Hey, My Loser Ex

I put down my fork and said indifferently, "I'm not kidding. Find some time, and we'll take care of the divorce papers." Ford stopped in his tracks and turned around with a look of astonishment in his eyes. He suppressed his anger and asked me in a deep voice, "Nadia, do you know what you're saying?" "I said divorce. Which part did't you understand?" I looked him straight in the eye, my gaze steady and calm. He sneered, his eyes full of mockery. He probably thought this was just another one of my tricks to get his attention. "I'm not falling for it this time. I'll pretend I didn't hear that. Just calm down and think things through." With that, Ford picked up his coat and strode out the door. ***** Ford and I met in college. We studied under the same professor, though he was a year ahead of me. Back then, he was famous on campus as the cool, high-achieving scholar, the student professors held up as an example. After interacting with him a few times, I fell head over heels for him. To get closer to him, I joined his project team, even though I was already overloaded with classes and assignments. I was so busy during that time, staying up all night and running back and forth. Several times, he caught me staying up late in the lab to catch up on my work, and each time, he came over to help me, patient and attentive, not at all the aloof person everyone thought he was. His attention didn't go unnoticed; the other members in our group often teased us. Ford would always respond with a warm smile, draping his arm around my shoulders and saying, "I just like Nadia and want to take care of her." He made no secret of his love for me, and we soon confirmed our relationship. After graduation, we went to work together in the same nature reserve, conducting in-depth research. At that time, we shared the same interests and were still passionately in love, and every day was filled with happiness. Later, during a field survey, we were surrounded by a group of crazed wild animals. As we tried to escape, Ford accidentally fell into a deep pit. Unwilling to abandon him, I endured the pain of being bitten and threw him a rope. My right hand was almost bitten off, and my unprotected left hand was also badly scarred. By the time the rescue team arrived, I was unconscious from blood loss, and he was on the verge of collapse, but still carrying me to safety. His eyes were red-rimmed, and he kept apologizing to me, "Nadia, I'm sorry. I didn't protect you well. It's all my fault." He was overcome with guilt, blaming himself for not protecting me. That accident cost me my right hand; I'd never be able to do the kind of detailed lab work I once loved, and even day-to-day life became a struggle. When Ford learned of this news, he was heartbroken and stayed by my bedside for three days straight without eating or drinking. In the end, I had to do my best to act like I was fine, and only then did he finally agree to get some rest. He held me tightly, promising with all his heart, "Nadia, I will definitely make you the happiest woman in the world."