ManyWriters

Damien and I had been together for nine years, during which we divorced ten times.
The eleventh time, he was helping his mistress pick out an engagement ring.
"The young lady is pregnant, so we're putting on a show. Eight months from now, I'll remarry you."
"In the meantime, move out. I'll have meals delivered to you three times a day."
"Also, go get a postpartum care certification. Serenity is delicate and can't handle the hardships of childcare."
I held the divorce papers, nodding obediently.
As I was about to leave, I overheard his friend mocking him.
"Damien, you're something else. You've practically trained your sister-in-law to be a dog."
Damien boasted proudly, "That's nothing. Melody is such a cheap whore."
"Even if I don't remarry her, she'd still willingly help me raise the kid as my mistress."
I remained silent, quietly sending a message to the man on the other end of my phone.
"Got the divorce papers. When can we get married?"

Gentle Dissolution

With a sudden shove from behind, I lost my balance and stumbled into the counter, a large bump forming on my forehead.


The intense pain brought tears to my eyes.


Damien hissed, nudging me with his foot.


"Hey, it was just a little bump. Who are you trying to impress with this act?"


"Whatever, I don't have time for this. Tomorrow, you're coming back to the family estate with me. Tell them you want that ring. And I'm warning you, don't let anything slip!"


With that, he fled, dragging Serenity along.


It took me a while to pull myself up off the floor.


Bits of gravel were embedded in my skin.


I staggered to the curb, intending to hail a cab to the hospital.


Suddenly, I saw Serenity driving straight at me.


With a deafening crash, everything went black.


In my hazy state, I overheard Damien talking to the doctor.


"Forget about her. As long as the baby in Serenity's belly is fine, that's all that matters. Send all the doctors and nurses to Serenity's room. I'll keep an eye on things here."


With that, Damien pushed open the door and entered.Four eyes met in an instant, and his expression showed a hint of embarrassment.


"I didn't know you were pregnant, but a miscarriage isn't a big deal, it's not like it's the first time."


"Without this baby, you can focus on taking care of the sweetheart in Serenity's belly."


I didn't speak, but for some reason, I thought of my first child with Damien.


At that time, Damien had just gotten together with Serenity.


The young lady cried and made a fuss, saying she didn't want to ruin someone else's family.


To reassure her, Damien forced me to take abortion pills.


"Don't think you can tie me down just because you're pregnant. I hate kids, especially your kids!"


The improper medical abortion led to me being forced to have a D&C.


Just as I came off the operating table, I received a photo from Serenity.


While I was hemorrhaging and fighting for my life.


Damien and Serenity had been going at it for three days and nights in our marital home.


The trash can was full of dozens of used condoms.


The antique bed I brought as part of my dowry had one leg broken off.Damien even had Serenity's blood-stained handkerchief from her first night framed and hung on the wall, replacing our wedding photo.


From that moment on, I lost all hope for Damien.


I endured this marriage solely for the sake of our families' business relations.


I lowered my head in silence as Damien handed me a bowl.


"I made you some chicken soup. Drink it while it's hot."


As I raised my hand, a sharp pain shot through my arm.


Before I could ask, Damien guiltily turned his head away.


"Serenity was hurt in a car accident. The young lady cares about her looks, so I had a piece of your skin grafted onto her to prevent scarring."


"Stop acting pitiful! If you hadn't suddenly darted into the street and startled Serenity, she wouldn't have gotten hurt! This is all your fault, and you must take responsibility!"


In his agitation, he knocked over the bowl of chicken soup on the table, scalding my thigh.


Fighting back tears, I tried to reach for the call button.


"Serenity's feeling awful after her surgery and needs a doctor by her side."


"You're tough-skinned. You'll get over it soon enough. No need to be so dramatic."


Blood began to seep from the wound on my arm.Just as I was about to speak, a doctor burst into the room in a rush.


"Miss Sterling is showing significant signs of rejection. We need to operate again immediately."


Chapter 2