Five years after our divorce, I ran into Kelly Jackson at a luxury boutique. She came when the salesgirl was wrapping up the silk scarf I had picked out for my wife.
The salesgirl’s tone turned warm. Miss Jackson, you’re here. The evening gown your husband has chosen for you is ready.
Kelly nodded slightly, her eyes resting on the silk scarf in my hand, then she said, “Put it on my tab as well.
I declined politely and placed the cash on the counter.
She sighed. “Mac, after all these years youre still angry with me.
I smiled without saying anything.
Who has the time to stay angry that long? I had let it go a long time ago.
I took the bag, tossed it into my canvas tote filled with groceries and turned to leave.
The early autumn wind howled, stinging my eyes shut as I walked down memory lane to the bus stop.
When I lifted my gaze again, Kellys car was parked right in front of me.
Seeing my reddened eyes, her brows furrowed.
Get in. Ill give you a ride.
No need, thanks. I’ll take the bus.
She scanned me from head to toe. When her gaze fell on the canvas bag slung over my shoulder, she asked cautiously, Have you been doing well these past years?
It’s pretty good.
Kelly obviously did not believe me. “Get in the car. At least, let me give you a ride.”
Behind us, the bus kept honking, but she didn’t move.
With every eye on us, I had no choice but to get in.
“The Serenity Residential Area,” I said casually.
Silence fell. Then, when she spoke, her voice was tense. Why do you live in that kind of place? It’s long been abandoned, not to mention you ….
Although she didnt finish the sentence, I knew exactly what she wanted to say.
That was the place where my mother died. It had been ten years since she refused to attend me and Kelly’s wedding. Instead, she jumped from the rooftop of a ten-story building.
The backseat was spacious, but the heater was cranked too high. So, I rolled down the window slightly.
You always start coughing when you catch a breeze, she reminded me. Close the window, Ill just turn the temperature down if you feel hot.”
I shook my head and smiled. Not anymore. Do whatever you like.
She said nothing anymore. ?Moments later, her phone rang.
Honey, did you get the clothes? Where are you now?
The voice from the car speaker was familiar, yet tinged with an unfamiliar warmth and brightness.
Got them. I ran into Mac just now, so I’m giving him a ride.
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone.
“Is Mac back? It’s been a long time.?Why didn’t you say earlier that you’re having a reunion? Why didn’t you invite me?”
I had known Leo Jobb for over ten years and I had never heard him speak like that.
Back then, he was a reserved and quiet man who was pouring himself entirely into painting. When someone stole his spot in a competition, he would just hide away and cry.
It was I who publicly smashed that person’s entry with a baseball bat, wrote a letter exposing the competition’s corruption and served three days in juvenile detention to get him justice.
Indeed, absolute favoritism breeds deep affection.
It was just a chance encounter. He has things to do. I’ll be back after dropping him off.
A chance encounter means we’re meant to meet. What’s wrong with treating an old friend to a meal?
“Leo, stop it!”
Silence fell on the other end of the line.
Kelly was always gentle when coaxing people, but once she made up her mind, no one could stop her. He should know this better than I do.
The call ended abruptly just as the car pulled up beneath the apartment building.
Thanks.
After thanking her politely, I got out of the car and left.
Kelly withdrew her gaze from the surroundings and called after me. “Mac, may I ask, who did you buy that silk scarf for?”
My wife.
Kelly pressed her hand on her forehead and smiled wryly, as if thinking I said that because I was trying to provoke her.
You used to buy the same brand and style for me all the time, five years ago.
“So?” I met her gaze calmly.
“You don’t have to pretend in front of me. All these years, all I want is for you to be happy, not acting like this.”
Huh? Like what?
The glass of the residential area gate showed my reflection.
A casual suit, plain flat shoes and a canvas bag full of groceries. The outfit of someone who was scrambling to make ends meet.
But for someone accustomed to high-end custom-made clothes like me, this look wasn’t so bad at all.
I smiled and was not angry. I think it’s pretty good.
For a brief moment, Kelly’s expression softened.
“Mac, you’re not the same as you used to be.”
Well, many people say that.
After speaking, I turned around and left. Without ever looking back, I climbed the stairs to the fifth floor and opened the door.
The interior was still exactly the same as it had been a year ago.
Next to the old television sat my mothers portrait; the candle before it had long since burned out.
I skillfully placed new candles, then put on an apron and headed into the kitchen.
Soon, three dishes and a soup were ready. Across the table, a bowl of mashed potatoes was left untouched. So, I ate it slowly.
“Mom, I met Kelly today.”
