Q3
In front of everyone, I took Xenia’s hand and placed it in Leon’s.
With a genuine smile and earnest eyes, I said, “Those who love each other should be together without facing the world’s scorn. I admire your courage
to defy all conventions for love–that’s truly passionate. I’ll be sure to send a gift on your wedding day.”
After speaking, I walked away feeling liberated, as if reborn.
But Leon dropped Xenia’s hand and came after me.
His face was ashen, his eyes shattered.
“Baby, let me explain. It’s not what you think.”
Hearing him call me “Baby” felt strange; I was used to him addressing me by my first name.
Confused, I responded, “What’s there to explain? True love is blameless; you were just following your heart.”
D
Leon grew even more panicked, “No! there’s really nothing between me and Xenia! The tattoo was because I lost a bet last time; it doesn’t mean anything!”
“I can get it removed immediately! Baby, we’ve been married for so many years, you should trust me!”
In situations like this, where wives often catch their husbands cheating, everyone enjoys watching the drama and can’t help but look in our direction for gossip.
I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed for Leon.
It reminded me of when he used to say I embarrassed him.
“Leon, no need to be so agitated; it’s not a big deal, and I’m not bothered. Your friends are waiting for you, and I need to meet mine.”
My indifference seemed to crush him completely.
He almost faltered, but I ignored him and continued on to find my friend.
Over the next few hours, my phone was inundated with calls.
Leon repeatedly called and sent messages, asking when I’d be back, cautioning me against drinking, telling me he was waiting outside. I ignored them all.
On my way home, my phone rang again, and I reluctantly answered.
Leon’s voice was soft, filled with cautious appeasement, “Honey, are you done yet? Didn’t drink, right? Let’s head home together.”
“I’m already on my way,” I replied calmly.
Leon didn’t believe me, so I had to put him on speaker and glanced at the alumnus concentrating on driving beside me.
He cooperated, “Leon, this is Yale Smith.”
That simple introduction left Leon silent for a long time.
Yale had always been protective during college, often treated like he was caring for a girlfriend rather than just a friend.
When Leon heard the rumors, he confessed his feelings to me that very night.
I reciprocated, and we began dating. Even though he was the victor, Yale remained a rival in his mind.
Knowing Leon was teetering on the edge, I ended the call.
Family issues should not be aired in public.
Instead of going home, I headed to my best friend’s house and turned off my phone to avoid disturbances.
The next day, upon turning on my phone, I was met with hundreds of missed calls and a flood of messages.
I ignored them all, simply feeling drained.
Then another call from Leon came through, which I accidentally answered.
his voice be
“Nora, where are you?!” he asked, his voice hoarse and restrained.
Rubbing my temples, I replied dismissively, “I’m at work.”
