It was Justin.

I pressed the answer button. Before I could speak, I heard Sofia's delicate voice crying out in pain.

"Justin, you're hurting me," Sofia said.

What was this?

Why was he calling me?

Did he accidentally press the button? Or was this to show off?

My mind was in a mess. I held the phone to my ear, stunned and listening.

"Justin, aren't my legs beautiful?" Sofia asked.

His breathing on the other end paused, then gradually became heavier.

After a long pause, I heard a low "Mm."

I vaguely remember how Justin used to tell me every day that my legs were beautiful. He used to say that marrying me was the greatest blessing of his life.

He said it with such pride. Even though I didn't believe in forever, I still believed him then.

One day, he suddenly said he wanted to update the wardrobe.

From then on, my wardrobe only had long skirts and pants.

Even the shorts I bought myself would be thrown away by him for various reasons.

So, it turned out the signs had always been there.

On the other end of the line, Sofia was still clinging to him, speaking sweetly.

"Justin, your hands are amazing. They make me feel so comfortable.

"Be honest, do you often touch Stacey like this, too?

"Oh, wait, Stacey has long scars on her legs," Sofia said.

She giggled, "So ugly, right? Does it make you want to throw up?"

Maybe it was the love that had been etched deep in my soul.

Maybe it was the unwillingness to let go after seven years together.

I was already feeling so sick that I was about to faint, but I still didn't hang up the phone.

After all, Justin had caressed my legs and told me over and over that it was okay on the countless nights.

But now, he said, "Don't mention her. She's such a downer."

Sofia smiled with satisfaction.

The sound of kissing came through. Their breaths intertwined, filled with intimacy.

I couldn't hold back any longer.

I cried out, "Justin, what are you doing?"

Before today, I had never imagined that Justin would fall out of love.

We met eight years ago in the spring.

When I leaned out halfway over the bridge, I truly wanted to end it all.

For more than twenty years, my life had been dedicated to dancing. I danced my way from a small town to Sanchez City, from obscurity to stardom.

But now, even standing up seemed like an unattainable dream.

A slender hand grabbed me tightly.

I then fell into a trembling yet warm embrace.

"Please, don't die," he said.

He said, "The cherry blossoms in the park are blooming. Let's go see them."

He said, "The pet shop just got a new kitten. It's so cute."

He said, "The Sanders Restaurant has amazing noodles. Let's go eat there."

"It's okay if you can't dance. As long as you can stand, that's enough.

"And even if you can't stand, you're still free," he said.

Later, I found out that his mother had passed away that day. He was also there to end his life.

Yet, he became the savior of another person who was ready to die.

With his help, I worked hard on my rehabilitation and eventually stood up again.

He said, "So what if you can't walk fast? I'll always be by your side."

But, the light that once illuminated my life eventually turned into a blade that stabbed me.

The next moment, Justin's panicked voice rang out.

"Stacey! It's not what you think!

"I can explain! Stacey, please say something!" Justin said.

It was clearly noon, yet I felt so cold.

I slowly curled up and hung up the phone.

I blocked his number and switched my phone to airplane mode.

I didn't know how much time had passed before a nurse woke me up and told me I could leave.

My stomach no longer hurt, but my body felt extremely exhausted.

My phone showed a few missed calls from unknown numbers. He had probably borrowed someone else's phone.

But it was only a few.

I let out a bitter laugh and slowly walked out.

It must have been fate, as I saw Justin at the hospital entrance.

He gently held Sofia, as if she were the most precious treasure in the world.

I quietly watched.

Love that deep is like a drug. It comes with strong withdrawal symptoms.

I didn't want to lose myself in love, so I had to constantly force myself to let go.

The moment our eyes met. Justin's face turned pale. He quickly pulled his hand back.

"Stacey, I can explain," Justin said.

"Go ahead," I said.

My response was probably too calm. He seemed flustered for a moment and opened his mouth to speak.

But no words came out.

Sofia broke the silence with a light laugh.

"I thought you were smart," Sofia said.

She tilted her head and looked at me. Her makeup was flawless, her lips slightly swollen and rosy. Both were alluring and smug.

I looked at her and said, "This is our matter, Miss Collins. Please mind your place," I said.

Sofia was taken aback. She clung tightly to Justin's arm, looking pitiful.

I lowered my eyes.

I saw Justin hesitate for a moment but didn't push her away.

He frowned in irritation and looked at me with a hint of displeasure.

"There's nothing between us. Can you not be so harsh?" Justin said.

My heart, which had been numb, suddenly throbbed with pain.

I couldn't stop myself from trembling.

"Nothing? So you didn't kiss? Or didn't sleep together? Or did you sleep together but use protection? In your mind, as long as there's no pregnancy, then nothing happened, right?" I said.

"Stacey!" Justin shouted.

"What? Should I feel pity for your mistress?" I said.

I didn't lower my voice at all. People were coming and going at the hospital entrance. Many turned their eyes toward us.

Sofia finally panicked. She buried her face in Justin's chest.

"Justin, I'm tired," Sofia said.

Justin took off his jacket and placed it over Sofia's head in a protective gesture.

He gave me a cold glance.

"Over the years, I've spoiled you," Justin said.

Maybe when people are heartbroken to the extreme, they laugh.

I laughed until tears came out.

"Then let's end this." I wiped away my tears and looked up at him.

"Justin, let's get a divorce," I said.