Chapter 3

Stepping out of the operating room, I felt all the air leave my lungs, and I slowly sank to the floor, leaning against the wall.

Dylan, who was at the doorway, saw me and started walking towards me, reaching out to help me up. Then his phone rang.

“Dylan, I feel so awful. Can you come see me?”

Serena’s fragile voice floated from the phone.

Dylan looked at me, hesitating, a flicker of worry in his eyes. But his attention was completely snatched away by Serena’s pained gasp on the call.

“Chloe, wait here for me. I’ll come pick you up after I’ve settled Serena.”

“Don’t wander off. Your body can’t handle it.”

I watched coldly as Dylan withdrew his hand and rushed out.

When Dylan’s figure disappeared down the corridor, I stood up, resigned, leaning on the wall as I walked out.

I knew I wouldn't be waiting for Dylan. He had forgotten me countless times because of Serena.

I decided to take the train back myself. On the way, I closed my eyes, exhausted.

This relationship was, ultimately, just a farce.

My phone vibrated. It was a SnapChat story from Serena, and she’d even tagged me.

A perfectly composed selfie, with the VIP suite of some exclusive club as the background.

Serena looked radiant and shy, her makeup flawless.

A stark contrast to my current state.

Serena was holding a rich, restorative broth, smiling sweetly at the camera.

And wrapped around her waist was a hand, long and slender, with a wedding ring engraved with “C.C.S.” on its ring finger.

The caption read: “Just a little under the weather, but *someone* was so worried he insisted on personally watching me finish my health tonic~ And he’s taking me to see the latest movie too! Thank you, my dearest Dylan.”

I stared intently at Dylan’s hand, with my wedding ring, wrapped around Serena’s waist. I stared at Serena’s smug, triumphant face.

I knew then that her "not feeling well" was just another act to win Dylan’s sympathy.

And Dylan wasn’t stupid. He knew exactly what was going on, or perhaps he simply didn't care about the truth.

He enjoyed Serena’s dependence on him, and he enjoyed the deep love I, the fool, had for him.

For this twisted play, he was willing to sacrifice me, his wife, still recovering in a hospital bed, then comfortably accompany his "junior colleague" to drink health tonics and watch movies.

“Ha, Chloe. You’re truly pathetic.”

I tilted my head back, feeling the pain and weakness radiating through my body.

My gaze lingered on the glowing phone screen, fixed on Dylan’s wedding ring. The name etched for love now felt so ironic.

Serena and I were never a choice for him in his heart, not after ten years of dating and three years of marriage.

Only because he was so sure I’d never leave him, Serena always came first.

The last flicker of hope I held for Dylan was extinguished.

I took off my matching wedding ring and placed it on the table. This time, I wouldn't wait for Dylan to turn back.

I opened the email with the offer from the Swiss Medical Research Institute and didn't hesitate to send my acceptance.

With my qualifications and successful clinical record, even with a blemish on my academic history, many hospitals were still eager to recruit me.

Years ago, I’d stayed by Dylan’s side to help him grow into one of the hospital’s leaders. Now, I’d shot myself in the foot.

I called my lawyer to prepare the divorce papers. I didn't want anything from our life here.

I just wanted to completely cut ties with Dylan.

In three days, I would leave and start a new life.