Thirty Years a Housewife, Never Once a Bride

On her thirtieth wedding anniversary, Tiffany got hit by a car after grocery shopping. On such a day, blood streamed from her injuries.

She called her husband, Bryce Bongiovi, over and over. But his phone was turned off the entire time.

Worried about getting home in time to make lunch for the family, she had her wounds roughly bandaged and insisted on leaving the hospital.

When she returned, she found a thick stack of wedding invitations laying neatly on the coffee table.

Her old heart, long numb, started racing like a teenagers.

Thirty years ago, Tiffany and Bryce came from poor families. They skipped a wedding ceremony and went straight to registering their marriage.

Over the years, she brought up the idea again and again. But he always brushed her off with the same words. Lets wait a bit longer.

For years, she had believed that having her dream wedding was impossible in this lifetime. Unexpectedly, though her husband never said it out loud, his actions seemed to prove that he still loved her.

Her hands trembled as she reached for the invitations to take a closer lookonly to be stopped by a sharp, loud voice.

Dont you touch that!

Bryce frowned at her, impatience written all over his face.

Do you have any idea what time it is? Why are you only getting back now? Hurry up and start cooking!

She had just set down the grocery bags when Flynn, her son, casually pulled off his suit jacket and tossed it at her.

Mom, hurry and wash this for me. Ill need it in a couple of days!

Was he going to wear it to the wedding that his dad was planning for her?

She barely managed to hold her excitement when her fingers brushed something inside the jacket pocketa photo.

It was a Polaroid of Bryce and Brittanyher younger sister.

The timestamp in the lower right corner showed it was taken that same morning. On the back was her sons messy handwriting in pen.

[Went with Dad to pick up Aunt Brittany from the airport. Wishing both of them a happy wedding soon!]

Suddenly, Tiffanys ears started buzzing.

So that morning, when shed been lying injured after the accident, calling her husband again and again, he didnt pick up the phone because he was at the airport, picking up her sister who had returned to the country.

The wedding invitations on the coffee tablethey werent for a wedding ceremony meant for her. They were for her husband and her sister!

Thirty years Tiffany had worked herself to the bone for this family that long, only to end up with this?!

At this point, something inside her went completely cold.

Turning around, she called the man who had secretly loved her for over ten yearsa top lawyer who had never married.

I want a divorce. And I want to sell my marital house. Id like you to handle everything. Is that alright?

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end before a low, magnetic voice replied.

Of course.

He paused, then added, Bet you finally see it, huh? I told you thirty years agothat goddamn bastard didnt love you. Marrying him would never make you happy.

As soon as she heard those words, Tiffanys nose stung, and tears nearly spilled over.

Im sorry she muttered. I shouldve believed you back then.

For a long time, the line went quiet again.

All right. Dont cry, the man finally said. Realizing it now isnt too late. Ill handle everything you asked for. Im not gonna let you down, Tiff.

That sentence was all it took; by then, tears streamed down her face.

After all these years, the one person who understood her best was still himBarron Guerrero.

After hanging up, Tiffany endured the pain from her injuries and stood in the sweltering forty-degree heat, working her ass off in the kitchen for two full hours.

She set the last dish on the table and had just untied her grease-stained apron when the doorbell suddenly rang.

As she wiped the sweat from her face and went to open the door, her husbandwho never concerned himself with such thingsrushed ahead of her.

Surprise!

Brittany beamed as she wrapped her arms around Bryces neck and leapt into his embrace, even shooting his wife a playful wink.

Tiffany! Im back! Surprised? Shocked?

A bitterness so deep it reached Tiffanys bones welled up in her heart, slowly weighing down her body.

No, she was not surprised or shocked at all. Everyone in this apartment already knew Brittany was returning to the country today. Two had even gone to the airport to pick her up.

Tiffanys heart soured, but her face stayed composed as she welcomed her sister calmly.

Youre here. Go ahead and sit. Its almost lunchtime. Lets eat together.

