Chapter 2
I only stayed in the hospital for half a month, and during that time, Ethan didn't show up even once. He kept playing his usual cold war games, hoping I'd cave and beg for forgiveness.
But this time, what he got from me wasn't an apology. It was divorce papers.
He blew up my phone with calls, but I'd already switched it to silent and didn't bother to answer him at all.
As I finished packing and was about to leave this place that only brought me pain, the door was suddenly kicked open, and Ethan stormed in, looking furious.
"Emory, what are you throwing a tantrum about now?
"You should learn from Dahlia and figure out how to act like a grown-up woman," he demanded.
I didn't even bother to look up, just kept folding my clothes in silence, like his words didn't even exist.
"I'm talking to you. Can't you hear me?" His voice got louder, bossy as ever.
I knew Ethan couldn't stand being ignored.
He furiously grabbed my wrist, making me meet his gaze.
"After all these years, you really want to just walk away?" His eyes were red, on the verge of breaking down.
I nodded coolly and reminded him, "Yeah, don't forget to sign the papers."
That line seemed to finally make him realize I wasn't just playing games.
His grip on my wrist slowly loosened, and his voice lost its edge.
"Emory, are you still mad about what happened? Let me apologize, please?" he said.
As he spoke, he fished a small box out of his pocket and handed it to me, showing it off like it was some precious prize.
"I got you your favorite diamond earrings this time," he said.
He opened the box, and the earrings sparkled under the light.
But inside, I was completely numb.
Just before Ethan barged in, Dahlia posted on her social media, just a couple of pics and a short caption.
The photos showed Marlborough's most luxurious jewelry store, with Dahlia's hand decked out in rings, each one sparkling and looking super expensive.
She even caught Ethan in the background, card in hand, ready to pay.
[Ethan is such a big spender. He bought me a bunch of rings I love all at once.
[The store threw in a pair of diamond earrings, but I didn't like them at all, so I just handed them off to Ethan without a second thought.]
Ethan was just handing me the earrings Dahlia had tossed aside.
Without a trace of emotion, I picked up the little box.
With Ethan watching me expectantly, I lifted my hand and, not hesitating for a second, dropped it straight into the trash.
The earrings landed in the trash can with a crisp metallic clink.
Ethan's smile vanished in an instant, and his expression soured.
"Emory, you're getting more and more out of line.
"You know how I get.
"If you want a divorce, fine. I'm not sticking around either," he snapped.
With that, Ethan yanked off his wedding ring and tossed it into the trash without a second thought.
He straightened up, towering over me, his gaze full of disdain and scorn.
He didn't leave. He just stood there, looking so sure of himself, like he was waiting for me to break down and beg for his forgiveness, desperate to win him back, just like all those times we fought over the years.
Little by little, Ethan got me all figured out.
He knew I still cared for him, and he would resort to his old tricks, feigning seriousness by removing his wedding ring to manipulate me and make me yield.
I gave him a cool, unfazed smile and slipped off my wedding ring, too.
"Works for me," I said.
Ethan froze, and in an instant, his eyes were blazing with fury.
"Don't you dare regret this.
"Who's gonna want damaged goods like you once I'm gone?
"Aren't you always so proud of being independent? Well, let's see how tough you really are when life kicks you in the teeth," he shouted.
He got more and more worked up, finally yelling, "Grab your stuff and get the hell out of here." It was pouring rain outside, but Ethan didn't hesitate for a second and threw me out.
I picked up my suitcase and walked out of the villa with determined strides.
As I stepped out the front door, I instinctively looked up at the balcony.
Ethan was standing there, staring at me through the blurred curtain of rain, still hoping I'd turn back.
He expected me to cave like always, but this time, he was in for disappointment.
I got into the taxi and drove away without a backward glance.
Ethan was the one who betrayed me first. I wouldn't go easy on him anymore.