Chapter 1N
The metal door opened slowly. The morning air hit my face–it felt foreign after five years of confinement behind gray walls. Not because I killed or stole. But because I loved my husband, Samuel, too much.N
He was convicted of embezzling company funds. Evidence and witnesses pointed to him. But by then, his life was already ruined by stage three cancer.N
While in prison, I clung to hope: Samuel would wait for me. I even brought his favorite sunflowers and a small chocolate cake like he always asked for on his birthday.N
No one picked me up at the gate, but I wasn’t disappointed. Maybe he was preparing a surprise. Instead, I saw a big tent on the lawn, a red carpet, and a crowd of laughing people. Above the gate, a white banner unfurled:N
*“Happy Marriage, Samuel & Livia.“*
My steps stopped. Flowers fell from my grasp. Cake rolled onto the sidewalk. The world seemed to collapse. Livia, my little friend, stood next to Samuel in her wedding dress.
I walked into the center of the party. The music stopped. All eyes were on me. My breath caught in my throat as I said, “You didn’t pick me up today… because you were busy getting married?”
Samuel fell silent. His eyes widened, his mouth opened but no sound came out. Livia hurriedly disentangled herself from his embrace, while the guests began to whisper. I stepped forward.N
I slapped Samuel and Livia hard.§
“This is payback for me going to jail for you!” I said sharply.
Samuel rubbed his cheek. His gaze was cold with disgust. “You think I’d wait for an ex–convict?” he said softly, but piercingly.
Samuel’s mother approached with a face full of hatred. “You don’t belong here. Prison should be your forever home.“}]
I almost laughed. “I went to prison for your son. But you’re all cowards.“N
My steps faltered. My head throbbed violently. The world was spinning. My body collapsed in the middle of the party.
When I woke up, I was already in the hospital. The sound of monitors ticking quietly around me. A doctor stood at the bedside, opening a folder of medical records.
“Severe stress and high blood pressure,” he said. “You’re lucky to be conscious. And be careful… this could be the beginning of nerve damage.”
I didn’t react immediately. It took a few seconds for my breathing to return to normal.
“What… does that mean nerve damage? You mean… I could be paralyzed?” my voice sounded as foreign as someone else’s. Broken. Cracked.
The doctor sighed, his voice calm but distant. “Not necessarily. But this symptom must be treated quickly. Otherwise, it could spread. Motor system, even memory.“}]
“So after five years of sacrificing my life, now… this is the payback?” I whispered softly, to no one in particular. “I lost my husband, my best friend, my pride… and now my body too?“!
Then Livia walked into my room. Not with a guilty expression.
“I’ve heard everything about your illness. Don’t you think it will bring Samuel back? Don’t expect it!”
I didn’t answer. But my chest ached. She leaned closer, then whispered softly:
“We will continue this marriage.“}
Im still his legal wife,” I finally replied.”
Livia smiled sarcastically. “The law? Samuel doesn’t care about that.”
“He only cares about who can make him happy now. And that’s me.“}
Not long after, Samuel arrived.”
I looked at him, hoping he would explain, But his expression was blank.
‘Samuel… why are you doing this?”
“I went to prison because of you. I sacrificed everything.”
*Because I love Livia,” he said softly, then more firmly.
“I loved her when you went to prison. My days were lonely, I needed entertainment. I needed someone, and Livia came into my life!”
They went back to the party. I didn’t chase after them. I just sat there in the hospital bed, empty stomach, full head.
