Chapter 03

At thirty-five, Robert still acted like a rebellious teenager going through puberty.

I forbade him from being with Deirdre, yet that only seemed to spur him on.

He even started posting ambiguous messages on his social media account daily, just to provoke me.

When I saw his latest post, I was on my way to the hospital for a check-up.

“Love is only for the worthy.”

In the photo, he held a girl in his arms, both dressed in thick skiing gear.

The girl's smile was sweet and joyful as she posed for the camera, while Robert looked at her adoringly.

Seeing this picture, I couldn't control my emotions any longer. My body started trembling.

Tears fell onto my phone screen, my hands shaking so much that I dropped my test results on the floor.

Had Robert taken her skiing?

That had been our best year together.

I grew up in the south and had always longed to go skiing.

On my birthday, he took me to a ski resort, but unexpectedly, my skis broke and I was thrown out.

I thought I would at least break a bone, but Robert jumped down and cushioned my fall, knocking himself unconscious.

That incident had convinced me of his commitment.

The incident caused Robert psychological trauma, and in the ten years we were together after that, we never went to a ski resort again.

Now, he had overcome his fears for Deirdre.

A bitter suffocation tangled around my heart. Did he love Deirdre that much? Enough to disregard his own well-being, to overcome traumatic memories?

I choked up, and tears involuntarily started falling again.

My fingers gently touched the bright smile in the photo, blurred though it was by time, yet unable to obscure the vivacity of our love then.

I sent him a screenshot of his post and texted, “Why?”

I expected an explanation, but instead, a video call request popped up.

Upon answering, I was greeted by the girl's radiant smile.

“Sonia, I know about Mr. Lee's psychological issues, but he said he'd overcome them for me, so don't worry. I'll protect him. It won't be like last time.”

Robert stood behind her, looking helpless.

“Robert, I’m at the hospital.”

I spoke softly, trying to remind him of my situation.

To my dismay, he just frowned after taking the phone.

“Back at the hospital? Sonia, why are you so fragile these days, always rushing to the hospital? Why can’t you be more like Deirdre? Exercise is the key to staying healthy and vibrant. Seeing you so sickly just annoys me.”

“Make sure you don’t infect Stephanie when you get home. I’m hanging up now.”

My lips quivered, unable to utter a sound, as the final thread of my heart snapped.

Tears slid down my cheeks as I listened to the dial tone.

He truly had no idea how serious my condition was.

I squatted in the hospital corridor, my heart turning cold. I realized then that my marriage to Robert had truly reached its end.

Looking at my test results on the floor, a sense of helplessness and exhaustion overwhelmed me.

For ten years, I supported him through his business, bearing all the stress alone, never wanting to burden him.

And now, all my health and youth had bought me was a remark about being fragile?