Semua Bab She Wouldn't Do "It": Bab 1 - Bab 10

"I have a fear of physical intimacy. Don't force me."Lindsey Kelsey pushed away the hand I had reached out to hold, then turned her back on me without another word.Yes, we've been married for ten years—yet not once have we shared a night as husband and wife.I've always loved children. Both of our families have urged us time and again to start one. But whenever I tried to get closer, Lindsey would panic and stop me, claiming her phobia of intimacy. Helpless, I shielded her by telling relatives that my work at the hospital left me too exhausted.I loved Lindsey. I thought she must have her own secret pain, so I never forced her. Instead, I retreated to the bathroom to deal with my needs in silence.Perhaps she sensed how much her rejection hurt me. That night, when I returned, she wrapped her arms around my waist and nuzzled against me."Darling, let's just sleep." Her soft breath brushed my chest, yet a wave of unease stirred deep inside me.The next day, determined to chase

The moment she finished reading the messages, Lindsey rose from bed and slipped on her clothes."Honey, there's a sudden issue with the project. I need to see to it."For ten years, she had often used this excuse to leave home in the middle of the night. Because I loved her, I never questioned it, never tried to stop her.Now, looking back, I realized—those nights must have been for Ian."I'll go with you," I said.She froze, almost imperceptibly, then gently brushed her fingers across my cheek, smiling softly. "It's so late. Don't wear yourself out. I'd feel terrible if you fell sick. Don't worry, I'll be back soon."Without a shred of hesitation, she slammed the door behind her.I hailed a cab and followed.Lindsey drove recklessly, and several times, the driver nearly lost sight of her car. Outside, rain poured in torrents, and through the sheets of water I saw Ian waiting.The instant they met, they clung to each other like lovers long separated, unable to resist the pull.

The follow-up patient turned out to be Ian's mother.Her complexion was pale, and Ian wept helplessly at her bedside. Lindsey, ever gentle, held him close and soothed him in a soft voice.Ian's mother sighed that her time was nearly up. She said she had no lingering attachments, only the regret of never seeing her son marry, of leaving him without someone to care for him when she was gone.I almost laughed under my breath. Her condition wasn't nearly as grave as she made it sound.At her words, Ian immediately clutched her hand, assuring her she need not worry—he already had a girlfriend.Excitement lit up the frail woman's eyes. She pushed herself up in bed and pressed to know who it was. Ian turned, blinking innocently, and cast Lindsey a pleading look.Lindsey hesitated only a moment before slipping her arm through his and offering a sweet smile."Mrs. Dempsey, I'm Ian's girlfriend. Please focus on your treatment. I'll take good care of him."A shrewd glint flickered briefly

The moment Lindsey saw me, her expression shifted. Her brows relaxed, and for a fleeting second, a glimmer of triumph crossed her face. Yet she kept her features composed, refusing to meet my eyes.Only then did I notice the empty table.Richard quickly jumped in. "George, Lindsey's been waiting for you this whole time. She wouldn't even order the food without you here."I suddenly remembered a message Lindsey had sent before I left work. I hadn't opened it in my rush to leave."Come, sit down, George. I'll have the waiter bring the food right away."At some point, Lindsey had moved her handbag, leaving the seat beside her empty—clearly waiting for me.Richard was about to fetch the waiter when I stopped him. "No need. I came with colleagues, and I'm heading back. Besides…" I glanced at Lindsey, my tone even, "…Lindsey and I will soon be divorced. I won't be your brother-in-law soon."I hadn't even finished before Lindsey snapped, her voice sharp and cutting, as if the very word

"Why shouldn't I sell it? What's the point of keeping it? It's an eyesore," I said flatly. "In a couple of days, the agent will bring buyers to view the place. If you still have anything left inside, you can collect it then."Lindsey's eyes reddened instantly, a flicker of sorrow glinting in their depths.In the past, whenever we argued, that look alone would melt my resolve, even when I wasn't at fault.But I had come to realize that the tears she shed for me could just as easily be shed for another man.I turned to leave.Yet she couldn't let me walk away so easily. She stepped forward, hurriedly blurting, "We'll have to change the date for picking up the divorce certificate. Something urgent has come up. I don't have time to go in person."She studied the flicker of unease on my face and smiled with satisfaction."Lindsey, do you find this kind of joke amusing? No matter how busy you are, you'll be at the courthouse on time. I don't have the patience or energy to keep draggin