Dont get angry, okay? She cant hurt your son anymore. And besides, I’m not as foolish as I used to be.
But only silence answered me.
Losing my appetite, I put down my fork, walked into the bedroom and pulled out an old photo album.
“Well, looking at your stunning beauty in black and white is so boring.”
Before I could open the photo album, a photo fell out onto the floor.
When I bent to pick it up, I finally saw the faces in it. They were mine, Kelly’s and Leo’s.
Three young faces beaming with carefree smiles in front of the camera. I stood in the middle, arms linked with the other two. I was smiling the brightest, but a gap where my right canine tooth should have been made me look a bit silly.
It was the middle of summer when I was 13 years old.
Debt collectors stormed into Kellys home, shouting threats of violence. None of the neighbors dared to help her, including my own parents, except me.
The punch that was meant for her face, unexpectedly, landed on mine.
My teeth shattered instantly and my face swelled for over half a month.
Heartbroken, my mother forbade me from seeing the Jackson Family again.
But unexpectedly, Mrs. Jackson, Kelly’s mother, dragged her crippled legs, knelt before my parents and bowed her head repeatedly in gratitude. And so my mother’s heart softened.
For nearly ten years, through spring, summer, autumn and winter, Kelly’s eating utensils frequently appeared on our dining table and during holidays, new girly clothes added to our wardrobe.
When my mother had free time, she would help Mrs. Jackson run the stall. If anyone dared bully them, she’d unleash a torrent of curses that scared them away for good.
They even called each other sisters.
But no one could have imagined that the timid, insecure younger sisterwho even stuttered when speakingwould climb into her elder sisters husbands bed.
When I got home, everything was smashed to pieces.
My mother stood in the middle of the room, uncontrollably. A clear, gruesome five-finger marks were printed on her cheek. Meanwhile, my father was holding the woman tightly in his arms.
Lets divorce. You can have everything. I only want Emily.
Kelly, who was standing next to me, panicked and tried to pull Emily Summer’s hand.
But my mother slapped her twice.
So, I shoved my mother and watched her fall to the floor.
She stared at me in disbelief. At that time, while crying, I also said the cruelest words.
“Mom, why did you hit Kelly?”
The memories jumbled chaotically, frozen in a small photo in my hand.
That year, after divorcing Kelly, I burned all the things related to her, but I didn’t expect there was still one left here.
Just as I was about to toss it into the trash, a knock suddenly sounded at the door.
I thought it was Candice. She used to visit at this time of year, so I opened the door.
But instead, it was Leo with his arm around Kelly. He grinned widely.
Mac, long time no see! You havent changed a bit after all these years.
“Kelly could not say no to me. We hope our sudden visit won’t bother you, right?”
I looked at the two calmly. I wont invite you in. What do you want?
Met with a curt reply, Leo looked at the woman beside him with an aggrieved expression.
“Leo just wanted to see you and give you a gift, that’s all.”
Then she put the gift in her hand on the entryway cabinet.
Leo immediately began to introduce the product enthusiastically.
This set of men’s skin care products has become my favorite recently. It just so happens that there is one more set at home. We used to share our own things, so I wanted to give it to you.
When I glanced at it, it seemed it was the same as the one Hans, the butler, used.
Leo looked at the photo I was holding and suddenly, his eyes welled with tears. “Mac, after so many years, you still cant let go, huh?
I crumpled the photo and tossed it into the trash casually. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
It seemed he was about to take my hand, but he stopped midway.
I know you still have grudges. If you and Kelly were still together, it so happened that today would be your wedding anniversary.
What happened back then was beyond my control. ?If you really dont care anymore, let us treat you to dinner. If theres anything you need help with, tell us. After all, we’re old friends.”
I hardly needed to think and was ready to refuse but suddenly, the candles in front of the shrine flickered. So I smiled faintly and changed my mind.
Okay.
Leo was more talkative than before. His small movements also became more frequent.
While talking about a romantic trip with Kelly in Turkey last month, he used his fingers to apply her own lip balm to her lips while waiting for the traffic light.
Every fall and winter, I have to remind you to use this. Last time, when I kissed you a bit too hard, it bled. When will you learn?
Kelly swatted his hand away, as if a bit irritated. Stop fooling around.
“Ah, Honey. I completely forgot about it. Mac, you don’t mind it, right? Kelly and I always act like this.”
I interrupted him with extreme patience. Of course not.
I’ve already seen the two of you rolling in bed back then. Why would I mind something this mild now?
Silence filled the car.
Finally … its quiet.
I looked at the scenery along the way and remembered that if my mother were still there, she would be amazed by the changes now.
Back then, when my father insisted on divorcing my mother for Emily, it almost drove her insane.
