Three people tried to separate us, and quickly, security guards were called.

They dragged Jane out, and asked if I was okay. She was still yelling, “This isn’t over! You’ll regret it! Let me go! Let me go!”

Jane looked disheveled and crazy. Understandably so; this hospital was renowned in the whole country, and being marked as incompetent here could end anyone’s medical career. She wouldn’t get a job as a nurse anywhere in the area.

I didn’t want to play the power card, but she pushed me to it, and I had no other choice.

The morning after the incident, Garet came home. He saw me making breakfast and walked over.

I heard his footsteps but ignored him. I wasn’t about to greet him warmly or offer him food like I used to. He never appreciated it anyway.

“Why did you do that?” he asked abruptly.

“Did what?” I replied.

“Come on, Livy. Don’t be childish. You’re ruining someone’s life.”

“Me? Childish? Ruining someone’s life?” I laughed. “Garet, are you serious? My life’s the one that's ruined. Can’t you see that?”

“You should’ve known better than to play behind my back, Garet. You’re clearly cheating on me, yet you blame me. I’m your wife, and I have to beg for your time. Haven’t I treated you well? Tell me, what did I do to deserve this? You’re a selfish jerk. You have a wife but can’t resist your ex. What a weak man!”

He stayed silent, clenching his teeth, and then just turned around and left the house. I didn’t stop him. My feelings for him, built up over so many years, had faded almost completely. Constant distrust and disappointment had really taken their toll on our love.

***

The day of our meeting finally arrived. Roxanne and I planned to catch up at D’Perez for brunch and coffee. When we met, we hugged and exchanged updates. Roxanne had been busy with road tours as a radio host, attending events and traveling frequently. I was genuinely happy for her; she seemed to love her job.

Once our coffee and pastries arrived, I started to unload everything. I told her about the online harassment, Garet’s odd behavior, and the fights with Garet and Jane. Roxanne listened intently, nodding and looking genuinely concerned, but she didn’t interrupt.

As I spoke, my eyes began to sting, and tears finally began to flow. I’d tried so hard to stay strong these past few weeks, but now I could let it all out with her.

Roxanne handed me some tissues and sipped her coffee. “I can’t believe Garet would do this to you. And Jane—what a horrible woman. They both are disgusting. You deserve so much better, Livy,” she said, patting my shoulder.

I was sniffling and struggling to respond. “You know what I think? You should gather all the evidence you can and wait for the perfect moment to act. Don’t show them your jealousy or anger. Can you manage that?” she suggested.

“I’ll try,” I said. “My feelings for Garet have changed. I don’t respect him anymore, and love needs respect.”

“Good, you’re so strong, Livy. Do you need a private detective to gather information? I can help with that,” Roxanne offered.

“No, I’ll handle it myself. After all, Garet’s a private detective too,” I said with a bitter smile. The thought of a private detective getting investigated by fellow detectives felt like something out of a movie.

We chatted for hours, and I felt refreshed. We didn’t run into Leon, and an employee mentioned he was out of town. Around noon, Roxanne suggested, “Why don’t we go shopping? I don’t have any plans, and retail therapy is always a good idea, right?”

I agreed. It had been a while since I’d splurged on new clothes, shoes, bags, or accessories.

We headed to the mall and browsed through the stores. I ended up buying a new work suit, a party dress, and a pair of high heels. Next, we went to a hair and nail salon. Roxanne was excited to try a new hairstyle, and so was I. The stylist recommended a medium-length cut with layers, and I went for it. I also decided to dye my dark brown hair golden brown with strawberry blonde highlights.

The whole process took about two hours, but it was enjoyable since I got to chat with Roxanne while we waited.

When my hair was finally styled and dried, I was stunned. I hadn’t realized how much a new hairstyle could transform someone. Roxanne was equally thrilled with her new look; it suited her perfectly.

“OMG, Livy!” she exclaimed.

“I know, right? It’s unbelievable! You look even more stunning—though you were pretty before,” I teased.

“I’m not talking about me. Look at you! Who are you? I’d think you were a model if I didn’t know you!” she said, wide-eyed.

