I understood immediately.
I couldn’t stomach this half-baked relationship.
And I couldn’t stay with a woman who might cheat at any moment. So, the word “divorce” came out of my mouth.
Without hesitation, without regret.
Claire, still unaware, frowned and glanced over at me.
She rubbed her temples and slumped lazily onto the sofa.
“Stop being so dramatic, will you?”
“I’ve been swamped all day. I’m exhausted.”
I didn’t give her a shoulder or leg massage, nor did I prepare her breakfast like usual.
Instead, I quietly pulled up Ethan’s profile and held my phone in front of her.
More than twenty videos featured Claire.
There were clips of them walking together under the setting sun.
Photos of them holding hands in a hot spring.
Though her face wasn’t clearly shown, our years together
made her identity unmistakable.
Besides, there were countless shots of flowers and luxury gifts.
The most recent post was just ten minutes earlier.
Ethan stood in a sea of blooms, flashing a V sign. The limited-edition Richard watch gleamed under the sun.
The caption read: “Who says boys can’t receive flowers?”
“Since meeting my bossy girlfriend, I’ve been spoiled with gifts and blossoms.”
Seeing that, I lost control.
I hurled the wilted, yellowing bouquet at Claire’s face.
“You think I’d be touched by flowers someone else rejected?”
“You think I wouldn’t recognize you just because your face isn’t visible?”
“Claire, I’m not blind—and I don’t need your hand-me-down trash!”
The stem scratched her cheek, drawing a faint line of blood.
The sting on her skin and panic in her eyes quickly turned to rage.
She glared at me for a moment, then grabbed my wrist.
She ripped off the watch she once gave me, still in its gift box, and shoved it in front of me.
“What’s that look supposed to mean?”
“Take a good look! Everything you eat, wear, and use—I paid for it! Without me, could you even dream of owning a watch like this?”
“I’m under insane pressure at work. What’s so wrong with blowing off steam once in a while? It’s not like I’m leaving you for good!”
“If you’re going to be this self-righteous, then get out of this house—with nothing!”
The sharp edge scraped my wrist.
Droplets of blood stained the carpet, bright and red.
As I stood there, stunned, everything began to feel surreal.
This was the wedding gift Claire had once given me.
I could still recall that moment—she kissed the back of my hand gently and smiled.
“Hubby, thank you for staying by my side.”
“I promised you—someday, I’d give you the best of everything. That day is here.”
Back then, I thought I was the luckiest man alive.
But now I see it clearly.
I’m just like that kitten from the story.
Eating leftovers from someone else, wearing a watch that no one else wanted. And all the while, I thought I was deeply loved.
Rage welled up until it spilled out as tears.
But my pride wouldn’t let me fall to my knees.
I lunged forward, slapped Claire across the face, and shoved her out the door.
I yelled, “Who are you to kick me out? This house was mine before the marriage. You’re the one who should leave!”
“If it weren’t for me, would you even have this family wealth now?”
“And now you want to throw me away to make space for your boy toy? Keep dreaming!”
In the chaos, Claire’s shirt tore open by accident.
