Chapter 9
The day I walked out, I filed for divorce.
The court needed to gather information, so the hearing was set for a month later.
I moved out of the Westwood estate soon after.
I’d been a stay–at–home wife for eight years, so I knew that house like the back of my hand.
But when it was finally time to leave, I didn’t feel anything.
Maybe I had really let it go–maybe that’s why it felt so easy to walk away.
If I’d figured it out earlier, I should’ve left six years ago.
I didn’t pack much, just took my dad’s keepsakes.
Everything else–stuff Alexander had bought me–I left behind.
Whatever he wants to do with it–trash it, keep it, doesn’t matter to me.
I left clean and fast.
Wasn’t until I was halfway out of town that Alexander called.
“You moved out?”
I was surprised he noticed.
After all, the only thing I took was the wedding gift my dad gave us.
A hand–carved pine sculpture that had always sat in the entryway.
He used to throw his coat or scarf on it without a second glance.
I figured he barely remembered it was even there.
“Yeah,” I said flatly.
13.19
7.0%
He Cheated 1Left. Now He’s Crying Outside My Lab
Chapter 9
There was silence on his end for so long I thought he hung up.
Then he spoke, voice rough like he hadn’t slept.
“Come back. I didn’t mean what I said… I was just angry.‘
His voice was softer than I’d ever heard. Almost… pleading.
A few hours ago he was still telling me I wasn’t good enough, and now he was begging?
“Didn’t you want this divorce? What’s there to regret?”
“No… Me and Charlotte–it’s not what you think.”
Alexander scrambled to explain, but that was all he could say. Just the same old line.
“Alexander, I know exactly what you’re trying to save here.”
“You don’t want me, but you don’t have the guts to commit to Charlotte either.”
“You’re scared she’ll cheat on you again.”
“So you kept me on standby.”
“Tossed me aside and reeled me back in whenever you felt like it. Because I loved you.”
“But I’m a human being, Alexander.”
“Not some backup you found on the sidewalk.”
“Don’t pretend this marriage is about love.”
“I’m not playing the happy housewife for you anymore.”
“And even if I did forgive you–do you really think Charlotte would?”
“Why don’t you go home and check the cameras?”
“See how desperate she is to take my place.”
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He Cheated. I Left. Now He’s Crying Outside My Lab
7.2%
Chapter 9
“Don’t let her down now.”
I hung up before he could answer.
Pulled out the SIM card, snapped it in half, and tossed it in the trash.
Whatever mess he and Charlotte get into next–it’s not my problem anymore.
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