Chapter 3
"Everyone, chill out. My wife didn't do anything wrong. She just loves me a little too much, and when she saw me risking my health for this competition, she couldn't help but get upset and a bit jealous. It's on me for not making her feel secure enough," Ryan said.
He stood in front of the cameras, defending me with everything he had, his voice cracking now and then.
"I'm officially announcing that from today, I'll be stepping away from my career for a while to spend all my time with my wife and make up for what I've missed over the years," he added.
The crowd went wild, and the barrage of online comments filled with: [Ryan, total husband goals] and [Why can't all men be like him?]
I pushed him away, but my determination didn't waver for a second.
"Ryan, sign the papers," I said, my tone colder than ice.
He looked both confused and heartbroken.
"Why? I've already given up everything, my whole career, just for you. What more do you want, Stella? Why do you still want a divorce?" His words came out shaky, thick with pain.
I couldn't help but laugh at that.
He'd played the devoted husband so well that he'd actually fooled himself now.
Last winter, my old injury flared up, and I was stuck in bed, in so much pain that I couldn't even move. I needed help just to take a sip of water.
Ryan was home on leave at the time.
But of course, that was when he got a call from Grace.
On the other end, Grace was practically breaking down over the phone, saying how miserable she felt.
Without a moment's hesitation, Ryan left me there, unable to take care of myself, threw on his coat and rushed out to be with her, drinking away her troubles and not coming home all night.
So that was his idea of caring?
Grace chimed in, concern etched in her voice, "Stella, don't be so difficult. Ryan's already gone above and beyond for you."
"Just back off!" I shoved her away, letting my disgust show. "Grace, you're a team doctor, not his emotional support. There are actual pros for athletes' mental health, so quit acting like his therapist or bar buddy, for that matter."
Ryan actually stepped up for Grace, getting all fired up as he snapped at me.
He said, "Stella, what the hell is your problem? Do you even realize how much Grace has done for the team, or are you just ignoring it?"
"When any of us are injured or too stressed to sleep, she's always the first to help out. You're supposed to respect someone like her, not treat her like crap," he shot back.
I almost laughed in disbelief, feeling anger rising within me.
"Did I ever ask either of you to take care of me? Did I ever beg you to throw away your shot for me? Spare me that self-righteous act. It's honestly disgusting," I shot back.
Ryan finally set his eyes on the divorce agreement.
As he finished reading the terms, he was in utter disbelief.
"Every last thing we own goes to you, and you want me to leave with nothing? Stella, how could you be so ruthless? I should've seen this coming. You were planning this from the start!" he spat out, his voice shaking with anger.
He pointed at the papers, his hand trembling. "Did my love ever mean anything to you at all?"
Erica's heart broke when she saw Ryan so hurt.
"Ryan must have had the worst luck in the world to end up marrying an ungrateful snake like you. I'm calling a lawyer. Let's see how your cold-hearted tricks hold up in court, you viper!" she yelled, her voice shaking with anger.
"Mom!" Ryan grabbed her arm, his eyes pleading and desperate.
"Stella, if you just stay, I don't care about money or anything else. I just want you. Please, don't throw me away. I'm begging you." He choked out.