Chapter 3

Chloe’s words stabbed directly into my rawest wounds. My head throbbed, and I actually laughed out loud.

"He has no one? Chloe, I gave up my entire life to move here with you! I didn't know a single soul in this city either! When did you ever show me any concern?"

Back then, I had only agreed to move here because she had cried and begged me to. She said she couldn't survive the pressure alone, that she was terrified of failing her late father.

I comforted her, packed my bags, and left everything behind for her.

I couldn't even understand the local accent when I first arrived. Everything was incredibly difficult for me.

At least Austin was born and raised in this city!

I worked day and night to help her manage her company. Where would I even find the time to make friends?

And after a brutal day of work, I had to open Instagram only to see photos of her cozying up with Austin.

"Do you even have a heart, Chloe? Ask yourself—have I not given you everything these past years?"

"And you? What have you ever done for this marriage?"

"Do you even remember the vows you made at our wedding?"

I roared the last words, my chest heaving violently. Suddenly, a sharp fit of coughing seized me, and I coughed up a splatter of bright red blood.

Chloe gasped, visibly terrified by the sight of the blood. She took a step toward me, reaching out her hand.

But Austin quickly pulled her back into his embrace, whispering softly, "Chloe, don't worry. Ethan is just overwhelmed by his emotions right now. He'll calm down once he cools off."

Chloe clung to him, tears starting to stream down her face.

Austin then looked up at me, a mocking smirk playing on his lips, though his voice sounded incredibly gentle and submissive.

"Ethan, I know you don't mean those words."

"Chloe is still young. As her husband, you should be more patient and accommodating. That's what marriage is about, right?"

"After all, you've been married to her for three years. I could never compete with that..."

The mockery in his eyes was blinding. He was looking at me like I was a pathetic clown.

"Shut up."

I couldn't hold it in for another second. I lunged forward, shoving Chloe aside, and slammed my fist directly into Austin's smug face.

BANG.

My fist connected hard, sending his head snapping to the side.

I didn't stop. I grabbed him by his collar, slammed him onto the hardwood floor, and pinned him down.

Though I had been sickly, my doctor had advised me to take up martial arts and strength training to recover. I had plenty of power in my body now.

Lifting Austin was effortless.

I threw another heavy punch right into his face.

I poured all the pain, betrayal, and humiliation of the past years into my fists. I didn't hold back.

Within seconds, his face was swollen and covered in bruises.

SLAP.

A stinging pain exploded on my cheek. I froze and looked up.

Chloe had slapped me.