ManyWriters

Nolan planned sixty-six romantic getaways to propose to me, all in the name of love.
On the sixty-seventh attempt, I was finally moved by his dedication.
On our first day of marriage, I prepared sixty-six "Get Out of Jail Free" cards.
We agreed that whenever he upset me, he could use one of these cards for a free pass to forgiveness.
For six years of marriage, every time he angered me because of his childhood sweetheart, I'd let him redeem one "Get Out of Jail Free" card.
By the time we reached the 64th card, Nolan began to sense something was off with me.
I stopped reminding him to be mindful of boundaries, and I no longer needed him.
I only held him back to ask when he was about to abandon me again for his childhood sweetheart.
"If you're going to see her, can I use a 'Get Out of Jail Free' card to offset it?"
Nolan's steps faltered for a moment as he looked at me helplessly.
"Use it if you want. There are plenty left anyway."
I nodded gently, watching his silhouette disappear.
He still thought his "get out of jail free" cards were endless and inexhaustible.
But little did he know, there were only two "get out of jail free" cards left.

Sixty-six forgiveness cards

"Nolan, you should head back on your own. Felicity twisted her ankle, so I need to take her to get checked out first."


He seemed to have forgotten about my injuries, his eyes full of concern as he looked at Felicity.


In the past, I probably would have explained that I was in pain too, then asked him to take me to the hospital with them.


Then I would have cried and asked him why I had to apologize when I wasn't the one who did anything wrong.


Nolan let out a sigh, his expression changing.


As soon as he finished speaking, Felicity walked up and clung to his arm.


Nolan's suit jacket was draped over her shoulders, her delicate frame leaning on him for support.


Nolan paid no attention to me, my face pale from the pain. He simply scooped Felicity up in his arms and placed her in the passenger seat.


"Sit still and don't touch the injured area."


After he finished taking care of her and was about to drive off, his gaze finally landed on me standing nearby.


"We grew up together. I only see her as a little sister. You should head back first."


Afraid he might think I was upset, I added: “You got your 'get out of jail free' card, so I'll be fine."


Nolan seemed to hesitate, as if he wanted to say something.


Felicity let out a hiss, and he quickly turned to look at her.


I was left standing alone at the hotel entrance, pulling my clothes tighter around me.


After getting home, I took out the 'get out of jail free' card from the side drawer.


The stack of cards that Nolan used to keep in the safe was now carelessly left on top of the cabinet.


I stamped the 64th 'get out of jail free' card and then dug out the divorce papers I had prepared earlier.


Not knowing any lawyers personally, I decided to contact my former professor.


"Professor, if I want to get a divorce, do you have any lawyers you'd recommend?"


The professor was puzzled when he heard the news.


"I remember when you two got together, it was the talk of the campus. It's only been a few years, what happened?"


The professor had witnessed the proposal firsthand back then.


How did we end up so far from where we started?


It began when he started putting others before me, always leaving me behind.


From the moment he started dating Felicity, all they talked about was their story. I couldn't find a way to join in.


From the time he and Felicity shared a bed without hesitation.


The most dangerous thing in a relationship is the appearance of a third person.


We've already drifted apart, and there's no going back.


"Leave this matter to me. I'll have someone contact you later. If you need anything, just tell them."


I looked at the last two 'Get Out of Jail Free' cards in my hand and slowly spoke.


Nolan happened to walk in at that moment.


"Who were you talking to? The professor?"


He was carrying a shopping bag, which he placed on the table.


After hanging up the phone, I turned to face him.


"It's nothing, just asked a few questions."


Nolan frowned, his puzzled gaze circling around me.


"What questions? It's so late, and you still need to ask?"


"It's nothing, just about an experiment."


Chapter 2