Over the years, her salary had increased several times, but her spending habits became increasingly extravagant—manicures costing 1000, flights costing several thousand, designer bags worth tens of thousands, and countless clothes and shoes. Occasionally, she even maxed out two credit cards.

Though she was once reckless, when I was around, I kept our household finances in check, and everything was still manageable. But after she left her job, there was no budget planning, and her savings were quickly squandered. She soon found herself struggling to make ends meet.

In contrast to their downfall, I was rising steadily. I successfully applied for a patent, and the company gave me shares and a house.

My wallet was growing fatter. I treated myself to a new watch, a new phone, and even set up a personal wardrobe to store my custom-tailored suits.

In the past, when money was tight, I spent every last penny on the Liu family, leaving nothing for myself. Now, I was changing my mindset. I couldn't shortchange myself anymore; I believed I deserved the best this world had to offer.

One day, while walking my dog, I bumped into Alice standing by a street stall. Money—something she used to look down on.

Alice saw me from a distance, her voice slightly distorted.

"Nick."

I walked over casually, bought a sausage, and then fed it to my dog, which happily leaped on me, wagging its tail.

"Look, the dog wags its tail to show gratitude when it's treated well. Why can't people appreciate the blessings they have?"

She hesitated for a moment before approaching me.

"You were right," she said in a hoarse voice. "I initially wanted to get back together with Joseph. I was too naïve and young, still holding on to the fantasies of youth. I always thought back to when he appeared to save me from bullying, like a hero. I remembered how he pursued me fiercely in college, and how he confessed to me in front of everyone. So when he came back, I couldn’t wait to relive the excitement of those days."

Her words took me by surprise, and I couldn’t understand why she was telling me this.

She looked down, voice trembling.

"I’m sorry. What I did behind your back was unforgivable. After you left, our home fell apart. There was no warm soup anymore, no one to remind me to take my medicine. Everything became a mess. Nick, every night after you left, I would wake up startled, wishing it was just a nightmare. I wanted you to be there beside me again, encouraging me. I was wrong." She forced a bitter smile, her tears finally falling. "Nick, please don't leave me. Can we try again?"

Her plea was so pitiful, so desperate.

"I’m afraid of losing you."

As night fell, the warm glow of streetlights outlined her beautiful figure, casting a faint golden halo over her long hair.

The scene felt like it was from the past—she had descended like a divine figure, taking me home.

But she was still stuck in the past, and I had already moved on. I took a deep breath, hugging my dog.

"When you used my plans to please Joseph, did you ever think you’d lose me? When you eagerly sought to get back together with Zhao Yiheng, did you ever think you’d lose me? When you mocked me and reopened old wounds, did you ever think you’d lose me?"

She was speechless after my barrage of questions.

"Actually, you're not afraid of losing me. You just need someone you can manipulate."

With that, I turned decisively and walked away from her.

She stood there, as though trapped by seaweed, gasping for air, filled with guilt and regret.

"But if you don't help me, I’ll be driven to despair by the online loan collectors."

"Fuck, what does that have to do with me?"

I couldn’t hold it in anymore, and her voice broke with tears.

"Do you hate me that much?"

"Humph, it was you who played with my feelings, you who ruined my efforts, you who left me scarred. Why wouldn’t I hate you? If forgiveness were this easy, I’d buy a ticket to Rome, go to St. Peter's Basilica, look at Michelangelo's famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus, and then knock down the statue and take her place. After the cooling-off period, I called you countless times, but you rejected me every time. Let’s meet in court."

I adopted his indifferent tone, mimicking his past attitude.

"Don’t be cheap, like an irritating sticker!"

Alice was on the verge of breaking down.

Walking in the cool night breeze, I suddenly understood the harsh words he had said to me.

Actually, it’s easy to say hurtful things, especially when you no longer love someone.

During my free time at work, I devoted myself to sleep, books, fitness, and nature, instead of wasting it on deep love that had only caused me the most hurt.

Alice’s mother called me a few times, heartbroken.

"Nick, I beg you, she’s been drinking herself into a stupor day and night. It’s not helping. She used to listen to you the most. Can you talk to her? She won’t insult you anymore. She’s begging now. We’ll give you whatever you want—compensation, or maybe we can switch roles and have her take care of you. What do you say?"

Sigh, this world is so realistic. When you were chasing after them, they thought you were cheap. But when you turn cold, that’s when they realize they can’t shake you.

And then they start regretting it. I wonder if Nine Jin can dig deep into Alice's forgotten memories.

For instance, when she was beaten to a pulp, she saw Joseph’s self-directed hero act, but she forgot that I was the one who treated her wounds, carried her to the hospital at midnight, and begged the doctor for a spot.

When Joseph publicly declared his love for her, she saw the bright glow of youth, but she forgot that I was the one who paid for her heartbreak, drank with her, and helped her get back on track.

That night, I happily booked a candlelit dinner and sent her the address in advance.

I first appeared in Alice’s life, but I was always the one cleaning up the messes afterward. She only saw the fleeting fireworks, which exploded and turned into ashes.

I was the one sweeping up the mess behind her.

But she could never forget that beautiful moment. Well, it no longer matters.

I hung up the phone and started communicating with the lawyer about the divorce.

My lawyer friend sympathized with me.

"I’ve handled many divorce cases, and I've seen many couples with strange dynamics. It's rare to see one that splits so decisively. Most are just enduring quietly."

"Why?"

I asked.

My lawyer friend adjusted his frameless glasses.

"Because no matter how bad the relationship is, they’ve adapted and become numb. It’s like a fruit that’s deformed by pressure. Even though it’s misshapen, it fits so well into the obligation that separating it would cost too much—at best, it will bruise the bones, at worst, one of them dies. I hope this experience doesn’t knock you down so badly that you can never recover."

I made myself a big meal and took a photo to post on social media.

How could that happen?

I will move forward boldly, ready to embrace my new life.