Chapter 2
"Susan, what are you thinking about?" Charles waved his hand in front of me.
Charles stood there, dressed in something bright and flashy. He did a little spin, grinning at me like a kid showing off new clothes.
He said, "Susan, what do you think? Natalie picked it out for me. She said our outfits go really well together."
I just glanced up at him.
If he hadn't pointed it out, I wouldn't have noticed at all.
Their clothes matched perfectly. Same patterns, same color scheme. Practical outfits for a couple.
The lively shop suddenly went silent. Even Charles seemed to realize what he had just said. He rushed to fix it, words tumbling out.
"Uh, I mean, I got you something, too. Come on, try it on. It matches mine," he said.
He hurried back inside the shop and, moments later, came out holding a colorful short dress that looked like it belonged in a summer carnival.
Charles' face lit up with excitement. "Susan, what do you think? I picked this one especially for you."
I just sat there on the couch and let out a quiet sigh.
Even though I knew this man didn't love me a long time ago, that small flicker of pain still got me.
A skirt. He actually thought I would wear something like that. However, since he had chosen it himself, I hesitated for a moment, ready to accept it anyway.
Just then, Natalie moved in, looping her arm through his. She didn't even bother to hide it in front of me. Her voice dripped with envy as she looked at me.
She said, "You're so lucky, Susan. Charles is such a thoughtful man. He remembered your third wedding anniversary and picked out a skirt for you.
"Colin is much more frustrating. He used to forget everything about our marriage and even left me and the kid alone in this world."
"If you like it so much, just take it. I don't want it," I replied flatly, pushing the dress away.
Charles' face darkened instantly. He glared at me and said, upset, "If you don't like it, forget it. Well, Natalie, just take it. I know you love this color."
And just like that, he handed Natalie the skirt—right in front of me.
Maybe it was just a coincidence, but the dress fit Natalie perfectly, like it was made for her.
Natalie slipped into the skirt, her cheeks turning rosy. She tossed Charles a flirty thank-you in that sugary sweet tone of hers, then threw me a smug glance, her voice laced with fake reproach.
She said, "Susan, even if you don't like the dress, you shouldn't have been so rude to Charles. You really embarrassed him today."
I had had enough. Not bothering to say a word, I just walked straight out of the mall.
I hadn't even gotten far when Charles caught up and grabbed my arm.
Charles was frowning hard, clearly struggling to keep his temper in check as he confronted me.
He said, "Susan, it's our third anniversary today. What the hell is wrong with you? Even if you didn't like the gift, you shouldn't have left directly."
I shot him a look, keeping my voice even. "So, is the gift just a skirt? Did you forget what happened last month—the reason I can't wear things like that anymore?"
Charles froze for a moment, regret flickering in his eyes as his voice softened.
He apologized, "I'm sorry, Susan. I was just being too sensitive."
That simple apology hit me like a rock, making me annoyed.
That was how little I meant to him. I was something he could just forget like it never existed.
At his birthday party last month, the champagne tower suddenly collapsed. Charles pushed me out of the way to save Natalie, sending me sprawling into a shower of broken glass.
My legs were sliced open in a dozen places. Even after they healed, the scars never faded.
Since then, I hadn't dared wear a short skirt again.
The scars were ugly, impossible to hide, and every time someone's eyes lingered on them, I could almost hear the whispers. "She can't even keep her husband. How pathetic."
Fortunately, I had already moved on. Some men weren't worth keeping at all.
Suddenly, Charles pulled me into a tight hug, his voice raw with guilt.
He said, "I know yesterday brought all kinds of misunderstandings between us, but you've got to believe me, Susan. I swear, I never cheated on you.
"I just wanted to make you happy. I get that Natalie's made things tough for you at home, and honestly, I'm really sorry.
"She's pregnant now. It's Colin's child. I can't just leave her alone. You'll understand that, right?
"Come on, don't be mad. It's our third anniversary. I made dinner reservations, and they're all your favorite dishes."