Chapter 17%
I won’t be the weak woman I used to be. I won’t cry over a man who doesn’t know how to appreciate me. I won’t beg to be loved. I’m not the old Agnes who was easily lied to and destroyed.
Through a little investigation, I found out where Leon was going tonight. The name of the hotel was the same as the one on the note. It’s funny, he didn’t even try to hide it.
I stood in front of the mirror before leaving. I look at my face, which is swollen from last night’s crying, and apply a little light make–up. A long black dress and a leather jacket. A pair of heels that I’m still quite comfortable wearing despite my growing belly.
“If this is their game, let me be the last player to close the stage,” I whispered with a faint smile.
You know what hurts? Seeing your husband open the hotel room door for another woman.
But you know what’s even more fun? Going in and ruining their perverted moment right before it starts.
I opened the door with a loud bang. Leon was shocked to death. The woman I think her name was Vera or something jumped out of bed with her eyes bulging.
“Aww, you look like a cheap scene from a three o’clock soap opera!” I said with a mocking laugh.
Leon was still frozen. His mouth was open but not a single word came out.
The woman covered her chest with a blanket, looking panicked.}
I just laughed… and picked up the glass of hot coffee I had brought from the nearby shop.
“A drink, yes… to welcome your beautiful evening.“}
With one swift movement, I threw the coffee right at the cheap woman.}
She let out a small scream and retreated in panic.}
“Oops,” I said coldly, “My hands get loose when I see a slut grabbing someone’s husband.“}
Leon finally made his move. “Agnes, what are you doing here?!“}
I came closer. My face had no tears.
“What? Seeing my perfect husband is more disgusting than my ex.“>
“It’s not what you think-“}
“What did I think? Leon, you’re worse than I thought.”}
I laughed softly, then looked at him sharply. “I didn’t come to cry. I just wanted to tell you… starting tonight, I’m no longer willing to be your wife.“}
From a distance, I could catch two figures standing behind the glass outside the corridor.
Samuel and Livia. They also saw everything.
SLOFA-
They are not smiling. Not satisfied. Not winning. They are afraid. Because now they realize: The Agnes they knew is dead.} And standing in front of them now… is Agnes who will avenge everything.”
I walked out of the hotel room with my head held high, the heels of my shoes clicking steadily down the hallway. Never mind the surprised looks from the few people who might have seen the commotion just now. I have no regrets. In fact, to be honest… I was satisfied.
A few steps before heading to the elevator, I had glanced at the large glass at the end of the corridor.
Samuel and Livia were still standing there, frozen.}
Samuel looked incredulous, and Livia… was clearly nervous.
My eyes looked at them without hesitation.
I pointed at Livia from a distance, then brought the finger to my lips and pretended to blow a kiss.
“Next time, find yourself a husband,” I muttered under my breath, enough to satisfy myself.
A few hours later, I was home. I sat on the sofa with my hands on my big belly.”
“I’m sorry, son… I have to be firm this time. You can’t keep getting hurt.”
My phone vibrated repeatedly.2
Leon.
But this time, I don’t want to hear excuses, don’t want to hear apologies.
For all I know, she has chosen to side with my enemies.”
The next day, I sent the lawyer’s letter. The first step to filing for divorce.”
I’d already spoken to my personal attorney–everything would be taken care of officially. And right away, everyone started burning their beards.
Leon came that night, trying to get into the house while knocking and calling my name.!!
I just opened the second floor window and looked down quietly.”
“Go away, Leon. I’ve had enough patience. Now, it’s my turn to live a quiet life.“@
‘Agnes, please, I–“%
10:09 AM
“Love never needs justification, but infidelity needs excuses. And all your excuses are… trite.”
Leon finally shut up. Then he looked down and left.
And when I closed the window, I felt… for the first time in my life, I won.
But I knew Samuel wouldn’t stay silent. And me? I won’t back down either. Now, I’m not just protecting myself. I’m also protecting my
son.
That morning, Leon appeared in front of the house again. This time he wasn’t alone, coming with a shabby face, an untidy shirt, and carrying a bouquet of flowers that were already a bit wilted.
I stared at her from behind the glass door, not the least bit moved.
Flowers cannot patch wounds, let alone erase betrayal.§
As soon as I opened the door, she immediately spoke, “Agnes… listen first, I can explain everything.“}
I raised my hand, stopping her. “You think this is a soap opera? After everything you’ve done, you think I’m going to sit back, listen to your excuses, and then just forgive you?”
She looked down, beginning to fidget. “I… I was wrong. But Samuel, him?“}
“STOP,” I cut in sharply. “Don’t bring up Samuel. You’re not a child who can be told what to do. You’re my husband. You promised to protect me and my son. But in reality? You didn’t even come home when I was in pain.“}
She sighed, trying to get closer. “I’m really sorry, Agnes. I lost my way.“}
I took a step back. “I don’t need your regrets, Leon. I need decisiveness to take care of myself and my son. And for that, I need to get away from you.”
Her eyes widened. “You want to divorce me?”
I leaned closer, looking deeply into her eyes. “I’ve sent the letter through the lawyer. All you have to do is sign.“>
“Agnes, don’t be like that–“>
“I once fell because of love. But now I’m up because of my son.“>
The atmosphere was suddenly quiet. The morning breeze blew softly. Leon was silent as I closed the door slowly in front of his face.§ Inside the house, I stroked my bulging belly.
“From now on, I will no longer be weak. I promise, you will grow up surrounded by strength, not wounds.”
And that day, I knew I was no longer a victim. I became a protector.
