Barely holding myself together, I took a hot shower, hoping to wash away the ache. Just as I started drying my hair, Ryan walked in.
Without a word, he took the towel from my hands and gently started drying my hair, his touch oddly tender.
It felt surreal like nothing had ever happened.
Then, he spoke, almost hesitantly. “Julia, I can explain. I helped her today for a reason.”
I looked at him as he continued to explain, “Kate… she doesn’t have much time left. The doctor says she only has a few months.”
I frowned, taking the towel back from his hands with a cold, suspicious look.
He noticed, and his brow furrowed. “I didn’t think you’d be so heartless about this,” he muttered.
I didn’t respond. I just grabbed my hairdryer and turned it on, ignoring him completely. I didn’t have the energy to argue with a man who cared more about his mistress's needs than his own wife’s dignity.
But he wouldn't let it go. Ryan reached over and grabbed my hand, pulling it down. “Julia,what exactly do you want?” He took a deep breath and added, “I’ve explained everything. What more do you need?”
I kept quiet as he continued talking, "Don’t forget, you’re the one who insisted on marrying me back then. And now you have the audacity to treat me like this? If it weren’t for her influence, do you really think your work would’ve been noticed? Stop fooling yourself.”
He leaned closer, his voice dripping with twisted reasoning. “You should be grateful to her. She made sure the world saw your work.”
I couldn’t listen to one more word of his pathetic excuse.
“That’s enough,” I said, my voice calm and final. “There’s nothing left to say. Let’s get a divorce.”
Without waiting for his response, I started packing my things.
But he grabbed my arm, his face darkening. “What do you think you’re doing?”
I yanked my wrist free, anger flashing in my eyes. “Let go of me. Can’t you see? I’m leaving.”
For a brief second, something shifted in his expression, but it vanished just as quickly.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he said, stepping in front of me. “Where do you think you’re going in this rain? You can’t even drive.”
My voice rose with frustration. “That’s none of your business. I hope you and Kate have a fantastic life together!”