ManyWriters

Excruciating pain engulfed my entire body. The agony was unbearable. I let out a muffled groan as the captor pressed his foot onto my hand. "Why isn't he answering?" one kidnapper growled in frustration. "Are we sure we've got the right person?" another questioned. My chest tightened with anguish. I was torn between wanting Ash to answer and hoping he wouldn't, to keep him safe from harm. A piercing cry escaped my lips as my hair was violently yanked. "What's the deal? Why won't he pick up?" Through gritted teeth, I whimpered, "How am I supposed to know his reasons?"

A Desperate Call

When I rushed to embrace him, he gazed at me expectantly. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." I repeated softly.


Without asking questions, he gently stroked my back.


"I want to end my marriage with Ash. I should have heeded your advice... He... He never cared for me. Kate was his only interest."


He exhaled deeply and held me closer. "Return home, alright?"


I nodded and then begged, "I don't want to remain in the hospital. Please let me go back home."


The presence of Ash and Kate here was stifling. I couldn't bear to face them for even a moment.


"You need to continue your treatment, Astrid..."


"Please..." I implored until my brother finally consented to my hospital discharge tomorrow.


Tomorrow, I can at last leave this place. As evening fell, I pondered if Ash would notice something amiss when I didn't return home.


Yet that night, I received no messages from him. He was likely relieved that I wasn't there to disturb him.


The following day, my brother provided me with the divorce papers I had requested. It was time to say farewell.


I returned to the apartment and noticed its unkempt state. Ash must have been absent for at least two days.


I chuckled and entered my room. Our wedding photo hung there, with Kate present even in that image.


Ash had insisted I make Kate my bridesmaid because she desperately wanted the role. So, at our wedding, Kate became the bridesmaid.


Ash never denied any of Kate's requests. He despised interruptions during work most of all. I tried my best not to disturb him while he worked, even handling all chores myself due to his fastidious nature. From his suits to his meals, I took care of everything. But all of this went unappreciated.


In his eyes, only Kate existed. I lived as her substitute for years, but now I must break free.


I inhaled deeply and packed my belongings. It was ironic. After three years together, all my possessions fit into a single bag.


Throughout our marriage, he never offered gifts, flowers, or even affection. On our wedding day, he merely gave me his bank card, telling me to use it as I wished.


But I didn't. I sighed and retrieved the card he had given me.


"Miss... you're back? Where were you these past two days? Are you alright? What happened?" the nanny asked, surprised to see me.


I shook my head. "Granny, could you please give these to Ash when he returns?" I said, handing her the divorce papers and bank card.


I nodded. "You'll have a new mistress soon."


"Please don't go, miss. He'll eventually realize his feelings for you. Trust me."


"No, granny. I won't cling to false hopes anymore. I've had enough," I replied calmly.


Besides his parents, his nanny was closest to him. His family always liked me, including granny. She taught me to cook his favorite dishes.


I recall the first time I cooked for him, he hated it and refused to eat. Then I learned he preferred granny's cooking. She taught me his favorite recipes and shared more about him.


Back then, I believed I could win his heart through these efforts. But in his heart, only Kate mattered.


"Granny, please don't give me any more hope. I can't endure it anymore," I said, fighting back tears. "Please ask him to send me the signed papers soon. I wish him and Kate a happy marriage."


Without waiting for her response, I hurried out of the house. It was time to leave. Farewell, Ash.


Chapter 3