My heart had grown cold. I knew my marriage to Ryan was over, yet, unexpectedly, I found out I was having a baby.

I thought maybe a child would make him settle down, that he’d see the truth and finally come back to me.

The truth, however, was a cruel irony.

If he didn't care about me, how could he ever care about our baby?

Now, the baby was gone. Was he satisfied?

Ryan’s eyes narrowed. He shot up from the sofa, staring at me.

"Avery, do you know what you're saying?"

I heard the suppressed rage in his voice, but I didn't flinch.

"Does it sting? Did I just tarnish your precious 'white rose'?"

"Or are you afraid my words might come true, and you can't handle it?"

"If she means so much to you, then why bother with me? Divorce me, Ryan. You'll be free."

From school uniforms to a wedding dress, six years of my life, from college until now.

For six years, it had always been me who conceded, who bent.

I wouldn't tolerate it anymore!

Ryan’s fury exploded. He slapped me across the face, leaving five angry red marks.

I clutched my stinging cheek, recoiling from his hand when he instinctively reached for me. My eyes burned with pure disgust and hatred.

Ryan looked bewildered.

"Avery, I didn't mean to…"

I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm.

He frantically pulled out an heirloom bracelet from his pocket, trying to smooth things over.

"Avery, I know how much you’ve always wanted my family’s bracelet. I brought it for you today. I promise I’ll make it up to you with an even grander wedding, and you’ll never suffer another moment of humiliation."

"Aubrey is just sick. Once she's better, I swear I'll leave her. Just bear with it a little longer, for my sake."

I looked at the bracelet and just scoffed.

He was probably so lost, bouncing between Aubrey and me.

I never liked bracelets. All I cared about was the promise he made to find those matching rings we made from candy wrappers in college.

But Aubrey had stolen those rings. Who knew if she’d burned them or just tossed them in the trash?

My face stung from the slap, but my smile didn't waver.

"What about next time? When she has another 'episode,' will you just stand by and watch her die?"