The 100th Thing Is Letting You GoChapter 2

She knew how much that ring meant to me, how much thought and effort I’d poured into it.

Three years of dating, seven years of marriage.

When we got married, her career was just taking off. Her agent insisted that going public would harm her prospects. I understood. I supported her. I willingly became the man in the shadows. She promised that at the right time, she would reveal our relationship. I believed her, and for three years, I worked tirelessly, day and night, designing this wedding ring. I revised it countless times, pouring all my heart and soul into it.

I had so hoped it would be a testament to our love. I wanted to give her a magnificent wedding, to personally place this unique ring on her finger, and then tell the world she was my wife.

Instead, she put it on Jason’s hand, turning it into a cruel thorn in my heart.

My phone screen lit up. It was a video call from Elara. Against my better judgment, I answered. The scene that greeted me sent a chill down my spine. In a bathroom, Elara, dressed in a seductive nightgown I’d never seen before—lace and sheer fabric outlining her graceful figure—was carefully reapplying lipstick in the mirror. Jason held the phone, wearing only a bathrobe. "Honey, what are you doing?"

Elara playfully rolled her eyes at him, every curve of her lips and eyelids exuding charm.

The call ended.

I couldn’t take it anymore. I grabbed my phone and typed a message:

"Let’s get a divorce."

The message sent, my heart felt hollowed out, empty, leaving only an expanse of bitter emptiness.

Three hours later, Elara’s call finally came through, laced with pure venom.

"Mark, what the hell is wrong with you? What’s with this sudden divorce talk in the middle of the night?"

"I’m home. Where are you?" I asked, my voice cold.

"I’m celebrating with the team, why?" Her tone carried a hint of impatience.

I scoffed. "Elara, do you really take me for a fool?"

Elara’s voice hardened. "Believe what you want! I don’t have time for your drama, I’m busy right now!"

Seeing her utter nonchalance, I suddenly felt a profound sense of weariness.

"Elara, let’s get a divorce. I’m serious."

I hung up. My mind replayed the last ten years with Elara, every single memory. I picked up my suitcase and walked out of the house without a backward glance.

The second floor of my studio had a lounge, a place I usually used for quick naps. Now, it was my temporary refuge. I sat slumped on the cold floor, drinking. In a haze, I dreamt of when Elara and I first got together.

She was so young and innocent then, her eyes full of adoration for me. I’d casually mentioned wanting a new gaming console. She’d said, "Waste of money," but secretly, she’d saved up for ages, scrimping and sacrificing, just to buy it for me. Her joy then was purer than any gift she could have received.