Starting Over Without Him

The moment Michelle heard what I said, she struggled, trying to shake off Baron's grip.

The dormitory entryway was already cramped to begin with. With three people squeezed inside, there was no room to turn around.

I stepped back slightly, watching the two of them pull at each other with cold detachment.

Baron's usual gentleness was gone. His face flushed red with anger.

"How can Michelle be compared to you? She's suffered so much since she was young. Now that she's finally back, she still has to raise a child all by herself. You're a woman too. How can you have so little compassion?"

I looked at his bloodshot eyes and, for a moment, felt disoriented.

In my previous life, I had raised a child on my own too.

Everyone revolved around Michelle.

How about me? I handled everything alone. I took care of my son and looked after both sets of parents.

Big issues, small matters… Everything waited for me to deal with.

As for the two of them, they spent their lives carefree, traveling and enjoying themselves.

A dull ache spread through my chest. I pressed a hand against it before lifting my gaze to Baron.

"Fine. I feel sorry for her, so you can take her back to your place now and hand over your entire salary next month while you're at it.

"If you're leaving, then go. If Mrs. Jones next door wakes up, your little situation will be all over the neighborhood by tomorrow."

Without waiting for their reaction, I turned around and walked straight into the bathroom.

In my new life, I only want to live for myself.

After a while, Baron's voice came faintly from the doorway.

"The rain's too heavy. I'll take Michelle home first. Get some rest. I'll be back later."

The sound of running water mixed with the clear click of the wooden door opening and closing.

The ache in my chest had completely disappeared.

After finishing my shower and getting changed, I reached up to the top shelf of the bookcase and pulled down a thick book.

Inside it was everything I had saved over the years.

Most of Baron's salary had gone to Michelle. What little remained had been given to his mother.

Our household expenses had almost entirely been supported by my income.

Even the apartment I was in had been assigned to me by the university after I became a teaching assistant.

I took out the small wad of cash, tucked it into my pocket and went to bed, satisfied.

"From today onward, Baron, whoever you choose to play the savior for has nothing to do with me,' I thought.

The next morning, Baron finally returned with dark circles under his eyes.

"What you said last night was too harsh. Michelle cried the whole night. No matter what I said, she refused to stay at my place. Come with me later and apologize to her.

"Did you make breakfast? We can bring it along."

He opened his mouth to continue, but then noticed my pale face, how I was slumped weakly against the sofa.

He froze for a second, then reached out to touch my forehead.

"You've got a fever this bad and didn't tell me?"

I brushed his hand away, lowered my head, and took a sip of water, forcing down the bitter taste of medicine in my mouth.

For years after our marriage, I had taken care of his every need. Sometimes, I even prepared things for Michelle as well.

However, I did not want to do anything anymore.

Our marriage had been a calculation from the very beginning. It was time for it to end.

Seeing that I remained silent, Baron hesitated for only a few seconds before speaking again.

"About that upcoming competition… Could you give your spot to Michelle?"