I Erased Our Marriage Timeline Chapter 04
Bethany was hospitalized.
After a successful surgery, she would begin chemotherapy.
Joseph cleared his schedule and stayed by her side all day.
I shuttled between school and the hospital while preparing the application materials for studying abroad. I barely had time to catch my breath.
One day, when I came back from the hospital, Joseph called out to me.
“Perla.”
I stopped and turned to look at him.
He gave me a key. “I bought an apartment near your school with two bedrooms and one living room. It’s already furnished. Move in as soon as you can.”
I froze for a moment, then took the key and nodded. “OK.”
No questions. No hesitation.
Joseph observed me closely, as though trying to read something on my face.
But I only tucked the key away and went upstairs.
The next day, I started packing.
I decided to donate and throw away most of my things.
Because once I moved into the new apartment, I would replace everything and begin a new chapter.
I came home later and later and was barely seen at the dining table.
Day by day, my room was cleared out.
The bookshelves and the wardrobe stood empty. On the dressing table sat a lonely jewelry box.
That night, I didn’t return home until after ten.
Joseph sat on the couch in the living room with no lights on.
In the dark, the tip of the cigarette flickered on and off.
“It’s so late,” he said coldly. “Where have you been?”
I paused as I changed my shoes. “School.”
After putting on my slippers, I made a beeline for my room.
Behind me, the cup clinked against the coffee table.
Bethany’s chemo went smoothly.
Three months later, the doctor said she was recovering well. She could go home and come back for regular check-ups.
I showed up on the day Bethany was discharged.
She was as thin as a rake, but as cheerful as a lark.
Joseph left to arrange the discharge. Bethany and I waited in the ward.
“Perla,” Bethany suddenly said. “Are you two fighting?”
I was stunned.
Bethany sighed. “He’s been so grumpy lately.
“Everyone at the company avoided him like the plague.”
I didn’t say anything.
Bethany took my hand. “I know he asked you to move out.
“Don’t worry. I’ve scolded him. While I’m around, that place will always be your home.”
I held her hand back and said earnestly, “Beth, I’m grown now. I should start my own life. I’ve already applied to study abroad. I’ll leave next year.”
Bethany’s eyes widened. “Study abroad? Where to? For how long?”
“I’m going to the UK for my master’s. It’ll probably take two to three years.”
Bethany teared up immediately. “You’ll be on your own there. Take care of yourself. If anything happens, you must let us know, alright?”
“Alright.”
Bethany wiped her tears and flashed a smile. “Perla, let me introduce you to a friend. He’s my junior, an architect designer, and he’s really a nice guy.”
I shook my head. “No, thank you, Beth.”
“Why? You’re so lonely.”
After a moment of hesitation, I decide to tell her the truth. “Actually, I’m seeing someone.”
“What?” Bethany exclaimed in disbelief.
“I met him in the library. We’re planning to apply to the same college.”
Bethany’s eyes lit up. She clapped her hands and said, “That’s wonderful! I’ll tell Joseph! We need to meet him first and make sure he’s a good match for you!”
“No…” Before I could stop her, she had already picked up her phone.
“Speaking of the devil.” Bethany put her phone down and looked toward the door.
Joseph pushed the door open and walked in with the discharge papers in his hands.
When he saw our overlapped hands, his eyes darkened slightly.
“What have you two been giggling about?” He strode over and casually wrapped his arm around Bethany’s shoulder.
Bethany looked up at him, her eyes sparkling. “I just wanted to introduce someone to Perla, but guess what?”
He cast me a glance, his tone certain. “She must’ve said no.”
“Yes, indeed.”
He scoffed, “She’s always attached to me. She wouldn’t even live in a dorm. Do you think she would want a relationship?”
Bethany grinned sweetly and said, “But she said she’s seeing someone, and they’re going to go abroad together!”