The Liberating Death,Finding New Love

I woke up to find Joshua sitting on the living room sofa. I had no idea when he'd gotten back. I pretended not to see him and poured myself a glass of water.

"Here's the divorce agreement. Sign it." Joshua grabbed my wrist, pressing my hand onto the table without warmth. The bold words "Divorce Agreement" on the document were blinding. I yanked my hand away forcefully and looked up at him. Even though my heart had turned to stone, my eyes still burned with unshed tears.

I averted my gaze, my voice trembling. "Joshua, do you still remember what you told me on our wedding day five years ago?"

He let out a cold laugh, his tone cutting like ice. "You know I lost my memory. What's the point of asking?"

My hands trembled slightly. I glanced at the agreement, then slowly reached for the pen. Why was I moving so slowly? Time had passed too fast. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't hold onto this five-year marriage.

Joshua thought I was stalling for time, so he frowned and looked furious. He grabbed my arm roughly and snapped, "Stop wasting time. I told you, I only love Zafrielle. Whether you sign it or not, this marriage is over."

He flung my hand away as if my touch disgusted him. I lost my balance. My elbow scraped against the table's edge before I stumbled backwards in panic.

Joshua watched coldly, making no move to help me. I panicked, trying to grab something to steady myself, but I grasped at the air and landed hard on the floor. My diamond ring scraped across my thigh, leaving a long, deep cut.

Blood gushed out instantly and pain followed a second later. I looked up at him, searching for even a flicker of concern in his eyes. There was none.

Yet before the accident, he had been the kind of man who would take over all the household chores just because I got a tiny cut while washing dishes. I bit my lower lip so hard it nearly bled. As the blood trickled down my leg, I couldn't understand—how could a person change so much overnight?

"Drop the act, Evelyn! Whether you sign or not, I'll take this to court. One more thing!" Joshua glared at my blood-soaked ring, his eyes cold. He yanked it off my finger, making me gasp in pain.

"This ring was meant for Zafrielle. You don't deserve it." Then, he threw the blood-stained ring straight into the trash.

I instinctively clutched my chest. At that moment, I couldn't tell which hurt more, my heart, leg, or hand. I sat in a daze as the nurse at the hospital bandaged my wound.

The blood on my hand hadn't even been wiped clean when a familiar voice pierced my ears. "Joshua, thank you. I really love this ring." It was Zafrielle.

Joshua reached out and ruffled her hair, his voice tender, just like the man he used to be. "Zafrielle, I'm sorry. It's all my fault for making you wait so long."

"It's okay, Joshua. As long as I have you. Sadly, I'll never be able to wear the unique ring you designed for me. I still like this one, though."

My heart clenched. I thought of the ring Joshua had thrown in the trash. Five years ago, he'd said it was designed for me. Had it all been a lie? Had I really stolen Joshua from her?

Joshua pulled Zafrielle into his arms and whispered with deep remorse, "I'm sorry. I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you."

I bit down on my lip until it lost all color. Then, I ran. I was afraid that if I stayed a second longer, I would collapse. In the bathroom, I scrubbed my hands over and over until the blood was finally gone. I didn't know when Zafrielle appeared.

She leaned against the door with her arms folded, looking at me smugly. "Evelyn, give up. It's useless. Joshua has always loved me. Did you think he really loved you? He couldn't have me, so he used you as a substitute! You stole five years of my happiness. Be grateful you're getting away with it. The one who isn't loved is the real homewrecker."

I stared at her, her beautiful face twisted with malice. Without a word, I walked past her.

My indifference seemed to provoke her. "Evelyn, you bitch, what are you acting so high and mighty for? You're just a whore no one wants!"

I stopped, turned around and slapped her hard on the face. All the anger from the morning surged through me.

Zafrielle staggered back, clutching her cheek. Her elbow knocked a cup off the sink, spilling hot water onto her hand. Then, she cried out in pain.

I saw Joshua standing nearby, his face cold as ice. As he carried Zafrielle away, he leaned in close and spat a word into my ear. "Disgusting."

I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails dug into my palm, barely keeping myself upright. I couldn't believe it. The man who used to shower me with affection, who kissed me every night and whispered, "I love you," was now calling me disgusting.