Misplaced Marriage of Past Era A Love and Hate Tragedy

Margaret's words echoed in my ears, each one hitting me like a punch.

I couldn't believe it—Richard would go so far as to kill our own child for her! Just moments ago, he had promised to care for me and the baby…

Seeing the shock in my eyes, Margaret continued, her voice dripping with satisfaction, “And remember four years ago when you were assaulted? Rick was right outside, pretending to care. But the moment I shook my head, he let that man do whatever he wanted to you.

"Even when he heard your desperate cries, he didn’t lift a finger to help. What kind of man could do that and still claim to have feelings for you?”

I felt my body tremble uncontrollably as memories flooded back—the day I was trapped in the barn, crying for help. Richard had been just outside, yet he had stood there, watching as someone else violated me.

Just then, a nurse entered to change my bandages. Margaret shot me one last triumphant look and declared, “Rick will always be mine!” before hurrying out.

With a heavy heart, I picked up a pen and began writing a letter to expose Richard’s betrayal—how he had swapped the acceptance letters and orchestrated my assault.

The following morning, when Richard came to deliver my meal, I fixed him with a cold stare.

“Richard, you must be thrilled that the baby is gone, just as you wanted.”

He furrowed his brow, clearly puzzled. “What do you mean by that? Why would I be happy about losing my own child?”

If this were any other time, I might have believed him. But now, no matter what Richard said, I simply couldn’t trust him.

“I’m not eating. I’m checking out today; the paperwork is all taken care of.” With that, I started to gather my clothes from the bed.

Richard reached out and grabbed my hand, about to speak, when Margaret walked by and called out, “Rick, I… I’m not feeling well. Can you come with me to see a doctor?”

He hesitated for a moment, then looked at me with an apologetic expression. “You should head home first. I’ll come see you later.” He rushed out the door.

Watching him walk away, I knew he wouldn’t be coming back tonight.

Sure enough, the next morning, just as dawn broke, I got a call from Richard. “Eve, I’m really sorry. I stayed late at the hospital taking care of Maggie and didn’t make it home.”

“You know I’ve always treated her like a sister. I had to…”

Before he could finish, I cut him off. “Fine. You take care of her.”

With that, I hung up the phone.

As noon approached, I pulled out the suitcase I had packed in advance and placed the divorce agreement on the table.

I pulled out another piece of paper and began to write.

[Richard, I’m leaving. Please don’t come looking for me.

I heard everything you said to the village chief that day. And I know you’ve always loved Margaret.

I’m done with this sham of a marriage. You two can be together openly now.]

After finishing, I mailed the report and headed to the Registry Office to finalize the divorce. Once everything was taken care of, I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

I boarded the bus to the station, eager to set off for the land I had long dreamed of.

***

Meanwhile, Richard, having just hung up the phone, felt a gnawing anxiety in his chest.

He regretted listening to Margaret the night before and staying at the hospital, even allowing things to get out of hand.

As these thoughts raced through his mind, guilt washed over him. After all, Evelyn was his wife and she had just suffered a miscarriage while he was tangled up with another woman.

Reflecting on Evelyn's calm response during their phone call, Richard felt a sense of unease.

He quickly got out of bed, determined to return home, but was stopped in his tracks when Margaret hugged him from behind.

This time, however, he didn’t give in. He pushed her away and rushed out of the hospital.

As Richard stepped outside, he ran into the village chief, who was panting. His granddaughter were following closely behind him.

“Rick, you won’t believe it! Evelyn heard everything I said the other day at your dorm!”