My Craft, Her Gift

A few days passed without a word from Ryan, not a single message. But the day before my scheduled medical check-up, he finally called.

"Haven't you had enough of this? Isn't it time to come back home? Come on, Julia." His tone was cold and sharp.

Hearing his words, I felt my brow crease slightly. "You think I'm throwing a tantrum? Fine, let's make it official. I want a divorce, Ryan. Arrange it as soon as possible," I said, keeping my voice steady. "And make sure the assets are divided clearly."

After saying that, I could practically hear him assume my reason for divorce was money. I caught that edge of disdain in his voice as he replied, "Have I ever left you short on cash? Going as far as asking for a divorce just to get a piece of my fortune, how low, Julia."

I didn't bother explaining my reasons for wanting a divorce. I was just done with this life. I was done being his wife. All I wanted was to leave him.

When I asked him when he'd be available to handle the divorce paperwork, he would always snap and hang up the phone on me. I figured that would be the end of it.

But just half an hour later, there he was, showing up at the door of my studio.

The first thing out of his mouth was an accusation. "Do you have someone else?"

Seeing him twist things around to blame me made my blood boil instantly. I pointed at the door and said, "If you're just going to berate one, then get out."

He seemed to let out a quick sigh of relief, but it didn't last. His arrogance snapped right back. "Since there's no one else, then come back and be my wife like you're supposed to. Stop making trouble over nothing."

Listening to him, I couldn't help but laugh bitterly.

"I may not have anyone else, but you sure do," I said. "You love her so much, you're willing to let me take the fall for her. Are you seriously okay with making her your mistress?"

After I said that, he went quiet for a moment, just staring at me, and then he finally spoke.

"I'll take care of her in her last days," he said, his voice flat. "Don't overthink it. Once I'm done being there for her, I'll come back to you."

The audacity—it was unbelievable.

I laughed again, shaking my head. "You really think I'd still want you after you've spent all that time with Kate?"

He frowned, clearly annoyed by my words, and grabbed my hand. "Whether you want to or not, you're coming home today."

I struggled hard, trying to break free from his grip. I didn't expect him to use so much force, practically dragging me out and into his car.

Once he'd strapped me into the passenger seat, I yelled at him, "Are you out of your mind?"

Seeing me bound there, he looked at me coldly and said, "Yes, I'm out of my mind. Because if you leave, who's going to fulfill Kate's wish? Her last wish is to win gold at the Pottery Excellence Awards this year, but she can't handle the intense work anymore. Only you can help her, Julie."

When he finally revealed this, I didn't even feel sad.

I just looked at him, my voice steady. "Why are you pushing her dream onto me? Your choice to do anything for her is your business. I owe you nothing, and I owe her even less."

After I finished speaking, I saw his brows furrow again but deeper. "Didn't you say you'd do anything for me?" he asked, looking desperate. "Now, just think of it as me begging you. Please, will you?"

For the first time, I saw him actually lowering himself to beg.

But I still responded coldly, "No."

My refusal only angered him more. After all, he was a man who was used to getting everything his way.

He grabbed my shoulders, forcing me to look him in the eye. "Why? Why are you treating me like this? It's just a small favor. Don't you have any sympathy?"

I shoved his hands off me and climbed out of the car.

Before I walked away, I looked him in the eye and said, "If you have any respect left for me at all, you'll arrange our divorce soon."