Samuel’s face darkened as he glared at me. "You were the one who fell down the stairs and broke your leg that’s why things turned out this way. Why are you taking it out on Xandra?"
"You’re not a good mother. You took medication and couldn’t breastfeed your child. Xandra was kind enough to help, so what right do you have to lash out at her? Just because you don’t care about your child, does that mean no one else is allowed to?"
'I’m not a good mother? I don’t care about my child?'
Tears streamed down my face as I roared at him in fury, "I’m not a good mother?! Then what about you?! Do you dare to tell me why I fell down the stairs? Where is my child? And what exactly was in that medication I took?!"
Samuel frowned. "Apollo is sleeping soundly in the room, of course. And the medication was just to help with your leg pain—you knew that already."
"As for why you fell, it was your own carelessness. With so many people around, why were you the only one who got pushed? You’re useless, and yet you have the audacity to hurt Xandra? You’re a mother too—how could you be so cruel to another mother? Apologize to her, now!"
Yes, so many people were there. And yet, I was the only one pushed.
I looked at him—so self-righteous, so convinced of his own lies—and suddenly, I laughed.
That was my husband.
A liar.
A murderer.
I picked up the knife from the ground.
With all the strength I had left, I slashed my chest over and over, cutting deep until my clothes were soaked in blood.
Samuel’s eyes widened in horror. "Lydia! What are you doing?! Stop it!"
I dropped the knife and met his gaze calmly. "You’re right, Samuel. I shouldn’t have hurt a mother. So I’m atoning for my sins—to your beloved. Is this enough sincerity for you?"
With that, I turned and walked away.
Blood dripped from my wounds, leaving a trail behind me.
My steps were unsteady, but I never looked back.
Samuel hesitated, instinctively reaching out to help me—but Xandra clung to his neck, her voice pitiful and weak.
"Sam, it hurts so much... Can you take me to the hospital? We can’t let Apollo go hungry."
Samuel struggled for a moment.
Then, he made his choice. He carried Xandra in his arms and walked in the opposite direction.
A few hours later, my phone rang.
Samuel’s voice was gentle, almost coaxing. "Lydia, have you treated your wounds? Don’t worry—I made sure the medicine Xandra used won’t affect her breastfeeding. I’m sorry for what I said earlier."
"But the doctor confirmed that the medication you took wasn’t suitable for breastfeeding. Xandra has plenty of milk, and formula isn’t as nutritious. Apollo still needs her. I’m just taking care of her to show my gratitude—don’t overthink it, okay?"
I replied indifferently. "I’m fine. Take good care of her. Make sure the child doesn’t go hungry."
"I knew my wife was the most understanding." Samuel chuckled. "I already spoke to my mom—she won’t pick on you anymore."
"You gave birth to a son for our family—that’s a huge merit. The day after tomorrow, I’m throwing you a celebration banquet. Consider it my way of making it up to you. Be good and wait for me."
That night, the local news ran an entire segment about him.
"In a furious display of devotion to his beloved, the President of Lopez Corporation urgently dispatched a helicopter to summon the nation's top medical experts—all for the sake of treating a mere minor wound."
I silently took out some disinfectant and hemostatic powder, treating my injuries with the bare minimum of care.
The next day, Samuel still didn’t come home.
I packed up everything I owned and donated it all. Then, I took our marriage certificate—the one I had once cherished so deeply—and tore it into pieces, throwing it into the trash.
On the third day, just past noon, Samuel texted me.
[Lydia, I just finished my work. I’m heading to the hotel to check the venue setup. My assistant will pick you up this afternoon.]
But in reality, at that very moment—he was walking through a high-end shopping mall, holding Xandra’s hand while Apollo was cradled in his arms, as they swept through luxury jewelry stores together.
All around them, envious eyes followed their every move.
"Mr. Lopez truly adores his wife and child. My sales performance for the next twenty years is basically set! This family of three is just too picture-perfect."
"But I heard Mr. Lopez booked the lowest-tier banquet at the hotel today. Supposedly, it's to celebrate his wife's childbirth."
"You must be mistaken. With the way Mr. Lopez spoils his wife, would he really go for something so cheap? Did you see the necklace around Madam Lopez’s neck? He just bought it for her this morning—its price could cover ten banquets!"
I heard every word.
Standing on the upper floor, having just bought a suitcase, I watched them, my heart completely numb.
I didn’t bother replying to his messages. Instead, I took out the divorce papers and a few other documents, arranging for a local courier to deliver them straight to the banquet.
Once everything was set, I put on my sunglasses and headed straight for the airport.
—
A few hours later, Samuel finally finished his shopping spree with Xandra and Apollo. They arrived at the hotel, expecting a grand celebration.
But instead, they were told—Lydia hadn’t shown up.
Samuel glanced at his watch. It had already been over an hour past the agreed time. A strange feeling crept into his heart. After all, Lydia had never been late for any of their meetings.
Just as he was about to call her, his assistant came running over, panic written all over his face.
"Mr. Lopez, bad news! Madam is gone! Someone just delivered these documents!"
