BACK OFF EX-HUSBAND, I'M MARRIED TO YOUR RIVAL NOW.

Richard suddenly frowned. "Why are you throwing it away? Didn't you say you will keep it for our daughter when we eventually have one?"

I looked at him. I don't know if I should laugh at his deceit or just keep quiet. He still doesn't know that I found out about his fake impotency. For five years, I had treasured the wedding gown. I had created a spot in my closet just for the stupid gown, hoping to preserve it for my future daughter. I had it professionally cleaned every year. I had thought it was worth keeping.

But now it was of no use to me anymore, knowing that it would be the first thing Lillian and her daughter would trash once I leave the house after our divorce. I decided to trash it before they get the chance.

I gave Richard a faint smile. "Honey, just let it be. It's ruined. It's useless now. Our future daughter can always make her own gown."

"I know, but you just can't toss it out like that," Richard argued while studying my face. He knew how much I loved that gown. "You know what? I will have a fashion designer take a look at it and maybe repair it for you."

I shook my head. "Don't bother, honey. Some things are better left the way they are. Not everything needs fixing."

I wasn't just referring to the dress, but also our broken marriage. I did not give him the chance to say another word as I turned and started walking back inside my room.

"Are you still angry with me for not attending your cousin's wedding? But I told you something urgent came up in the office."

"I'm not angry, just tired," I said without looking back. Just as I was about to take another step, I tripped and almost fell from the staircase, but Richard held me. Without another word, he lifted me into his arms despite my protest. He carried me to our room and sat me on the bed.

"I'm sorry, honey. I shouldn't have left you alone. I know how important it was that I attended your cousin's wedding with you," Richard apologized.

My chest tightened as I listened to his lies and excuses. I was no fool. Richard had never loved me enough to put my needs before Lillian's. For a moment, memories of my younger self, eager to marry Richard, flashed through my mind. Had I really sacrificed my relationship with my family just for him?

"Honey, you are not saying anything," Richard said, trying to touch me, but I didn't give him the chance. I quickly stood up from the bed and pretended I was going to use the toilet.

"It's okay, honey. You don't need to apologize. I'm used to it," I said before shutting the door of the toilet. I had always known that he barely loved me. Only recently did I realize that he never loved me at all.

After staying inside the toilet for a few minutes, I thought he would have left when I came back, but to my surprise, he was still sitting on the bed.

I avoided the bed and sat on my nightstand, brushing my already perfect hair.

"I want to make it up to you. Is there anything you want me to get for you?" Richard asked.

I sighed. "Anything at all?" I asked in a steady voice as I turned to look at him.

"Yes, anything at all. Just mention it," he replied confidently.

"Allow the maids to dispose of the wedding gown."

"That's it? I mean, that's all you want?"

I nodded. "That's all I want for now."

"Alright, if that's what you want, I will personally dispose of the wedding gown myself, if that will make you happy."

For a brief moment, as I met his sincere gaze for the first time, guilt flickered inside of me. I quickly shrugged it off. His phone started ringing. It wasn't his usual ringing tone. It was the ringing tone he set only for Lillian.

Richard answered the call, said a few words, and quickly stood up on his feet angrily. "Lilly, are you alright? How bad is it? You should have been more careful. Send me your location. I'm coming there right now."

"Lilly twisted her ankle while shopping with Ayesha, and she wants me to take her to the hospital," Richard said, grabbing his jacket.

"Lilly... You know, I have never heard you call her Lillian, or is there more to it?"

Richard stopped in his tracks as he glared at me. "Fiona, it doesn't matter whether I call her Lilly or Lillian. She's hurt and needs my help right now. Why are you being so inconsiderate?"

I smiled. "Relax, honey. I wasn't stopping you from going to her, so why are you suddenly angry? I know you and Lillian have known each other for long, even before she became your sister-in-law, so it's natural you guys call each other by your nicknames."

Richard nodded and ran out of the room. I watched as his black Mercedes-Benz disappeared from the driveway from my window. I breathed a sigh of relief. I almost let the words slip out of my mouth.

From now on, I have to be careful of what I say to Richard or even Lillian. I have always been good at playing the understanding and obedient wife. I just needed to keep it up if I wanted to secure a clean and smooth divorce.

I lay down thinking of my next move, and my phone rang. It was Alice.

"Hey bitch, wanna go out for a drink?"

"Sure, but a bit later. I still have to sell those jewelry today, especially the diamond necklaces."

"Did Richard suspect anything yet?"

"Nope, but I almost slipped while talking to him. But Thank God-"

"Alright, I will come by and pick you up later. Will that be okay?"

"Sure, that would be a perfect time."

We chatted a bit longer. I felt better. Alice always has a way of cracking me up.