And the fact that I married Kelly behind her backkilled her.
At first, I hated my father and Emily because they betrayed my mother and forced her to change from an invincible woman to a resentful woman who made a fuss about a trivial matter in a short period of time.
Time seemed to pass on her with extra force, taking away her vitality bit by bit.
Later, I hated myself.
After a heartbreaking funeral for my mother, I went south alone during what should have been my honeymoon and stayed for a month.
During that time, I never once resented Kelly.?After all, she was a pearl that had been covered with dust. A child who was burdened by a tragic fate but powerless to change it.
Before leaving, I entrusted Leo to care for her.
And he did an excellent job. In our newlywed apartment we shared, he cooked with practiced efficiency. He prepared five dishes and a soup that looked absolutely exquisite.
I was sincerely grateful to him.
That year, the bond between the three of us grew stronger than ever.
Kelly treated me even better. She spent all the companys first major profit on buying me the gemstone cufflinks I had admired. She lit fireworks across the entire city to celebrate my birthday. She always took a few days off every month, pushed off all offline meetings and accompanied me to work from home.
So, I never doubted that she truly loved me.
Until one day, by chance, I went to her office alone.
From the half-open, hidden door inside the office came the sound of rapid, labored breathing.
When I pushed the door, the scene before me stabbed into my eyes like a knife.
I screamed uncontrollably.
Her protective move toward the man was swift and decisive.
Who let you in!
Get out!
Like a madman, I grabbed everything within reach and hurled it at them.
Blood flowed from Kelly’s forehead, but he still remembered to protect the man in his arms.
I smashed everything in the room. But I didn’t dare to approach them. After all, the two of them were the people I loved the most in my life.
Fear penetrated my bones and my teeth chattered as I tried to calm myself.
“Leo, look at me.”
With face red from crying, the man knelt toward me from beneath the tangled blanket.
“Mac, I’m sorry. Kelly and I shouldn’t have done this, but our love has grown beyond control.
Please, just let us be together.
His groveling posture mirrored the posture he had made at the first year we met, when he’d been cornered by thugs at the alley entrance.
It was also in the same year that, to protect him, Ia model studenthad completely offended that gang. For a long time afterward, I dared not take shortcuts.
I once had Kelly personally hand him the wedding bouquet, wishing him the happiness he deserved.
And now he was lying in my wife’s arms, begging me to give them a blessing.
Tears streamed down my face as I murmured, “When did it start?
His lips trembled, unable to speak.
But someone answered for him.
Does it matter? Are you done making a scene? This is the company, not your home.
Does it not matter? ?Kelly! Does it not matter? I asked her hysterically.
She stood there naked, but her gaze was unflinching.
Fine! I’ll tell you!
Last March, when you abandoned me and fled to the south, we were together.
I didn’t mean to hide it from you. You’d just lost your mother and I didn’t want to hurt you further. So I let you have your way and kept up this marriage.
Leo has suffered enough. I didn’t want to see him worry about me anymore. I planned to ask you for a divorce after your mother’s death anniversary.
Since you’ve found out, I might as well tell you.
Let’s divorce. You can have whatever you want. I only want Leo.
Only then did I fully comprehend. How heavy the slap I delivered to my mother when I sided with Kelly.
Before I divorced her, I still made a scene.
I photographed their disheveled forms in bed with my phone, printed countless flyers with captions and distributed them to every employee at her company.
Outside the office building, more and more banners exposing their sordid affair were unfurled.
I went to the school to report Leo for his immoral behavior.
The art academy forum where he studied was flooded with vulgar comments.
At his graduation ceremony, someone hired people to loop videos of our past joyful moments on the big screen.
The memories that I once cherished became the weapons I used to attack them.
And yet Kelly still protected him. In the end, Leo successfully graduated from the nation’s top art academy. He was even about to hold his own exhibition.
To protect him, Kelly was finally willing to look at me with respect.
“Leo’s dreams are about to come true. This has nothing to do with our past grievances. Don’t mess things up for him.”
I was already blinded by rage. “Mess things up! I’m all set. Everyone at the exhibition will be delighted to see those masterpieces.
Suddenly, a document was slammed onto the table before me.
If you want to preserve your mother’s final resting place in peace, be obedient. Sign this divorce agreement and stay far away from me and Leo.
When my mother was buried, I was too grief-stricken to handle anything. So, Kelly, as her daughter-in-law, took care of everything, including choosing the burial plot and purchasing the land.
Perhaps due to land scarcity, even plots in the afterlife had become commodities.
As long as she was the one who signed the document, my mother would never rest in peace.
