Back then, we had nothing, no house, no car, not even a penny to our names.

We had taken the bus to the City Hall.

But we were filled with hope for the future.

Now, we had everything but each other.

In an attempt to make amends, Ariana insisted I could propose any terms for our divorce.

I chuckled softly. "How about transferring all the assets to my name?"

Even though I was on the brink of being erased from existence, I didn't want her to use that money for Marvin.

If I had to go, I'd rather my money go to charity than line Marvin's pockets.

Ariana's expression soured at my request.

"Why? The money we've saved over the years isn't just from your efforts!"

I calmly explained, "Didn't you say this was just a temporary divorce? So, what's the worry? You don't trust me to hold onto it? Or maybe you never intended to remarry me at all."

Her face stiffened momentarily, but she quickly denied it.

"Who said that? Once this whole Marvin thing blows over, we'll definitely get back together."

"Then what's the issue? You should have nothing to worry about."

After a moment of awkward hesitation, she finally relented.

But deep down, I knew she wouldn't be around for a reconciliation.

Once the divorce paperwork was finalized, Ariana grabbed her suitcase and headed back to the hospital.

I, on the other hand, feeling unwell, returned home.

When I got back, the System reminded me with its usual monotone voice, "In approximately three days, you will be involved in a car accident because of Ariana, leading to your heart donation surgery."

I sighed, "So soon?"

The System said, "In three days, Ariana is set to marry Marvin. If she gets the right heart for donation then, she'll be overjoyed. But if she finds out that the donor was you and that the reason for the donation was because of the car accident caused by her, she'll be devastated.

"After all, to make someone fall hard, you first have to let them climb high enough."

The System's methods of torment were as sophisticated as ever.

5

When I got home, I lay on my bed for the entire afternoon, lost in thought.

By evening, I finally opened my phone and was startled to see a new message from Ariana: [Arthur, are you home? Let's have dinner together tonight.]

This was the same Ariana who wouldn't pick up my calls when I refused to agree to the divorce. Now, she was the one reaching out, wanting to share a meal.