The Price of Abandonment

My stomach churned with the weight of my low spirits. I feared I might actually throw up, so I closed my eyes, hoping sleep would take over and ease the nausea.The rest, however, were bored and began playing "Song Quiz". They cranked the volume up so high that the noise made it impossible for me to sleep.I was drifting into a light sleep when Walter's shout for the answer jerked me awake again. "Mistaken Love! Mistaken Love! That's five points for me!"His laughter boomed.When he turned and saw the displeasure on my face, he stuttered, "R-Renee, do you want to join us?""Don't bother," Elias said. "She's such a buzzkill. Having her in the game would just ruin the vibe."This was the same guy who had fallen for me at first sight when we met at a college club event. I was the most energetic person there, and he told me that my cheerful personality was what drew him in.But now, he didn't think twice about making me feel small to spare his colleague's feelings."What was it abo

The smoke was rising from all around, stinging my nose with its foul odor. The tight, suffocating space made it unbearable, and I couldn't hold it in any longer. I pulled out a bag from my purse and threw up. The sound of my gagging and the stench of vomit made everyone's faces twist in horror."Ugh! Keep that away from me!" Walter shrieked."Yikes, that reeks. I'm going to hurl," Isabel groaned.Elias' voice rose in panic. "Don't even think about puking in my car, Renee!"But it was too late. Some of it splattered out of the bag despite my best efforts.The violent heaving left tears streaming down my cheeks, but strangely, I felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. I turned their stomachs and didn't have to fight the urge to throw up anymore.After vomiting, I wiped my mouth with a tissue and rasped, "I told you I get morning sickness easily. Please bear with me."Since we were on the highway, we couldn't leave the windows open for too long. The sharp, sour stench lingered in t

Elias' face drained of color, his expression wounded. "Don't say such horrible things, Renee. You'll ruin our bond as husband and wife.""Is there even anything left to ruin?" I shot back with a sneer. "Your connection with Isabel seems far stronger now, doesn't it?""You're just jealous of Isabel. She's nothing more than a colleague. There's absolutely nothing between us," Elias explained.I met his lies with silence, my scornful gaze boring into him. He had no clue that my phone held countless photos of him in bed with Isabel—pictures she had purposely sent to provoke me.It wasn't just emotional betrayal. He had crossed the line physically as well. I, Renee Gladney, would never lower myself to stay with a man as filthy as him.Since I wasn't responding, Elias continued, "Isabel said she's willing to explain everything to you in person tomorrow. Just apologize when you meet her, and we can put this whole mess behind us. You're my wife. There's no reason to make things hard for h

Elias glanced at the screen, then squeezed his eyes shut. He tightened his fists, guilt written all over his face."W-We were drunk, and it just happened. I never wanted this, Renee. I'll fix everything, I promise. Just give me another chance. I swear it'll never happen again," he said.I shook my head. "It's too late, Elias. I can't trust you anymore."He collapsed to the floor, his sobs echoing under the weight of the onlookers' stares. Dad delivered a swift kick before following me into the ward.Even then, Elias refused to let go, shouting after me, "Renee! Just give me time—I'll fix this!""Once a cheater, always a cheater," muttered a young nurse standing by my bed.I smiled and whispered back, "Exactly. A betrayer's heart is already rotten to the core."While I was in the hospital, Elias would sneak in late at night after Mom and Dad had fallen asleep. He'd quietly leave gifts on the bedside table—flowers, necklaces, expensive handbags.He hadn't given me anything in yea