05
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Since I left, Leon hasn’t called me once. In addition, he unblocked me on his social media.
In my absence, his life appeared vibrant–no one to question his whereabouts, rush him home, or nag at him. He filled his days with friends, karaoke, and a carefree existence. It seemed that divorce meant little to him.
I found this resolution acceptable; it’s best to part on amicable terms.
After returning from the northwest, my best friend and Yale invited me to dinner. They were both struck by my rejuvenated spirit, reminiscent of my college days.
I regaled them with
tales of my travels, which they found fascinating. They even suggested we all go together next time.
While I was still basking in the joy of the reunion, I ran into Leon and Xenia.
Leon paused upon seeing
He didn’t wait for an
an
then quickly approached. “Where have you been?”
his
eyes fixed on Yale. “Have you been with him this whole month?!”
are!”
His outburst was loud enough to draw attention, a spectacle I found embarrassing.
I faced him with a frosty gaze.
what’s wrong with you?”
Leon seemed taken aback by this unfamiliar version of me, momentarily lost for words.
Meanwhile, Xenia, fueled by anger, pointed at me and accused me, “So it was you who strayed and wanted a divorce from Leon! How shameless you
She dares to act righteously indignant in front of me, the sly temptress.
Upon hearing her words, Leon was instantly enraged, grabbing Yale by the collar and landing a heavy punch.
‘Scumbag! Nora is my wife!”
Yale reacted swiftly, dodging the blow and gripping Leon’s wrist.
Furious, I stepped forward and slapped Leon. He was visibly shocked, his eyes instantly welling up. “You’re taking his side?!”
replied calmly, “Leon, I wanted us to part with dignity, but you wouldn’t have it. Do we need to revisit your sordid tales with Xenia? She told me that in love, the one not loved is the home–wrecker. I’m merely facilitating your happiness now; you should be thanking me.”
Leon stared at me, flabbergasted, then turned a cold eye on Xenia.
She faltered, her voice meek, “Leon, Nora’s always been so suspicious–I just said it offhand, who knew she’d take it seriously?‘
Expecting her defense, I had already prepared all our chat records on my phone and sent them to Leon. “You’re here trying to catch me out, why not go back with Xenia and revisit those sweet memories in your chats?”
Leon panicked. He released Yale and grasped my hand desperately. “Nora, come home with me. We can talk it over at home; I’ll explain everything!”
Yale pulled me away from Leon’s grasp, then embraced me, ‘It’s too late now. From here on, I will protect Nora
Leon’s hands trembled his face a mask of disbelief He couldn’t fathom that I trady didn’t want him anymom Despite the deen love that once bound
us, how had it come to this?
Xenia’s eyes gleamed briefly with triumph as she clutched Leon’s hand. “Leon, what about us…?”
Reacting with revulsion, Leon shoved her away harshly, his gaze fierce.
Ignoring her tearful pleas, he turned to me with a plea of his own, his voice desperate. “Nora, I get it now–I was wrong before. I ignored your feelin Give me a chance to make it right. Let’s start over. Come home with me, okay?”
I almost laughed. “Leon, you can’t put a broken mirror back together. If you won’t sign the papers, I’ll see you in court.”
Without allowing him a response, Yale wrapped an arm around me, and along with my best friend, we left.
Once outside, I thanked Yale for his support; his smile was gentle. “Helping you is my privilege.”
I understood what he meant. Once I hadn’t chosen him, and now, years later, he remained alone. But now, my heart was no longer open to love.
We were deeply in love once, Leon and I, and now we’ve reached this point.
