All Chapters of After the Third Time: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

As I signed the divorce papers for the third time, I moved through the familiar steps with practiced ease. I could have done it in my sleep, having been through the drill three times already.Henry Johnson clutched the divorce certificate, his eyes darting to his watch, his brow creased with impatience."Go on ahead, I'll catch a cab back," I offered before he could say a word.A flicker of surprise crossed Henry's face, but it was quickly replaced by a look of regret as he spoke, "Sorry, Melanie just landed, I...""No worries, I've got things to handle too. I'll grab a taxi in a bit."I cut him off and flagged down a cab.Henry wrapped me in a hug that was meant to be touching, "Selena, you're always so understanding. Once I get Melanie settled, I promise to make it up to you!"I accepted his hug, but inside, I was as still as a pond on a windless day.I watched his car fade into the distance and then murmured to the cab driver."To the immigration office, please."I had my

When my eyes opened again, they met Wren's tear-swollen gaze."Selena, thank God your baby's okay. I couldn't bear it if something happened," she sobbed, clutching me like I was a precious gem she had thought lost forever.I caressed my belly, a gentle look in my eyes. My heart, once suspended in fear, was settled with relief.That was my first child, and despite everything, my anticipation for its arrival had not waned.Even if leaving Henry was in my future, I would not abandon our child.Flipping through my phone, Henry's empty chat history left me unfazed. However, Melanie's silence was broken by a flurry of photos and messages.In each picture, a sweet baby nestled in Henry's arms, cradled with such care, his eyes brimming with love.Melanie, looking worn but joyful, watched them from her hospital bed.Their little family, wrapped in warmth, would make anyone's heart swell with happiness.Beneath the photos, Melanie had left a note.[Henry once promised he would be the b

Liam let out a soft laugh and playfully tousled my hair. "Selena, it's been ten years. You've grown distant from me!"I pretended to be annoyed and pushed his hand away. "Ugh, you've ruined my hair again!"It was as if we had been transported back to the days when the three of us were thick as thieves.Once my fever recovered, Liam stuck by my side, helping me pick up all the essentials I needed to get by.At one point, he mentioned offhandedly, "While you were asleep, some guy named Henry called for you... He sounded kind of ticked off. Do you need to call him back?"I paused, a bit taken aback, but quickly offered Liam a reassuring smile. "He's nobody important. Let's just forget about him."There was a time when I would not dream of missing a call from him, but then, it seemed like none of that mattered anymore.As time went on, Liam and I rekindled our old closeness, reminiscent of the bond we shared a decade ago.He was even there for me at my prenatal appointments.When

Henry, in a state of panic, waved his hands desperately."Selena, calm down. It's not good for the baby. If you don't want to see me, I'll get out of your way. I promise I won't show up again! Please don't be mad!"He scurried behind a tree, but not before adding, "Check out the cafeteria's private room later. I left your favorite cheese pasta there. Make sure you go!"My heart was pounding, and I could not rein in my emotions.What was he thinking? Was he not supposed to marry Melanie? Why abandon her and come all the way to United Germland to find me?At the cafeteria, I dodged the private room and picked a random spot in the main area.Staring at the food behind the glass, my stomach turned. I could not eat.However, Henry's words about the cheese pasta haunted me. Real Itanian dishes were a rarity there.It had been ages since I had had pasta.With a sigh, I grabbed a piece of steak and headed back to my table.To my surprise, there was a box of hot pasta waiting for me a

I could not bring myself to believe Melanie's accusations. Ever since Henry and I patched things up, he had been by my side every single day, never once straying.We were in the honeymoon phase of our renewed love, and I refused to condemn him based on Melanie's biased account.I needed to hear the truth about him and Melanie straight from his lips.However, as I waited for the man who promised a quick return, he was nowhere to be found.The only thing that came was his text.[I'm sorry, Selena. I got tied up with something. Just hang tight at home for me.]Meanwhile, Melanie sent a photo from an unknown number.It was a snapshot of Henry's back, and her message was a punch to the gut.[Selena, looks like I've beaten you again. Remember what you promised, and give my husband back!]Tears spilled down my cheeks once more.Was it all a sham? Were his efforts to win me back nothing but a charade?I would not let him off the hook!However, as I wiped away my tears and started t