A Love Beyond Death: My Husband's Sacrifice Chapter 2

Ethan looked up at me, startled.

A flicker of light shone in his beautiful eyes, then died just as quickly.

He lit a cigarette and leaned back lazily on the sofa, a cold smirk playing on his lips.

"Aubrey, have you been watching too many cheesy dramas?"

He gave a dismissive laugh, deliberately blowing a cloud of smoke in my face.

"I'm completely over you. This marriage is broken. Let's end it cleanly and make room for my new girlfriend."

The thick smoke stung my nostrils, threatening to make me cough.

I had to admit, Ethan knew me all too well.

He knew how much I hated the smell of smoke. Using it to provoke me while discussing our divorce was a deliberate, calculated move.

I pulled out the printed copy of the cancer diagnosis.

Tears welling in my eyes, I thrust it toward him.

"Then explain this to me."

His gaze slowly fell on the paper. His face was emotionless, giving nothing away.

After a long moment, he let out a derisive snort.

Then he tore it to pieces.

"A fake medical report? Late-stage cancer? Aubrey, if you don't want a divorce, just say so. There's no need to put a curse on me."

With a flick of his wrist, he sent the confetti of paper fluttering down around us like snow.

Ethan was done.

"If you tear up this agreement, I'll just print another. When you come to your senses, you can sign it yourself."

"My girl is waiting for me for a date. I don't have time for this."

With a final, languid look, he stood and walked away.

I hesitated for only a second before chasing after him.

"Ethan, don't think you can get rid of me." I called out. "You want a divorce? Well, I'm not signing anything. Let's see what you do then!"

I was being stubborn.

Ethan paused, then shot me an icy glare. "Suit yourself."

So I went full-blown clinger.

When he went to the office for meetings, I was waiting at the entrance.

When he drove off to see his new girlfriend, I hailed a cab.

"Driver, can you go faster? don’t lose that car.”

The driver glanced at me in the rearview mirror. "Sweetheart, that young couple looks real happy together. Why are you following them?"

I gritted my teeth. "That man is my husband."

The driver’s expression shifted instantly to one of sympathy. He straightened up and thumped his chest.

"Don't worry, I won't lose them."

They pulled over in front of a shopping mall.

Ethan got out first, then turned and opened the passenger door. A young girl launched herself into his arms.

They laughed and chatted, linking arms as they walked into the mall.

I bit my lip. Even though I knew it was all an act, a sharp, familiar pain shot through my heart.

It was just like the provocations he'd used in our last life to pressure me into signing the divorce.

He even brought the girl to our bed, stripped her naked, and held her close, flaunting their intimacy in front of me.

It was that time that my heart truly died.

I signed the divorce papers, packed my things, and planned to move out and find a new place, only to be dragged into a dark alley by a group of thugs.

They abused me, treating me like a rough toy.

Excruciating pain shot through me as they tore out a large chunk of my hair.

My teeth felt like they'd been knocked out, as they grabbed a brick from the street and smashed it against my head.

As my vision blurred, I remembered that purest year.

Ethan had held me gently, setting his number as the emergency speed dial on my phone.

"Aubrey, if you're ever in danger, call me immediately. I'll always be there."

I struggled to find Ethan's number, but hesitated the moment I was about to dial.

I remembered his disgusted look.

He was probably flirting with his new girlfriend, not wanting to be disturbed by me.

Later, even when I was battered and bruised, hospitalized, and clinging to life, I still didn't contact Ethan.

It became a final goodbye.

Now, across the street, Ethan had his arm around the girl's waist, whispering and chuckling in her ear.

His gaze occasionally flickered in my direction.

I steeled myself, getting out of the taxi and rushing towards them.

Noticing my raw stare, Ethan and the girl paused, turning back to look at me strangely.

"Honey, didn't you say you'd divorce that old hag at home? Why is she chasing us again?"

Ethan's gaze slowly settled on me, his brows furrowed, but he said nothing.

He seemed to be waiting for an explanation from me.

I shrugged with a smile. "Don't mind me. You two carry on."