On the third day after my husband lost his memory, I asked him for a divorce. He agreed instantly, as if it were the easiest decision in the world. Although he seemed to have forgotten me, he somehow remembered his freshly divorced first love, Zayla. My request for a divorce conveniently set them free to be together.

A month later, he found me with his medical records in hand. "We have a child," he said, eyes tinged with red.

I nodded. "Yes, we had a child."

"What happened to the child?" he asked, his voice trembling.

I couldn’t help but chuckle darkly. "I let it go, just like I let you go. Why would I keep a child when I didn’t even want you? I ended the pregnancy the same afternoon we went to the registry office for the divorce."

---

Evander had a car accident on his way to celebrate Zayla's divorce with her. He wasn’t physically hurt—just a head injury. When he woke up, it was as if he remembered everyone except me. Zayla was there, tears streaming down her face, and he was gently comforting her.

I sat at the side, skimming the oil off his chicken soup so it wouldn’t be too greasy for him. After two days of constant visitors, things finally quieted down.

I watched him rub his forehead and said softly, "The doctor mentioned you might feel dizzy and nauseous for a few days. Maybe you should lie down and rest a bit."

Evander opened his eyes and stared at me for a long time without speaking. Just when I thought he wouldn't say anything, he asked, "Did I marry you because I loved you? Why am I only forgetting you?"

I was caught off guard, not expecting such a question.

"No, we were just college classmates. After we graduated, your family was pressuring you to get married, and I happened to have feelings for you, so we got married," I replied.

He looked puzzled this time. "You liked me?"

I walked over and adjusted the collar of his slightly loose pajamas. "Yes, I used to like you a lot. You were handsome, smart, talented—who wouldn’t like you?"

Seeing the confusion in his eyes, I couldn’t help but smile a little. "Go lie down before you start feeling unwell."

Watching him walk back to his room, I made up my mind. This man, no matter how much I once liked him, I don’t want him anymore.

I closed the master bedroom door and headed to the study.

Evander's bookcase was packed with books. Whenever he wanted to read something, he'd pull it out and place it on the right side of the middle shelf. I picked up a bulky notebook and opened it to reminisce a little.

October 16, 2014: Wow, the senior playing the violin at the freshman welcome party was so handsome. His name is Evander. I think I like him.

The notebook was filled with all my feelings for him. On one page, I'd slipped in an ultrasound picture.

January 19, 2023: Evander and I are going to have a baby. I can't wait to tell him this wonderful news.

January 20, 2023: Evander didn’t come home last night. I thought about texting him to tell him I’m pregnant, but I feel it’d be better to share the news face-to-face. He’ll be thrilled; he always wanted a child.

January 21, 2023: Evander said he was on a business trip and forgot to tell me. Well, I’ll tell him when he gets back.

January 22, 2023: I saw Zayla’s Instagram story. Not sure if it was aimed at me, but Evander was with her. They went on a getaway, not a business trip.

January 23, 2023: Zayla called and said she was getting divorced and wanted Evander back. But it was her choice to leave and go abroad back then, leaving Evander behind. Why is she now asking to have him back? I never took him away from her, so how can I give him back? I was so upset my stomach started to hurt, so I went to the hospital. The doctor advised me to stay calm. It’s all very frustrating.

February 24, 2023: Zayla said her divorce is final, and Evander is going to celebrate it with her. My stomach hurt again, and I felt a bit nauseous. I drank a cup of pregnancy-safe calming tea—it was awfully bitter.

February 26, 2023: Evander told me there was a company party and he wouldn’t be home that night. But I knew he was going to see Zayla. My dear baby, you might not have a daddy. Mommy can’t compete with Daddy’s old flame.

February 27, 2023: Evander had a car accident late last night. He woke up today remembering everyone except me. I’ve lost hope.

I put the notebook back on the right side of the middle shelf, making sure it was placed where he’d come across it in the next couple of months.

The third desk drawer was where I kept some personal belongings. I slipped my medical records inside and locked the drawer.

Everything toxic needed to come to an end, including Zayla, Evander, and Evander's pretentious parents. Jerks never change for the better, and I’m not holding out hope for him to suddenly change. However, after I leave, I don’t plan on letting them live too comfortably either.

March 1, 2023. I set the breakfast I'd made on the dining table. Evander had just woken up.

I gave him a smile, but he didn't even look up as he sat down. I let it go; ever since Zayla brought up wanting a divorce, he's been distant like this.

I can't buy into Evander's supposed amnesia for a second. Over the past few days, I've tested him, and I’m convinced he's pretending. His cold demeanor and alleged memory loss are just tactics to push me into initiating a divorce.

No wonder he obnoxiously asked yesterday if it was love that led us to marry.

We ate breakfast in silence. As I peeled an apple, Evander's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, and his face suddenly brightened with a smile.

"Zayla, hey, I'm up. My head's still a bit fuzzy, but nothing major. Make sure to dress warmly. Yeah, I'm home; drop by whenever."

I paused mid-peel. Should I really step back so they can flaunt their relationship more freely?

If I have to endure them parading their romance in front of me again, I might actually be sick.

After breakfast, I tidied up and told Evander I was heading out.

"Alright, Zayla's coming over to take care of me later, so no need to worry."

I nodded with a smile. "That's good. I'm not worried then. I'll be back tonight; I have something to discuss with you after dinner."

He seemed to search my eyes for some sign, but he might have been let down. My gaze was steady and composed.

“Okay,” he said.