Chapter 3

Ethan posted a new update on social media.

He changed our wedding photo to an intimate shot of him and Vivian.

The caption read: "The beginning of a new life."

His group chat with his like-minded friends was even more lively.

"Holy shit! Ethan, you brought your mistress home to provoke your wife?"

"That Jane should've been replaced ages ago. She's lifeless all the time. Vivian's way more understanding."

"Let me open a betting pool on how many days before Jane comes back. I bet three days max!"

"Three days? I bet one day! She'll be kneeling at the door by tomorrow morning."

Ethan sent a smug emoji.

"I bet she won't last past midnight tonight."

They discussed me without restraint, as if I weren't a person but just a ridiculous wager.

They were certain I couldn't survive without Ethan.

After all, for him, I'd given up my career, my friends, everything.

From a promising research scientist, I'd become a housewife who only revolved around the kitchen and her husband.

But one day passed.

Three days passed.

A week passed.

I didn't go back.

I vanished like I'd evaporated from the world, leaving no trace.

Ethan started getting anxious.

He began calling me, progressing from impatience to furious rage.

"Jane, how long are you going to keep this up?"

"Who the hell do you think you are? I'm telling you, my patience has limits!"

"If you don't come back, I'm cutting off your card!"

Finally, after half a month, all his patience ran out.

The moment the call connected, he practically roared.

"Jane, this is your last chance! If you don't get your ass back here, we're getting divorced!"

I had no strength to speak. The stabbing pain in my stomach nearly made me pass out.

My phone slipped from my powerless hand.

A well-defined hand caught it steadily.

On the other end, Ethan was still shouting: "Say something! Are you mute?!"

A deep, cold male voice came through the receiver clearly.

"She just had surgery. She's sleeping."

The other end went silent instantly.

The man paused, his voice carrying no warmth.

"Also, about the divorce, you don't need to wait."

"My lawyers will personally deliver the divorce papers."