“Oh, shut up!” I laughed, blushing but genuinely happy. The new hairstyle and color really did make a difference.

“Can we take some photos and videos for Instagram?” the salon employee asked.

“Yes, definitely! We need them for ourselves too!” Roxanne said eagerly. After a few snapshots and videos, we headed out of the nail station. I also got my nails done. I have a bad habit of biting them, which made them look pretty rough. So, getting a manicure was definitely overdue.

Outside, the sky was getting darker, signaling that it was time to go home. This day had really lifted my spirits and boosted my confidence. Roxanne drove me back to my place, and I thanked her for a much-needed break from all the storms in my life.

She waved goodbye as she drove off, and I walked into the house to find it empty. It wasn’t surprising—I wasn’t even sure where Garet was these days. The last time we talked was when he was furious after I kicked Jane out of the hospital a few days ago.

Feeling refreshed, I didn’t want to let thoughts of him ruin my mood. Instead, I scrolled through my phone, looking at the photos from the salon. We looked adorable, and I wanted to keep the memory of this fun day alive, so I uploaded a few pictures.

Almost immediately, I started getting likes and positive comments from friends and acquaintances. I replied to them while smiling.

[OMG!! We’re so cute], Roxanne commented. Just as I was about to respond, I noticed a comment from Jane’s alleged account, hisdreamgirl, saying [Eww, ugly whores.]

I rolled my eyes, took a screenshot of the comment, and then removed it. I wasn’t ready to block her yet because I needed more evidence. I messaged Roxanne about the comment, and she replied, [I want to punch her so bad.]

I sent back a string of laughing emojis.

Then another notification popped up. I assumed it was from Roxanne, but it turned out to be a comment from a fellow doctor. Hendrickjones: [Nice hair, Livia.]

Hendrick was a well-respected doctor, known for his skills and quiet demeanor. We hadn’t interacted much before, but he seemed pleasant. I thanked him and didn’t give it too much thought.

As the days dragged on, I was eagerly awaiting the long weekend at the end of the month, when I planned to visit my mom. Meanwhile, Jane’s harassment continued. She’d even started sending me threatening messages on WhatsApp. I followed the advice I’d received and made sure to document everything and archive the chat.

One morning, I found an invitation on my desk. It was from Hendrick Jones, inviting me to a housewarming party. He’d just moved into a new place and wanted to celebrate. I was a bit surprised since we weren’t very close and worked in different divisions. However, after seeing the group chat and realizing that many of my colleagues were attending, I decided to go.

At noon, I ran into Hendrick in the cafeteria. He started a conversation, “You’re coming to the party, right, Ms. Wilson?”

“Yes, I’ll be there. It’s the day after tomorrow, right?” I replied.

“Exactly,” he said. There was a brief pause before he added, “By the way, your hair really looks great. Has anyone told you that?”

I laughed and replied, “Thanks, Mr. Jones. I’ve been getting compliments on my hair all day.”

It was true—some of the nurses even mentioned I looked ten years younger with the new style. If that was the case, I figured a fresh haircut might be more effective than Botox.

“Of course,” Hendrick said with a smile. I said my goodbyes and went to join my colleagues for lunch.

Throughout the meal, I noticed Hendrick glancing over at me, which made me feel a bit shy. He was quite attractive in his own way. Even though he wore glasses, his blue eyes were captivating, and his blonde hair added to his charm. While Garet had sharp, intense features, Hendrick had a calm, deep presence. If Garet was a towering mountain, Hendrick felt more like a tranquil sea.

I tried to focus on my meal and not get caught up in the comparisons. When the day of the party finally arrived, I headed home after work and changed into the maroon dress I’d bought with Roxanne. The dress fit beautifully, highlighting my curves without being too revealing. I was in a great mood as I applied some light makeup and styled my hair.

Feeling confident and uplifted by my outfit and makeup, I was about to leave for the party when a car pulled up right in front of my house.

It turned out to be Garet. He parked the car in the garage, got out, and looked at me with a confused expression. “Where are you going?”

“To a party,” I said curtly, trying to walk past him. But he grabbed my wrist and said, “I’m coming with you.”

