Chapter 2

After settling Stella, who was busy arranging my travel, I returned alone to our cold, silent apartment.

The entire place was as desolate as ever.

After fixing myself a quick meal, I opened Ins and saw Sophia had just posted an update.

The picture showed her in a tight-fitting workout outfit, posing intimately with Liam.

"Tricked Liam into coming to play basketball with me instead of celebrating Amelia's birthday! He was a little mad, but I told him we'd go to my place for dinner later, and he cheered right up, hehe."

Seeing that message, I felt a wave of nausea.

I knew he wouldn't be coming home tonight, just like always.

Luckily, I had already decided to divorce. I wouldn't have to suffer in silence anymore.

The next morning, I took my packed luggage to the hospital and formally submitted my resignation letter to Dr. Evans, the Department Head, and Human Resources. I started the handover of my work.

Because I excelled in my field, Dr. Evans was still trying to persuade me to stay. As we were talking, Liam walked in with a patient's chart.

I glanced over and saw a hickey on his neck, and a perfume scent clinging to him, too strong for even hospital disinfectant to mask.

It was clear he'd had a very enjoyable night.

He used to hate it when I left marks on him, claiming it affected his rounds.

So, even in our most passionate moments, I'd try my best to hold back, or just grip the bedsheets instead.

It wasn't that he didn't want marks on him, it was just that they couldn't be from me.

As soon as he walked in, Dr. Evans sighed and spoke.

"Perfect, you can talk some sense into your wife. She wants to resign. Did you two have a fight?"

"It has nothing to do with him."

"You're resigning?"

Two voices spoke at once. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw his gaze fixed on me, his lips slightly pressed.

"So, you were angry yesterday because I left early, weren't you?"

Dr. Evans, seeing the tension, discreetly left, giving us space.

The moment the door closed, Liam stepped forward and questioned me.

"I told you Sophia's foot cramped, that's why I took her home. Why are you so petty?"

I tried to keep my voice calm, looking up and making up a lie.

"I'm not angry. I'm resigning because I'm tired and want to take a vacation and rest."

He crossed his arms, frowning in confusion.

"If you want a vacation, just take your annual leave. If you suddenly resign like this, people will think you have an issue with Sophia. How can she, a patient, receive treatment with peace of mind?"

He forgot.

I'd already burned through all my vacation days this year, spending them on every birthday and anniversary he'd ditched.

But he only worried about Sophia's treatment.

My heart ached with sadness.

I turned my gaze back to the hickey on his neck, saying nothing.

He noticed and subconsciously covered his neck.

"This is just an allergic reaction, don't overthink it."

I was somewhat surprised. He wasn't arguing with me; he was explaining.

But it was such a pathetic excuse. The old me might have believed it.

I nodded, still silent.

Liam breathed a sigh of relief, apparently thinking my anger had passed, and smiled as he put an arm around my shoulder.

"That's better, can't you try not to be so dramatic? As doctors, sometimes we need to put the patient's needs first."

"And don't bother resigning. Tonight, I'll take you to that scenic restaurant on the hill, okay? As compensation."

I still didn't speak. He took my silence as agreement.

My intention to say a proper goodbye to him was suppressed. Now, I didn't want to tell him I was going to Washington.