He Begged Me Back After I Walked Away

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Evelyn's POV:

The phone screen suddenly lit up in the darkness, its harsh glow falling over the cold, untouched dinner on the table.

A message popped up.

Evelyn, guess who I'm with right now?

It was a message from an unfamiliar number.

I frowned.

My finger was on the delete button when another message popped up.

Take a look. See how your dear husbands emergency business trip really looks.

Attached was a long video.

The words emergency business trip" made me hesitate.

My breathing caught as I tapped to open it, my heart pounding involuntarily faster when I touched the screen.

Pressed play.

A woman's sweet moans, intertwined with a man's heavy breaths, immediately poured out. The intimate sounds rang out clearly, sending a chill straight down my spine.

Because I recognized that voice.

Perfectly.

James, that feels so good.

Faster, darling. I love you so much.

In the video, the two people were entangled in the most intimate of acts, passion unmistakable.

The woman's arms were wrapped tightly around the man's neck.

The screen trembled slightly, and I caught sight of the mans back.

Broad shoulders.

A solid, bare back.

It was my husband.

James Caldwell.

The man who had left me alone on our fifth wedding anniversary, claimed he had an urgent business trip.

The man who, just hours ago, had told me I was the one he loved most in the world.

The man who spoke softly about celebrating our tenth, our twentieth anniversaries together.

My stomach twisted with nausea. My face drained of all color as my fingers tightened around the phone.

My heart clenched in agony, so painful that I couldn't even make a sound.

And the woman in the video,

I knew her.

Lena Whitmore, James's ex-girlfriend.

The woman who had abandoned James six years ago to pursue her career as an artist in Australia.

The woman who had once boldly declared that she no longer needed James's love and had discarded him like trash.

In the end, the one who was left behind and the one who abandoned him reunited, tangled in bed as if nothing had ever happened.

And the wife who had stayed by James's side through his darkest years, the woman who had shared his bed for five years, was nothing.

The video kept playing.

Amid the moans, Lena's voice is a bit lazy.

Oh, darling, aren't you afraid your wife will be sad if you keep doing this with me?

I remember today is your wedding anniversary, isn't it?

Lenas hand intimately tracing the muscles on Jamess chest.

My hand clenched unconsciously until my knuckles turned white. Deep down, there was still a trace of hope.

As long as James hesitated.

As long as James still thinks of me, even a little, perhaps I could still give him another chance.

I could treat it as him having momentarily lost his way.

But James's next action,

turned that fleeting thought into a cruel joke.

Dont mention that boring woman right now, James lowered his head to kiss Lena before replying impatiently, irritation clearly in his tone.

Ever since she got pregnant, shes been like a block of wood.

We haven't touched each other in ages.

My heart seemed to stop beating, because that last shred of hope had been extinguished.

Completely.

I already told her I had a business trip, James continued casually.

His hand gently strokes along Lena's collarbone.

She wont ask too many questions.

Ill just buy her some random gift when I get back

James said this as he lowered his head and kissed Lena intimately.

The sound of their kiss echoed clearly through the space.

The video stopped.

The phone nearly slipped from my hand.

Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably, blurring my vision. My mind went blank, my whole body overwhelmed by exhaustion.

So it turned out that the husband who always claimed to be busy, who had even kissed me apologetically just a few hours ago for missing our anniversary, was busy sleeping with his ex-girlfriend instead.

The man who had once vowed lifelong fidelity, who promised to love only me, had still ended up cheating.

How ridiculous.

A new message from Lena appeared almost immediately.

So, how is it, you bitch? If you know whats good for you, divorce James.

At least you can keep the last shred of your dignity.

The one who isnt loved is the real third wheel. Make room for me to be by his side.

The blatant provocation pierced me like a knife.

Yet I stubbornly wiped away my tears and, with trembling fingers, typed a reply.

My mind felt strangely clear.

