Starting Over, Standing Tall - Chapter 10

“I misunderstood you, but you knew the truth all along. Why didn’t you tell me? You know I love you. Our decades long relationship shouldn’t end like this.”

My senior wisely stepped back, allowing space for me to deal with the situation.

He had his people chase away the paparazzi, and for the first time, I felt like I didn’t need to pretend anymore.

Noah thought his chance had arrived.

“Sarah, admit it. Can you forgive me? Forgive, Noah.”

“I told you the truth, but you never believed me.”

In our first year of marriage, I told Noah that I didn’t jump into the sea to commit suicide, and that his mother didn’t intend to save me.

He didn’t believe me.

He thought my PTSD was fake.

He thought I was weak, unable to cope with the death of my family, and was trying to escape reality through suicide.

He looked down on me.

Someone like me, so worthless, didn’t deserve his mother’s sacrifice.

When we argued fiercely, he choked me, cursing me.

“Sarah, you have no right to mention my mother. You killed her. You should be the one who died. Why don’t you just die?”

I didn’t die.

I lived, but under his torment, my condition worsened.

My thoughts turned dark, and Noah slapped his head hard in realization.

“Sarah, I’m such an idiot. I should have believed you. I wasn’t trusting enough. Please give me a chance to make up for our past.”

Okay, makeup.

This relationship was beyond repair.

I couldn’t even muster a response.

Noah persisted.

“Sarah, the divorce papers you left in the bedroom. I haven’t signed them yet. I won’t sign them until you’re no longer my wife.”

I looked at him amused.

“You didn’t read the agreement carefully. If one party refuses to sign, the divorce is automatic after 2 years. Noah, it’s been 3 years.”

Just then, my senior’s car arrived.

I got in without hesitation.

Noah patted the window, his voice desperate.

“Sarah, I’m serious about you.”

The car started.

He called my name, chasing after the car, but he couldn’t catch up and eventually fell.

I had once chased after his car, calling his name, begging him to believe me.

The events of that wedding year were blurry in my memory.

A few days later, Noah appeared in front of me again, this time with an intermediary.

Billy was now up to my waist.

When he saw me, his bright eyes lit up with joy.

“Mommy, can I come with you and daddy?” He tried to run to me, but my gaze stopped him.

I had kept in touch with my best friend over the years.

From her, I learned that after I left, Vivien, in an effort to show her sincerity, had an abortion.

She moved into the house and took advantage of Billy’s affection for her.