6

Just as my husband and I were in the middle of a tense moment, a knock sounded from outside the room.

“Leonard, are you in there? Come on, hurry up for dinner. We have plans later!”

Serra called out. I immediately sneered.

“There, your lover is calling. Let me go now!” I said pointedly.

“Are you jealous?” Leonard teased, gazing deeply into my eyes.

“I might have been once, but not anymore. I just want you to divorce me soon. After that, I’ll pray for your happiness with Serra!” I replied, pushing him out of the bathroom.

“Don’t even think about a divorce until you’ve paid off your father’s debt!” Leonard snapped, his voice laced with anger.

“Fine. I’ll pay it!” I retorted earnestly.

Knock... knock... knock...

Serra knocked even harder.

“Leonard, why is it taking so long?”

“I’m just taking a quick shower!” Leonard called back.

I scoffed. Serra always acted as if she were the daughter-in-law of the house. And what was most infuriating was that Leonard always indulbathroom

Suddenly, Leonard stepped back into the bathroom.

“What do you want?” I snapped, my irritation growing.

“I’m in a rush. I’m going to shower first,” Leonard interjected.

“I’m going in first. If you can’t wait, shower in the living room!” I refused, unwilling to back down again.

Leonard glared at me. Without another word, he began stripping off his clothes, piece by piece.

“In that case, we’ll shower together!” Leonard stood naked before me, unabashed.

I instinctively stepped out of the bathroom. It seemed that for Serra’s sake, he was willing to cast aside the pride that usually towered so high.Once he finished showering, Leonard stepped out and looked at me.

“Get me some clothes!”

“Get them yourself. I’m in a rush to shower, too!” I retorted, mimicking his cold tone.

“Why are you starting to defy me?” Leonard snapped impatiently.

I couldn't be bothered to answer. I hurried into the bathroom and locked the door behind me.

Tonight, I wanted a warm soak to relieve my stress. I had no intention of sitting at the same table if Serra was there.

I was doing all this to protect myself, if I joined them for a meal, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law would only start comparing us again.

But the consequence was that, by midnight, I was starving. It was already twelve o'clock, yet my husband still hadn't returned.

According to the gossip circulating, Leonard and Serra were attending an event together. Their closeness was now even being viewed as that of an official future husband and wife.

Even though I had resolved to forget Leonard, the truth was that my heart still ached.

If I had known that unrequited love would be this painful, I never would have agreed to marry Leonard. I should have just run away from home.

I still need time to climb out of this dark abyss. For now, I can only be patient while learning to make peace with my wounds.

Unable to bear the hunger any longer, I ventured out of my room toward the kitchen. But there was no food left. I opened the refrigerator. At least there was still some fruit. I grabbed an apple and a few bananas.

As I was climbing the stairs, I happened to run into Leonard, who had just returned home. A strong smell of alcohol clung to him.

“You aren't asleep yet?” Leonard asked.

I simply nodded.

“Are you hungry?” he asked again.

I chose not to respond. Then, Leonard gave a faint smile. I found myself wondering, why has Leonard been talking so much lately?

Usually, whenever we crossed paths, he would merely glance at me before returning to his indifferent demeanor.

“If you’re hungry, just say so. I’ll cook for you,” Leonard said.

“Are you drunk? Take a good look at who you’re talking to!” I retorted.

I was certain Leonard didn’t even realize he was speaking to me right then. He probably thought I was his ex-girlfriend, or even Serra.

After all, there was no way Leonard would be kind enough to cook a meal for me.

I walked away, leaving him behind. I chose to eat some fruit on the balcony, enjoying the night air to cool my heated head.

But suddenly, Leonard followed me, his steps slightly unsteady.

“It’s cold out here, why are you here?” he asked.

Leonard’s gentle voice momentarily lulled me, especially as his handsome face drew closer. There was no denying it, Leonard was truly captivating. A man who possessed not only a handsome face but also a perfect physique.

However, that tender atmosphere vanished the instant my eyes caught sight of lipstick marks on my husband’s neck.

“Go take a shower. You stink! And your neck is covered in lipstick marks!” I snapped.

“What’s with that look? Are you jealous?” Leonard shot back.

“No. But you disgust me,” I replied, then headed into the bedroom.

I hurriedly lay down on the bed. Beneath the warmth of the blanket, tears began to well up in my eyes. I was so exhausted from being a wife who was never appreciated.

Meanwhile, Leonard showered and then lay down beside me. He wrapped his arms around me. I tried to push him away, but his embrace only tightened.

“Leonard, let go. I feel hot and sticky when you cling to me like that!”

I protested, shifting my body toward the edge of the bed.

“How could you be hot? The AC is already on,” Leonard interjected, sounding unconvinced.

I got up and decided to sleep on the sofa instead.

“What is your problem?” he asked coldly.

"Nothing. I’m just tired and want to go to sleep. You’re being a nuisance," I retorted.

"What’s gotten into you? Why have you become so short-tempered?" Leonard asked, looking bewildered.

“Because I’m fed up,” I answered bluntly.

“Fed up with what?” he asked, confused.

"The bottom line is, I’m tired of being played by you. Once I’ve managed to save up nine billion, we’re getting a divorce!"

Leonard’s anger flared. He stepped toward me. His eyes turned sharp, and he even grabbed my head, pulling it close until our faces were inches apart.

“Why do you keep talking about divorce, Isla Grace? You’ve got it good being my wife—enjoying the luxury of this house and serving me just like always. What exactly is missing, huh?” he snapped. “Not just any woman can easily become my wife!”

I shot back at my husband, then shoved him away.

"Which status? The whole world thinks you’re Serra’s future husband. I used to let you touch me because I thought you were a man who knew how to conduct himself. But earlier, after seeing all those lipstick marks on your neck, I realized you’re just a cheap man. So from now on, don’t touch me. I don’t want to catch an STD!" I screamed, unable to hold back my emotions any longer.

Leonard, still half-drunk, just stood there. I ignored him, then lay back down and pulled the blanket over my entire body.

The next day, I woke up early. Skipping breakfast with the family, I left the house before anyone else. I walked out of the house that had felt like a prison for my body and soul all this time.

But as I reached the gate, I saw Serra’s car pulling in.

“Is Leonard up yet?” Serra asked from behind the wheel.

“Not yet. Go wake him up yourself!” I replied.

"Huh? You’re letting me go into your bedroom?" Serra interjected.

“Yeah, just come on in,” I replied casually.

I’ll pave the way for you two as wide as possible. So that Leonard and I can get a divorce as soon as possible.