“No, you’re not. It’s a colleague’s party, and you don’t even know him.”

“Him?”

“Let go of me, my taxi is waiting!” I said, pushing his hand away and heading for the cab.

“You can’t go to a guy’s party dressed like that,” he said, trying to stop me.

“What’s that supposed to mean? You can cheat with your ex, but I can’t go to a party with a male colleague?” I pushed his hand away again and got into the taxi.

When I arrived at the party, my friends were already enjoying themselves. The living room was buzzing with laughter and conversation, and Hendrick, the host, greeted me warmly. I joined the group and soon found myself caught up in the fun, which included a lively karaoke session in the backyard. It had been a long time since I’d enjoyed myself this much, and we snapped plenty of photos.

During the karaoke, I needed to use the restroom, so I asked Hendrick where it was. He started to explain, but his voice was drowned out by the noise of the party.

Without warning, Hendrick took my hand and guided me inside, away from the commotion. “I’ll show you where the restroom is,” he said once we were far enough from the noise and then let go of my hand.

“Okay,” I said, feeling a bit nervous. The house was enormous, and the restroom on the first floor was centrally located.

I quickly took care of things and emerged from the restroom. Hendrick was still waiting for me near the fish pond, which was surrounded by beautiful koi fish, water lilies, and stones. I stood beside him, and we watched the fish swim gracefully.

“They’re so pretty,” I commented.

“Yeah, they are,” Hendrick agreed. “And you.…”

“Me?” I asked, intrigued.

“I mean, and you know what? Just like these fish, which look their best when they’re well cared for and in the right environment, people also need to be in a good place and treated well to truly shine,” he explained.

“I guess that’s true,” I said. I wasn’t entirely sure where he was going with this, but his words felt meaningful.

After a while, we headed back to the main party area. By then, some friends were preparing to leave since it was getting late. A colleague who lived near me offered me a ride, so I accepted and said my goodbyes to those who remained.

Hendrick saw us off at the gate and gave me a warm smile, which I returned before getting into the car.

“He seems different tonight,” my colleague remarked.

“Different how?”

“Usually, Hendrick is so quiet and reserved at the hospital. But tonight, he’s smiling and more talkative,” she explained.

“Yeah, I noticed that too,” I said. I felt like I was starting to understand him better. While he could be reserved and intense, he also had a warm and approachable side that shone through when given the chance.

In the car, I took a moment to repost all the stories my colleagues had tagged me in. We were all smiling and dancing, and there was even a collage of candid shots. One photo caught my eye: I was laughing at a silly performance while Hendrick looked at me. I didn’t remember when it was taken, but it made me blush. I quickly pushed the thought away—after all, I was still married.

When I got home, Garet was still there. I tried to walk past him, but he blocked my way. “Move!” I said.

He stood there silently, scanning me from head to toe. I rolled my eyes and tried to sidestep him, but he wrapped his arms around me. I was stunned. I used to find comfort in his embrace, but now it only annoyed me. I struggled to free myself and said, “Let me go. Why don’t you stay at Jane’s place tonight?”

At the mention of Jane, his expression shifted, and he released me. “There’s nothing between us. We were just catching up. That’s all,” he insisted.

“Bullshit!” I snapped. Did he really think I was that naïve?

“Let’s go visit your mom,” he suggested.

I hesitated. Why the sudden change of heart?

I didn’t respond and pushed past him, heading upstairs to lock myself in my room. He could use the guest room or the sofa for all I cared.

After removing my makeup and taking a shower, I messaged Roxanne to fill her in on what had happened.

She replied almost immediately, [I think he’s jealous. Good job, Livy!]

[Really?]

[100% positive,] Roxanne responded with confidence. I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of satisfaction.

It seemed like my plan was working. I was starting to think about accepting Garet’s offer to go to Mom’s house together; it would definitely make her happy.

The day finally arrived. I packed a bag with some clothes and took it to the office, planning to head straight to the train station after work. Garet had offered to pick me up so we could go together. I said, “Whatever.” Given the state of our relationship, I wasn’t sure if he’d actually show up. If he didn’t, I was ready to go alone.

