'll stay with you and look after you. I'll be there for your surgery."

Looking at her, my chest tightened painfully. I sniffled.

"Then, submit your transfer request and come home right away. Zoe, you've already been absent for seven years. I can't spend the rest of my life alone in an empty house. My hospital room can't have only me in it."

Zoe fell silent.

I already knew what was on her mind. She couldn't let go of Liam and Benjamin.

I gently pried her fingers off and continued walking forward. I said, "If you can't do that, then let's get divorced."

The word "divorce" seemed to hit Zoe like a physical blow. She hurried in front of me again. This time, her voice was earnest.

"I can do it! I love you. I want our family. Come on. Let's go to HR right now. My three-year service contract has already ended. I can submit a transfer request immediately and apply to go home."

She started pulling me forward as she spoke.

Then, her phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw the words "Liam My Love" flash across it.

I didn't stop her. Years ago, I had tried. But she would just shove me aside and scold me.

"Jared, stop being so immature. This could be work-related. Can you stop being so petty?" she'd said. Then, she'd answer the call and speak to Liam in a soft, gentle tone.

So, now, I simply watched as Zoe instinctively moved to pick up the call. But after meeting my cold gaze, she laughed awkwardly and declined it. Then, she held my hand again.

"Let's go, Jared. I promise from now on, nothing matters more than us."

It had been so long since I felt the warmth of her hand. My heart couldn't help but soften. I smiled and allowed her to lead me away.

We had barely taken a few steps when the phone rang again. It was Liam again.

Zoe's expression changed. Still, she declined the call. But her pace slowed.

Then, it rang a third time. Finally, she stopped walking altogether. Turning to me, she forced a smile and said, "Liam keeps calling. It seems urgent. What if something happened? I'll just quickly answer it."

Without even waiting for my response, she pulled her hand from mine and answered the phone.

I could faintly hear the panic in Liam's voice over the phone. And in the background, there was the sound of a child crying.

"Zoe! Benny burned himself! I really don't know what to do. Please, come quickly!"

There was no explanation. There was no reassurance. I simply watched as Zoe turned and ran without even a second glance at me.

The faint smile that had appeared on my face when she held my hand remained there, frozen. Then, it slowly widened, growing bigger and bigger until it looked almost grotesque and insane.

Finally, I covered my face and began to sob uncontrollably.

Zoe Sanders, I had given our marriage one last chance. But you still chose to leave.

At that moment, whatever hope that remained inside me died completely.

I turned and continued toward the hotel.

Back in my room, I purchased a train ticket home for three days later. The moment I clicked "Confirm Purchase" and the booking confirmation appeared on the screen, a text message from Zoe popped up.

"Where are you?"