10
I was fixing my lipstick in the restroom when Oliver suddenly appeared, reeking of alcohol.
Before I could react, he pushed me against the wall, leaning in, trying to kiss me.
I slapped him hard across the face. “Ex–husband. Have some self–respect!”
He froze for a moment, his hand brushing over my fingers as if searching for something.
“Where’s your ring, Anna?” he asked, his voice slurred. “The one with our initials engraved on it. We promised we’d be together forever.”
He stared at me, desperate, then blurted, “Is this about wanting kids? If that’s what you want, I’ll give you kids. Whatev
I couldn’t help but wonder what Luna, his precious first love, would think if she heard this. Would it make her blood
I shook my head. “I don’t want your kids, Oliver. I don’t want you.”
you want!”
Oliver staggered back, clutching his head, chain–smoking like a man on the edge. His voice broke as he spoke, half–choked
with
tears.
“Why? Is it because of those letters? God, Anna, that was years ago. I was stupid back then. I was a kid, okay? I didn’t know what
doing.”
It wasn’t just the letters.
My hand brushed against my earlobe, where a faint scar remained–a reminder of the night he slapped me so hard, my earring tor
through
my skin.
Oliver’s eyes followed my hand, and his expression darkened.
“I was young then,” he muttered, his voice hollow. “I didn’t know how to treat you. But I’ve changed, Anna. I’ve grown up. I know how to love
now.”
you
“I can’t sleep anymore. Not since you left.”
He fumbled in his jacket pocket and pulled out a photo, holding it up like it was a peace offering.
“That bamboo plant you loved? I went back to the temple and bought another one. I even had them engrave our names on it again.”
“And those photo albums you threw away? I paid a fortune to get them back. I’ve restored everything, Anna. I even learned how to cook your
favorite dishes…”
The woman I used to be–the one who forgave too easily–would have been moved to tears by this.
But not anymore,
Love is strange, isn’t it? The moment you stop wanting it is the moment someone starts to treasure it.
I sighed. “Oliver, stop. This isn’t helping.”
“You’re making a fool of yourself.”
He let out a bitter laugh. “What do I care about dignity? I’ve already lost my wife! What’s the point of pride now?”
“Anna, please. Can’t you just love me again?”
By the time security dragged him out, Luna was standing nearby, her face twisted in disgust.
10:32 AM
<
I didn’t even bother to look at her. I just wanted to wash my hands of all of it.
It’s funny, isn’t it? How revolting it feels to be clung to by someone you no longer love.
