Chapter 2
After Zara donated her blood, she felt light–headed. As she leaned against the wall and walked out, she saw Soren standing by Winry, who had just been wheeled out of the operating room.
He held her hand tightly and whispered to her. His expression was gentle, and his gaze was incredibly tender.
Not once did he ask about his wife’s condition or if she felt unwell. Worst of all, he didn’t even notice when Zara left the hospital alone and went home.
When she returned to the villa, she went straight to the kitchen. She’d always had anemia. So, she was pale and weak after donating too much blood that day.
She intended to make herself a cup of nettle tea to boost her iron levels and alleviate her dizziness. But just as she poured the hot water into the cup, her hands gave out. With a sharp crash, the cup shattered into pieces on the floor.
Zara had faced years of ridicule and mockery without so much as a wince. For the first time, she found her eyes welling with tears.
She murmured, “Andy… Without you by my side, I can’t do anything–right.”
The spilled nettle tea spread across the floor and pooled at her feet. As she looked at the spilled liquid, she couldn’t help but think of the past.
Back then, she had the best love anyone could ask for. Once upon a time, the man she loved was still alive.
She had always had a weak body. And whenever her period came, the cramps would be unbearable. Andy, who was always thoughtful, would brew her some nettle tea. He would then let it cool to the perfect temperature before giving it to her.
Sometimes, she would throw a tantrum. Andy would pull her into his arms and rub her stomach with his hands to soothe her. He’d said, “This way, it won’t hurt anymore.”
When she was in an irritable mood and found everything an eyesore, he would quietly sit beside her and let her hit or scold him. Then, he’d gently blow on her hand and ask if she had hurt herself when she was done venting.
Zara crouched down and picked up the broken shards one by one. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her fingertip. Looking down, she saw a small cut from which blood started seeping out.
Perhaps it was the physical pain or some deeper psychological response, but Zara’s tears began to fall. They splashed onto the floor freely
She muttered, “How had I not noticed that this was unusual? You loved me so much, but Sorent was always so cold toward me. That heart has never beaten or skipped a beat for me.”
Chapter 2
After gathering all the shards and throwing them in the trash can, a small smile formed on her face. “But it doesn’t matter. We’ll meet again soon.”
The next day, Soren still hadn’t come home. After getting ready, Zara left to meet with her
lawyer.
She sat across the table. In front of her was the divorce agreement that had already been prepared.
The lawyer explained, “Ms. Cobain, as long as both parties sign this agreement and complete a one–month cooling–off period, the divorce will be finalized.”
Thinking of how Soren hadn’t even returned home, Zara asked, “Can I sign on his behalf?”
“That’s absolutely not allowed, Ms. Cobain.” The lawyer shook his head firmly.
Seeing his adamant refusal, she quickly added, “My husband also wants this divorce. He’s just too busy to come. I’m just signing on his behalf. If you don’t believe me, I’ll call him.”
She pulled out her phone, found Soren’s number and made the call. After a long series of rings, the call finally connected.
Without any greeting, she got straight to the point. “I need to discuss something with you-
Before she could finish, Soren interrupted her coldly. His tone was devoid of any emotion. I’m busy. Just handle it yourself. There’s no need to ask me.”
15
As soon as he finished, Zara heard a woman’s voice in the background. She could tell who it was right away.
Π
“Soren, the medicine is so bitter… Can I not take it?” Winry asked with mock disgust playfully
Before the call ended, she heard Soren respond in a gentle tone he’d never used when talking to her. “No, you have to take it. How else will you get better if you don’t?”
Zara turned to look at the lawyer.
After hearing the dismissive tone from the other end of the call, the lawyer relented and agreed to let her sign on his behalf.
Upon getting his approval, Zara silently let out the breath she’d been holding and signed Soren’s name on the divorce agreement.
After leaving the lawyer’s office, she booked a flight to Halcyona one month in advance.
Soren returned home a week later. It was late at night when he came into the room. He brought with him the chill of the night air.
Zara, who was half–asleep, didn’t react to his return. But when the bed dipped under his weight and he pulled her into his arms, she woke with a start. She pushed him away and
moved to the other side of the bed.
Chapp
Surprised by her rejection, Soren’s expression froze for a moment before he frowned and asked, “Don’t you always need to hear my heartbeat to fall asleep?”
their three years of marriage, Zara had rarely asked anything of him. The only thing he had ever agreed to was this. She had made the request right after their wedding, when all she had was a marriage certificate and nothing else from him.
She hadn’t minded his frigid attitude. She simply leaned into his chest while pressing her ear close to his heart.
Soren had asked her why she liked to lie against him like that.
Under the moonlight, she had looked up at him with gleaming eyes full of love and tenderness. “Because I like listening to your heartbeat. Can I fall asleep like this from now on?”
The overwhelming affection in her eyes had made it hard for him to say no. Somehow, he had agreed to it, and it had become their habit ever since. Whenever he was home, she would nestle into his arms and put her head near his heart.
But now, she paused for a moment before shaking her head.
She said, “There’s no need anymore.”
