C08
[I want to buy you a tie. Can you find time to try it on with me?]
[I have good news for you. Come home early tonight.]
Her texts had once been warm and inviting, filled with care. But he never replied–not a single word. Now, those memories gnawed at Tristan with unbearable guilt. Five years. He had taken it all for granted.
The bitter truth was undeniable, staring him down like a merciless judge. As if to mock him, Zara’s message chimed in at that moment.
[Mr. Muller, my feet hurt… Is Mrs. Linda okay? This is all my fault. If it weren’t for my toast, none of this would’ve happened.]
[Is Mrs. Linda awake? When I’m able to walk, I’ll personally apologize to her. Please don’t argue with her because of me.]
[If she blames me, don’t defend me. As long as you two can make up, I’m willing to endure any punishment.] Her words were drenched in the same syrupy sweetness she always used. But this time, something inside Tristan twisted with revulsion. He deleted the message without replying. For the first time, the sight of her words filled him with disgust instead of desire. Taking a steadying breath, he stepped back into the hospital room where I lay recovering.
The lawyer was gone, leaving only the divorce agreement neatly folded on the table, waiting for his signature. Tristan poured water for me and peeled a piece of fruit with shaking hands. The silence between us was thick and bitter. His phone vibrated constantly on the table. I glanced at it, my voice cutting through the tension like ice.
“Why don’t you answer it? Your little lover will probably get anxious if you keep her waiting.”
His hand froze mid–motion. Hurt flickered across his expression. “Linda,” he murmured hoarsely, “do we really have to talk like this?”
He struggled to keep his composure.
“I know I was wrong,” he admitted quietly. “I know I hurt you. But we’ve been together for seven years. Can’t you give me a chance to make things right?”
“The baby’s gone… but we can adopt later. I swear, I’ll be a good father—”
Before he could finish, a bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Tristan, don’t disgust me.”
I met his gaze with cold, unflinching eyes.
“A good father? You? You think you’re worthy of that title?”
“If there’s a god out there, people like you don’t get to heaven–you burn in hell.”
The harsh words hung in the air like a blade. Just then, Zara appeared at the door, her face pale and
tear–streaked. She limped into the room, her expression one of pitiful innocence. Before I could say a word, Tristan turned on her, fury flashing in his eyes.
“Don’t you know how to knock? Get out!” he barked.
Tears spilled down her cheeks as she sobbed dramatically.
“Mr. Muller, I know I was wrong,” she whimpered. “I didn’t mean to intrude… I just wanted to see Mrs. Linda Don’t get the wrong idea.”
“If you don’t want me here, I’ll leave right now!”
For five years, she had pretended to respect me by calling me Mrs. Linda. But I knew better now In her mind, she was already Tristan’s rightful partner–the only woman worthy of standing by his side. She never hid her ambition. The company staff had followed her lead, refusing to call me Mrs. Muller or even Sister–in–law Back then, I
8-55 AM F
dismissed it as trivial. But now, the truth stood clear–Zara’s intentions had always been blatant. Her crocodile tears flowed freely as she limped toward the door, nearly stumbling for dramatic effect
In the past, Tristan would have rushed to catch her. But today, he didn’t move an inch I watched the pathetic display unfold and couldn’t help but sneer
“Giving up already?” Haunted “After spending all that money wooing your little mistress, don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts because of me.”
Hleaned back against the pillows, my tone dripping with mockery. “Go on, chase after her. I’m just a wounded woman–I won’t get far.”
Guilt weighed heavily on Tristan, crushing him. His voice was raw with desperation
“Linda,” he pleaded softly, “I know I’ve messed up. But we’ve been through so much together. Can’t you give me a chance to make amends?”
He took a trembling breath. “I swear, I’ll cut things off with Zara. I’ll give you a proper explanation.”
