Betrayal and Second Chances

Ezra's lifelong friend had recently lost her husband. On our fifth wedding anniversary, he brought Laurel and her daughter into a bar and, in front of everyone, slipped the wedding ring off my finger.

"Laurel needs a status now; you should give up this ring," he said.

"Starting tomorrow, quit your job and focus on taking care of them at home."

The room went silent, everyone expecting me to explode in anger. But I stayed composed, placing the signed divorce papers on the table before leaving.

A friend stood up to intervene, but Ezra swirled his whiskey glass, smirking, "Let her go. I bet she’ll be begging for my forgiveness before dawn."

As the door closed, laughter echoed through the room like crashing waves.

They had no idea I’d received a text half an hour ago confirming my visa approval. The person picking me up was already waiting at my doorstep ten minutes earlier.

This time, I wouldn’t look back.

---

When I noticed the glaring lipstick stain on Ezra’s collar, I stiffened, nodding.

"Okay."

"You agreed?"

Ezra seemed taken aback by my quick consent, staring at me intently as if he could see through my soul.

"Yes, I agree."

After five years of marriage, he knew how much I treasured the wedding ring—one I would never part with easily. Yet he chose to take it for another woman.

What was the point of someone like him?

With this thought, my throat tightened, but I managed to smile.

"Let’s divorce so you can have your space."

As these words fell, shock spread across Ezra's face and throughout the room.

Especially when I produced the divorce agreement; Ezra was visibly stunned.

But only for a moment. A mocking grin soon spread across his lips.

"Trying to play hard to get, Virginia? You've picked up some tricks. Do you honestly think anyone will want you once I’m gone?"

The room erupted with unrestrained, scornful laughter.

"Virginia's finally wising up, realizing being a doormat isn’t worth it."

"Throwing a fit now? Since when did Virginia grow a spine?"

"Where can you go without our leader, Ezra?"

They all assumed I was hopelessly devoted to Ezra, their malice and scorn barely hidden.

Over the years, their words cut deep, leaving me long desensitized. Now, I felt nothing.

I looked at them calmly, my tone detached, "I’m leaving tonight. Let me know when the paperwork will be finalized."

With that, I turned to leave.

Ezra, clearly annoyed, grabbed my hand.

"Do you have to cause a scene?"

Laurel stepped in with a delicate demeanor, tugging on Ezra’s sleeve.

"Ezra, don’t argue because of me."

"Virginia, don’t be upset with Ezra. If it bothers you, we’ll leave."

Annoyed, I pulled my hand away. "Do whatever you want."

To my surprise, with a light nudge, Laurel collapsed, clutching her chest like a fish gasping for air.

In the next moment, Ezra, eyes red, was cradling her, shouting at me.

"Virginia! What’s wrong with you? If you have a problem, say it outright. Why resort to petty tricks to bully Laurel?"

My heart skipped a beat, overwhelmed by sadness and anger.

"I didn’t touch her. She fell on her own."

Before I finished speaking, Laurel’s weak voice cut through, "It hurts…"

Ezra’s expression changed instantly, kneeling to check on her.

Seeing Laurel’s face turn pale, Ezra’s eyes filled with even more concern.

"Virginia, I’ll deal with you later!"

Not bothering to argue, he left me with one last glare, turning to carry Laurel out.

I stood there, watching their hurried departure.

The cold wind seemed to blow through the emptiness of my heart, leaving a biting chill.

Luckily, it would all be over soon.