Brittany made herself at home. She slipped out of Bryces arms and walked straight to the table, taking the seat beside himthe one that had always belonged to his wife.

Ignoring it, Tiffany just quietly served the salad.

Across from her, her sister was laughing and chatting with Bryce.

Brittany casually asked, Why does my sister look like shes in a bad mood today?

Bryce frowned.

Isnt she always like that? She always looks miserable, like the whole world owes her eight million or something. Nothing like youyoure cheerful like the sun. Anyone would feel better just seeing you.

When he got to the latter half, his expression softened. Even his voice grew gentle.

Flynn chimed in from the side. Dad, you and Auntie have way too much chemistry. Anyone who didnt know better would think youre a couple!

Hey, dont say that, Brittany said, pretending to scold him. Im still single, you know!

Flynn laughed even louder and nudged his father meaningfully.

Well, not for long, Auntie! Youre way too gorgeous to stay single. Some handsome guys definitely gonna score. If my mom were half as hot as you, Id be over the moon even in my dreams.

That compliment made Brittanys face flush.

She was in her early forties but well-maintained, looking more like she was in her twenties or thirties.

Tiffany watched the three in the living room and felt strangely detached for a moment. They looked so happy togethermore like a real family than she did.

From the very moment Tiffany married Bryce, Brittany had always been around. She visited their marital home every few days, clinging to her brother-in-law.

When she was younger, Tiffany would get jealous. But Bryce had scolded her for it.

Have you lost your goddamn mind? Tiffany, Brittanys your own sister! How can you be jealous of your sister? Jeez, youre a fucking adult. Grow up, will you?!

After that, she never dared say another word again.

She just watched him peel apples for Brittany. She just watched them share the same glass of drinks. She just watched her own husband go to the next door to tuck Brittany in at night before coming back to her

Each time, her heart felt like it was being torn apart.

He knew too well Brittany was his wifes sister. And yet, he never kept his distance.

Later, Brittany went abroad to study. Bryce and Tiffany went to see her off.

Tiffany returned from the restroom after realizing shed forgotten some tissues only to see her husband sneakily stuff a pink diamond necklace into her sisters hand.

You women all like diamonds, right? he said softly. I saved up my own money for years to buy this for you. Dont let your sister find out. Since we got married, Ive never given her anything.

At that moment, it was like a heavy hammer slammed into Tiffanys chest. It was so painful her vision went black.

So he knewhed never given her anything, he never prepared surprises for her.

She had thought he was just old-fashioned and unromantic. But the scene in front of her slapped her awake.

Ive been wearing high heels and walking all day. My feet are killing me! How about a foot massage after lunch? My treat!

Brittanys sweet voice came, pulling Tiffany back to the present.

Flynn jumped in right away.

Sounds great! We should go! We should go! I know a really good place nearby. Dad, lets go after we eat!

Bryce nodded. Sure.

Neither of them asked Tiffany.

Only Brittany turned to her. What about you, Tiffany? Wanna come along?

Flynn curled his lips.

Why invite her? Shes just a housewife who knows nothing but chores. She wouldnt know how to enjoy herself. Auntie, dont bother. If you keep talking, shell just say youre wasting money.

Bryce nodded in agreement.

Yeah, Brittany. Your sister wont go. She still has chores to do this afternoon.

The bitterness in Tiffanys chest finally settled into clarity, making her scoff at herself. For all these years, this so-called family of hers had never once cared about what she wanted.

To them, she was just a tireless servanta robot that existed solely to cook, clean, and take care of them, with no life of her own.

Luckily, shed already decided to divorce Bryce.

This miserable life? Its going to end pretty soon.

After the meal, the table was left in chaos.

Giggling as if nothing were amiss, Brittany urged Bryce and their son out the door. Neither man spared the dirty dishes a glance before leaving.

Only Tiffany was left in the apartment. She remained seated, unmoving, for a long time.

She had been in a car accident that morning. Then shed rushed around all afternoon. Now, the ache finally caught up with her, blood seeping through the bandage on her arm again.

