05

5

The duration of Anne's hospital stay was uncertain, but Julian's bloodshot eyes revealed his sleepless nights. Anne feigned concern, noticing his disheveled state. "Julian, you should go home and get some rest. Let Sam take over for a while."

Julian peered at the blank message thread from Scarlett on his phone. He suppressed his thoughts and remained quiet.

Typically, Scarlett would have reacted with anger or bombarded him with messages during such times. Her unusual silence now puzzled him.

A feeling of discomfort grew in Julian's mind, prompting him to head home and investigate. As he prepared to leave, Anne grasped his arm.

"Julian, regarding the upcoming hospital expenses..." She trailed off, but Julian grasped her meaning.

Frustration welled up as he attempted to settle the bill, only to encounter insufficient funds. "How can this be?"

After multiple failed attempts, he contacted the bank and learned that $14,000 had vanished from his account.

Sensing something amiss, Julian rushed home in his vehicle. He tried to reassure himself that Scarlett was merely upset with him.

Upon entering, he was met with an unsettling silence instead of the expected confrontation or reproach. The quietness was unnerving.

Julian illuminated the room, finding it unnaturally bare. He darted to the bedroom, scanning the area to discover Scarlett's possessions were gone. The wardrobe contained only a bag of Anne's soiled clothes he'd brought earlier.

With shaking hands, he dialed her number, receiving only an automated disconnection message. "How... how is this possible?" His heart ached as if engulfed in flames.

Julian wandered aimlessly through the house, unable to locate Scarlett. Eventually, his gaze fell upon some papers on the coffee table. Despondently, he picked up the documents, his eyes fixating on the stark words "Divorce Agreement" with their signatures on the final page.

Julian stared intently at his own signature, recalling how he had hastily signed the papers out of concern for Anne, without examining the contents. At that moment, Anne had been his sole focus.

Beneath the agreement lay a thin medical file - documentation for a pregnancy termination. When had Scarlett undergone this procedure?

Suddenly, an acute, nearly unbearable pain surged through his chest. Each revelation felt like a deep, excruciating gash on his heart, bleeding profusely.

A small, plain ring rested near the coffee table. He cradled it in his palm, sitting helplessly in the dim room, reliving memories.

He had purchased this ring after getting frostbite while distributing flyers in winter. It served as their memento. Despite their numerous quarrels and periods of silence, Scarlett had never removed it.

But now, by transferring the money from their joint account and leaving only the ring, she had unmistakably signaled the end of their relationship. She wouldn't be returning.

Scarlett had been so compassionate and understanding. She had married him without even requesting a proper wedding. How had he repaid her kindness?

Julian's eyes reddened as memories of his mistreatment towards her flooded back. His chest constricted, and he clutched at his heart, struggling to breathe as tears flowed down his face.

The phone rang, and he answered eagerly, but it wasn't Scarlett. Sam and Anne's voices came through the line.

"Julian, the hospital says the fees are only covered until tonight. The nurse just reminded us—have you settled the bill?"

"Julian, you should rest. Once you've paid, Sam can stay with me. I'll be alright."

"Julian? Oh, and could you order some food for us? We're famished."

A wave of fury erupted in Julian's chest. His eyes darkened with rage. Hearing his silence, the voices on the other end persisted.

"Leave me alone! Both of you, get out of my life!" He roared, smashing his phone to pieces.