My plans for the rural teaching project were nearly ready.
The place I was heading to was a poor mountainous region in the west, an underdeveloped area with harsh living conditions.
In just a few days, I would be leaving.
As I packed my bags, I received a call from an unknown number.
After a moment's hesitation, I pressed the answer button.
On the other end of the line, that familiar male voice immediately rang out, tinged with drunkenness. "Theodora, I know I was wrong. Please forgive me. Come home. I swear I'll be a good husband from now on, no more wandering. If you can't have children, we don't have to—let's adopt instead…"
"Theodore Sinclair," I interrupted him sharply, "The one who can't have children isn't me."
Theodore faltered for a moment, his voice carrying a hint of shame. "I know... it's my fault... Jayla, I've hurt you so much over the years, and I'm sorry."
I didn't want to waste any more words on him. Without a second thought, I hung up the phone and blocked his number again.
His belated regret meant nothing now.
I put the phone away and continued packing my things.
Three days later, I went to the airport with my best friend, ready to embark on my journey to the mountainous west.
Somehow, news of my departure had reached Theodore's ears.
He hurried to the airport, catching me just as I was about to enter. He grabbed my arm urgently, asking, "Jayla, are you really going to the west? How long will you be gone? Will you ever come back? Why didn't you discuss this with me?"
I shook off his hand and responded calmly, "Theodore, we're divorced. My life is none of your concern anymore."
His brow furrowed deeply. "Jayla, I know you're angry with me, but there's no need to exile yourself to such a place. Do you have any idea how difficult the conditions are in the western mountains? You've been living in comfort all these years. Do you think you can handle that environment?"
I couldn't help but laugh.
For years, I had taken care of his every need, handled all the household chores, and worked tirelessly. And now, he was implying that I had been living an easy, pampered life.
I didn't want to argue anymore. I simply replied coldly, "You don't need to worry about it."
"Jayla! Why are you so stubborn? Can't you think about me for once? What am I supposed to do if you leave?"
I paused, meeting his gaze, and spoke each word slowly and firmly. "Theodore, when you cheated on me, did you think about me? Why should I consider you now?"
"And how much love do you have left for me? You don't want me to leave, but that's only because you don't want to lose a free maid, a servant who comes and goes at your beck and call."
"No, that's not it!" Theodore's eyes reddened, his voice desperate. "Theodora, I still have feelings for you. We've been together for ten years, since college. Even though we've fought and argued, I never thought about leaving you. To me, you've always been the most important..."
Before Theodore could finish, a speeding red car suddenly appeared from behind him.
His pupils dilated in shock. He pushed me away with all his might. "Jayla, watch out—"
The force of the push sent me sprawling to the ground, my knee hitting the pavement, sending a sharp pain through my body. Before I could process what was happening, I heard a loud "bang."
Turning my head, I saw Theodore being knocked into the air by the speeding car, landing hard on the ground.
The driver of the car immediately fled the scene. But through the partially rolled-down window, I caught a glimpse of Jimena's malicious face.
The scene was chaos, with bright red blood staining the ground.
My best friend, terrified, trembled as she rushed over to me.
"Jayla, are you okay?"
I gritted my teeth, enduring the pain as my best friend helped me up. Looking at Theodore Sinclair, lying in the pool of his own blood, I couldn't bring myself to leave him. "I'm fine. Lottie, let's delay going to the west for a couple of days. First, we need to get him to the hospital."
