Ethan's eyes were red-rimmed when he brought up breaking up.

"What's good about being with me? It's nothing but hardship. You should choose someone better."

At the time, all I wanted was him. I refused to break up, no matter what he said.

He cried until his whole body shook, holding me and saying he was sorry, promising he would definitely give me a good life someday.

Later, his company gradually improved.

With the first significant money he made, he dragged me to buy a diamond ring, only one carat. Holding my hand, he smiled and said he'd buy me a bigger one later.

Thinking about it now, it's truly ironic.

I pushed him away with all my strength, tears streaming down my face.

"You know we've been together for ten years, Ethan! You betrayed me!"

I hit Ethan with all my might, my fists landing on him. He took it all, not making a sound.

Just then, Madison's phone call broke the deadlock.

I watched Ethan pick up the phone, frown, and press reject. But the call kept coming back relentlessly. Ethan's face turned ashen as he tried to turn his phone off.

I watched coldly. "Go ahead, answer it. What if it's important?"

Ethan, mindful of me, didn't hide the call like usual. Instead, he put it on speakerphone.

A hesitant voice came from the other end.

"Ethan, I'm in the bathroom at the bar. Someone's been bothering me. Can you come get me?"

Ethan cursed, his words cold and heartless.

"What's that got to do with me? Don't forget your place, Madison. Starting tomorrow, you don't need to come to work. And don't ever show your face in front of me again, or you'll regret it!"

Madison sounded incredulous, her voice catching with a sob.

"What do you mean? You're cutting me off? Why, Ethan? Didn't you love me? You even said you'd marry..."

"Shut up!" Ethan cut her off savagely.

"I'm only ever going to marry Clara. I lied to you. I never loved you. You were just a bit of fun."

Madison let out a harsh laugh. After a long moment, she spoke in a sinister tone.

"Ethan, I'm pregnant. I'm giving you thirty minutes. If you don't come, I'll get rid of the baby."

The next second, the call ended.

Ethan stared blankly at the disconnected call, unable to react. His hand unconsciously tightened around his phone, his knuckles turning white from the force. After maybe ten seconds, he seemed to make a decision, his voice pleading.

"Clara..."

I asked him, "Are you going? Are you going to abandon me for her again?"

Ethan hesitated, wanting to speak but unsure how.

Finally, he said cautiously.

"It's a life, after all, isn't it?"

He was waiting for me to decide, hoping I'd give him permission to leave to lessen his guilt. But I didn't nod. He watched the seconds tick by and finally couldn't help but stand up.

"Clara, I'll just go and take a look and come right back. Wait for me."

He was so anxious he didn't even wait for my answer, hurrying to the door.

Just as he reached for the doorknob, I spoke with a smile.

"Ethan, actually, I had a secret to tell you today too. But it's not important anymore."

But he didn't have time to respond. He was frantically making a call as he opened the door and left.

Once his footsteps faded away, I collected myself. I took a handkerchief from my bag and slowly, deliberately, wiped away my tears.

From a young age, I knew that besides my fists, tears were the best weapon.

Especially if you cried prettily, looking pitiful.

Growing up with my grandfather, the kids in the complex always called me a parentless stray.

I'd always smile while I beat them until their noses and faces were swollen and bruised. Then, when the teacher came, I'd cry like it was raining, making them feel sorry for me so they couldn't blame me.

Even Ethan didn't know that even if he hadn't shown up, I would have made that guy who cornered me pay the price in my own way.

I was always someone who repaid every grievance and held onto every little thing.

So, Ethan, Madison, how could I possibly let you off the hook?