Chapter 6

"Selena, why are you still holding on to him? Wouldn't divorce be better for everyone? Once you're divorced, we can be together openly, and no one will gossip about us behind our backs anymore," Zion said. Selena and Zion's affair was an open secret at their company. Due to Selena's position and Zion's charismatic personality, which made him well-liked by everyone, their colleagues chose to turn a blind eye and keep their mouths shut. Some coworkers had previously suggested I visit the office more often to check on Selena. At the time, I did not understand what they were implying, and I declined their well-intentioned advice, using the excuse of not wanting to disturb her work. Unexpectedly, Zion's words only seemed to agitate Selena more. She covered her ears, appearing on the verge of a breakdown. "Stop it! I don't want to hear anymore. I love Hud, not you!" Selena shouted. However, when she saw the tears welling up in Zion's eyes, she immediately regretted her outburst and rushed to comfort him. "I'm sorry, Zion, I didn't mean to. I just got a little emotional, that's all. Please don't cry. I'm sorry, I know I was wrong…" Zion's eyes brimmed with tears as he put on a show of being hurt, but when he glanced at me, I caught his smug expression. He was clearly gloating, showing off how much Selena cared for him and how he held a special place in her heart. As Selena continued rambling, I had already tuned out. It was clear that she herself did not know who she truly loved. Watching her console Zion, I shook my head and sighed. "Selena, just sign the divorce agreement. I'm tired of this relationship, and ending it would be better for everyone." My words made Selena burst into tears. She looked at me and mumbled, "Hud, how can you just give up on our marriage? I know I made mistakes. Please forgive me. Zion and I… We're just… I knew what Selena wanted to say, but she could not bring herself to express it with Zion present. She was walking evidence that women could be equally deceiving in a relationship. Sometimes, I felt grateful that we did not have children, grateful that I was not the one who betrayed our marriage, and grateful that I could escape this relationship. Though it hurt, it was better than continuing to live in denial. "If you won't sign the papers willingly, we'll have to settle this in court. Selena, we've been together for so many years, and I don't want this to end uglier than it needs to," I said firmly. My words caused Selena's expression to change completely. I could not recall what else was said, but Zion eventually left with Selena. Our colleagues whispered among themselves, and while I could not recall their exact words, I noticed their looks of contempt toward the pair and sympathy toward me. Yes, sympathy was appropriate. Our love story, which had begun in college and led to marriage, was ending in ruins. Even after all those years together, a third person still found a way between us. It frustrated me that Selena was the first to want out when she was the one who made the first move. The pain I felt was overwhelming, so I requested time off. My boss seemed to have heard about my divorce. He looked at me with concern and assured me that better days would come, suggesting I take some time to rest. I simply thanked my boss and left, heading to the bar where I used to work part-time during college. Since marrying Selena, I had rarely gone out drinking. Partly because alcohol was harmful to my health, but mainly because Selena disliked men who smoked and drank. As soon as I walked into the bar, the owner, who knew me from way back, greeted me warmly. "Well, look what the cat dragged in! What brings you to my humble establishment, Mr. Davenport?" I did not frequent the bar often, usually only showing up when work was rough or I was feeling down. Over time, I had become pretty close with the staff. The owner grabbed a bottle and sat down beside me. "Haven't seen you in ages. What brings you here looking so down? If something's bothering you, maybe I can help." I stared at him for a moment before taking a deep breath and sharing my burden. "I-I'm getting divorced," I said simply, not knowing what else to add. Clearly caught off guard by my response, the owner fell silent for a while before forcing a smile and patting my shoulder. "Hey, divorce isn't so bad! You're a free man now, and you can do whatever you want, whenever you want. It's all good!" Despite his words, he soon fell silent, as if he knew exactly what I was feeling. We shared a few drinks before he left to tend to other customers. Perhaps out of sympathy for my situation or a sense of shared experience, he surprised me by gifting me a bottle on the house. I took the bottle and found a quiet corner to drink alone. As I sat there, a woman approached my table. She wore a red dress that hugged her curves, with wavy hair and flawless makeup. Though my vision was getting blurry and my stomach was starting to churn from the alcohol, I could tell she was attractive. While I could not make out her exact features, something about her felt strangely familiar, as if I had known her for years. She seemed excited to see me, and her eyes fixed on me with such intensity that it made me uncomfortable. "Hudson, it's been so long! I've missed you so much," she exclaimed. "Hudson, I've had feelings for you for such a long time," she continued. "I heard about your divorce from Selena, so I know you're single now. "Hudson, I may not have been part of your past, but I want to be there for your future. Please give me a chance." A chance… How many chances were there, really? I had already been hurt once by a woman, and my divorce with Selena was not even finalized yet. I had neither the energy nor the desire to jump into another relationship, so I had to decline. "I-I'm sorry. I-I just…" I mumbled, my head spinning. I vaguely remembered the woman saying something else, but I could no longer make out her words. Perhaps passing out and forgetting everything was not such a bad thing after all.