Dont even think about it. As long as Im still Jamess wife, youll forever be nothing more than a mistress.

A filthy woman stealing someone elses happiness.

He doesnt even dare to introduce you to anyone.

Perhaps my message enraged Lena, because more messages flooded in.

You bitch. Fine. Then dont blame me for being ruthless.

Do you want to see the gift he gave me today?

Before I could even react, Lena sent a photo.

It was a picture of her wrist, adorned with a jade bracelet that gleamed brilliantly under the light.

The carved lotus pattern stood out with striking clarity.

My breath caught in my throat. My eyes widened in disbelief.

That bracelet was the keepsake my late grandmother had given me.

The object I cherished the most.

How could Lena have it?

Urgent and furious, I typed back.

How did you get that?

That belongs to me. Give it back to me immediately!

Lenas reply came cold and indifferent.

So what?

James gave it to me. That means its mine.

Everything you have, Ill take it from you one by one.

Good night, loser.

With that final taunt, Lena disappeared.

No matter how many messages I sent afterward, there was no reply.

I stared at the darkened screen, then at the pitch-black emptiness before me, the untouched dinner on the table, the cake with melted cream, the silent house.

Five years of marriage, reduced to a cruel joke.

The man I once believed would never abandon me, the man I thought would never leave me alone to be with another woman.

Perhaps everything had changed since that kidnapping incident back then.

Or rather, since Lena returned.

If everything had gone off course, I still had a way to force it back onto the right path.

To end this marriage.

To put an end to the days of enduring betrayal.

I let out a quiet sigh, wiped my tears dry, then gently rubbed my abdomen.

Dont worry, my love.

I whispered.

I wont let you grow up in this rotten marriage.

After that, I slowly unlocked my phone and called my personal lawyer, Charlie.

Charlie, help me draft a divorce agreement.

I said calmly.

I can leave with nothing, as long as after the baby is born, the custody belongs to me.

The faint glow of the phone illuminated my face, still streaked with tears.

This marriage

should have ended long ago.

Evelyn's POV:

James didnt come home that entire night.

I didnt text.

Didn't call as well.

I heard enough lies for a lifetime.

Silently, I dumped all the food into the trash.

Anything is no longer whole.

Anything spoiled.

Anything reeked.

I no longer needed.

Including James, and his love.

In truth, our marriage hadnt always been this distant.

We had once shared genuinely happy times.

After Lena left, James pursued me obsessively. He kept saying I was the destiny of his life, and the one he loved the most.

Late at night, just because I casually mentioned wanting milk tea from a popular brand, he spent two full hours lining up, just to bring it to my door.

Under the scorching sun, I joked that I wanted to go to Iceland, and he dropped all his work and took me there, to see white snow and the aurora.

The love I had once drowned myself in, now dragged me down into the depths of the sea.

And the one who did this to me, was the very person I loved the most.

My tears had long since dried up. All I felt was an overwhelming exhaustion.

And, anger.

James knew how much my late grandmother meant to me, as well as how much I cherished that bracelet.

And yet, he gave it to Lena.

But no matter what, I would take it back.

Anything that belonged to me, as long as I did not let go, Lena would never be able to have.

...

I barely slept at night.

The next morning, dark circles were clearly visible.

Just as expected.

Wearily, I requested a day off work.

"James didnt come to the company today either.

You sweet couple, where did the two of you go on a date this time?, the head of human resources joked.

No, I just have some personal matters to deal with, I replied coldly.

After a passionate night with Lena, the two of them were probably still wrapped up in each other.

By evening, a friend told me that Lena would attend a dinner party with James.

I decided to go immediately.

Put on a white evening gown, I applied heavier makeup to conceal the pallor on my face.

I drove to the luxury hotel where the dinner party was held.

It wasnt hard to find Lena.

She was sitting with a group of other women, chatting cheerfully, blending in perfectly.

My gaze fell on the bracelet on her wrist. A sense of disgust flicked.

