Chapter 7
To retrieve my ID and marriage certificate, I reluctantly stepped back into the home Liam
and I had shared. The room was meticulously tidy, with no sign of the chaotic scenes from
that night. But to me, this home was already tainted.
After gathering my things, I was about to leave when I glanced at the nightstand, a thought crossing my mind. I pulled open the drawer. The condoms inside were noticeably fewer
than the day I left. Though I expected it, a sharp, bitter ache still prickled within me.
I don’t know how long I stood there before I heard the door open. Assuming it was Liam, I
went to look–only to find Gianna.
Seeing me emerge from the bedroom, her expression shifted. She rushed to check the room, relaxing only when she saw I was alone. She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed,
watching me with wary eyes.
“You said you were divorcing Liam. So why are you back?” she sneered. “I knew it–you never actually wanted a divorce! How could you let go of someone as successful as Liam?”
Without Liam present, she dropped the sweet, innocent act, flaunting her freshly
manicured nails as she said smugly, “I know you look down on me and probably think I’m nothing but trash. Too bad, though–because to your husband, you’re worth even less than
hat.”
Do you
know what Liam says about you?” She laughed lightly. “He said watching you lose ontrol, wetting yourself, was disgusting. He says I’m the best–sweet, soft, pretty, and
lean.”
er words floated over me like stones, weighing down on my chest until I could hardly
reathe.
few months ago, a vengeful defendant in one of Liam’s cases tried to run him down with
car. When the vehicle hurtled toward him, I pushed Liam out of the way. He was nharmed, but both of my legs were fractured. I was bedridden for a long time, even iffering occasional incontinence. I wanted to hire a caregiver, but Liam insisted no itsider would look after me properly. He cared for me tirelessly, bathing and comforting
e when I was ashamed of my condition.
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Chapter 7
I never expected that behind my back, he found me repulsive and told Gianna about humiliating moments.
my
Suddenly, I couldn’t tell what had been real and what had been a lie over the past decade. Thinking back to all the intimate moments, the love I had once trusted, I felt as if I were losing my mind.
Gianna watched my reaction, a cold sneer on her face, her hostility unmasked.
“You may not like hearing it, but I’m just being honest,” she said with a scoff. “Wake up. You’re already thirty. In a few more years, no one will even want you as a mistress. Pack up
and get lost. Stop clinging to him.”
I took a deep breath, stepped forward, and slapped her hard across the face.
“You hit me?” she shrieked, clutching her cheek.
I slapped her again.
Her once fair cheek was red and swollen as tears streamed down her face. “Liam’s coming home soon, and I’m going to make sure he presses charges against you for assault!”
I laughed coldly, grabbing her by the hair and slapping her again. “Perfect. He can come home, and I’ll beat him too. I dare him to press charges.”
Gianna’s eyes widened, her beautiful face twisted in fear and rage. “You’re insane!” she spat. “Just like your lunatic mother!”
Her words pierced my ears like sharp needles, and my vision blurred momentarily.
What did you say?”
he gave me a scornful look. “Mental illness runs in families. Your mom was a nutcase, so bviously you are too. Liam says you always wake up crying at night, keeping him awake.
ust like a-”
lunged, grabbing her by the throat. Her broken screams clawed their way out as her eyes illed with terror. Trembling, I wanted nothing more than to silence her forever.
Nina, what are you doing?”
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Someone pulled me back from Gianna. She stumbled, gasping for air, and threw herself into the arms of the person who’d stopped me.
“Liam, she tried to kill me!” she sobbed.
Liam frowned slightly. “Nina, I told you it’s all my fault. If you’re angry, take it out on me.”
Silent tears rolled down my face. I looked up at him, feeling as if I were staring at a stranger.
“Why did you lie to me?” I asked.
He paused, confused. “What?”
I wanted to hold back, but tears flowed freely. “If you hated me so much, why did you lie?”
‘If you didn’t love me, why couldn’t you just admit it?”
‘Why didn’t you let me go sooner?”
Exhausted, I slid down to the floor, clutching my knees, sobbing.
iam stared at me, a dark look clouding his face. Abruptly, he shoved Gianna aside.
What did you say to her?” he demanded.
ianna’s eyes filled with tears, and she whimpered, “Liam, you’re hurting me…”
‘nmoved, his tone turned icy. “Don’t make me ask again.”
he had never seen him like this, and fear flickered across her face. “I… I didn’t say much… I
ist mentioned her mom, and she went off!”
am’s fists clenched. “How do you know about her mother?”
ealization dawned on him as his voice rose. “Did you tell her I was the one who told you?”
hint of guilt flashed on her face. She stammered, “I–I just looked into it… It wasn’t a secret;
yone could find out.”
le bit her lip, looking at Liam with tear–filled eyes. “Are you really mad at me over
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something so minor?”
Ignoring her, he knelt beside me, reaching out as if to hold me. I used all my strength to push him away.
“Don’t… don’t touch me. You’re filthy. Please, don’t touch me!”
His hand hung in mid–air before falling limply to his side.
Later, Sara and Jacob arrived to take me home. As I left, I spoke without turning back.
“Meet me at the divorce registry at 10 a.m. tomorrow.”
Liam opened his mouth to say something, but I cut him off. “By the way, that night I came upstairs to find you both, my phone was still recording. I have no idea what it captured, but I’m sure there’ll be something interesting.”
As the door closed behind me, I heard Gianna’s pitiful cries.
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