Chapter 3

After that day, Serenity never came back to the hospital, leaving me in peace.

A week later, as I was completing my discharge paperwork, Myra's gaze was filled with concern.

"Maybe you shouldn't go back. Judging by how she looked that day, I bet you'll just end up fighting again."

I paused for a moment, then curved my lips into a smile and spoke reassuringly.

"It's okay. I need to go back and pack up some things."

"Besides, I have to give her the divorce papers. Since we've decided, I want to get it over with quickly."

"Don't worry, it'll be fine. I have to face this sooner or later."

As soon as I opened the front door, I was greeted by clothes scattered all over the floor. It was clear how intense the battle had been.

Liam's heavy breathing was loud enough for me to hear clearly from the entryway.

"Who's better, me or Nash?"

"Nash is still in the hospital, isn't that exciting?"

"How did you end up marrying such a loser? When are you finally going to divorce him?"

I didn't hear Serenity's response, but the vulgar sounds from inside didn't stop.

Their battlefield was the master bedroom, so I couldn't go in to pack my things. I could only sit on the living room couch and wait for them to finish.

Sitting there, I looked around the house we'd lived in for three years, feeling a terrifying emptiness inside.I pursued Serenity for two years, we were together for five, and married for three.

A full decade, from eighteen to twenty-eight, she spanned my entire youth.

I first saw her on college move-in day. I have to say, Serenity was stunning. At eighteen, I fell for her at first sight.

For the next two years, I became her devoted admirer.

It wasn't until junior year, when Liam went abroad with his rich boyfriend at the time, that Serenity finally agreed to my advances.

That day, Serenity stood before me and laid out all her conditions.

"You know, I can't say I like you yet, but I'll try my best."

"Nash, can you accept that?"

How brave I was back then. I nodded eagerly, completely lost in the joy that she had agreed to be with me.

"Serenity, I've always said, waiting is what I do best."

"As long as it's you, no matter how long, I'll wait."

"Ten times, a hundred times, a thousand times, I'm willing to wait."

Serenity was the first girl I ever liked. I naively thought that a childhood sweetheart couldn't compare to love at first sight. I was sure she'd fall for me.In the days that followed, she treated me better and better.

Three years ago, my parents unexpectedly passed away in an accident. I lost all strength in the memorial hall, telling her with hollow eyes that I no longer had a home.

At that time, Serenity looked at me with eyes full of sympathy, and said to me through tears.

"Nash, let's get married."

"We'll have children, we'll have our own family."

"Wherever I am is your home."

Back then, I truly believed we were in love, that Serenity loved me.

But now, that dream has ended. Serenity has shown me the truth with her actions.

When it comes to love, effort is useless.

Novels are deceptive too. A chance encounter will never compare to a childhood sweetheart.

I don't know how much time passed before Liam's startled cry snapped me back to reality.

"Nash, bro, you're back?"

"When did you get back? Why didn't you let us know in advance so Serenity and I could pick you up?"

"Did you hear that noise just now? Sorry about that, Serenity couldn't wait. You don't mind, right Nash?"

Before I could respond, Serenity shot me a contemptuous glance."What's he got to be upset about? It's not like he's any better."

"Let's go. Didn't you want sushi? I made a reservation."

"There's an extra person here. It feels unlucky to me."

As they spoke, they were about to leave. I softly spoke up.

"Serenity, let's get a divorce."