Chapter 4

In the previous timeline, I was out of my mind for Felix. Because I loved him, I did whatever he wanted.

All I ever wanted was for him to remember how good I was to him, and maybe, just maybe, he'd give me some love in return.

But now? Things had changed. I finally got it now. I had figured out how people really were.

I realized the more I bent over backwards for someone, the less they gave a damn about me.

So, I took out the divorce papers I'd prepared long ago.

"Sign them. Let's get this over with. I'm divorcing you. Now you can go after whoever you really love," I said.

When Felix saw the words on the paper, he shot up from his seat.

He snapped, "Stop this nonsense!"

I looked at him calmly. "Felix, you know better than anyone if I'm being unreasonable. Your heart was never with me, and I never got any real love from you.

"You want Serena, you love her, and you want to build a life with her. So I'm stepping aside and letting you have what you truly want."

Felix brought his hand down hard on the table. The dishes and silverware jumped, clattering loudly.

"How many times do I have to say it? His husband was my friend. I only helped Serena and her daughter because I felt sorry for them. I couldn't help it! Serena and I are totally clean!" Felix snapped.

I shot back, "Is that what you call 'clean'? Just because you two haven't slept together, kissed, hugged, or even held hands?"

I didn't bother explaining myself anymore. I just opened the door and called Felix to come outside with me.

I led him next door, and we crouched right below Teresa Carson's window.

Teresa was the one with a TV. Whenever folks were bored, they'd all pile into her place to catch some shows.

And while the TV was on, they'd be chatting away about anything and everything.

It didn't take long. The neighbors' gossip turned to Serena.

"Did you see Serena today? She was showing off another new outfit, all pink and bright. When she walked by, she said it was some premium material, specially made in town. Must've cost her a pretty penny!"

"Can you believe it? Her husband's gone, and she's living it up more now than when he was around! Devon really got dealt a bad hand, ending up with a man who only cares about another woman."

"True! Devon works her butt off, she's a top worker at the factory, and runs her home like clockwork. And Felix? That shameless jerk is out there fooling around with other women. Looks like a decent guy, but he's nothing but garbage!"

"I've thought about telling Devon she should just get it over with and divorce him. She's young, pretty, and makes good money. There are plenty of good men out there dying to try their luck with her."

"Every time my relatives come by for the holidays, they all have their eyes on Devon. Every year, they ask if she's divorced yet, just waiting for their chance."

"Serena's a real piece of work, always chasing after men. Even when her husband was alive, she couldn't keep herself in check. Now that he's gone, she's not even pretending anymore!"

"And Felix? That idiot must be blind, dumping Devon for Serena like she's some kind of prize."

"These days, I see Devon working overtime at the factory, not even bothering to cook or do laundry at home. Looks like she's really thinking about splitting up."

"If I get a chance, I'll talk to her, tell her to just take the plunge. It's not like the old days. Women can stand on their own two feet after a divorce!"

"Yeah, I'll talk to her too, maybe introduce her to some of my relatives. Let that bastard Felix regret it. Aside from his looks and his military job, he's got nothing else going for him."

"And with those half-dead parents of his, any decent girl would steer clear. Just wait. Even if Felix marries Serena, their life's gonna be a train wreck. Wouldn't be surprised if they end up divorced too!"

"Serena's bad news. Whoever she's with ends in disaster! Her husband worked himself to the bone to earn more for her. He went days without sleep, and when he was moving machinery, he was so out of it that he got caught and killed!"

The neighbors kept on talking and talking. They went on so long, I started to feel sleepy.

Thinking about having to work tomorrow, I just wasn't in the mood to keep listening in on the neighbors' gossip with Felix. So I got up and went home.

Felix saw me leave and followed closely behind. His face was grim.

Once we got home, I just did a quick wash-up and went straight to bed.

Felix sat at the edge of the bed, watching me. He tried a few times to start a conversation, but seeing I wasn't replying, he just fell silent and let it go.

The next day, we each went our separate ways to work.

At the door, we ran into Serena.

Serena tried to say hi to me, but I just brushed her off. Then she turned to Felix, putting on that sugary, affectionate tone as she called out to him.

Surprisingly, Felix barely spared Serena a glance. He gave her a cold, distant look and kept walking.