Gritting her teeth, she disinfected the wound again and changed the gauze. Her eyes then lifted to the photo hanging at the head of the bedthe only wedding photo she and Bryce had.

Back then, they were too poor for a real photoshoot. Theyd taken a quick picture outside the marriage registry office insteadawkward, poorly lit, yet still hung there after thirty years.

She studied the young woman in the frame. Then, reflected faintly in the glass, she saw herself now.

The contrast made her chest tighten.

Thirty years of endless housework had worn her down. The bright, graceful girl she once was had long since disappeared, replaced by someone time had visibly carved its marks into.

She was still standing there in her sadness when the sound of the door unlocking broke the silence.

She drew in a slow breath and stepped out of the bedroomonly to see the three back already. The same three who had left together, full of anticipation, for a foot massage.

Damn it! her son complained loudly. That spa was actually closed?! We went all that way for nothing!

Bryces attention was already on Brittany. He crouched down in front of her and carefully helped her out of her high heels.

When he saw the raw, reddened skin on her heels, his expression softened with obvious concern.

Theyre rubbed so bad Just looking at them hurts my heart, he said. Brittany, try not to wear high heels so often, alright?

Brittany turned her head away, clearly unconvinced.

No way! I like wearing heels. High heels make me feel gorgeous!

Bryce chuckled helplessly.

Alright, alright. You deserve to be gorgeous your whole life.

Standing at the bedroom doorway, Tiffany felt something in her chest go numb.

Once, long ago, she loved wearing dresses and high heels, too. But back then, his words had been very different.

Youre married now. For fucks sake, stop dressing up in high heels, acting like youre single. Who are you trying to impress, huh? Listen, just stay home and do your job like a proper housewife. Dont you waste time thinking nonsense!

You wanna be pretty? Can being pretty put food on the table? Tiffany, a woman only needs to be obedient!

Shed lowered her head and didnt protest as he scolded her. Like a proper wife, she put every dress away from the wardrobe. All her favorite heels had gone straight into the trash.

That decision had lasted thirty years.

My feet really hurt Brittany groaned suddenly, pouting.

Bryce stiffened at once.

Beside him, Flynn snapped his fingers, as if struck by an idea.

Oh, right! Dad, isnt Mom actually good at massage? Why not have her help Auntie?

Bryce lifted his gaze and looked at the doorway. His eyes met Tiffanys.

Her heart suddenly sank.

Sure, she was good at massage. But surely, they wouldnt make her massage Brittanys feet, right?

Why are you still standing there like an idiot? Bryce blurted out impatiently. Didnt you hear your sister say shes in pain? Why dont you hurry up and get water ready?

Tiffanys body shook at that.

Unfortunately, what she feared was indeed what he was thinking.

But shed just been in a car accident. The doctor had warned her not to strain her hands for several days.

Im sorry, she said quietly. My hand isnt in great shape right now. I cant really use much strength.

Bryce let out a short, mocking laugh.

Bullshit, Tiffany. If you dont want to do it, just say so. Dont make stupid excuses. Back then, just to get me to notice you, you stayed up late learning massage. Now, Brittany only needs a small favor, and suddenly, you cant do it?

His words were like a rusty knife cutting open Tiffanys heart, hurting it until it went numb.

All those nights hunched over books, memorizing pressure points, practicing until her fingers went stiff? It now felt absurd.

Flynn chimed in, clearly unhappy.

Mom, Aunt Brittanys not some outsider. Cant you be a little considerate? Its just a massage. How hard could it be? The way you refuse to help her Youre acting way too heartless.

Brittany leaned back on the couch, resting her slim ankle on a cushion. She hissed softly, as if in pain.

Bryce rushed over at once, full of concern.

What is it? Does it hurt a lot? Then he turned sharply toward Tiffany, urging her. Hurry up! Do you really need me to say it again?

Tiffany felt numb as she looked at her husband then at her son. In Flynns gaze was clear protectiveness toward his aunt and a faint but unmistakable reproach toward his own mom.