When my shift ended, I grabbed my bag and headed to the lobby to wait for Garet. I’d told him when my shift would finish, and he’d assured me he’d be there soon. As I was waiting, I bumped into Hendrick in the corridor.

“Going somewhere?” he asked, noticing the travel bag I was carrying.

“I’m off to visit my mom for the long weekend. Taking the train,” I replied.

“Do you need a ride? I’m heading home now too,” he offered.

“Thanks, but I think my husband will pick me up,” I said.

Hendrick nodded, and we continued to the lobby. Just then, a red BMW pulled up and stopped right in front of us. Garet got out of the car, looking worried. He quickly started calling for some hospital staff. From the passenger seat, Jane emerged, looking pale. The staff helped her inside, clearly attending to her needs.

Garet spotted me and hurried over. “Livia, I’m really sorry, but Jane’s suddenly sick. I need to take care of her. Can we postpone our visit?”

“No, I’ll go alone. You should stay with her; she needs you more,” I said calmly, trying to keep my tone even as I smiled.

Garet looked surprised and a bit frustrated. “Do you need me to call a taxi for you?”

“No, it’s fine. Hendrick can give me a ride,” I replied, glancing at Hendrick who was waiting nearby. “Isn’t that right?”

Hendrick nodded. “Absolutely.”

Garet looked unhappy but didn’t argue. He just walked away, leaving me and Hendrick.

We got into Hendrick’s car, and there was an awkward silence for a while. Hendrick finally broke it. “Your husband… wasn’t he with the intern just now?”

Hendrick seemed puzzled, and I decided to fill him in. “Yeah, but she’s not an intern anymore. They’re actually cheating on me.”

“You know they’re cheating?” Hendrick asked, clearly taken aback.

“Yep,” I said.

Hendrick was quiet for a moment before asking, “You seem pretty indifferent about this. Are you alright?”

“I’m okay now,” I said with a smile. “I think the spark has been gone for a while.”

After a brief chat with Hendrick, I boarded the train and settled in for the four-hour ride to my hometown. By the time I arrived, it was already night, but I managed to catch the last bus heading to my village. Once I got off, I had a pleasant fifteen-minute walk ahead of me to reach my old house.

The night air was refreshing as I strolled along the dimly lit path. Despite the darkness, I felt safe knowing the crime rate here was virtually nonexistent. The full moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft orange glow over everything, while the cool breeze rustled through the leaves and the symphony of insects filled the air.

When I finally reached the cottage, I felt a rush of nostalgia. The small wooden house with its sprawling front and backyard, where Mom grew all sorts of vegetables and flowers, felt as welcoming as ever. I opened the low wooden gate, the bell above it jingling softly, and made my way to the front door, which was unlocked.

Stepping inside, I was greeted by the cozy living room. It was a small space, with a set of sofas facing the fireplace and walls adorned with framed photos and newspaper clippings. Each frame captured a piece of my life—from childhood moments to my graduation, my wedding, and articles celebrating my achievements. Seeing them all displayed so lovingly brought tears to my eyes; it was a powerful reminder of how much my mom cared for me.

Just then, a middle aged woman appeared, a dust cloth slung over her shoulder. Her eyes widened in surprise, and a broad smile spread across her face. “Oh my goodness, is that you, my little Livy?”

She came closer and hugged me tightly. No matter how old I got, I would always be her little girl. I hugged her back, breathing in the familiar jasmine scent that always reminded me of home. Mom loved to put jasmine flowers on her bed to sleep with.

“You didn’t tell me you were coming today! I would have cooked more if I knew,” she said, guiding me to sit at the dining table.

“I wanted to surprise you,” I replied with a big smile.

As she prepared hot chocolate, she asked, “So, Garet couldn’t come with you? That’s too bad, I miss him.”

“No, he’s busy,” I said.

“You two aren’t fighting, are you?”

“No, Mom. Don’t worry,” I assured her with another forced smile.

“How long are you staying?”

“Three days,” I answered.

“You should stay longer, maybe a week.”

