Married to a Man Who Doesn't Understand the Silent Treatment

A laugh bubbled out of me, and I sent Chandler a voice message in a tone that was tinged with both self-mockery and resignation, "Don't worry. I won't do anything."

Because I had already made up my mind to leave him.

I checked the time, only to see that it was midnight. It wouldn't be convenient to have him come back now. Hence, after some thought, I said, "Chandler, stop staying at the hotel and come back home tomorrow night. I have an agreement that needs your signature."

…

The next day, I woke up bright and early to start packing my belongings.

At first, I thought about making dinner, but after a moment of consideration, I decided against it. Chandler had never liked my cooking. If he were to see a table full of dishes I cooked, he would likely grow unhappy again.

With a grin on my face, I swiftly ordered some takeout.

Soon, it was 6:00 pm, yet Chandler still hadn't replied to my message.

I accepted the takeout the food delivery driver handed me, then gave him an extra tip to help me take out the trash. There wasn't much, mostly just the apology letters I had written over the years. I had dug them out from the table drawer of Chandler's study, where he had kept them all.

By 7:00 pm, Chandler still hadn't returned home.

Not at all anxious or bothered by that, I decided to eat by myself since I was hungry. While scrolling through my phone, I happened upon Amanda's social media post.

"My period came, and I'm having such terrible cramps. Thankfully, Mr. Goodwin offered to take me home."

When was the last time my period came? It was probably the 17th. Due to the severe discomfort, I had taken some painkillers and fallen asleep, resulting in my missing Chandler's call.

He had blocked my number without any hesitation, only unblocking me a few days ago. I could still remember him saying, "Jennifer Lane, it's just your period. It's not like it'll kill you."

Of course, having my period wouldn't kill me, but his chilly indifference had indeed made me feel like I was dead inside.

Yawning, I lazily tapped on the "like" button. Immediately, my phone vibrated with a message from Chandler, who had sent me a question mark.

Instead of replying to his message, I continued with my meal.

Ten minutes later, the sound of a key turning in the lock rang out from the front door before Chandler strode in aggressively.

Upon seeing the leftovers from my takeout order, he paused in his steps.

"Did you not cook?"

I instinctively touched the scar that had been left on my hand from a previous cooking incident. "I thought you didn't like my cooking."

Frustration and annoyance flashed in Chandler's eyes as he was rendered speechless at my retort. Nonetheless, he would never show me his true feelings.

He shoved a jewelry box at me. "Your anniversary gift. Have a look."

I took the box from him and glanced inside. As I expected, it was the long-overdue necklace.

"Thanks," I thanked him politely.

There was another flash of emotion in Chandler's eyes, as though he couldn't understand why I was being so courteous.

Then, his gaze darkened as he said, "I didn't mean to be late. There was an emergency at work, and I came rushing back as soon as I could. I only sent her home because it was on the way. Don't get jealous over nothing."

I nodded, replying, "It's fine. I don't mind."

I genuinely didn't care, but that seemed to frustrate Chandler, who asked in a slightly aggrieved tone, "Then, why didn't you get me a gift?"

The moment he finished speaking, even he appeared surprised by himself, for this wasn't befitting of his character.

Nevertheless, he had always been a proud man, especially when it came to interacting with me. Hence, barely a few seconds had passed when his expression darkened. Throwing me one last cold glare, he turned to leave. I knew this meant he was going to start yet another round of silent treatment.

"Hold it!" I stopped him. Then, I lowered my head and began searching through the drawers for the divorce agreement.

Chandler turned his head, revealing the small smirk curling his lips. He came up behind me and asked, "What are you looking for? My gift?"

"Found it!" I lifted my head, unable to hide the excitement in my voice. "I had a lawyer write up a divorce agreement. Go ahead and sign it."