Without another word, Tiffany walked over.

As soon as she began massaging Brittanys feet, a sharp pain shot through her wrist. Her vision dimmed, and cold sweat broke out along her hairline. But she bit down hard on her lip, enduring her pain.

Mm The pressures okay. Youre just a bit rusty, Brittany commented, half-closing her eyes.

Then she added lightly, Hey, you used to be much more attentive when you massaged my brother-in-law.

Bryce let out a snort, his eyes settling back on her as he said indulgently, Youre just being fussy.

Tiffany said nothing. She lowered her head and kept going.

Suddenly

Ouch!

Brittany screamed. Her face went pale as she clutched her ankle.

My foot! My ankle! It hurts so much! It feels like it snapped!

She sucked in a sharp breath, her voice shaking as she accused Tiffany.

Hey! Why did you use so much force? I felt a crack! You did that on purpose, didnt you?!

The moment the complaint left Brittanys mouth, Bryces expression changed. He lunged forward and shoved Tiffany aside without hesitation.

Caught completely off guard, Tiffany stumbled backward. Her injured arm slammed into the edge of the table, sending a sharp, blinding pain through her body. Her vision darkened for a moment.

She was just trying to steady herself when a sudden force closed in on her.

A sharp crack of skin against skin startled the room.

A brutal slap landed hard across her face.

The blow rendered her speechless.

Tiffany! You vicious woman! Bryce roared, his face twisted with fury. What did Brittany ever do to you?! How could you use that much force? Were you trying to cripple her?!

Their son rushed straight to his aunts side. He didnt spare her mom so much as a glanceno concern for her contorted, pain-stricken face, only accusation in his voice.

Jeez, Mom, youre terrifying! What did Aunt Brittany ever do to you? If youre mad, take it out on us! How could you do something like this to her? Do you even have a heart?!

Each word pierced her like a needle, one after another, sinking into what little was left of her heart.

She watched as her own husband carefully lifted her sister, who cried into his arms.

Once, long ago, when Tiffany had been sick with a fever, he had held her the same way. Its just that the memory felt distant nowlike something from another lifetime.

The three moved quicklyslipping on shoes, grabbing the car keys, rushing out the doorleaving her alone behind them.

Anyone who had bothered to look would have noticed the blood seeping through the bandage on her arm again.

But no one did. Bryce only threw one warning over his shoulder.

If anything happens to Brittanys foot, Tiffany, I swear I wont let this go.

With that, the door was slammed shut with enough force to make the walls tremble.

Tiffany stayed where the blow had made her fall, motionless.

For three long decades, she had dulled every bright edge of herself for him. Shed locked away youthful dresses and high heels in dusty closets and learned how to be a good full-time wife.

Shed stayed up late teaching herself massage, just so that when he came home, she could smooth the tension from his brow.

She memorized his preferences, kept the apartment running, raised their son, and worked tirelessly to maintain the image of a perfect family.

And yet, in their eyes, none of it ever mattered.

Look at you, Tiffany, she thought to herself. This is the life you chose. Thats the man you loved and tolerated for thirty years. Thats the son you raised with everything you had.

She was lost in her regrets when her phone chimed softly. It was a message from Barron.

[The divorce agreement is ready. The apartment has been listed for sale.]

Reading his updates, Tiffany left the apartment, printed the papers, and signed her name. When she saw that the wound on her hand had split open again, she decided to return to the hospital to have it treated properly.

The doctor frowned at the reopened injury and repeated the warningno using strength, absolutely no strain.

Tiffany nodded automatically, barely hearing a word.

Walking out of the consultation room, she just wanted to leave the hospital as quickly as possible.

But the universe seemed determined to humiliate her further when she was at her most miserable.

As she passed another hospital room, hushed voices drifted outvoices she recognized instantly. That stopped her in her tracks.

Hey, Bryce, let go of me. Flynn went to get the CT scans. Hell be back any minute. If someone sees us like this, it wont look right.

Then came Bryces low, soothing reply.

