That speech was still pinned to the top of the university forum.

A testament to a love that no longer existed.

Adrian Farley swept into the public eye, and he took me with him.

The university forums were relentless. *Adrian treats her like a princess. Their love restores my faith in romance.* Post after post, comment after comment.

And back then? I believed every word.

Heaven had cursed me with a crippled heart, but it had compensated me with Adrian Farley. That's what I told myself. That's what made the endless hospital visits bearable.

Then came Zoe Preston.

She slipped into our lives like smoke through a cracked window—a junior in Adrian's research group. At first, it was innocent. Academic discussions after class. Competition prep sessions.

Then meals.

Then walks home.

Adrian mentioned her casually at first. "She's hardworking. Real talent for medicine."

But her name started falling from his lips with increasing frequency. Like a song he couldn't stop humming.

"Fiona, Zoe is so clumsy sometimes. Still asks me about the simplest questions."

"Fiona, Zoe got a reservation at that exclusive Sichuan place. But your heart can't handle spice, so I'm not taking you."

"Fiona..."

He eventually left that project group.

Because I forced him to.

Now, staring at the empty apartment, I printed a fresh copy of the divorce agreement. My hand didn't shake as I signed it. I left it on the living room table where he couldn't miss it, grabbed my luggage, and walked out.

Before shutting the door, I sent Adrian a text.

*The divorce papers are on the table. Refuse to sign, and I'll see you in court.*

By the time my parents called, I had already secured a rental. I answered via video. My mother's background was the very apartment they had bought me before the marriage.

"Fiona! Why are you being so stubborn?" Her face contorted with frustration. "Look at you—"

I hung up.

My thumbs moved across the screen.

*Mom, this is between Adrian and me. Keep pushing, and I don't know what I might do.*

A notification pinged from the "A Loving Family" group chat. Dad.

*Fiona Mason, we have spoiled you rotten all these years!*

*Adrian treats you like gold—what exactly are you making a fuss about?*

*Let me tell you, if you insist on this divorce, then I, Zion Mason, have no daughter!*

I left the group chat. Blocked both their numbers.