Chapter 3

3.

I dragged my exhausted body to the hospital.

The doctor told me I had severe internal bleeding in my stomach.

I needed to be admitted for observation immediately.

I lay in the hospital bed, staring at the grey sky outside.

With four days left before my flight, I was finally discharged.

But when I went to pay the bill, my bank account was empty.

I checked my transaction history and saw page after page of luxury shopping.

Every single charge matched a photo Alana had posted on her social media.

All those expensive gifts were now sitting in Xavier's closet.

I had no choice but to call a friend to borrow money.

On the other end, my friend sounded hesitant. "Kaelen, are you and Alana getting a divorce?"

I froze. "How did you know?"

"There was a college reunion yesterday. Alana showed up with Xavier."

"She told everyone to get ready for their wedding invitation."

My knuckles turned white as I gripped the phone.

I expected it, but hearing it still felt like a dull blade in my chest.

"I see."

"Kaelen, you two were so crazy about each other. How did it end up like this?"

My friend sounded genuinely sorry for me.

The love that once burned so bright was now just a pile of ash.

Alana had once pulled me out of my personal hell, and I had promised to make her happy.

But after three years of marriage, all I got was humiliation.

I had three days left.

Back at the house, I started packing my bags.

Just some clothes, a few books, and the pocket watch my mother left me.

Besides those, I had nothing else worth taking.

As I was about to leave, Alana and Xavier walked in, laughing together.

The moment she saw me, Alana's expression turned to one of hate.

"What are you still doing here? I thought I told you to get out."

Xavier let out a low whistle. "Look at that. He can't bear to leave, can he?"

"Are you regretting everything? Do you want to beg Alana for forgiveness?"

I looked at them coldly and remained silent.

To avoid more drama, I didn't plan on telling Alana I was leaving the country.

Luckily, she didn't care enough to press for details.

"Stop playing the quiet victim," Alana snapped.

"Pack your crap and get out of my sight. Don't come back for a few days."

"Alana, don't waste your breath on him," Xavier said, pulling her close.

He whispered something in her ear that made her giggle.

She gave him a playful look but didn't push him away.

I watched them act like I didn't exist as I rolled my suitcase out the door.