Dont move. The doctors treating it. If it hurts, hold on to me. Be good, Brittany. Just bear with it; itll be over soon.

Tiffany stood frozen outside the door. Only a narrow crack separated them, yet it felt like an unbridgeable distance.

Inside, Brittany leaned against the hospital bed. Her left ankle was supported in the doctors hands as ointment was applied.

Bryce held her close, almost enclosing her in his arms. She looked frightened, clinging tightly to his waist.

That sight of them threatened a violent wave of nausea in Tiffany. She had to quickly clamp a hand over her mouth.

It turned out, there was no fracture at all. Brittany was just playing weak, acting pitiful the way she always did to make Bryce worry about her.

And once again, Tiffany had become the convenient scapegoat. She got accused out of nowhere of hurting her sister and slapped and condemned without a single person bothering to check what actually happened.

Mom? What are you doing here?

The voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

It was Flynn.

He was walking toward her down the hallway, a few CT films in his hand. When he saw his mom standing stiffly outside the hospital room, his brows drew together.

Werent you supposed to be at home? he asked. Why did you follow us? Whatare you here to give Aunt Brittany a hard time again?

Inside the room, the two people froze.

They pulled apart almost instantly and looked toward the door. Their eyes met Tiffanys.

Suddenly, the air went still.

After a moment, Bryce stepped out. His face was dark, his voice tight with barely contained anger.

God damn it, Tiffany, what is wrong with you? he demanded. You really had to follow us all the way here? Havent you caused enough trouble already?

Behind him, Brittanys eyes were red. She sniffed softly, her voice small and shaky.

Tiffany, I know you dont like me. I know you blame me for making you upset earlier She paused, then added carefully, But my foot really hurts. The doctors right here. P-Please dont be angry anymore

Flynn saw his mother standing there, dazed and spiritless. Still, he deliberately ignored her. In his eyes, there was only his aunt in the ward, her eyes brimming with tears.

Irritation surged through him. He strode forward and flung the CT films at Tiffanys chest.

Mom, look at this! he snapped. The scans are done. The doctor said its soft-tissue damage. What more do you want, huh? Are you not satisfied unless everyone knows and the whole hospital gets a show? Do you really want to embarrass our family that badly? Mom, cant you just be more reasonable for once?

Reasonable. That word again.

That damn word hit her like a familiar shackle. She had lived under it for thirty yearstightened until it cut into her skin until there was nothing left of her except what they needed her to be.

This time, she didnt want to wear it anymore.

Slowly, she raised her head.

For no clear reason, Bryce felt his heart jolt. A vague unease crept up his chest.

Tiffany reached into her bag and took out the freshly printed divorce agreement. Without hesitation, she walked up to him and held it out.

Sign it.

His pupils shrank.

He snatched the papers from her hands, fingers clenching so hard the pages crumpled and tore.

What the hell are you doing now?! he roared, furious and flustered. Even causing a scene has its limits, Tiffany! Youre threatening me with divorce over something this trivial? How old are you? Almost fifty, and youre still playing this gamecry, make a fuss, threaten suicide? Dont you feel any shame?!

Tiffany let out a faint, humorless smile.

Im not threatening you, Bryce, she corrected calmly. Look again. Ive already signed it.

Bryces breathing stalled. His eyes followed her finger to the signature at the bottom of the page.

The sight only made him angrier. His hands shook as he yelled, God, youre insane! Over a misunderstanding like today, you want a stupid divorce? Tiffany, Im telling you, dont push your luck! Without me, what do you think you are? Youre nothing but a fifty-year-old woman. Where do you think you can even go?

Mom! Even Flynn panicked. He hadnt expected her to be serious. He stepped forward, reaching for her armbut she sidestepped him.

Have you made enough trouble?! Dads right. Youve taken care of us all these years. Are you just going to walk away from this family? From Dad? From me? What am I supposed to do? How can you be so so unreasonable?

Because I was fucking reasonable! Tiffany shot back. Thats exactly why the two of you have spent thirty goddamn years tormenting me!

