Chapter 2

2.

When Ian finished "settling" Enid and came into the bedroom, I was already lying in bed, ready to sleep.

As he climbed into bed, I caught a glimpse of his neck.

There was a bright red mark right there.

It felt like Enid was smirking at me through that mark.

In the past, seeing that would have made me blow up at both of them, no matter the cost.

Every time, I would hurt myself just to hurt them back.

But now, I just kept looking at my phone.

Ian seemed surprised by my cold attitude.

He wanted to say something, but his eyes fell on the cast on my leg.

A look of panic flashed across his face.

"Yvonne, was your leg injured in that accident?"

I was busy reading some documents and didn't pay attention to him.

Ian repeated the question with more patience when I didn't respond.

I finally heard him, and I felt a wave of irony hit me.

He could see Enid's tiny scratch from across the room.

But I had been walking around with a cast right in front of him, and he hadn't noticed at all.

I couldn't help but let out a mocking laugh.

"Yes, it was."

Ian seemed a bit guilty. His eyes held a flicker of pity.

It surprised me for a second.

But only for a second.

Since he didn't say anything else, I went back to my phone.

Suddenly, Ian started explaining himself.

"That day, I didn't realize you were hurt so badly. When you called me later, I thought you were just trying to start a fight, so I didn't pick up. I didn't expect..."

This was the first time in two years he had explained his actions, but I didn't care anymore.

I didn't even listen to the rest of his words.

Seeing my cold reaction, Ian looked a bit embarrassed.

He held back his temper, though.

"When is your next appointment to change the dressing? I'll go with you."

I was trying to think of a way to turn down his "charity" when his phone rang.

Enid's shaky voice came through the speaker.

"Ian, I... I'm having trouble sleeping in a strange bed. Can you come stay with me for a bit?"

"If Yvonne needs you, then..."

Ian didn't even think. He hopped out of bed, his voice turning sweet.

"It's fine. I didn't realize you'd be uncomfortable. I'm coming over right now."

He left without looking back once.

A strange bed?

I laughed mockingly.

Enid had sent me countless photos of her and Ian in different hotel beds.

She never had trouble sleeping in those. Suddenly she was sensitive now?

Only a fool like Ian would believe such a childish excuse.

But they deserved each other. It had nothing to do with me anymore.

With him gone, I could actually sleep peacefully.

I didn't stay up all night waiting for him to come home like I used to.

I slept straight through until morning.

When I woke up, I saw a photo Enid had sent me in the middle of the night.

It showed Ian's skin covered in marks from their intimacy.

I suppressed the dull ache in my heart and saved the photo as evidence for the divorce.

After getting ready, I realized my appointment with the lawyer was coming up.

I struggled to get dressed and prepared to head out.

But Ian, coming out of the kitchen, stopped me.

"Yvonne, why are you leaving so early? Come have some breakfast first."

I looked at him, feeling a bit shocked.

In five years of marriage, this was the first time he had cooked for me.

The last time I ate his cooking was when I was hospitalized years ago and he made me some soup.

After that, no matter how much I begged, he wouldn't step into the kitchen.

But he would cook anything Enid wanted.

Sure enough, Enid walked out behind him, looking smug.

"Come eat with us, Yvonne! Ian's cooking is my favorite."

"I'm so lucky he treats me so well. He makes me whatever I ask for."

Ian looked unusually awkward as he glanced at me.

I looked at what he was holding and smiled.

"No thanks. You guys enjoy."

Ian looked confused. "Didn't you always beg me to cook for you? Why won't you eat it now?"

I gave him a thin smile.

"Ian, I'm allergic to eggs."

The plate in his hand was covered in scrambled eggs.

I grabbed my keys and left before he could say another word.