Chapter 3

Natalia froze in place, not reaching for the note I placed on the table.

I stood up, grabbed my suitcase, and started to leave.

Only then did she react, lightly tugging at me, her eyes brimming with tears. "You've packed your bags already? You really don't want me anymore? You want a divorce?"

Her tears began to fall.

In the past, her crying would instantly soften my heart.

But this time, I simply said calmly, "Yes, Natalia, I gave you chances. But now, I've had enough."

I pushed her hand away without a second thought.

"Are you never done, Gerold?! How many times do I have to tell you? Jason is my best friend. I haven't betrayed you, or done anything inappropriate!"

Natalia suddenly burst out yelling, "I might have been closer to him, and yes, we had something in the past, but that's all it was!

"If I really couldn't let go of him, why wouldn't I just divorce you and be with Jason?"

She pushed me in frustration.

I hadn't yet cleared the broken pieces of the bowl from earlier, and a shard pierced through my shoe and deep into my foot. Blood began to seep out, reflecting my tall but frail figure.

For nine years, I prioritized Natalia above all else. I worked tirelessly to provide a better life for her, taking on all household duties after long hours at work.

Gradually, my back began to stoop from the strain.

"Perhaps it's because you're used to being taken care of. You see me more as a caretaker than a partner..." I couldn't think of any other reason.

"It's not that, Gerold, it's not.

"I chose to be with you because of love. I can't bear to leave you..."

Natalia's voice trembled slightly as she spoke, kneeling to inspect the wound on my foot, a flicker of pain crossing her eyes.

"Gerold, I'll get the first aid kit to bandage that up."

She stood to rush to the living room and just opened the cabinet when her phone rang.

She instantly forgot about my injury and ran to the bathroom to answer the call.

The voice on the other end was loud enough for me to hear. It was Jason, and he was drunk.

"Do you have any money left, Natalia? I missed you so much I couldn't sleep, so I went to the bar for a few drinks. But I drank too much, and now I'm short on cash..."

As Jason's voice faded, Natalia rushed out of the bathroom, urgency in her eyes as she hurried to the foyer to change her shoes.

Opening the door, she remembered me for a moment, casting a casual glance back.

"Gerold, can you bandage it yourself for now? I have an emergency. I need to go out; it's important."

I couldn't help but smirk bitterly.

"Go ahead, and remember to make some food when you get back. You've been drinking all night without sleep; your stomach must be..."

She didn't have the patience to let me finish and rushed off toward Jason.

It was clear who mattered more to her.

The blood from my foot spread further, forming the shape of a flower.

It seemed to serve as a memorial to our marriage that had now thoroughly perished.

Goodbye.

Natalia.

I pushed the suitcase, waving farewell to the home we had shared for five years, leaving without a backward glance.