Zoe remained motionless, offering no reply. Evan, growing increasingly restless, retreated to the bedroom in search of a cigarette. She sat on the couch, her hair in disarray from Claire's assault, partially hiding her face. His heart ached as he was about to offer comfort, but her words interrupted him, "Evan, do you all think I'm easy to bully?" Her voice was feather-light, settling delicately on his heart.
Knowing he was in the wrong, he softened his tone, "My mother acted on impulse. Please forgive her."
Impulse? Forgive? Zoe suddenly burst into a bitter laugh, her eyes losing their shine. Laughter soon turned to tears streaming down her swollen and painful face.
"Stop laughing!" Evan felt a discomfort deep within, stubbing out his cigarette in the ashtray and reaching for tissues. Just as he was about to touch her face, she pushed him away forcefully.
"Evan." Zoe stopped laughing, sniffled, and lifted her gaze to meet his. "All my life, my parents have never laid a hand on me. They cherished me. But with you, I've suffered endless humiliations... Your mother bullies me, your mistress bullies me, and even you... you bully me."
She struggled to swallow her grievances, which refused to be suppressed. Seeing her like this, Evan felt a lump in his throat and a heavy weight on his chest.
Zoe lowered her eyelids, her lashes damp with tears. "It's not your fault; it's mine. I was blind, choosing the wrong person."
Unsteadily, she stood, pushing past Evan and heading towards the bedroom. Pausing at the doorway, she said, "Really... if you don't love me anymore, let's divorce. It's too exhausting like this."
He clenched his fists again, striding over. "I said no divorce, and I've apologized!"
Zoe turned, her tear-stained face striking. "I insist on a divorce."
Evan, already agitated, grabbed her shoulders and growled, "Is it because of that doctor?"
She pulled away, unwilling to continue the conversation, and entered the room.
He stared at his empty hands, anger surging as he followed, hoisting her up in his arms. She fought back, crying, "Let me go! Don't touch me! You are dirty!"
Dirty?! "You think I'm dirty?" He laughed sinisterly, reaching for her collar. "Then let's be dirty together."
Zoe slapped him. "Don't touch me! Leave!"
Evan's eyes turned bloodshot, gripping her hand with a terrifying expression. "Zoe, who are you saving yourself for?"
She shook her head, sobbing loudly as tears streamed down her cheeks.
He was brutal, devoid of tenderness.
————————
Zoe opened her eyes to darkness. Dressing, her body numb, she searched for her phone, finding none in her pockets nor in the room. Surveying the cold, impersonal space, she reached for the door handle, only to find it locked. Her hand froze on the knob as she turned, frantically searching for her keys. Realization dawned—Evan had taken her phone and keys.
What is he planning?
She moved to the balcony, perching on the edge, the chilly wind mirroring her despondency. Zoe, how could you have been so blind?
Lost in thought, she sat there for an hour, her body gradually freezing.
Evan parked the car and looked up towards the balcony, nearly holding his breath.