Give the bracelet back.

Those were the first words I spoke upon arriving.

Everyone instantly fell silent, and all eyes turned toward me.

Perhaps my words caught Lena off guard. She looked up at me, and when she recognized who I was, the surprise in her eyes shifted into mockery.

Which bracelet?, she asked deliberately, the corner of her lips curling into a provocative smile.

I had no intention of arguing or playing along, just replied flatly.

The jade bracelet on your wrist.

Its a keepsake my grandmother left to me.

You have no right to wear it.

My hands clenched tightly as I struggled to stay calm. Otherwise, I feared I might snatch it away on the spot.

It was unbearable.

Just the thought of my grandmothers keepsake being worn on Lenas wrist made me feel sick.

Lena let out a cold laugh and deliberately raised her wrist.

This one?

Are you illiterate? I texted you yesterday that James gave this to me."

"So, that means it's mine. Isnt that right, everyone?

Lena deliberately glanced around.

Mocking laughter immediately erupted.

If James gave it to Lena, then its hers. What right do you have to come here and say it to her?

"It's just a worn-out bracelet. Why so serious?"

Dont tell me youre just jealous because youre poor and have never seen anything valuable, so you came here to make a scene?

The barrage of harsh mockery made my scalp go numb. The smug curve of Lenas lips only deepened, fueling my anger further.

The angrier I felt, the calmer I became.

I swept my gaze around and spoke coldly.

"Why are you guys defending a mistress like Lena? Dont tell me its because you see yourselves in her?

Silence.

Faces flushed red, then pale, like a chaotic palette of colors. Yet every gaze fixed on me with undisguised resentment.

But I didnt care, I just coldly shifted my eyes toward Lena.

Lena, that bracelet belongs to me. So James had no right to give it to you.

Ill say this one last time, give it back to me.

Otherwise, dont blame me for calling the police, I emphasized each word with an icy voice.

This is a natural jade bracelet, custom-carved at my grandmothers request.

The market value of this jade bracelet exceeds six hundred thousand dollars.

If I report it as stolen, dont blame me for being ruthless.

Lenas expression changed instantly because she knew I meant every word, and I would do exactly as I said.

She bit her lip in anger, yet didnt dare provoke me any further.

Reluctantly, Lena removed the bracelet.

I finally let out a breath of relief, and reached out to take it. But the moment it came off, a flash of malice lit up in Lenas eyes.

She suddenly hurled it hard into the swimming pool beside us.

Splash.

Water burst upward. The bracelet sank instantly, disappearing into the depths.

My face turned deathly pale at once, and my heart skipped a beat.

How dare she?

Evelyn's POV:

Lena looked pleased with herself. She lifted her chin slightly and laughed coldly.

Want the bracelet back? Then jump in and get it yourself.

Her eyes were filled with mockery.

Oh, I forgot."

"You can't swim, do you?

Then you can call the police and ask them to help."

Arent you so fond of calling the police?

Laughter erupted around us.

That bracelet is worth at least six hundred thousand dollars. Itd be a waste not to retrieve it.

Isnt it your grandmothers keepsake? Why do you hesitate?"

Each word, cut deeper than the last.

I clenched my teeth.

Stared at the deep pool ahead, overwhelmed by helplessness. I hadn't imagined that Lena could be this cruel.

If you cant get it back, then blame your own stupidity. Dont blame me.

Lena mocked, and I closed my eyes, stepped forward, forced myself to jump in.

Splash.

The water instantly closed in around me, as if trying to drag me down to the bottom of the pool.

Water rushed into my nose and throat, my body struggled instinctively. Yet the more I struggled, the deeper I sank.

I forced myself downward, then, my fingers finally touched something icy.

That bracelet, at the bottom of the pool.

Summoning the last bit of energy I had, I struggled upward to the edge of the pool.

Evelyn, Im sorry, dont push me...

Lena suddenly screamed.

