Vows in Vain, Ten Years, One Betrayal - Chapter 8

After Zhou Xuyan’s transfer of money arrived in my account, I immediately donated it anonymously to my teacher’s expedition team.

I printed out the divorce agreement and all the screenshots of information.

I sealed them in an envelope and personally delivered it to the reception office at my alma mater.

The broken string of pearls from the necklace, along with the first ring he ever gave me-

I burned them with my own hands in the workshop and discarded them.

Reduced to ashes along with them were the countless love letters he had written to me.

On the last morning.

I accompanied Zhou Xuyan for breakfast, just like always.

I sent him off to work, just like always.

Zhou Xuyan said apologetically, “I had planned to take you to the hot springs today, but I broke my promise again.”

“It’s alright. Work is more important.” I looked at him, smiling ever so lightly. “Go on, don’t let it hold you up.”

Zhou Xuyan gazed at me with tenderness and guilt. “You’re always so understanding, so good.”

“These years, I’ve been so busy with work that I haven’t spent enough time with you.”

I looked at him quietly, but my thoughts drifted far away.

The boy who once warmed my icy hands in his palms on a misty winter morning.

The man who knelt before his parents for an entire day just to marry me.

Ten years together, and he was still young and handsome.

His love for me was real.

His betrayal was real.

His guilt and pity were real.

But so was his restless heart, indulging in the thrill of forbidden affection.

I knew-I could choose to be deaf and mute, to remain Mrs. Zhou for a lifetime.

No one could take that title away from me.

But I no longer wanted to be Mrs. Zhou.

I wanted to be Lin Bihan again.

Zhou Xuyan suddenly stepped forward and embraced me. “Darling, I love you so much.”

“Wait for me to come home. We’ll have dinner together tonight.”

I don’t know how I managed to force a faint smile.

How I managed to hold back unnecessary, futile questions.

Fortunately, his phone rang again, like an urgent summons.

I pushed him away. “Go on, don’t keep them waiting.”

He turned reluctantly, but his steps grew hurried.

I smiled faintly and turned to go upstairs.

Just like always, I changed into clothes for tending the garden and went to care for the plants.

At noon, I had a simple meal.

After a short nap, I got up and changed into clothes for going out.

I casually picked up a bag, inside which I had packed all my documents and important belongings.

As I descended the stairs, a servant smiled and asked, “Are you heading out for shopping or tea?”

I nodded and smiled lightly. “Yes, and there’s no need to prepare dinner tonight.”

He wouldn’t be coming home for dinner.

And I would never be coming back.