“I can’t, Mom. Those poor patients would cry if I didn’t give them anesthesia during their surgeries,” I joked, trying to keep things light.

We chatted as she handed me the hot chocolate, and then Mom helped me carry my bags to my old room. It was just as I had left it, a time capsule of my teenage years. Everything was still in place, and the sense of nostalgia was overwhelming. Photos of me and Mom when we were younger brought a wave of gratitude for the bond we shared.

I laid on my bed, which wasn’t as soft as the one in the city but still felt comforting. Closing my eyes, I let memories of my friends and family wash over me, filling me with joy and a sense of belonging.

However, my phone buzzed. It was Garet. I didn't want to talk to him and ignored his calls, putting my phone on do-not-disturb mode.

The next morning, I woke up early, feeling the chill in the air because I hadn’t used a blanket. I opened the window and looked out at the sky. My room faced east, giving me a perfect view of the sunrise. Watching the sunrise used to be my favorite way to start the day before school, and now I got to relive that moment. The sky transformed from dark to red, then orange, pink, and purple before finally turning blue. Those few minutes of serenity were magical.

I went downstairs to find Mom already up, busy in the kitchen like she always was.

“Hi, Mom. Need help?” I asked, pouring myself a glass of water.

“No, this kitchen is too small for the two of us,” she said with a warm smile.

“I’ll take care of the garden, then,” I replied, smiling back.

Mom’s garden was her pride and joy. In the backyard, she had tomatoes, eggplants, carrots, pumpkins, and cucumbers. The front yard was a vibrant display of jasmine, roses, petunias, and many other flowers I couldn’t name. Everything flourished under her careful attention.

I spent too much time in the hospital, surrounded by the sterile white of operating rooms, the smell of chemicals, medicines, blood, and disinfectants. It felt refreshing to be outside, surrounded by the vibrant colors of nature, listening to birds chirping and water flowing, and breathing in the scents of flowers, fresh water, and soil.

I smiled as I watched the drizzle of water on the plants’ leaves. After watering the garden and harvesting some vegetables, I joined my mom in the dining room, savoring the warm pumpkin and mushroom soup she had made. She also prepared mashed potatoes and hot milk for me.

“You need to eat more, look at how thin you are now!” she exclaimed, placing more food in front of me.

“Calm down, Mom. I’m full. You’re the one who needs more nutrition. I brought supplements for you,” I said, trying to reassure her.

“Nonsense, I’m fitter than you. I’d bet on it,” she retorted with a grin.

Our playful banter continued until we finished our meal. I washed the dishes while she went out to run some errands. It was only 8 o’clock, and I wasn’t sure what to do next. The air was still cold, and a bath sounded freezing, so I decided to take a nap.

I was awakened by the sound of people chatting. The sunlight streaming into my room told me it was already noon, and the warmth had increased. I got up and stretched, feeling rested and ready to face the day.

I checked the clock on my phone; it was 11:30. At that moment, I noticed several missed calls from Garet. I opened the notifications and saw his message. Around 11, he said he was near my mom’s house and would arrive in 15 minutes. I frowned. Was it him talking to my mom now?

Quickly, I got out of bed and walked downstairs. Sure enough, there he was, smiling and chatting with Mom in the living room.

“Livy, you said he wasn’t coming!” Mom exclaimed when she saw me, her voice filled with joy.

I forced a smile and approached them. “Well, that’s what he told me. Isn’t that right, Garet?”

“Yeah, I managed to reschedule a meeting, so I can stay here for the weekend,” he explained.

“It doesn’t matter. You two are here now, and I’m so happy! I’ll make you a pie. Garet, you should rest up after driving for so many hours this morning,” Mom said warmly.

“You drove all the way here?” I asked, a bit incredulous.

“Yes, that’s my car outside.” He pointed out the window. I wanted to ask about Jane but hesitated because Mom was there.

Once we were in my room, I finally asked him about her. “How’s Jane?”

“She’s okay now,” he replied.

I didn’t press for more details and quickly grabbed a towel, heading to the bathroom. As I was about to leave, he suddenly called out, “Livy.”