After that, she turned and walked away, leaving one last sentence behind her.

This marriage I am so done with it!

Everyone stood frozen.

Brittany was the first to recover. She tugged lightly at Bryces sleeve.

Bryce you should go after her. Talk to my sister.

But Bryces face only hardened.

He threw the stupid divorce agreement to the floor. That still wasnt enough. He stepped on it hard, grinding it under his shoe until he was satisfied.

Talk to her about what? he spat. That unreasonable womans just making a fuss. Shes been like this for decadesno growth at all! Always using divorce to threaten me at the smallest misunderstanding! Just ignore her! Give her a few days. Trust me, shell come crawling back on her own!

Then he turned to Brittany, his tone softening immediately.

Brittany, dont let something like this upset you. Your only job right now is to rest and recover. Get your body back to full strength.

Our wedding is already fully prepared. Well be married the day after tomorrow. He smiled gently. You just need to be beautiful and healthy my most beautiful bride.

A shy look flashed across Brittanys eyes.

Im looking forward to it, too, she said sweetly. Thank you, Bryce, for making my dream come true.

Hearing that, Bryce reached out and rubbed her head affectionately.

After Brittanys wound was treated, Bryce and Flynn escorted her home.

When they opened the door, dinner was already prepared. Tiffany was busy on the balcony, tending to something with her back to them.

A smug curve tugged at Bryces lips. He leaned slightly toward Brittany, who was resting against him, and murmured something.

See? What did I tell you? Once she leaves this home, where could she possibly go?

Brittany smiled as well and gave a soft, agreeable hum.

Flynn, following behind them, spotted her mother and finally let out a sigh of relief.

Mom really went overboard this time, he said. Made such a huge fuss, and in the end, she still came back to cook. Dad, I told youMom cant live without us.

Bryce took his usual seat at the head of the table.

Go call your mother, he said casually. Tell her to come eat. As for what happened earlier He paused, waved a hand dismissively. Forget it. Whats done is done. Were familyno grudges should last overnight.

Dinner tasted like ash to Tiffany.

Throughout the meal, Bryce and their son kept serving food to Brittany, chatting and laughing as if nothing had happened earlier. Only Tiffany remained quiet the entire time.

Eventually, Bryce finally looked her way.

The day after tomorrow, Im taking Flynn to Hawaii, he said. Theres a resort project over there with good prospects. Ill take him to see it in person. Hes old enough. Its time he starts getting involved in the family business.

It wasnt a discussion. It was a notice.

Flynns eyes lit up immediately.

Really, Dad? Thats amazing! Ive always wanted to go abroad! He turned to his mother, brimming with excitement. Mom, dont worry. Ill learn properly from Dad.

Brittany smiled, too. Bryce is really thoughtful when it comes to Flynn, she said warmly. Flynn, you have to study hard and not disappoint your dad.

As she spoke, her gaze flickered meaningfully toward Bryce. The two exchanged a look of quiet understanding.

At that point, Tiffanys fingers curled into her palm.

The three of them really knew how to act. If she hadnt already known the truth, she might have been fooled completely.

A resort inspection? Hah. It was the wedding they had been planning for agesthe ceremony they couldnt wait to hold. And they were even taking her son along with them!

Pain surged in her chest, again and again, like a blunt blade sawing through meat.

She was utterly stupiddeceived from start to finish, treated by them as a joke, like a monkey put on a circus.

Head lowered, she poked absently at the vegetable on her plate.

Mm, I understand, she mumbled.

Hearing that, all the other three visibly relaxed.

After dinner, they still laughed and chatted, moving into the living room. Meanwhile, Tiffany stood up silently and began clearing the table.

She placed the dishes into the sink one by one.

Warm water ran over the grease. Foam rose and drifted away.

It was just like her thirty-year marriagepolished and respectable on the surface, rotten underneath. All it took was a rinse for the filth beneath to show.

She knew that the day after tomorrow, they would be in Hawaii, under blue skies and beside clear seas, vowing to grow old together.