She threw herself into the water before I understood what was happening.

A sharp pull yanked me off balance, and a hand grabbed my leg.

Unprepared, water immediately flooded into my nasal cavity and throat, leaving me unable to breathe.

Underwater, Lena was smiling.

I choked violently, struggling in the water, with my strength faded.

The sensation of death closing in turned my face ashen, my body ice-cold. The sounds from the poolside echoed faintly into my ears.

James, save Lena! Evelyn pushed her and jumped in herself!

"She's insane!"

James, you have to protect her!

All the voices filled me with even greater rage and despair.

It's not true.

They are liar.

Another splash.

James dived into the pool.

A flicker of hope ignited within me. After all, James knew better than anyone how afraid I was of water.

He knew I couldn't swim.

And besides, we were husband and wife, I think he wouldn't leave me.

He had promised it.

I remembered how, in the past, James had fired one of his subordinates at the company on the spot just for trying to undermine me.

Clinging to that memory, I forced myself to conserve my strength as I waited for him, but James didnt look at me. Instead, he swam straight toward Lena.

He lifted Lena out of the water, then shoved me hard, as if he found me utterly repulsive.

My chest tightened. I could barely breathe, struggle, and swim toward the edge again.

Pathetic.

And utterly humiliating.

The cold wind made me shiver.

On the opposite, Lena weakly leaned into his chest, sobbing.

James, I was so scared....

Evelyn dropped it herself. I dont know why Evelyn suddenly lost control and pushed me down."

I really thought she was trying to kill me

Seeing her put on that fragile act, I interrupted in fury.

Lena, it was clear...

My voice was hoarse and weak from choking on water for so long.

James glanced at me, but the first thing he said was a cold sentence.

Apologize to Lena.

The words hit harder than water. I stood there, frozen in place.

My evening gown was soaked through, my body trembling from the cold, my skin drained of all color.

Apologize?

Why should I?

I lifted my head stubbornly.

I didnt push her.

She's pretending, cant you see that?, I said, my voice hoarse, my throat burning.

It was Lena who threw the jade bracelet into the water.

That bracelet is a keepsake..."

"Stop lying, James cut me off impatiently before I could finish.

"Its disgusting.

I even heard Lenas desperate cries for help.

James lowered his voice as he looked at me.

Dont you hear what everyone is saying about you?

Youre really embarrassing me.

At that moment, the murmurs around me drifted clearly into my ears.

Thats truly disgusting. She is still refusing to admit it.

She cant even swim, and she still jumped in. Now shes blaming others?

Lena was the one who got pushed, and shes still defending Evelyn. Shes far too kind

The girls around twisted the truth without restraint.

I'm forcing myself to calm down, nearly begging him to believe me.

James, please, Lena threw the bracelet into the pool."

I cant swim. I almost

Enough, Evelyn!

When did you become so vicious?, James interrupted me again.

Why did you refuse to admit it?

If your grandmother knew youd turned into someone this disgusting, she would be deeply disappointed in you.

My gaze went hollow, a chill creeping up my spine.

He knew exactly where my weakness lay.

He knew full well that my late grandmother was the one I cherished the most.

And he used that very thing to hurt me.

Disappointed?

If she were disappointed, I said coldly.

My grandmother would be disappointed that I married a man who doesnt trust me."

My words made James freeze for a moment, and my voice was trembling.

And another thing, you are my husband, James. How can you side with an outsider like this?

If you love Lena so much, then lets get a divorce.

Ill set you free, and you can marry her!

All sound died away.

Every gaze around us turned toward me.

My defiance ignited Jamess anger.

He strode forward, his face darkening as he raised his hand.

Smack!

The slap rang out sharply, leaving my ears buzzing. I even staggered and fell.

My abdomen lightly struck the poolside floor.

My heart grew cold, and I wrapped my arms around my abdomen.

I was pregnant, and James knew that. How could he do that to me?