I threw coffee at Kelly’s face.
That night, I cried myself to sleep on my mother’s gravestone.
Then the next day, I went to the City Hall.
But, things turned out differently than I had imaginedKelly only allocated me one of her family’s old houses.
You reported the company’s tax issues back then. Now most of the funds are frozen in the accounts. This is all I can give you.
If it werent for Leo pleading on your behalf, you wouldnt get a single cent.
I could never win against hernot since childhood.
She was steady, meticulous and never acted on impulse. She skillfully used strategy and power to achieve her goals.
I, on the other hand, was always the type to charge headlong into things without a second thought and although it caused immense damage to my enemy, it caused greater injuries to myself.
I fell silent, just as shed wanted.
Before selling the house and heading south, I still went to Leos art exhibition. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision.
A giant projection in the city center displayed the mans handsome face. The exhibition was titled The Key to the Heart.
It was a phrase wed often spoken in our youth. It symbolized the pure, untainted hope of adolescence. It is the most sincere and beautiful connection between friends.
With the last shred of near-masochistic nostalgia, I armored myself fully.
But the moment I stepped into the venue, I felt like a mouse peering into someone elses happiness.
Until I saw the painting titled The Key to the Heart.
It showed two bodies.
There was a mole on the woman’s shoulder blade, the one I had traced countless times.
The man crumpled the pillow in his grip. Behind them, a bed draped in pale purple sheets. Outside the window, magnolias bloomed in full splendor.
That flower’s variety was the one that I had personally selected at the flower market.
Pink blossoms as large as lanterns, silent in their beauty.
That was my home. It was also the place where Leo and Kelly had first made love.
So, it turned out that his heart belonged to Kelly and the key belonged to Leo.
A wave of uncontrollable nausea surged through me and I threw up.
This startled the two people entertaining guests nearby.
A bright, concerned voice reached my ears. Sir, are you alright?
The key design on his cufflinks dazzled me; it perfectly matched the heart-shaped brooch on the woman’s chest.
I frantically yanked the cufflink toward the painting on the wall.
Rip
The sound of canvas tearing echoed through the entire hall, drawing gasps from everyone around.
Chaos broke out. Security guards pinned me to the ground. My cheek pressed against the cold marble floor as I met her cold gazeshe was holding the crying man in her arms. She looked at me like watching a rat in the sewer.
Call the police, she said.
I laughed. And my laugh became louder and louder.
This made everyone recoil in shock.
Since the amount involved exceeded one thousand and five hundred dollars, I was sentenced to three years in prison, plus compensation for material and emotional damages.
I attempted suicide several times in prison, yet I was miraculously saved each time.
A year later, I had my sentence reduced because of good behavior and was released early, but I left with nothing. However, I had come to terms with many things.
When the car reached our destination, Leo went to the restroom to touch up his makeup.
Kelly stood beside me and apologized in a low voice, “I’m sorry.”
What happened back thenit was our fault. Next time, Ill tell Leoto to watch his behaviour.
I raised an eyebrow. The Kelly I knew back then would never have bowed to me. But she was now willing to apologize to me.
I looked at her, a little puzzled.
No need, I said evenly. Youre husband and wife. Seeing you just brought back some old memories, thats all.
A flicker of sadness crossed her eyes. One I could not understand, nor did I care to dig into it.
Fortunately, Leo returned. It seemed he had forgotten everything that happened in the car.
Back in the day, the three of us loved pooling our money for chili. Let’s eat our fill today.
However, Kelly did not agree with him.
Back then, Mac ate chili for our sake. His stomach was sensitive and couldn’t handle too much spice. How could you forget?
It’s okay, my stomach is fine now.
Years of consistent care had long restored my body and mind to peak condition.
My phone suddenly rang. And the big word Wife flashed on the screen.
I answered.
A clear, pleasant woman’s voice with a hint of grievance sounded. Honey, taking the little one on TV was more exhausting than ten days of my work. When you get back, you’ll definitely say I’ve lost weight.
In the background, the little boy’s babyish voice piped up, No way! Daddy, Mom got hit by some uncle today and they were having so much fun ….
You little rascal, you’re just trying to dig a hole for your mom! That was the host!
Listening to the lively commotion on the other end, I couldn’t help but smile.
I looked up to see the mall’s giant screen displaying a woman’s charming face, solemnly answering interview questions.
Beside her, a little pink bundle with sparkling eyes darted between the two, pure and adorable.
We chatted for a few more seconds before I hung up. I snapped a quick photo of the screen.
Only when I sent it did I notice the two people beside me had frozen in place.
“Mac . Are you married?”
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