All Chapters of When Love Died: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

Carolyn Hewitt's eyes widened as she stared at me in disbelief."Mark Russ, have you lost your mind? You want to divorce me over something like this?"In her mind, my feelings had always been a trivial matter.I was just about to tell her that I had never been more serious in my life.Before I could speak, my colleague, Liam Olson, stepped in, worried that I was still angry and that things might escalate."Mark, let's not argue right now. Whatever it is, you can talk it out later. We should take them back and get their statements."As he spoke, he ushered Carolyn and the still-sniffling Alex Palmer back with him.Once it was confirmed that Alex was Carolyn's 'younger brother,' a few stern words were all it took before the two of them were let go.I had planned to leave alone. However, while I was fastening my seatbelt, Carolyn suddenly shoved Alex into the passenger seat.The moment my fingers touched the car keys, an impulse surged through me: I wanted to throw both of them o

"You're a grown man and still can't take care of yourself? You stink. If you can't even wash yourself properly tonight, then go and stay in a hotel."If I had not been home… What would they have done? I did not even dare imagine it.I grabbed Carolyn as she got up to head toward the bathroom."Carolyn, have some shame. I'll help him.""Get lost! You're rough and careless. You're not fit to scrub Alex's back."With that, she shoved me aside. I was not prepared for that, so my forehead slammed against the corner of the coffee table. Blood started dripping down immediately.However, she did not even notice. She simply turned and walked into the bathroom.A long time passed before she came out again, her face flushed red."Look at you, being so petty. If Alex and I really had something going on, do you think I would've ever married you?"Looking at her like that, I found myself unable to say a single word."You're sleeping in the guest room tonight. Alex was frightened earlier, s

Early the next morning, I arrived at the entrance of the courthouse.The winter morning air was so cold that even breathing felt icy.To my surprise, Carolyn had arrived even earlier than I had. It looked like she had been waiting for a long time.The moment she saw me, she suddenly dropped to her knees."I'm sorry, Mark. I couldn't think of any other way to see you. Please don't divorce me."As she apologized, tears streamed down her face.Realizing that I had been tricked, anger instantly surged through me."Carolyn, what's the point of doing this?""I've really learned my lesson. Please forgive me just this once. Let's start over, okay?"Passersby on the street cast strange looks at me, whispering and pointing as if I were some heartless man abandoning his wife.How could they possibly know that I had poured my heart and soul into helping Carolyn and her so-called brother, spending money and effort just to make sure they lived well?Yet, what did I get in return?I was b

"Don't remember me, old friend?"Hearing that familiar voice beside my ear, it finally clicked. She was Beth Tremont, a college classmate who had spent those years with Ezra and me."Sorry, I've got to take an urgent call. It's work stuff. I need to leave."Ezra made up an excuse and hurried off.Even a child could tell that he was trying to give the two of us some space.However, the truth was, I had not quite adjusted my mindset yet. I was not ready to open a new chapter in my life.My phone screen lit up with a message from Ezra.[Bro, it's time to move on.]"Will your wife be angry if you drink with me?" Beth asked."I'm already divorced," I replied."Really? So, I have a chance again? Why don't we go watch a movie later? It'll be my treat!"Back in college, Beth had always liked me. All my friends knew it.At the time, my mind had been completely focused on my studies, and I had not interacted with her much.We chatted and laughed as we walked out of the bar, only to