He had no right to hurt my child!

"Apologize", James said coldly.

I trembled as I stood up again, yet I still let out a cold laugh. I turned my gaze toward Lena.

Lena, Im sorry for coming to reclaim what belongs to me.

Im sorry for not divorcing James, forcing you to resort to such disgusting tricks to humiliate me.

Every word I spoke froze Lenas expression, while James grew furiously angry.

He strode forward aggressively.

The distance between us closed rapidly.

I instinctively took a step back, staring at him warily.

Youre still keeping that stubborn attitude?

Fine!

Before I could react, James suddenly shoved me hard. The force was too strong, sending me straight into the pool.

Splash.

I fell straight into the water again.

Water rushed in instantly.

It was hard for me to breathe as I struggled in panic and exhaustion.

On the shore, James only spoke in a mocking tone.

Stay down there and repent for what youve done.

Then, he intimately pulled Lena away. They are leaving without hesitation.

I was left alone in the pool, ignored by everyone. I struggled weakly until I was completely drained.

James, I regret only one thing.

Marrying you.

My vision blurred, and I finally lost consciousness.

Evelyn's POV:

Evelyn

Evelyn, please dont pass out

At last, on the brink between life and death, I was pulled out of the swimming pool.

It was none other than my best friend, Anne Foster, who saved me.

The bracelet on my wrist was icy cold, just like my heart at that moment.

I had already lost consciousness.

With no other choice, Anne wrapped me in a bath towel and rushed me to the hospital.

That night, I burned with a high fever, my body cold as ice.

Anne held me tightly, sobbing nonstop, pleading for me to recover.

The next morning.

I woke up, exhausted. Seeing the familiar surroundings, I knew I had been brought back home.

Anne must have remembered clearly, I hated the sharp smell of hospital disinfectant more than anything.

My body was so cold it trembled uncontrollably.

My lips quivered as I tried to say something.

Evelyn, Evelyn?

Are you okay?

Anne hurried over, checking on my condition before placing a hand on my forehead.

It was still burning hot.

Where is my bracelet?

I looked around hazily, panic flashing in my eyes.

Anne gently took my hand and whispered.

Dont worry, darling.

Ive already put it back on your wrist.

Something that important, no one will ever be able to take it from you again.

I looked at the bracelet glimmering on my wrist, and at last, the corners of my lips curved into a faint, relieved smile.

That was good.

Did James come back at all last night?

Suddenly, I thought of James. My voice was hoarse and bleak.

The moment Anne heard his name, she frowned, anger flaring up instantly.

Why are you still asking about that bastard?

Are you stupid?

That bastard didnt come back all night. Hes probably sleeping with his mistress again.

And yet when you were burning with fever, you were still whispering his name.

Are you out of your mind?

Is the world really so short of men for you to love?

Anne spoke as if venting all her rage.

I endured it in silence, not daring to argue back.

I only spoke hoarsely, exhaustion weighing on every word.

Anne, dont be angry.

Ive decided.

Im letting go.

Ive asked Charlie to prepare the divorce papers.

Hearing that, Anne finally let out a sigh of relief.

Good. At least youre thinking clearly.

Just consider that you were blind before.

Alright then, what do you want to eat? Ill go buy it for you.

Her tone softened.

I blinked. Perhaps because my mouth tasted bitter, I only wanted something sweet.

I want minced pork porridge, and a slice of red velvet from the shop on the next street

The moment she heard that, Anne pressed a hand to her forehead.

You really know how to bully me, making me go that far just to buy cake.

Itll take me at least half an hour to drive there and back.

Even as she complained, Anne still sighed.

Fine. Who told me Im your friend?

Wait here. Ill be back as soon as Ive bought the food.

I smiled sweetly, even mustering the strength to wave goodbye to Anne.

The room fell into silence, but not for long.

The door suddenly flew open, catching me off guard.

Anne, youre back so soon...

My words stopped short.

