The Neighbor’s Cat Destroyed His Lies

My neighbor abandoned her cat, so I took it in.

It never warmed up to me, but never stopped meowing at my husband.

I grew suspicious. One night, my husband claimed to be working late. I knocked on the neighbor’s door.

She stroked her slightly rounded belly. “Ms. Hill, what brings you here so late?”

Her eyes gleamed with defiance and smugness. Something clicked. I understood everything.

When my husband crept home at dawn, he found both sets of parents waiting.

A divorce agreement lay on the coffee table.

“Divorce?

“Clara Hill, are you telling me our seven-year relationship is over just like that? Over a darn cat?”

Julian Shane did not even glance at it. He grabbed the divorce papers and flung them at the Ragdoll cat rubbing against him.

“If you won’t sign, we’ll take this to court.”

After saying this calmly, I turned and walked back to my room.

Both our sets of parents looked utterly bewildered.

They could not understand how a couple who had been as affectionate as newlyweds just last month could have reached the point of divorce.

Julian lowered his head to hide the panic in his eyes. His fists clenched so tightly they trembled.

His parents rushed over to stop me. “Clara, you can’t suspect Julian of cheating just because of a cat! Some cats are naturally more affectionate toward men. What does that prove?

“We’ve all seen how good Julian is to you. When you had that high fever from the flu, he stayed by your hospital bedside for 48 hours straight. When you fell off that mountain, he sold off shares and spent a fortune to get you the best medical team.

“Does a cat really outweigh all that in your heart?”

My parents pleaded with me earnestly too.

“If you leave Julian, where will you find a husband this good?

“You’re physically impaired and unable to bear children. It’s already a blessing that Julian stayed with you in spite of that. Don’t you realize how fortunate you are?”

Julian suddenly clasped my hand. His red eyes filled with a dazed look. He looked like he was utterly devoted to loving me.

“Honey, we dated for two years and have been married for five. Even death will not do us part! How could you misunderstand me over a cat?

“Are you unhappy about being neglected because I’ve been busy dealing with my company’s troubles lately?

“I swear, no matter how busy I get from now on, I’ll leave work on time and come home to be with you...”

In front of a room full of people, he expressed his devotion to the utmost.

My in-laws were well-educated and kind. They had always treated me with nothing but kindness.

My parents were more calculating, believing that being with Julian meant I would have a good life.

But the apathy and resolve in my eyes did not waver. I pushed Julian’s hand away coldly. “I’ll only say this once again. If you don’t sign this tonight, we’re taking this to court.

“This is the last shred of dignity I’m giving you.”

Julian’s eyes flashed crimson. “Clara, how can you be so heartless?”

“That’s simple. Because I don’t care about you anymore.”

With that, I was not bothered to argue further. I opened the door and walked straight out.

The disappointed sighs of both sets of parents echoed behind me, but I did not pause. I quickened my pace.

The Ragdoll cat slipped out as well.

As I sat blankly on a park bench in the neighborhood, I saw the Ragdoll cat chasing after its former owner, who was heading downstairs to throw out the trash.

Ivy Summers kicked its head in disgust, but the Ragdoll cat refused to leave.

I could not bear to watch and stepped in to stop it, but the Ragdoll arched its back, hissing and baring its teeth at me.

Ivy laughed.

“Ms. Hill, sometimes people are just like cats.

“If they don’t like you, they just don’t like you. You can’t force them to get along.”

I saw the challenge and haughtiness in Ivy’s eyes, then glanced at her noticeably rounded belly. I instantly understood what she meant.

“You’re right.

“Neither clingy cats nor clingy people are worth keeping.”

Julian arrived just then, his face tense and flustered.

But he had not come to take my side.

“Clara, can you act normal? I told you the cat’s clinginess was just a misunderstanding. It has nothing to do with the neighbors! You can make a scene at home, but how could you be crazy enough to harass others? Can’t you see she’s pregnant?”

Julian had no idea what was happening.

He had simply seen me interacting with Ivy. Without seeking clarity he had rushed in to defend her while labeling me a jealous troublemaker.

I let out a bitter laugh, realizing that even if Julian still loved me, that love paled to his feelings for Ivy.