Chapter 2
When I was fifty-two, I stumbled upon Albert's old diary. That was the moment I finally understood that his heart had always belonged to Vita.
Ever since he was in high school, he had only loved Vita. He never changed.
After pouring out all my heartbreak and regret, I filed for divorce, but Albert refused.
I tried to go through the courts, but he kept interfering in every way, causing endless delays so the court couldn't hand down a verdict.
I spent my days in a perpetual gloom, and soon enough, illness began to plague me.
The third time I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, the doctor declared me critically ill.
As my only family member present in the hospital room, Albert removed my oxygen tube.
He asked, "Thalia, have you lived a happy life?
"If you hadn't stopped me back then, Vita's whole face wouldn't have ended up ruined."
I'd always known he resented me for it.
Looking into his indifferent eyes, I gave a faint smile and closed mine.
This time, I didn't stand in his way of going after Vita.
I just hoped that, as he always wished, Vita would not end up with a scar on her face.
On my way home, I deleted Albert's number and wiped all his contact info from my phone and socials.
When I got back, I sat with my parents and opened up to them as they tried their best to comfort me.
Tasha said, "Thalia, don't waste your tears. A guy like Albert was never good enough for you. We'll help you find someone way better.
Emerson added, "Don't worry, sweetheart. Your mom and I will check in with our relatives and get you a great guy.
"You are amazing. You will have no trouble finding someone who truly deserves you."
I just nodded along to go with what they said.
But I had other plans.
I said, "Dad, Mom, honestly, I don't want to worry about marriage for the next few years. I want to keep working and study for grad school."
At that moment, I worked at one of the top-ranked companies. The job wasn't demanding, the pay was pretty good, and there was a lot of room for advancement.
In my previous life, after I got married, I left that job and settled for something easier that paid less.
I just wanted to build a simple, happy life with Albert, raise a child, and devote all my energy to our family.
But in the end, all those dreams just turned into a bitter punchline.
I finally understood that having a career and being capable matter more than any relationship or anyone else.
I was determined to make it happen.
Next, I shared the details of my plans for my career and further studies.
My parents were totally on board.
"Go for it, sweetheart. I'm proud of you and can't wait to see what you'll achieve," Emerson said.
Tasha nodded, "As long as you're happy, Thalia, that's all that matters to us."
After a week back at work, my best friend, Chloe Annable, reached out to me.
"How's Albert doing? Was he hurt bad?" she asked.
Chloe and I became friends in senior year of high school. She'd seen my whole rollercoaster romance with Albert.
I wasn't sure what she was getting at, but I gave her the straight-up answer.
"Albert and I broke up on the day we were supposed to get engaged," I told her.
"Wait, what? You're kidding!" Chloe blurted out, totally shocked.
I spilled all the drama from that day.
Once Chloe got the full rundown, everything clicked for her. "No wonder people keep saying Albert was burned in an accident.
"Just wait. I'll ask around and find out what actually happened."
An hour later, Chloe called me back.
"Girl, I got the scoop," she said.
I leaned in, waiting for her to spill.
Chloe said, "Albert and Vita both got burned. It was really serious.
"Word is, the cops tried to stop Albert, but he just rushed upstairs and went straight in to save her.
"Vita was hiding in a good spot, making sure to cover her mouth and nose with a wet towel, even clutching another one just to be safe.
"She was fine at first, but as soon as Albert showed up, she went to open the door. Some burning debris crashed onto her leg. It messed up her whole leg badly.
"Then, Albert tried to get Vita downstairs, but somehow, things went south and a bunch of stuff came down. They both got knocked out cold.
"Luckily, Vita had already handed Albert a wet towel. When the firefighters finally found them, they were barely hanging on but still breathing."
Chloe unloaded a whole lot in one breath, barely stopping for air.