Chapter 10
With his eyes bloodshot, Caleb grabbed Liam’s collar and wanted to throw a punch at him.
“It’s you! You’re the one who’s been instigating her to break up with me!”
Liam held a black belt in Taekwondo.
If he hadn’t been focused on keeping me safe behind him, he would’ve already beaten Caleb badly.
The commotion between them soon drew a growing crowd.
Frustrated beyond words, I finally stepped between them and gave Caleb a fierce slap.
I glared at him and said coldly, “Enough with the drama. Get lost!”
Caleb, his head knocked sideways by my slap, just stood there, stunned.
I wasn’t sure how long the silence lasted.
Eventually, he found his voice and stammered, “W–why did you hit me?
“Whitney, what did I do wrong? Why are you so cruel to me?”
He seemed lost like he couldn’t understand at all.
After all, I used to promise him I’d stay with him forever, as long as he never talked about breaking up.
I had once teased that I’d give him a bunch of kids and even lie next to him in the same grave someday.
And now, out of nowhere, I told him I didn’t want him anymore. It was too much for him to accept.
Facing his raspy, emotional questioning, I answered calmly, “Caleb, the truth is simple. We’re just not the same anymore.”
He watched helplessly as Liam reached for my hand, and I let Liam lead me away without any hesitation.
It felt like Caleb’s heart was being crushed by some invisible force. His eyes burned as tears spilled out.
“Whitney!” he cried out, his voice full of pain.
When I looked back, the proud man I once knew had dropped to his knees, crawling to my feet in tears and begging, “Please don’t leave.
“You have no idea how miserable these past weeks have been for me.
“I’m losing my mind living in that house, surrounded by all the memories. we shared. Everywhere I look, it reminds me of you!
“Whitney, I realize I made huge mistakes.
“I never should’ve kept letting you down after everything you did for me. It never should’ve allowed other women to step into our home and treat you so horribly.
I get it now–the hurt I’m feeling is my fault. I brought it all on myself.
All I’m asking for is one last shot to make things right. I swear I’ll change, even if it costs me my life. I-”
“That’s enough.”
I stared at the man crumbling before me, my face cold and unreadable.
11
“Caleb, life isn’t like a movie. You don’t get another chance.”
Without sparing a look at Caleb’s worn–out and broken figure, Liam and I went home together.
That night, Liam stayed at my place, eating and talking with me until nearly morning. Then, he reluctantly dragged himself back to the house next door.
About a month later. I got a sudden call from an unfamiliar number at
night.
“Hello, this is the emergency room at the Municipal People’s Hospital. Your husband, Mr. Caleb Johnston-”
Before the other party could say more, I quickly interrupted, “You’ve got the wrong number. I’m single. I don’t have a husband.”
Noticing I was about to hang up, the voice hurried to explain, “Ma’am, your number is the only one saved under emergency contacts.
“The patient overdosed on sleeping pills and is currently undergoing stomach pumping. His situation is critical. We need someone here.”
“I’m sorry. I’m too busy to deal with a stranger. Goodbye.”
I ended the call without any hesitation. Soon after, a text came through.
It was from Liam.
“Feeling hungry? Come up for some barbecue.”
Five minutes later, I made it to the rooftop. To my surprise, Liam had not only grilled a bunch of tasty food but also decorated the place with sparkling string lights and prepared mini fireworks I hadn’t played with in
years.
dies
We ate, laughed, and filled our stomachs.
Before we went back downstairs, Liam looked up at the sky and said, “The moon is round tonight.”
I lowered my gaze and smiled, replying softly. “Yeah, it’s beautiful.”
No matter how many seasons passed or how much time flew by, the moon always hung quietly in the sky.
It was s
like people who were meant to meet will meet. No matter how many times we drifted apart, someday, we would find our way back to each other.
