Chapter 3

Ignoring Gwen's shouting echoing behind me, I stepped out of the estate and into the street.

The fever had been raging for two days straight, so I decided to head to the hospital for an IV drip. At the end of the day, I had to look after my own health.

Just as I reached the intersection outside the gated community to hail a cab, a massive semi-truck suddenly barreled toward me out of nowhere.

"Help!" I screamed in sheer terror.

For the first time in my life, I felt the icy grip of death right against my throat.

BAM!

The violent impact launched me through the air, slamming me onto the pavement. The truck sped off into the distance without stopping. As the darkness crept into my vision, my phone buzzed violently. It was Gwen.

The second I tapped to answer, her sharp voice exploded through the speaker. "Tyler, where the hell are you hiding?!"

"I'm at the intersection down the road... I got hit by a truck..."

Gwen let out a cold, mocking scoff. "Tyler, if you want me to come chasing after you, at least come up with a believable lie!"

"I'm not... lying..."

"Enough! You really will stoop to anything just to get my attention, won't you?!"

Before I could get another word out, she hung up with a sharp click.

Using the absolute last ounce of strength left in my body, I tried to dial 911.

Before my shaking finger could tap the call button, the world turned pitch black, and I passed out.

When I woke up, the smell of antiseptic filled my nose. The doctor stood over my bed, informing me that I had suffered massive internal bleeding and needed absolute bed rest.

"We notified your emergency contact on file as well, so just rest easy and recover."

I gave a faint nod, staring blankly at the sterile white ceiling. I had been in a coma for three whole days, yet Gwen hadn't shown up once. Having her listed as an emergency contact was no different from having no one at all.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small silver cross, clutching it tightly in my palm. My brother had bought this for me with the very first paycheck from his startup.

I cherished it more than my own life.

Whenever I remembered him covered in blood in the ICU, gripping my hands and begging me to take care of Gwen and the unborn baby, my chest tightened in agonizing pain.

Now, their lives were firmly established and thriving. Brother, I kept the promise I made to you.

Seven years. Now, I just want to live for myself.

The next time I saw Gwen was a month later, right as I was being discharged.

"Where the hell have you been this past month?! Do you know how long I've been looking for you?" With Gwen’s vast wealth and connections, tracking down a missing person was effortless.”

“I had been lying in a downtown hospital bed for an entire month; if she had cared even a little, she would have found me on day one.

The truth was, she hadn't bothered to look for me at all.

"What do you want?" I asked coldly, completely ignoring her question.

"Your parents couldn't reach you, so they came knocking on my door! They said we need to visit the family estate today to plan the reception dinner." Her voice dripped with annoyance.

I hesitated for a second, then nodded.

This was something I owed my family—an official closure.

Just as I moved to open the passenger door, Liam stepped right in front of me, sneering, "Do you have any self-awareness at all? The passenger seat belongs to me and Uncle Julian. Who do you think you are to sit there?"

I lowered my eyes, swallowed my words, and walked around to the back seat.

Gwen glanced at me through the rearview mirror as she fired up the engine, immediately launching into a lecture. "When we get there, you'd better know what to say and what to keep to yourself."

"Exactly. Stop causing problems for my mom," Liam chimed in from the front seat.

"Your mom wants to throw a proper wedding reception, but I think it's ridiculous. It wouldn't look good coming from me, so you'll be the one to turn her down when we get there."

Seeing that I remained completely silent, Gwen glared into the mirror. "Did you hear me? Signing that marriage certificate with you was already doing you a massive favor. Don't go daydreaming about things you don't deserve."

Every venomous word out of her mouth only reaffirmed that our marriage had reached its absolute end.

I had planned to wait until we spoke to the family to bring it up.

But watching her relentless arrogance right now, I couldn't endure another second.

"I made myself clear last time. Going to see the family today is just to give everyone a final explanation."

I reached into my bag, pulled out the signed divorce papers, and held them out. Gwen glanced down, letting out a dismissive laugh. "A whole month away, and you're still playing this pathetic game? Just name your price. How much do you want?"

"This isn't about money. I want a divorce."

"Did you suddenly forget how to speak English?"

"Tyler, know your place. My patience has limits. If it weren't out of respect for your dead brother, do you really think I'd be wasting my breath talking to you right now?"

I was quiet for a long moment before replying, "It is precisely because of my brother that I have thought this through completely."

"You're dead set on a divorce?"

"Completely." I didn't hesitate for a single heartbeat. Gwen's face darkened instantly. "Fine!"

She snatched the papers from my hand, hit the window button, and hurled them into the rushing air outside. "Since you want a divorce so badly, jump out right now and fetch them back! If you do, I'll sign!"

I looked at the dashboard speedometer and let out a bitter, lifeless laugh.

Sixty miles per hour, and she was still pressing the gas. We were on the interstate, surrounded by heavy traffic. Gwen had never intended for me to make it home alive.

"Too chicken?" Gwen smirked smugly. "Turns out your talk of divorce is just hot air."

"Are you serious about that deal?"

"Of course. When Gwen Vance makes a promise, she keeps it!"

The second the words left her mouth, I grabbed the handle, pushed the car door wide open, and jumped without a single second of hesitation.

"Tyler, are you out of your fcking mind?!"

Her furious shriek was swallowed instantly by the roaring wind. A blinding, agonizing tear ripped through my elbows and knees, followed by a sickening crunch as my skull slammed hard against the asphalt.

This time, between them and me, it truly was goodbye forever.