I saw James holding Lena close, his gestures intimate and gentle.

James cleared his throat and looked at me as if issuing an order.

Lena was traumatized by what happened yesterday, so Im letting her stay here to recuperate.

Move to the guest bedroom.

Give this room to Lena.

Hearing those words, my eyes went completely blank.

Involuntarily, I thought back to the days when I had first moved into this place.

Back then, my heart had been filled with excitement as I said this would be the home that belonged to James and me alone.

A place where no outsiders would ever be allowed to step in.

Alright, let this be our own sweet little world, okay?

Dont worry. I wont let anyone else come in and disturb you.

Those were the promises he had made.

He had even indulged me with a gentle kiss, saying that this house was like his heart, one that held only my reflection within it.

And for a time, he truly kept his word.

Once, simply because his female secretary had casually come over to retrieve some documents, and he was afraid I might feel upset, he fired that secretary on the spot.

Yet now, here he was, brazenly bringing Lena back.

And even demanding that I give up the bedroom for her.

I was so exhausted that I no longer had the strength to resist.

Some things, he had already chosen to forget.

No matter how much I reminded him, perhaps he was only pretending not to remember.

I merely looked at him coldly, saying nothing.

Can you do that?

My silence seemed to anger James.

He questioned me in a cold voice, looking at me with utter disgust, as if I were nothing more than an extra, a surplus existence.

Thinking of the slap from the other day, and the despair I felt when I was pushed into the swimming pool, I no longer wanted to provoke James.

Fine.

Ill pack right away", I spoke heavily, my voice hoarse, then slowly sat up in bed.

Only then did James seem satisfied.

He reached out to rub Lenas hair and said he would go downstairs to make breakfast for her, then quickly disappeared down the hallway.

The pale smile on Lenas lips instantly twisted into a sneer.

Hearing this, my movements paused for a brief moment.

Make breakfast?

The man who always claimed to hate stepping into the kitchen, who disliked the smell of cooking oil, was now willingly making breakfast for Lena?

Clearly, throughout our entire relationship and five years of marriage, he had never once stepped into the kitchen to cook for me, not even a single bowl of noodles.

Without comparison, there truly would be no pain.

I only let out a bitter smile, then slowly lowered my gaze, forcing myself to steady my emotions.

So, Evelyn?

Does it feel good, being slapped by your husband and shoved into the pool?

She glanced at her nails, mocking me.

Her voice was piercingly sharp, yet deliberately kept low,

so that James downstairs wouldnt hear.

Your cheek is still red.

Have you come to your senses yet?

Kneel down and beg me to spare you now, and it might still be in time.

Oh no, dont forget, you also have to take the initiative to sign the divorce papers and get out of this house.

My head throbbed as if it were being split apart.

I frowned at her words.

Get out?

Dont even think about it.

I calmly gathered the fever medicine from the table, took it with me, and slowly walked out of the room.

Only someone shameless would take pride in seducing another womans husband, Lena.

If I were you, Id be so ashamed Id want to die.

My words struck straight at Lenas sore spot.

They hit her where it hurt the most, leaving her completely unable to retort.

Bitch, shut up!

Who gave you the right to talk about me like that?

Die, you bitch!

And in the very next second,

driven by pure rage, she shoved me hard from behind.

I lost my balance and fell violently down the staircase.

I had no time to react.

With a heavy crash, my body tumbled down, rolling several steps, my abdomen slamming hard against the stairs.

Blood quickly seeped out, spreading across the staircase in a shocking crimson.

I clutched my stomach, bone-deep pain surging through me, leaving me utterly unable to speak.

At the same time, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway.

Evelyn's POV:

As my consciousness slowly blurred,

I heard a dull thud.

Lena deliberately collapsed to the floor and screamed loudly.

Evelyn, I know I was wrong.

Please, dont be angry with me.

I didnt mean to take your room

James, help me

She acted the part perfectly.

