The Thorns of Love

To Sean, even sharing a room with his sister-in-law was perfectly acceptable. This reminded me of the marriage certificate he posted this morning. Our marriage certificate might actually be fake.

I found our certificate and messaged my lawyer friend, asking her to help verify its authenticity.

After tidying up both the bedroom and the study, I lay down, icing the swollen part of my face. When did Sean's relationship with Mischa start to change?

It feels like it's been a long time, so long that I've gotten used to being ignored, used to their close interactions.

I stared at the ceiling, unknowingly waiting until dawn. A sudden vibration from my phone broke the silence.

I picked up and my friend's hesitant voice came through, "Krystal, your marriage certificate with Sean … it's fake …"

In that instant, it felt like a bucket of cold water poured over me from head to toe. Though I had expected it, the confirmation still cut me to the core.

I asked, "So … does that mean the marriage certificates for Sean and Mischa could actually be real?"

Then what did the past two years of sharing a bed with Sean mean? I felt like the biggest joke in the world.

I ended the call, letting my hand fall in exhaustion. After an entire night of reflection, I'd decided my marriage to Sean could end here.

Without any sleep, I waited until morning and knocked on the master bedroom door. Sean appeared, disheveled and shirtless.

Even with his messy hair, his strong brows and sharp features remained striking. "What's your problem now? Are you out to make trouble for me again? How did I end up marrying someone like you?" he said coldly.

I interrupted his words, "Sean, stop pretending." He sobered up, looking at me in bewilderment.

"I already know our marriage is fake. You really went all out to deceive me. Even the couple we registered with at the civil office, they were hired, weren't they?"

Sean, when did you change? Where was the man who once held a banner proclaiming 'I love Krystal' in the busiest area downtown?

The man who, when I had severe cramps at midnight, ran miles to find the only open pharmacy for painkillers?

The man who, when I faced bullying at work, swore he'd take care of me forever? Tears rolled down as I looked at this familiar face that no longer held the person I remembered.

I demanded, "So, Sean, what was the point of this fake marriage? Did you enjoy treating me like a fool?" Countless grievances welled up in my heart.

He crossed his arms coldly, watching my misery with casual indifference, a mocking glint in his eyes, "Yes, I did enjoy it. Since you've figured out the certificate is fake, I don't mind telling you that last night, Mischa already coaxed your mother into signing the property transfer documents."

"Krystal, you and your mother are truly alike. Mischa said your mother didn't suspect a thing, she signed without hesitation when asked, not even questioning it. You're both equally foolish." His words struck like a bolt from the blue.

My mother had always trusted Sean completely. Now, that trust had been twisted into sheer foolishness in his eyes.

I lunged at him in rage, clawing at that despicable face. But Sean easily restrained me, he heartlessly gripping my hair.