Chapter 9
When I saw Stephen again, I barely recognized him.
He had a messy beard and looked so skinny and worn out, like someone who had lost his wife. I guessed Braelyn had really messed him up. But instead of feeling sorry for him, I just found it pathetic.
“Stephen, what are you doing here? Wouldn’t it be easier for you if I just died?”
His eyes widened, his voice shaking with emotion. “How could I just stand by and watch you die? We’ve been together for ten years. You’re the one I’ve loved the most.”
I burst out laughing. “Was that what you were thinking when you slept with Braelyn?”
His face turned pale instantly, and after a long pause, he finally muttered, “I was drunk. She came on to me. I didn’t mean for it to happen.”
I didn’t even respond and just rolled my eyes. I found the Instagram post that I had screenshot and showed it to him.
Everything fake about him had been stripped away, leaving all the dirty truth for everyone to see.
“You think you’re some good guy forced into cheating? No, you’re worse than that. You’re the worst of them all.
“You could’ve left Braelyn’s care to a nurse, but instead you stepped up and did everything for her–meals, clothes, rides, everything.
“You made her feel important. You encouraged her, spoiled her, and let
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her think it was okay to keep dragging things out.
“You’re sick of me because I’m weak, boring, and always causing problems. But you like Braelyn because she’s young, full of energy, and everything I’m not!”
Stephen looked shocked, and after a few seconds, he lowered his head and started crying, trying to hide his face.
“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry, Zorelle. I lost my mind, but I don’t want to lose you…”
I closed my eyes and turned my face away.
He looked awful, and crying made it worse. Just watching him made me feel sick.
After about 30 seconds, he finally calmed down.
“Zorelle, is there really no chance for us to fix things?”
“No. There isn’t. And besides, I’m dying. I really don’t have much time left,” I replied coldly.
His last bit of hope vanished, replaced by a sad, broken smile. “Alright. Even if that’s true, I still want you to keep living as long as you can.”
Three days later, I got a direct message from him.
“The surgery is scheduled for next week.”
I always believed Stephen would figure out a way.
I had kept that post for a long time. It was my last gamble.
I saved the photos in a folder labeled “Visible to me only“.
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It contained everything about Stephen and Braelyn’s affair, down to their personal information.
It was all set–just one tap away from being sent.
I’m still not sure how Stephen convinced Braelyn to go along with it.
But now, none of that matters. I finally made it to the operating table, ready to welcome my belated new life.
Chapter 10
