My Wife's Heart Does Not Belong To Me

At my wife's birthday party, everyone presented lavish gifts.

When I revealed the sentimental necklace, the whole room erupted in laughter.

“Ha! Am I seeing this right? Is that a necklace made out of grass?”

“Luke, even if you're broke, buying a cheap crystal necklace from a street vendor would be better than this!”

Holding the gift, I wanted to explain that it was the very necklace she had given me when we were young, and I had kept it all these years.

But my wife slapped me across the face, ripped the gift to shreds, and told me to leave.

——

“Get out!”

Naomi Collins, my wife, yelled, her anger palpable as she slapped me hard and pointed to the door. “Get out!”

I stared at the torn pieces of the grass necklace, feeling my heart shatter.

“Don’t you remember? Thirteen years ago, under the old banyan tree in Peace Village?”

I knelt and carefully gathered the fragments, holding them close.

Thirteen years ago, after my father died, I had cried beneath that banyan tree. Naomi had made me that necklace to comfort me.

Her family moved away soon after, and I thought I’d never see her again.

But three years ago, by a stroke of luck, our paths crossed once more.

Even after all this time, I recognized her immediately.

I pursued her with everything I had, fulfilling every request she made. Except for the stars in the sky, I did whatever it took to make her happy.

I gave her my heart, too. I was a humble suitor.

It turned out that things that came too easily are often taken for granted.

After three years, Naomi had never really looked at me.

Even after we married, she seldom let me share her bed.

When she did, it was only when she needed something.

I felt like a dog, summoned and dismissed at her whim.

But I had no complaints.

That grass necklace had rescued me from a dark place.

Now, it was in pieces.

Naomi’s childhood friend Hector Larson chuckled derisively. “A pathetic grass necklace. If you couldn’t afford it, admit it. Naomi wouldn’t hold it against you. No need for all these excuses.”

“Naomi, this is a special piece I imported from abroad. It is named Crystal Romance and was created by a renowned master.”

He then produced a lavish gift box and opened it to reveal a breathtaking diamond necklace.

“Wow! It’s stunning!”

“That necklace must be worth a fortune!”

The room erupted in awe as Hector’s smug smile grew. He glanced at me with a touch of scorn. “It’s not that expensive. It’s just over half a million dollars.”

“Half a million dollars isn’t expensive?!”

“No wonder you’re considered the most impressive man in our circle!”

Naomi’s face showed a flicker of interest.

Hector, ever the gentleman, approached her with a warm expression. “Naomi, let me help you with that.”

Naomi didn’t even look my way. She lowered her head, blushing slightly. “Is that alright?”

“Absolutely!” Hector said with a charming smile. “My Naomi is so beautiful. You’re the perfect match for Crystal Romance.”

He positioned himself behind Naomi, his arms encircling her neck as if embracing her. Naomi leaned into Hector, her face radiant with contentment and affection.

The glances directed at me were filled with scorn, derision, and contempt.