Chapter 5
Chapter 5
I called a car and packed up all of Nora’s belongings, preparing to leave when Steven arrived. He looked haggard, as if he had aged ten years overnight, holding a gift box in one hand and a mango in the other.[]
“Isabelle,” he said, his voice filled with guilt as he looked at me. “I bought you some mangoes.” He spoke softly, as if hoping I would accept them, just like when I used to offer him fruit. If he even took a bite back then, I’d be overjoyed.[]
“I’m allergic to mangoes,” I said coldly. “The only reason we had mangoes at home was for you. Every time I prepared one for you, my skin would react.“[]
In all the years we were together, if Steven had paid even a bit of attention, he would have known I was allergic to mangoes. But perhaps I had spoiled him too much. I had always put Steven at the center of my world, doing everything to please him.
Once we became a couple, I became even more humble, earning the label of a “doormat” to everyone around us. No matter the rumors, I ignored them all, loving Steven with everything I had, always giving, always passive.]
After we got married, Steven remained as carefree as ever, never concerning himself with household matters. I managed everything while also tolerating his foul temper whenever he was in a bad mood. I thought Steven would mature. I was wrong. I thought he would understand the responsibilities of a father. I was wrong again.[]
7
If I hadn’t spoiled Steven so much, if I hadn’t been so self–effacing, Nora would still be alive. She would have grown up.
“Isabelle,” Steven’s eyes were filled with tears. “I’m sorry. It was all my fault. I neglected you and Nora. I’ve realized everything now. I want to start over with you. We can have another child and begin again. We’ll be happy and move toward a better future!” He pleaded, his voice almost begging.
To me, it sounded utterly ironic. []
A happy life? Where was that before?
“Are you insane?” I clenched my fists, glaring at Steven. “Nora just died, and you’re already talking about having another child? Do you even have a conscience? You really don’t care about Nora.”
“No, that’s not it!” Steven shook his head. “I just want to make things right with you, to save our relationship… I’ll find the best burial site for Nora and give her everything she loved.“[]
“What’s the point now that she’s gone? Is it for your own sake? To ease your guilt?” I sneered. Late efforts are as useless as a fan in winter or a coat in summer–completely unnecessary.[]
“Isabelle, I really love you. I don’t want to lose you.” Steven panicked, suddenly rushing to hug me. It was the first time he had ever held me. If it were before, I would have been ecstatic. Now, all I felt was disgust. []
He held me so tightly that I struggled to break free. Before, I chased after him, and he barely paid attention, always chasing after Lily. Now that I was leaving, he was desperately holding on. How pathetic.[]
“Love me? Ha.” I sneered. “If I were defiled, would you still love me?” I asked.[]
