11
I watched as Lisa rushed over, positioning herself protectively behind Gavin, her expression
hostile as she glared at me. “Freya, as long as I’m here, don’t even think about bullying Gavin! You’re just a gold digger trying to cling to him and avoid divorce. We’re both women, so don’t act like I don’t know what’s really going on in your head!”
I knew exactly what she was doing. Spreading lies and trying to make herself look good.
I raised my hand, cutting her off with an icy tone. “Shut up. I don’t have time for your
nonsense.”
I turned to leave, but Lisa wasn’t done.
She lunged at me, trying to grab my arm. In a flash, I swung my hand and slapped her across
the face, sending her crashing to the ground.
“If you want to die, just come at me.” I said.
Lisa, embarrassed and furious, was ready to retaliate. But before she could make a move,
the sharp sound of a slap rang out in the air. It was Gavin, striking Lisa with a force that left her
13:06 Tue, 24 Dec M
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“Get out of here! What do you think you are? If you dare touch her again, I’ll make sure you
can’t stay in this city!” Gavin’s eyes were blazing with anger, a stark contrast to the tenderness
she once knew.
Lisa stood frozen, unable to comprehend what had just happened. “Gavin, you actually hit‘
me for her?”
Gavin’s gaze was devoid of the warmth it used to hold, replaced by fury and resentment. “What’s it to you? If it weren’t for you, Freya wouldn’t be upset, and our family wouldn’t be falling apart! This is all your fault, you lowlife!”
Lisa’s expression turned blank as she opened her mouth family! And Barry really likes me!”
O speak, “But you said we were
Barry shot her a glare, his face hardening, echoing the way he used to look at me.
“I don’t like you at all! It’s your fault I lost my mom! I hate you! We’re not family!” Gavin’s face remained cold and his voice sharp as he ordered her to leave. Finally, Lisa managed a wry smile, “Fine, fine. It’s all my fault for being so pathetic.” With that, she turned and fled, her retreating figure a portrait of defeat.
I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction; she had brought this on herself. Taking advantage of their distraction, I slipped into a colleague’s car and drove away.
To unwind, my professor had signed me up for a travel group, and the destination was the place I had dreamed of visiting since my youth. Without a second thought, I switched off my phone, packed my bag, and set off.
The older folks in the travel group were warm and friendly, making the experience delightful. Upon arriving, I stood in awe of the mountains, lakes, and deserts, realizing just how expansive the world is and how small my life felt in comparison. All the burdens that had weighed me down began to fade away.
For two weeks, I explored every inch of the landscape, immersing myself in nature’s beauty. My heart felt lighter than it had in ages. This trip was subtly transforming a part of me that I hadn’t even realized needed changing.
On the day I returned, I took out my old SIM card, snapped it in half, and tossed it in the replacing it with a new one.
ash,
As I walked into my neighborhood, I spotted Gavin leaning against his car, with Barry by his side, waiting for me.