Through the haze, I vaguely heard footsteps quicken.

James rushed over, completely ignoring me, and ran straight to Lena.

Lena, are you okay?

She sobbed as she leaned into his arms, crying uncontrollably. Her tears soaked into his clothes, making her look unbearably fragile.

James turned in fury and pointed straight at me.

Evelyn, how can you be so vicious?

How could you push Lena?

The accusation was so absurd that I almost found it laughable.

My voice was hoarse, my life force draining away with every breath.

I couldnt help thinking of the child in my womb.

Perhaps the baby didnt want a terrible father,

and a weak, powerless mother like me,

and so had chosen to leave instead.

Push Lena?

If I pushed her, why would I be the one lying here in a pool of blood?

James, are you blind, or are you stupid, to believe everything Lena says?

My words, filled with exhaustion and despair, made his eyes flicker with a trace of hesitation.

But Lena weakly clung to him, sobbing softly.

James, my stomach hurts so much my leg too, it feels like its about to break.

But you shouldnt blame Evelyn.

After all, when she pushed me down, she fell down too

Her words were like pouring oil onto a fire, instantly wiping away the hesitation in his eyes.

He let out a cold, mocking laugh.

Pushed Lena and then fell herself?

Thats your retribution.

Now stay here and suffer through it.

I froze, my eyes widening in shock.

When I saw him bend down to lift Lena up and prepare to leave, I disregarded everything and grabbed the hem of his pants.

My entire body trembled violently. My voice was weak and broken from excessive blood loss.

James, you cant be this cruel.

Please can you take me to the hospital?

Our child are you really this heartless toward our child?

His movement paused for a moment.

But at that instant, Lena let out a weak cry of pain in his arms.

Jamess gaze turned icy.

He coldly kicked me away.

Thats enough, Evelyn.

Stop pretending.

If you still had the strength to question me just now, then you also have the strength to go to the hospital by yourself.

Take good care of yourself.

With that, he carefully carried Lena away, leaving me alone on the staircase.

Blood continued to flow, even staining the jade bracelet on my wrist red.

I gasped weakly, trying to crawl back to the room to get my phone and call Anne.

But with no strength left, I collapsed in the hallway.

Before losing consciousness, the only thought in my mind was,

Im sorry, baby.

I couldnt protect you.

The child, the only bond connecting me and James, was likely gone as well.

This marriage, too, no longer had any reason to exist.

When I woke up, my mind felt hollow, as if my soul had left my body.

I saw the doctor standing beside the bed, and Anne sitting anxiously nearby.

Her eyes were red-rimmed with panic.

Evelyn, how are you?

How did I leave for just a moment and come back to find you lying in a pool of blood?

What happened?

I closed my eyes in exhaustion, my hand resting on my abdomen.

There was nothing there. Only emptiness.

As if the child wasn't appeared.

James brought Lena home, and Lena pushed me down.

Anger flared in Annes eyes.

Lena again, that bitch

I calmly looked at the doctor.

My child

I hesitated.

The doctor sighed, his voice lowering.

Im very sorry, Mrs. Claire.

But you lost too much blood, and you were brought to the hospital too late

The child couldnt be saved.

I closed my eyes, too tired to even cry.

Maybe, my tears were dried, in this bury marriage.

The child I had carried for three months, barely even formed, was ultimately killed by my husbands mistress.

And James had stood by coldly, indifferent.

How ridiculous.

If before, I still had a little hope that James would change his mind, would save me, would love me like in the past.

Now, that hope is gone.

Only utter despair remains.

After explaining how I should take care of my body after the miscarriage, the doctor left the medical report on the table and walked away.

I lay there silently, staring at the ceiling.

My gaze was utterly empty.

Anne looked at me, her expression falling as well.

Evelyn

I tilted my head toward her, my voice hoarse.

Has lawyer Charlie sent the divorce papers yet?

She nodded.

He called earlier. I answered for you.

