The Man You Couldn’t Forget

No Shame Left to Hide

Irene immediately rushed forward and clung tightly to Winston as he broke down in tears. She followed along, coaxing and comforting him.

The director was thoroughly disgusted with them. "Have you two no shame at all? This is a workplace! Everyone is watching! How shameless! Keith, go home and get some rest. I'll make sure that this is properly handled."

I nodded and turned to leave. Irene hurried after me, trying to grab my arm. However, Winston caught up and held onto her tightly. I had no interest in sparing them even a glance. So, I strode away, went home to grab my documents, and bought my plane ticket.

By the time I returned, Irene was storming back toward the building in a fury with Winston trailing timidly behind her. I didn't know what had happened after I left, and I didn't care. I slipped the ticket into my pocket, pretended not to see them, and went back inside.

Not long after, the two of them showed up at my door together. The hallway was piled with a heap of miscellaneous items, and Winston's expression looked worse than ever.

Irene was the first to speak, "Keith, I've gotten everything back. Let's not get divorced, okay?"

Before I could answer, Winston burst out, "Keith Pembroke, I've returned everything I've taken! I don't want anything anymore. Are you happy now? Irene, you don't have to worry about my boy and me anymore. Just let the two of us fend for ourselves!"

I flipped through the pile of junk they had brought back and found that even the free-range eggs Irene had bought him just two days ago were there.

I clapped my hands and sniggered. "Winston, Irene's been the one helping you raise that child for the past five years. She has paid for everything you've eaten and used. Your wife's parents are long gone, and you are the sole owner of the compensation money, no?

"If I'm not mistaken, you've saved quite a bit, haven't you? Saying you'll be left with nothing to live on is quite an exaggeration, don't you think?"

Word about my outburst at the mine had already spread throughout the residential compound. The neighbors had been waiting to watch the drama unfold. As a result, the hallway was livelier than a holiday gathering.

Irene's face flushed bright red. "Winston! I've helped you plenty all these years. Can't you consider all the aid I've given you and stop making a scene? You may not feel embarrassed, but I do!"

Bertha stepped forward to smooth things over. "Keith, if this keeps going, everyone's going to be embarrassed. Life still has to go on."

I understood her good intentions. In this day and age, everyone was expected to keep family matters behind closed doors, especially family scandals. However, I knew I had nothing to be ashamed of.

As for Irene and Winston… Honestly, why would I care about them when I was going to divorce Irene soon enough?

I took Bertha's hand in mine. "Bertha, I've already made up my mind to divorce. I'll be leaving in five days to study abroad. I've already bought the ticket. You should take a look at these things. You have my permission to take anything your grandson can use.

"I was going to sell everything else as scrap even if you don't take them."

Bertha glanced between Irene and Winston, clearly feeling awkward.

I pulled her along. "This toy car would be perfect for your grandson. And these clothes—they're all brand new and about his size. You should take the eggs too."

Bertha thanked me profusely. Then, she turned slightly away and lowered her voice. "Keith, what you said about going abroad… Is that really true? Wouldn't you just be giving them everything?"

I nodded. "It's true, Bertha. Our country is still rebuilding. So, how can I waste my time on petty things like this?

"Irene doesn't know how to treasure what I've given her, but I'm sure the government and the people wouldn't dismiss me so easily if I devote myself to the country's rebuilding efforts."

Bertha could only nod in quiet support. As she passed Irene, she shook her head and sighed, muttering under her breath, "How can you throw away such a wonderful husband?"

Irene became as still as a statue under everyone's derisive eyes.