Fifty-Five Divorces Later, I Walked Away to an Island

Chapter 2

David stepped into a quiet corner and switched to his habitual sarcastic tone. "Cecilia, don't say I didn't give you a way out. Tomorrow is Serena's victory party. Don't forget to come."

When I didn't respond, he stopped trying to provoke me and hung up.

Opening social media, I saw Serena's account had just posted a story one minute ago.

David's bare ring finger showed a faded line where his wedding band used to be, now tightly clasped with a woman's delicate hand.

The caption read: Lost at truth or dare again, so annoying...

I scrolled past, then back, then finally gave it a like and left a comment from a burner account: [Men who play truth or dare are rare these days. You should grab this chance, sis.]

The comment instantly became the second most-liked, sparking speculation among netizens.

A: [Are you in love?]

B: [Will you go public, sis? Can't wait!]

Within five minutes, Serena posted again—this time a photo showing David's shoulder, his crisp white shirt sleeves rolled to mid-forearm, the alligator watch strap gleaming with luxury.

He held a limited-edition gift box stuffed with 399 roses, making fans green with envy. Yet on our last anniversary, he hadn't even bought me a gift.

It wasn't until I laughed at myself that I realized how badly I'd been treated these past three years.

"Hello, all your belongings have been shipped," called the movers. I sent generous tips to them. Then I texted my assistant.

Cecilia: Prepare my divorce papers.

When I appeared at Serena's party in simple athletic wear, everyone looked at me with disdain.

David flushed with embarrassment, snapping, "You look like a mess. Don't I give you enough money for clothes?"

I remained silent, my face went sour, no longer bothering to defend myself as I once would have.

I came only to deliver the divorce papers and to make my exit final.

Instead, Serena eagerly stepped forward to assert dominance. "Cecilia, thanks for coming to the party David especially threw for me!"

She bit down on "especially," her childish provocation obvious.

In the past, I'd have demanded answers from David—what exactly was his relationship with Serena?

Now, it was pointless. With a faint smile, I gently clasped her hand and said, "You've grown up so much. You and David look perfect together now."

My words left them both stunned. Serena's face lit up with smug satisfaction. "You have such sharp eyes."

But David's face darkened, his gaze stormy.

"Cecilia, what do you mean by that? Today's about celebrating Serena's cello award. Don't ruin the mood."

His buddies chimed in.

"Yeah, Cecilia, don't get the wrong idea."

"David just sees Serena as his sister."

They rattled off hollow reassurances, each line dripping with false reason. I looked away, sneering at their empty words.

A beam of light illuminated the center stage, catching Serena's shimmering hair as her fingers danced across the strings, creating a mesmerizing harmony with the violin.

I sat in the last row, my expression hidden beneath the brim of my hat.

Once upon a time, that was my youth, too.

Though I'd lost my parents as a child, my aunt had raised me like her own, showering me with love and supporting my dream of studying cello, which was my greatest passion.

After meeting David, he insisted that a married woman should act the part. And, afraid of upsetting him, I gave up many chances to compete, both at home and abroad, just to stay by his side.

Back then, all I wanted was to stay with the man I loved.

In an unnoticed corner, I slipped off the plain ring and flung it straight into the bin.

As the performance ended, David rose first, leading the applause. He personally presented a bouquet of glacier-gradient roses, ringed with sprigs of buckwheat and purple bellflowers.

Having a good eye for floral design, I recognized immediately that this wasn't some store-bought arrangement from a professional florist. Sure enough, voices from the crowd began to tease.

"David arranged these himself for you! The florist even said, 'A man this thoughtful is hard to find!'"