For the first time, I showed a vulnerable side in front of Michael. He looked surprised and panicked for a moment.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” he said.
“Your shares aren’t worth much money anyway. Can’t I just pay you double as compensation?”
Michael pulled out his phone and started typing in the password to transfer money to me. But before he finished, his phone rang. It was Regina.
Regina said she was afraid of the dark. Another bullshit reason. Without hesitation, he put his phone away. “That girl is delicate,” he said.
“I need to sleep with her.”
Then, he looked at me and added, “It’s not safe to move out at night. Let’s talk tomorrow morning. And don’t forget to send her a sugar-free breakfast before you leave. She’s pregnant and picky.”
I didn’t say a word. I just dragged my suitcase back into the room. I was too tired to argue anymore.
The next morning, when I woke up, there were two messages on my phone.
One was from that man.
[MP: See you at the entrance of the Town Hall at 1 pm, Evelyn.]
The other message was from Michael.
[Michael: It’s going to rain and you’re still not feeling well. Don’t rush to move out. Rest at home today. And don’t bring me food. I’m taking Regina to the Bistrot at Wild Honeys for dinner.]
After nine years of marriage, that was the first time Michael had ever told me where he was going. It was also the first time he had shown me even a small amount of concern. But it was too late.
Without replying, I blocked Michael’s number.
I quietly counted my things, packed the last of my luggage and got ready to leave.
As soon as I stepped out of the door, I saw Michael getting out of a red Ferrari, his face full of anger. He looked furious.
Without warning, he slapped me.
“You bitch!” he yelled.
“You act so kind and generous in front of me, but behind my back, you went crying to Grandpa and told him to block my bank card?”
“I was going to book the entire Bistrot at Wild Honeys and propose to Regina today! You embarrassed me!”
“From today on, don’t even dream of getting back together with me! And don’t even think about entering the Purnell Family ever again!”
Even after hitting me, Michael still wasn’t satisfied. He kicked my suitcase and sent it flying into the swimming pool. I watched the dowry my parents carefully prepared for me sinking into the water. But I didn’t care about my spinning head or the burning pain.