The divorce papers will be delivered to the hospital soon.

Good.

From the moment I saw James carry Lena away, leaving me in a pool of blood, I regained my senses.

At this moment, all I wanted was to end this rotten marriage between James and me.

I just want to leave him.

The sooner, the better.

Evelyns POV:

The next morning, I went to the company as if nothing had happened.

The pallor of my face was concealed beneath delicate makeup.

My steps were steady as ever.

No one knew I had just lost my child.

Rumors from last night had already spread everywhere. The people around me whispered their accusations, saying I had fought with Lena, that in jealous malice I had pushed her down the stairs.

I heard it all, yet I did not react. I simply returned to my office.

After arranging the documents, I stood before Jamess office.

He was on the phone, his voice unusually gentle.

Lena, dont be afraid. Ill come with you tonight.

I am always with you

Suppressing the wave of nausea, I waited for him to hang up before knocking and stepping inside.

James looked at me, surprised in his voice.

You came to work today?

Yes", my tone was so calm it felt unfamiliar even to myself.

There are a few contracts that need your signature, I said, placing the stack of documents on his desk.

James frowned.

What contracts?

He was about to flip through them when I replied indifferently.

There are two cooperation contracts between our company and two partner companies.

They require your signature.

James nodded after hearing that. Without bothering to read carefully, he quickly picked up a pen.

He signed.

And signed again.

I watched each stroke of ink and quietly let out a breath of relief.

His signature lay clear and decisive upon the divorce papers.

The resignation letter.

Three years of marriage ended in the blink of an eye.

James pushed the folder back toward me.

Is there anything else? Im really busy.

I lowered my gaze and pressed my lips together. In the end, I still took the medical report out of my bag and spoke in a hoarse voice.

James, this is

Before I could finish, Jamess phone rang. He glanced at it quickly and saw Lenas name flashing on the screen.

Without hesitation, he answered.

Even from a distance, I could hear Lenas sobbing through the phone.

Utterly pitiful.

The room is too dark? Wait a moment, Im coming right now.

James spoke urgently as he sprang to his feet. He did not glance at the paper even once, only hurriedly putting on his suit jacket.

I have something urgent to take care of. Well deal with the other documents later.

Tonight, go home and sleep first. You dont need to wait for me.

He offered those perfunctory words of comfort, then disappeared in haste. The door slammed shut with a heavy bang.

My hand still rested on the report, my lips curving into a self-mocking smile.

If only James had lowered his eyes, even once.

He would have known.

His child was gone.

But he did not.

Then this no longer mattered.

I placed a hand over my abdomen and suddenly let out a laugh.

My baby, your father has already signed the divorce papers.

After thirty days, I will leave him, and never come back.

Im sorry that Im too stupid, I can't keep you.

The child I lost, perhaps it was all my fault. I had trusted the wrong person, and because of that, my child had to leave in grief as well.

Tears streamed down uncontrollably.

I sniffed, folded the medical report, and put it back into my bag.

As for the divorce papers and the resignation letter, I clenched them tightly in my hand.

I stepped out of the office and slowly made my way to submit the resignation letter to the head of Human Resources.

Evelyn, you

She looked visibly surprised when she saw the letter, her eyes filled with confusion as she looked at me.

Im pregnant, so James wants me to rest at home and focus on the baby, I said sweetly, masking anything unusual.

She quickly believed it and kept admiring, saying how fortunate I was to have a husband like James.

A trace of irony surged within me. I responded perfunctorily, then returned to my office.

I packed up all my belongings.

My nameplate.

One of the couple of ceramic mugs I bought with James.

The wedding ring on my finger.

I threw them all into the trash.

As for the rest of my personal items, I neatly placed them into a box. Carrying it in my arms, I walked out of the company unhurriedly.

Without ever looking back.

The thirty days were not meant for reconciliation, but for me to sever everything completely with James.

Never to see him again.