Chapter 3
Ben's face darkened with anger.
"You... How did you get the recording?" Ben asked.
"You left me no choice." Grace stopped the recording. "A whole year, Ben. You've been cheating on me for a whole year, and I lived like an idiot."
Ben sat on the edge of the bed, head in his hands.
After a long silence, he said, "I'm sorry."
Grace had waited a long time for this apology, but it sounded ironic to her.
"Do you love her?" Grace asked.
Ben didn't answer.
"Answer me. Do you love her?" Grace pressed.
"I..." Ben lifted up his head, and his eyes were clouded with emotions. "I don't know."
"You don't know?" Grace let out a bitter laugh. "Are you saying that you betrayed me for a woman you don't know whether you love or not?"
"Grace, we have our marital problems," Ben argued.
"What problems?"
"We got married before we knew each other better," Ben said, getting to his feet. "You spent all your time at home in the past three years, so we didn't have any common topics."
Grace stared at Ben with astonishment. "Are you suggesting that it is my fault?"
"No."
"What are you trying to say then? That you cheated on me because I'm not good enough for you?"
Ben went quiet. His silence was much more hurtful than a positive answer.
Grace drew a deep breath. "I see."
She turned away, headed straight to the closet, and began to pack her clothes.
"What are you doing?" Ben asked.
"I'm moving out." Grace didn't bother to look back at Ben. "Since you think that our marriage is problematic, let's separate for a while and cool off."
"Grace, don't act on impulse."
"Do I?" Grace whipped around and looked Ben in the eye. "Ben, you cheat on me, and you now accuse me of being impulsive. How ridiculous!"
She quickly stuffed her clothes into the suitcase.
"We can solve the problems one by one," Ben pleaded.
"How? What are the solutions for your cheating and the problem that I am not good enough for you?" Grace zipped up her suitcase. "I am tired."
She pulled her suitcase toward the door.
Ben hurried after Grace. "Grace, please, calm down."
"I am quite calm." Grace stopped in her tracks. "Ben, I had loved you for three years. I gave up everything for you. But you cheat on me. What am I to you?"
"I..." Ben mumbled.
"You don't have to answer me." Grace interrupted Ben. "Talk with my lawyer as I want a divorce."
Then, she walked away without looking back.
On the street, Grace suddenly realized that she had nowhere to go.
All her friends knew Ben, so it would be embarrassing for her to seek their help now.
She sat in her car for a long time. In the end, she remembered Brian who had given her a business card.
It was three in the morning, and Time's was supposed to be closed.
However, Grace dialed that number.
"Hello?" It seemed Brian was still up because his voice was clear.
"It's me. Not long ago, I was in your cafe," Grace said, her voice breaking.
"What happened?" Brian quickly picked up on Grace's sadness.
"I... I need shelter for tonight."
"Where are you? I will go pick you up."
Grace gave an address, and Brian promised to be there in ten minutes.
Ten minutes later, a black car pulled up.
Brian got out of his car and walked up to Grace's.
"Are you okay?" Brian asked worriedly.
Grace shook her head and failed to stop her tears from falling.
Brian asked no more questions and said, "Follow my car."
He led the way, and Grace followed behind.
In the end, both cars stopped in a high-end neighborhood.
"This is my house. You can spend the night here," Brian said.
Grace hesitated. "May I?"
"Of course. I have a guest room here." Brian sounded casual and friendly. "Now, you need a safe place."
Grace nodded and then followed Brian upstairs.
The house was of the minimalist style, and Brian had great taste for its furnishings.
"Go take a shower. I'll make you some tea," Brian said.
Grace looked at her new friend and was moved. "Thank you."
"It's nothing," Brian said with a smile. "The guest room is over there, and the towels inside are new."
After the shower, Grace found a cup of steaming tea and some snacks on the table.
Brian was reading on the couch. Hearing the footsteps, he lifted his head up. "Are you feeling any better now?"
Grace nodded and took the seat opposite Brian.
"Did you confront him?" Brian asked.
"Yeah. He admitted his affair, and he refused to end it." Grace picked up her teacup. "I told him that I wanted a divorce."
"What is next?"
"I want to get back to work," Grace said. "However, I have no idea where to start."
After a moment of thought, Brian suggested. "My friend runs a clothing company. I can do the introduction if you are interested in it."
"Can you?" Grace's eyes lit up with hope.
"Of course. Just get your portfolio ready."
Grace nodded. "Okay."
It was a long talk, and Brian shared with Grace a bunch of useful tips.
Grace was surprised to find that Brian, who looked younger than her, was insightful and knowledgeable.
"It's late. Try to get some sleep." Brian rose to his feet.
"Brian, thank you very much," Grace said earnestly.
"You are welcome," Brian replied with a gentle smile. "Remember, it's never too late for a fresh start."
Lying on an unfamiliar bed, Grace had a good sleep, perhaps because she had finally made up her mind, or because she felt hopeful of her new life.