I felt all my strength drain away, my throat tightening.
“Kristen said she’s a lucky, fertile woman.”
Even as I spoke, the words felt absurd, a claim with no proof, yet the weight of it pressed down on my heart.
“Brother, hospital directors change every five years; it’s about time for George to step down.”
“These five years under his management, the hospital has lost money year after year. That betting agreement he signed, the penalty should be enough to ruin him, right?”
My brother froze for a moment, then asked cautiously, “Jennifer, are you alright?”
I wasn’t. Not at all. My heart ached as if it were being sliced apart piece by piece.
But I could not allow the slightest impurity in love. If any existed, I would crush it completely.
“Brother, help me find a reliable divorce lawyer. I want George to leave with nothing. This will be difficult.”
In our circles, prenuptial property agreements were always signed.
But I had never made George sign one.
I had always believed he wasn’t here for money, that he would never betray me.
Looking back now, I realized I had spoken far too soon.
After I set everything in motion, George sent me a message.
[Wife, everything I said just now was in anger. Don’t take it to heart.]
[Dwayne has pneumonia. I have to stay at the hospital tonight to be with him.]
[Honestly, I really want to come home, but Dwayne is only four years old. He’s clinging to me… I couldn’t bear to leave.]
I typed back quickly, my fingers trembling.
[I don’t care. Come tomorrow to pack your things and move out of my house.]
A question mark appeared in response.
[Jennifer, are you really forcing me like this? You won’t be satisfied until you push me into another woman’s arms?]
[Fine. I’ll grant your wish!]
I paused, then sent my reply. [On our wedding day, I told you, if you betray me, you’ll be left with nothing. Do you remember?]
That had been our wedding. He had gently lifted my veil, eyes shining like a sky full of stars, and said firmly, “There will be no betrayal, unless I die.”
And now, the only thing left on my screen was a cold, red exclamation mark. He had blocked me.
Not long after, someone added me, and it was Kristen.
She sent a video.
In it, George sat at a bedside, reading a picture book to a four- or five-year-old boy with tender patience.
The child listened closely, eyes wide, completely absorbed.