When Love Runs Out

Why had she suddenly drunk so much?

And the healing broth she mentioned, I hadn’t the slightest recollection of it.

Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I waved a hand dismissively as I said, “I told you, I’ve lost my memory. I have absolutely no idea what broth you’re talking about.

“Besides, you’re not paralyzed. It’s just a headache. Why didn’t you just order some takeout and buy yourself painkillers?”

Claudia flinched, then frowned and said, “Jayden, there’s a limit to throwing a tantrum.

“How could you not know about my headaches? You spent half a year pestering that medical expert to get that recipe.

“If you’re sulking over what happened at the company, then I’ll say this one last time. There’s nothing between Gerald and me. I only want to make up for the seven years of his youth he lost because of you.

“If I really loved him, I would’ve married him seven years ago. Do you really think it would’ve been you?”

Listening to her high-and-mighty excuses, I could only find it laughable.

I must have been blind to waste seven years of my life on a woman who didn’t love me.

If I’d spent that time developing my career instead of brewing healing broths, I’d probably already be successful by now.

“Are you done? I’ve got work to do.”

Seeing my indifference, Claudia suddenly sat upright.

“You’re not going to do anything for me?

“Jayden… you’re not usually like this.

“We’ve been married for seven years, and you’ve never once refused me. But lately you’ve been pushing me away and resisting me time and again. What exactly do you want this time?”

I found this funny.

“I’ve said it. I want a divorce.”

I went to the bedroom to pack.

I was only halfway through when a scream suddenly came from the kitchen.

When I rushed over, Claudia was sitting on the floor, clutching her hand that had been scalded badly enough to blister.

Apparently, she couldn’t bring herself to ask me for help, so she tried to make the broth and ended up burning herself.

Instead of treating the burn, though, she just stared straight at me.

I frowned, hesitated for a moment before I walked over.

A triumphant smile immediately curled up at the corners of her mouth.

“I knew it. You still can’t bear to—”

Before she could finish, I walked right past her.

“Move!

“You left the gas stove on. What if it exploded and blew up my house?”

…

Only after confirming the gas was completely turned off did I finally breathe out in relief and head back to the room to continue packing.

Claudie’s face flushed red with anger.

I couldn’t be bothered with her and dragged her luggage toward the door, ready to toss it outside.

It was only then that she realized what I was doing, looking utterly bewildered.

“Why are you packing my stuff?”

I looked at her, baffled.

“To throw them outside, obviously. And to ask you to leave.”

“You’re kicking me out?!”

She froze for a moment before letting out a contemptuous laugh.

“Where did you pick up this trick?

“I’ll admit, you almost fooled me just now.

“But… you forgot about that.”

Claudia pointed at my ring finger.

The ring was simple, but engraved along the band were the initials of both our names.

That must’ve been the wedding ring she and I had exchanged.

Perhaps because I’d worn it for so long that I’d forgotten it was even there.

“If you really want to divorce me, then why are you still keep—”

I yanked it off and tossed it outside along with the luggage.

Her expression instantly darkened. Just as she was about to speak, Gerald happened to walk in and witness the scene.

Naturally, he wouldn’t let this golden opportunity slip by. He immediately feigned tears.

“Jayden, so you really are jealous of me after all.”

Was this guy insane?

Jealous?

With that kind of energy, I’d rather do something productive. Why must I make things so hard for myself?

Gerald had no intention of letting it go. He put on another act of deep sorrow.