Chapter 2

A week earlier, I had walked out of the hospital doors. The sunlight was bright, but it couldn't warm the darkness in my heart.

The doctor's words echoed in my ears, a cold rain of reality reminding me of my body's frailty and limits.

But stubbornness lingered within me. Shaking my head, I rejected the doctor's advice and decided to go home.

Two months ago, a sudden accident swept through my life like a storm, tearing away all my happiness and expectations.

Losing my child drained all color from my world.

Jeremy's indifference and distance were like knives, repeatedly cutting new wounds into my heart.

Despite everything, I tried to use love and determination to build one last defense for our marriage.

At home, I put on carefully selected clothes, each piece carrying my love and hope for Jeremy and our family.

Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I forced a small smile, attempting to hide the exhaustion and sorrow in my eyes.

I reminded myself that today marked our fifth wedding anniversary, a day meant to be full of warmth and sweetness.

I sent Jeremy a message, full of anticipation. But it was like a stone sinking into the sea, no reply.

As night fell, he finally stumbled through the door, reeking of alcohol.

His gaze was vacant, blind to the dinner I had meticulously prepared and the effort I had put into my appearance.

"Here, for you. Cake." He tossed a delicately packaged box onto the table.

Inside was a blueberry cake, once our favorite.

Now, it felt like an insult.

Inside the box, the cake was missing a small triangular piece.

I froze because just hours ago, I had seen this exact cake on Maggie's social media. She had smiled so brightly in the photo.

And now, this piece of cake had become the cruelest joke in my marriage.

"Jeremy, what's the meaning of this?" My voice shook, anger and heartbreak surging within me.

He frowned, irritation flashing across his face. "It's just a cake. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?"

"Just a cake? Maggie had this first, and you brought it to me? This is how you celebrate our anniversary?"

My voice rose, tears brimming in my eyes.

"Darlene, you're being unreasonable!"

He snapped back, his tone full of disdain.

"Do you regret marrying me?"

I froze, tears finally falling.

Regret? Perhaps. But more than that, I felt pain and resentment.

I opened my mouth to speak, but my throat felt blocked, leaving me silent.

We stared at each other, the air heavy with despair.

Eventually, I chose silence. I knew any further confrontation would be pointless.

Turning away, I retreated to our bedroom and began packing my belongings.

I needed to buy some medicine and personal items, but when I mentioned it, Jeremy's indifference and impatience shattered my last shred of hope.

I ventured out alone into the pouring rain. The downpour felt as though the heavens themselves were crying for me.

I trudged through the slippery streets, each step feeling like walking on knives.

By the time I returned home, I was drenched to the bone, but my heart felt colder than my body.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at the dark night outside, I made a decision.

I knew this marriage had reached its end.

Picking up my phone, I began drafting the divorce agreement.

At that moment, I felt no hesitation, only resolve.