chapter 2
971 Words
I could no longer hold back my emotions, wiping away tears as I sprinted down the street. A whirlwind of pain, sorrow, grievance, and suffocation engulfed me. I wanted to escape, to run as far away as possible from it all.
Five years of devotion, dismissed by Derek on a whim. Throughout those years, I had been by his side without a word of complaint, helping him through the toughest times. Yet, it all meant nothing when compared to Celia's return. As soon as she came back, it was as if Derek completely forgot that I was the one who had suffered with him, while Celia was the one who had abandoned him.
My heart shattered into a million pieces, and my disappointment in Derek deepened.
I decided to stop living in Derek's shadow and to gradually reclaim my own identity.
Wiping my tears, I took out my phone and made a call.
That evening, at a restaurant, I sat across from a man named Walter, a friend I had made while studying abroad, a top oncologist who happened to be visiting me during his trip back home. Given my cancer diagnosis, I thought of asking for his help.
I raised my glass to toast with Walter, smiling as I said, "It's such a coincidence that you're back. Perhaps it's fate!"
Walter nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with concern.
"Joyce, let me see your medical report."
I pulled the report from my bag and handed it to Walter.
After reviewing the report, the furrow in Walter's brow finally smoothed.
"Joyce, it's early-stage gastric cancer. It's curable, so don't worry. Leave everything to me."
The weight in my heart finally lifted.
"Thank you, Walter. You always help me in my most difficult times. I don't even know how to express my gratitude."
Walter seemed amused by my words, a smile tugging at his lips as he replied, "Joyce, just treat me to a meal. Don’t worry, you're my best friend."
I was deeply grateful to Walter; he had always been kind to me since we met.
As Walter and I enjoyed our meal and laughter, little did we know that conflict was slowly approaching.
In the midst of our cheerful conversation, Derek and Celia slowly approached us from a distance.
"Oh, look who we have here? It is really lucky to run into you here," Celia cooed, clinging to Derek's arm and nestling into his shoulder like a delicate bird.
Seeing this, my heart churned like a stormy sea.
With glee, Celia said to me, "Joyce, I didn't expect you to be such a person. You couldn't wait to start dating someone else as soon as you left Derek. How desperate are you?"
Fanning the flames, Celia turned to Derek and said, "Derek, no wonder Joyce was so eager to get away from you. She already had a backup plan! Her disloyalty disqualifies her from being your wife."
In truth, Derek wasn't worried about me being with another man because he knew I loved him; I was the one who couldn't bear to leave him. Whenever he was around, my gaze was always on him. He knew that no matter how outrageous his actions, I would forgive him and still love him. That's why Derek was never concerned about my whereabouts.
However, Derek couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance when he heard Celia's words.
His usually indifferent expression suddenly turned angry as he sneered at me, "Joyce, are you that desperate? You couldn't wait to find another man after leaving me. You have no shame."
Walter, who had been listening with a gentle expression, became displeased upon hearing this. He was about to stand up to stop Derek and Celia's inappropriate remarks, but I quickly held him back, shaking my head. It wasn't the right time to resist.
Derek's words were like a knife, stabbing painfully into my heart. A bitter smile played on my lips as I turned to look out the window, no longer focusing on Derek and Celia.
This scene, caught by Derek's eyes, was taken as guilt, and he continued to berate me.
"Joyce, you will never leave me for as long as you live. What's the matter? Can't you hold on anymore? But let me tell you, I will never let you go. Joyce, you are mine in life and in death. You might as well stay with me and torment each other forever!"
A paranoid smile spread across Derek's face. I found him more and more incomprehensible, and I mockingly smiled back at him.
"Derek, what makes you think I will stay by your side for a lifetime? Why should I continue to love you? Why can you dine with another woman without considering my feelings, yet I can't?"
Derek seemed to be persuaded, standing there stupefied.
Seeing this, Celia glared at me and quickly changed the subject, coquettishly pulling Derek away.
Before leaving, Celia couldn't resist one last provocation.
"Joyce, just give up. I suggest you divorce Derek as soon as possible. You will never receive Derek's love."
My heart grew colder, and Walter, who had been silent, continued to stay by my side.
I managed a smile at Walter, a smile more painful than crying.
I asked him to leave first, as I wished to be alone.
Walking aimlessly on the street, my eyes hollow and my heart bitter, I reflected on the five years with Derek, where I had been the one to give and accommodate him, yet he had never truly seen me. I had given up so much to be with him, my social circle, my hobbies, all in the hope of gaining his approval, even if it was just not to be disliked.
Tears streamed down uncontrollably, and I made up my mind to end this relationship.
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