Chapter 2

After tidying up, I rushed through a quick shower and headed back to the bedroom.

James was still awake. He glanced at me, and then immediately shifted to make room for me behind him.

I moved behind him, quietly and expertly starting to massage his back, like it was second nature.

After a while, he turned his head with a displeased look. "Where's your strength? You didn't have dinner or something?"

I didn't say anything and just stared at him in silence.

He got a bit pissed and snapped, "What, lost your voice?"

This was a clear sign James was about to throw a fit. He'd keep picking fights over trivial stuff until I finally gave in.

I couldn't help but snark, "How would I dare eat? I was terrified I'd miss your grand entrance, Mr. Carter."

James went quiet for a moment, and then cleared his throat. "If you were hungry, couldn't you go get something to eat? Just sitting there waiting for nothing? How clueless.

"Forget it. You don't have to massage me tonight. Just get some rest."

James acted like he was granting me some huge favor, and I didn't bother refusing. I turned my back to him and slipped under the covers.

James stayed still for a while. After letting out a deep breath, he finally turned off the lights.

For the first time, I didn't curl up in his arms while sleeping.

*****

By the time I got up and went downstairs the next day, it was already pretty late. For once, James wasn't off to the office. Instead, he was sitting on the couch, reading a book.

He was wearing a pair of clear glasses and casual clothes, looking gentle and composed, just like how he was the first time I ever saw him.

For a split second, I almost thought the old him was back.

But as soon as James looked up and spoke, all my illusions shattered. "Why are you just standing there? Can't you see I'm waiting for you? Hurry up."

All I saw in his eyes was impatience and arrogance.

I nodded and quickly finished the cold breakfast on the table. After cleaning up, I stood next to him.

James gave me a once-over, eyeing my t-shirt and pants, and couldn't help but frown. "You're not good-looking. Don't you even know how to dress up a little?

"Ugly and lazy. Honestly, only I would keep you around."

Once I stopped seeing James through rose-colored glasses, I realized just how disgusting those words he always liked to say really were.

But back then, I cherished every word as if it were gold, taking it as proof of his love for me.

I internally rolled my eyes, but just nodded on the outside and stayed silent.

The coy, bashful reaction James expected from me never came.

He paused for a second, and then said, "Whatever. Since I'm supposed to make it up to you today, I'll let it slide."

We got in the car, and neither of us said a word. The only thing breaking the silence was James's phone, ringing nonstop.

Only Sherry would dare to bother him so boldly.

James didn't show a hint of impatience. He pulled over and answered the call right away.

I leaned against the window, watching the scenery outside, while James's gentle murmurs drifted to my ears every now and then.

The girl on the other end was whining playfully, and James's tone grew increasingly indulgent, almost resigned.

It was the first time I'd ever heard James sound so gentle and patient. He'd never spoken to me like that.

It was so disgusting.

After James finished coaxing Sherry, the affection still lingered in his voice as he told me to get out of the car. "I'll come to you later."

He left me standing by the roadside, and I watched as he drove off. I felt a sting of bitterness in my chest.

He wasn't coming back. Just like the other ninety-nine times he stood me up.

Ten minutes later, my friend, Olivia Green, whom I hadn't met for ages, pulled up. She rolled the window down, shooting me a smirk. "Didn't I tell you? Being a housewife never works out."

Yeah, everyone knew I wouldn't let go of James all through college, three years straight. In the end, he only married me because we got laid and he had no choice.

I had a natural talent for design and even got a shot to study abroad. But I tossed it aside without a second thought, just to marry James.

I became a stay-at-home wife, picked up all those skills I'd never even thought about—cooking, giving massages, whatever—just for James.

Teachers and parents scolded me, and my friends called me hopeless. But none of that mattered to me. I just wanted to stay by James's side.

I shook my head, brushed all that off, and smiled at Olivia. "I called you here today because I need your help with the divorce agreement."

Olivia was shocked by my words and instantly dragged me into her car.

She went on and on, promising she'd fight for my rights and help me break free from that jerk as soon as possible. For the first time, I actually felt relaxed.

The sting of being ditched by James at the roadside started to fade away.