Chapter 3

When I opened my eyes again, I was lying in a hospital bed.

Celeste sat nearby, looking at me with a complicated expression.

"Nolan, you're finally awake. It was my fault today. I was too impatient. Don't take it to heart."

My head was still throbbing, and I coldly stared at her, unsure what game Celeste was playing now.

"The doctor said you'll be fine after a few days of rest. I took time off to stay with you, okay?"

Celeste said, offering me a nutritious meal to drink.

I turned my head away.

"Celeste, what's the point of all this? You're the one who cheated. You want a divorce, and now you're trying to appease me?!"

"I don't need you with me. Go find Finn. He's your true love."

In the past, whenever we fought, I would always be the one to apologize first.

Now, Celeste's first attempt at reconciliation was ignored by me, and her face soured.

She slammed the meal box down, questioning me with tears,

"Can't I make a mistake? We didn't even do anything, yet you don't trust me?"

"Dad called today, saying he's in the hospital again and wants you to care for him. Even if you don't want to see me, at least visit him!"

My expression darkened, so this was her plan.

Cancer caretakers are expensive, but if it's me, they save a lot of money.

Years ago, I had no choice but to care for her dad.

Spending money and effort, enduring the filth.

But all I got was their ingratitude.

Now, even with divorce looming, Celeste wants me to be the sucker again.

"I'm not going, Celeste. Let's divorce."

I said bluntly,

"Your dad's illness is none of my concern. I'll prepare the divorce papers. Make sure to sign them."

Upon hearing this, Celeste lost her patience.

She stood up, looking down at me,

"You're not going to divorce me, Nolan. I know you're just sulking."

"You barged in and hit him. I only acted to prevent Finn from causing trouble later. Can't you use your brain?"

With that, the hospital room fell silent.

I closed my eyes, unwilling to argue with her.

Celeste had struck hard enough to knock me out.

If it wasn't to vent for Finn, why would she be so determined?

Now she claimed it was to protect me. How laughable.

"You don't really want a divorce, do you, Nolan? I know you're just upset with me."

"When you barged in and started hitting, I only fought back because I was worried that Finn would hold it against you later. Can't you use some common sense?"

The hospital room suddenly fell so silent you could hear a pin drop.

I closed my eyes, not wanting to argue with her anymore.

At that time, Celeste didn't hold back and knocked me out cold.

If she wasn't trying to stand up for her beloved Finn, then why else would she be so determined?

Now she claims it was to protect me—how ridiculous.

"Nolan, we've been together for nearly nine years. You're more than just a lover to me; you're family."

"I just sought some excitement because our marriage had become mundane. I promise it won't happen again."

"Can't you forgive me this once?"

Celeste held my hand, looking at me sincerely.

The depth and tenderness in her eyes seemed genuine.

"Nolan, the gift I got you is arriving soon. I'll go get it for you; you're going to love it."

I didn't respond, just felt utterly drained.

Five minutes later, Celeste was back.

She placed a pair of diamond rings in front of me.

"I know you've always wanted these, so I secretly ordered them to surprise you."

"Nolan, I hope you can be happy every day and stay by my side forever."

For a moment, I hesitated.

Could it really be, as she said, that we just lost some excitement?

Nine years of feelings—I don't want to give up easily.

Seeing my expression soften, Celeste smiled and placed my hand on her cheek.

"Honey, rest well. Once you're discharged, we can go visit Dad together."

"Don't worry, I know you're tired of taking care of him alone. I'll take turns with you."

I nodded, "Just remember, don't contact Finn anymore."

Hearing this, Celeste remained expressionless, "You still don't trust me? I've sworn, honey. Just rest."

In the following days, Celeste stayed by my side without leaving.

She even let me check her phone, which gradually eased my suspicions.

Until one night, I didn't drink the warm milk she brought me.

But her phone call woke me up.

Celeste, with her back to me, was flirting with Finn by the window.

"Why so anxious? Nolan will be discharged soon, then we can meet."

"My dad's bone marrow only matches his. I'll keep him happy for now, and it'll be easier to ask him later."

"Even if he disagrees, it's fine. The sleeping pills you gave work great. I've fed him for five days, and he sleeps like a log. Worst case, we'll do the transplant first and let him know later."

Finn chuckled on the other end.

"If it weren't for his remaining usefulness, why would I let you stay with him and endure this?"

"Celeste, I'm going crazy missing you. Come down and meet me, okay? I've got a hotel nearby."

Celeste pretended to refuse a few times before quickly packing and leaving.

Heartbroken and humiliated, I couldn't breathe properly.

These past few days, she'd been giving me warm milk, claiming it helped me sleep, but it was just to test the drugs.

I pulled out my phone and booked a flight abroad.

Then I messaged my good friend Leo, a lawyer, to draft a divorce agreement for me.