In that moment, I understood.
I knew I couldn’t swallow this half-hearted lie. Even more, I couldn’t bear a man who could betray me so easily.
So, without hesitation, the word divorce slipped from my lips.
Jack, unaware of what had just unfolded, frowned and glanced at me.
He rubbed his temples before collapsing onto the sofa, exhausted.
“Can you stop being unreasonable?”
“I’ve been working all day. I’m exhausted.”
I didn’t massage his shoulders or bring him breakfast like I usually did.
Instead, I calmly opened Audrey’s profile and held my phone up in front of Jack.
In over twenty videos, Jack's presence was everywhere.
There were shots of the two of them walking together at sunset, as well as photos of them holding hands in a hot spring.
Although his face was never shown, our years of closeness allowed me to recognize him instantly; that was Jack. Alongside that were countless flowers and luxury gifts.
The first post was from just ten minutes ago.
Audrey stood in a sea of flowers, flashing a peace sign. She wore a full set of ruby jewelry, sparkling brilliantly in the sunlight.
The caption read, [Stupid fool. Every time we meet, you always bring flowers. I’ve long grown sick of them. Better to give them to someone who needs them.]
At that moment, I couldn’t hold it in anymore.
I grabbed the wilted, yellowing roses and threw them at Jack’s face.
“You think I’d be touched just because you gave me flowers another woman tossed aside?”
“You think I wouldn’t recognize you just because your face isn’t in the photos?”
“Jack, I’m not a fool and I don’t need your leftover trash!”
He yanked off the ruby bracelet and held it up in front of me.
“Stop throwing a tantrum!”
“Look at yourself! Everything you eat, wear and use is bought with my money! Without me, could you even afford this bracelet?”
“My job is stressful. So what if I unwind once in a while? It’s not like I’m not coming home.”
“If you really have that much pride, then get out of this house without taking a single cent!”
The sharp edges of the bracelet dug into my wrist, bright red blood dripping onto the carpet.
Staring at everything around me, I suddenly found it all laughable.
That bracelet had once been Jack’s wedding gift to me.
I still remembered that day. He had kissed the back of my hand so gently and smiled as he said, “Wife, thank you for staying by my side all this time.”
“I promised you I’d give you the best of everything. Now I can finally make that happen.”
Back then, I had truly believed I was the happiest woman in the world.
Now, I understood. I had always been just like that little cat in the story.
Eating leftovers someone else had grown tired of.
Wearing a bracelet that someone else had discarded.
And still, I dared to believe I was deeply loved.
Rage surged through me and my tears flowed uncontrollably.
But my last bit of dignity wouldn’t let me back down.
I charged forward and slapped Jack hard across the face, over and over.
I shouted furiously, “What right do you have to throw me out? This house is my premarital property; if anyone’s leaving, it’s you!”
“If it weren’t for me back then, would you even have the family business you have today?”
“Now you’re trying to kick me out to make room for your mistress? Keep dreaming!”
In the chaos, Jack’s shirt was accidentally torn open.
