Chapter 3

Maeve's words left me frozen in place.

I looked at her—still the same familiar, beautiful face—yet she felt utterly foreign to me.

I couldn't pinpoint exactly when she had started to become a stranger. Even before Johnny showed up, she had already begun to change. Back then, I told myself it was just the stress of work, and that I needed to be understanding.

But ever since Johnny came along, the contrast made everything clear.

The truth was, Maeve hadn't really changed. She had simply grown tired of me.

I'd refused to admit it all this time, but now, watching her fingers intertwined with Johnny's, what excuse did I have left to deceive myself?

I should have faced reality a long time ago.

I set the divorce papers on the coffee table and turned to leave.

But Maeve called out to me.

When she did, I couldn't help the faint hope that flickered in my chest. After all, we had been together for fifteen years. Surely she felt some reluctance to let it all go.

The very next moment, her words came down like a sledgehammer, smashing my pathetic illusions to pieces.

Maeve said, "You haven't apologized to Johnny yet."

Before I could respond, Johnny jumped in. "Maeve, it's okay. I'm not upset. I've dealt with cold stares my whole life—I'm used to it! Please don't fight with Mr. Gabehart because of me. I just want to stay by your side. I don't want to be a burden or a source of trouble for you."

Hearing that, Maeve's expression softened, and she reached out to pat Johnny's head tenderly. Johnny dutifully lowered his head to meet her hand.

I watched their intimate exchange with cold eyes, a bitter laugh rising silently in my chest.

When she saw that I wasn't reacting, a flash of irritation crossed Maeve's face.

She snapped, "Look at Johnny! Then look at yourself! How did you become so petty and intolerant? Let me tell you—Johnny stays up day and night studying, just so he can share my workload and not be a burden to me. And what about you? You stay home all day, doing nothing, lazy and useless. I have to worry about everything for you! Are you even a man?"

I looked at her with nothing but disappointment.

Her words only drove the dagger deeper into my already bleeding heart.

Seeing her trembling with anger, Johnny pulled her into his arms and whispered soothing reassurances.

I watched his hand roam across her slender back, and the look he shot me was pure provocation.

Something inside me finally snapped. On pure impulse, I lunged forward and pulled Maeve out of Johnny's embrace.

I was about to curse Johnny for being shameless—but then I heard him let out a yelp as he tumbled to the floor.

At the sight of that, Maeve raised her hand and slapped me hard across the face.

The world went silent. I held my cheek, staring at her in shock.

Maeve saw the red mark swelling on my face, and a flicker of regret crossed her eyes. She seemed about to say something.

But then Johnny burst into loud sobs. "Mr. Gabehart, I know you hate me, but you didn't have to get physical! You can hurt me all you want... but why would you raise your hand against Maeve?"

Maeve turned to me with a murderous glare. I stammered, "Maeve, I never—"

She gave me a look of pure disappointment, then turned to help Johnny back to his feet.

"Ed, how did you become this kind of person?"

I was silent for a long moment. Gritting my teeth against the pain in my chest, I forced myself to speak calmly. "I haven't changed. You have.

"Maeve, I've already signed the divorce papers. I'm stepping aside so you two can be together."

Maeve was busy tending to the scrape on Johnny's hand, murmuring comfort to him while she cleaned the wound.

At my words, she picked up the divorce papers.

A cold smirk curled on her lips. "You'd better think this through. At your age, honestly—who else would want you if you leave me?"