“Nathan! Come check out your new ride!”
Nathan’s face turned pale.
Seeing me, Ruby put on a fake-friendly smile, patted my shoulder.
“Oh, Stella, I didn’t see you there just now. Isn’t it cool? The color matches Nathan’s wedding bow tie! He said this is my war chariot — when I drive it, it’s like carrying him with me!”
My knuckles cracked from how hard I clenched my fists.
Was that supposed to be a love confession?
And me? I stood there like a fool, guarding a hollow shell of a “home” he had long since gutted.
Ruby jumped in, started the engine.
“Stella, listen to this roar! Doesn’t it match my driving skills perfectly?”
I raised my eyes, giving her a cold look.
“Yes. Both are equally unbearable.”
They both froze, clearly shocked that I — usually so mild — would say something like that.
“What… what did you just say?”
Nathan yanked me aside, lowering his voice, his eyes full of warning.
“Stella! What’s wrong with you? Ruby’s about to compete in the National Championship — can’t you hold it together? Stop dragging out your self-pity and attitude!”
I let out a short laugh. Self-pity?
Well, in his eyes, I was nothing more than a washed-up doctor with a ruined hand — self-pitying and oversensitive.
“A girl who shamelessly lives off a man — and you treat her like treasure. Just seeing her makes me sick.”
They were stunned, unable to believe I’d said something so cruel.
“Stella! Who are you calling shameless?!”
“Nathan, if it weren’t for you, I’d—”
Ruby’s eyes were red with rage. Nathan quickly pulled her close, shielding her.
“Stella, we’re about to get our marriage license — can’t you think about me for once?”
“From the day we got engaged, have you ever seen me truly happy? And now you want to humiliate me in front of strangers?”
Ruby clutched his hand, her face full of fake tears.
“Forget it, Nathan, don’t fight because of me…”
Nathan finally exploded.
“I’ve had enough! I’ve put up with you for so long!”
“Stella, stop pushing me! You owe me for life! So what if you suffer a little?!”
The plaza went dead silent, curious stares pricking me like needles.
So in his eyes, my sacrifice was nothing but a weapon he could use to hurt me whenever he pleased.
And I had once thought he’d feel even a shred of gratitude.
How many times had Ruby called him saying she was in a bad mood, and Nathan immediately ditched my rehab appointments to take her out?