Just Ten Years Chapter 1

I gave up a promising career to support my boyfriend's dreams, living in a tiny apartment and scraping by for ten years. But on our wedding day, he abandoned me to take care of his sick ex-girlfriend.

As guests looked at me with pity and mockery, he posted sweetly on social media: "Looking forward to our new 1+1=3 family model." The post included an ultrasound image and an intimate photo of him with his ex.

I liked the post, then asked Jack for a divorce. But he knelt before me with tears in his eyes, begging me not to leave.

The next day, Jack's call finally came. As soon as I picked up, a sickeningly sweet female voice greeted me:

"I'm so sorry, Aria. I wasn't feeling well yesterday, and I had no idea Jack would miss the wedding because he was worried about me."

"I've already scolded him for you."

"And that social media post? I made him delete it. Don't overthink it, okay?"

After a pause, her voice turned coy:

"Jack, aren't you a bit old for this? Still acting like a lovesick puppy. You haven't changed a bit since college."

"You've always done whatever I asked. What were you thinking yesterday? How do you think Aria feels?"

"Be a good boy and go make things right. Have the wedding. I'll be fine here on my own."

Her tone was scolding, but her voice dripped with honey, making me nauseous.

I was about to speak when Jack's voice came through:

"Get back to bed and rest. You're still not feeling well."

"If you don't behave, I really will stop taking care of you."

His tone was gentler than I'd ever heard, cutting straight to my heart.

"Jack, since you're busy, I won't keep you. The divorce papers will be sent to you in a few days. Don't forget to sign them," I said, interrupting their lovey-dovey exchange.

"Aria, are you done? You're almost thirty, isn't it time to stop with these divorce threats?" Jack's voice rose in irritation.

"Vanessa just explained everything about yesterday."

"I'm already exhausted dealing with other things. Don't make more trouble for me."

His accusatory tone grated on my nerves.

"Don't make more trouble." This was Jack's favorite phrase for me.

My usual care and concern were "trouble". My devotion was "trouble".

It had become his go-to response whenever he faced me.

In the past, when he frowned and said those words, I would always apologize first. I'd reflect on whether I had done something wrong, beg for his forgiveness, and promise not to do it again.

Even when I wracked my brain and couldn't figure out what I had done wrong, subconsciously, I always believed I was the one who needed to back down.

"Jack, I'm not threatening you. I'm just letting you know," I said firmly.

Sensing my unusual tone, Jack paused, his voice softening slightly:

"Aria, do you really have to fixate on this? Vanessa suddenly fell ill yesterday. I had to say those things to keep her calm."

"The wedding is just a ceremony. We can have it any day. As for the social media post, it was just a few words and photos. It doesn't mean anything. A human life is at stake here. Can't you see what's more important?"

"Aria, weren't you always the understanding one? What's happened to you?"

"You've really disappointed me."

Vanessa was Jack's patient. She was also his first love, the girl he could never get over.

A tearful female voice came through the phone:

"Aria, it's all my fault. Don't blame Jack. I'll even kneel and apologize if that's what you want."

How fake.

I smirked, "If you're so eager to apologize, don't just talk about it. I'm at home now. Come over and kneel if you mean it."

The atmosphere froze.

Neither of them had expected me to actually demand Vanessa kneel in apology.

Vanessa's sobs grew louder. As Jack comforted her softly, he turned his anger on me:

"Aria, I can't believe how petty you are. How is any of this Vanessa's fault? What right do you have to demand she kneel to apologize?"

"I should be the one demanding an apology! Yesterday, when I was at the hospital, you were blowing up my phone. You almost interfered with Vanessa's emergency treatment."

"I must have been blind to marry you. You want a divorce? Fine! Don't regret it later!"

Before I could respond, he hung up.