Chapter 6

Joshua opened the front door at seven-thirty sharp.

For five years of marriage, breakfast time was an unshakable routine.

He stepped inside and saw the discarded ingredients Kathleen had thrown out. His brow furrowed, and his heart skipped a beat.

He hadn't come home all night, yet Kathleen hadn't called once.

In the past, after eleven, she'd call every five minutes. That was why he never stayed out overnight.

But yesterday, she didn't urge him, and he lost track of time. By the time he realized, it was past three in the morning.

He prepared breakfast quietly, then softly opened the bedroom door. Kathleen slept soundly.

"Sweetheart, time for breakfast. I was in meetings all night and didn't call so I wouldn't disturb you. You're not mad, are you?" he said.

Kathleen, who had slept only an hour, didn't bother exposing his lie. "Work's important. Why would I be mad? Go to the office. I'll eat later."

Joshua's tense heart eased.

He pecked her cheek, smiling with affection. "Lazy cat, sleep more then. I booked our usual restaurant for your birthday tonight. I might be busy today, so I'll send a driver this afternoon. Dress up nice."

After Joshua left, Kathleen opened her eyes. She rubbed her kissed cheek fiercely until it burned red. Her eyes brimmed with tears, red and raw.

She called Ellen to confirm the pickup time, then fell back into a heavy sleep.

Her frail body couldn't handle exhaustion. She rose only when her alarm sounded.

The discarded ingredients in the kitchen were gone, likely taken by Joshua. The breakfast on the table had gone cold, mirroring Kathleen's heart.

Ella fumed all day, receiving no reply from Kathleen. Her taunts felt like punching cotton.

She knew it was Kathleen's birthday. Joshua had warned her not to interfere, but Ella wanted Kathleen to suffer.

Kathleen removed her wedding ring, worn for five years. The faint mark on her finger stabbed at her eyes. She told herself it was over.

She placed the ring on the entryway shoe cabinet, alongside a divorce agreement signed with her name.

As she dragged her suitcase to leave, another message from Ella arrived-a voice note. "Kathleen, I didn't expect you to be so tolerant. Don't you care your husband's cheating? Oh, right, you might not live much longer. It's your birthday. Bet you're excited for Joshua's celebration. Sorry, you're about to be disappointed."

Kathleen nearly shut off her phone when Joshua called. "Hey, sweetheart, I'm so sorry. You might have to wait for me tonight. I need to head to the suburbs. If I'm late, please wait. I'll be back as soon as I can," he said.

Kathleen wanted to ask how long she'd wait this time-a night, or two?

But she held back. Arguing felt pointless. "Fine, go handle it. Don't worry about me."

Joshua, on the other end, felt uneasy. This calm, unbothered Kathleen unnerved him.

But he figured he'd explain later, and she'd let it go. "You're the best, sweetheart. Love you! Wait for me, okay?"

Kathleen hung up, blocked Joshua's number, and deleted all his contact information.

She sneered inwardly, "Joshua, I never want to see you again. Wait for you? Not a chance."

Her aunt called. "Kathleen, come downstairs. The car's here."

"Okay, Ellen, I'm coming," Kathleen replied.

She walked out without looking back, her heart free of sorrow or pain-only relief and release.