But this apartment was already listed for sale. She would be gone soon. And they would disappear from her life entirely.

That was fine.

The steady sound of running water drowned out everything else.

That was fine.

On the day the three were set to leave for Hawaii for the wedding, Tiffany woke before dawn.

Thirty years of early mornings to prepare breakfast had long since turned into a habit.

Early that day, Brittany was already fully dressed, wearing a brand-new pale yellow dress that made her look delicate and radiant.

Good morning, Tiffany, she greeted with a smile. Sorry for making you get up so early to make breakfast.

They sat down together to eat. Then something went wrong.

Brittany had just finished a soup when her face suddenly drained of color. Cold sweat broke out across her forehead.

Ah! It hurts! It hurts so bad! she gasped. Bryce! My tummy! My tummy really hurts

Brittany! Bryce rushed to support her, his expression growing worried in an instant. Whats wrong? Where does it hurt?

Flynn also shot to his feet, panic written all over his face. Auntie! What happened to you?

I-I dont know It just started all of a sudden like cramps

Tiffany froze, spoon still in her hand.

She looked up at Brittanys pale face, a bad feeling sinking deep into her gut.

There must be something wrong with the breakfast! Flynn blurted out in anger. He pointed at the spread of food on the table, then turned sharply toward his mother. Mom! Was it you? Did you put something in the food? Just because Aunt Brittany is going to Hawaii with Dad, youre jealous, you cant accept it? Thats why you did such a disgusting thing to hurt her?!

Hearing that, Bryce looked at her, too.

Tiffany, he demanded, was it you?!

It felt as if she were holding a block of ice against her chestso cold it made her tremble.

I didnt

Bryce stood abruptly and crossed the room in a few long strides. His tall frame loomed over her.

Then why would Brittany suddenly be in pain?! he roared. Why today of all fucking days? Why right before were supposed to leave, huh?! My god, Tiffany, I really underestimated you. Thirty yearsI thought you were just weak and useless. I never imagined your mind could be this vicious!

In his fury, he swept his arm across the table.

Bowls, plates, salad, soupeverything crashed to the floor. Hot, greasy liquid splashed everywhere. Shards scattered across the tiles.

Tiffany remained seated, unmoving. Porcelain cut into her skin. Blood seeped out. Yet, she didnt react at all.

Flynn shot her a vicious glare.

Dad, lets take Aunt Brittany to the hospital first!

Soon, the front door slammed shut with such force that the walls seemed to shudder.

Tiffany stared blankly at the mess covering the floor.

That special bowl was broken.

It was the one they had bought when they first got married.

They used it for thirty years.

And now, it was shattered.

Just like their relationshipbroken beyond repair.

She didnt know how much time passed before her phone vibrated.

It was a message from her son.

[Mom, we got Aunt Brittany checked at the hospital. False alarm. Auntie was just having period cramps. The doctor gave her some meds. Shes fine now.]

[Dad said it was getting late, so we went straight from the hospital to the airport.]

[Stay home. You can clean everything up yourself.]

Every line was filled with concern for Brittany.

Not a single word for Tiffany.

She stared at the message for a long time before quietly turning off the screen.

Moments later, it lit up again.

This time, it was a call from Barron.

Hey, its me, he began. The apartment sale is complete. Are you free? I just wrapped up a case and finally have some time. How about we go on a trip? Consider it celebrating your regained freedom. My treat.

Tiffany was silent for a long time, and Barron didnt rush her. He just quietly waited.

Finally, she took a slow breath.

Okay.

Not long after, a message popped uptwo plane tickets to Hawaii, departing that afternoon.

His voice carried a faint smile through the receiver.

Pack your things. Ill come pick you up right away.

That afternoon, Tiffany packed everything she owned in that apartment and went to the airport with Barron.

Not long after, the plane climbed into the sky.

She closed her eyes, feeling a sense of lightness spreading through her chest.

Finally, she had said goodbye to everything in her past.

It was timeto begin again and go after a happiness that belonged to her.