Chapter 20: See You Tomorrow at City Hall

I accidentally burned someone, and before I could even offer compensation, I was shoved to the ground. My wrist cracked in pain, and no one was happy about it. What was there to breathe?

Suddenly, Tette grabbed my collar, pulling it tight against my neck, making it hard for me to breathe.

Hall pretending? Owen, I abeys thought you were just a little greedy, not malicious. But now, it looks like you enjoy being surrounded by a bunch of women—that’s why you have them speak up for you?”

I laughed at her accusation, but then a click occurred. I couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous it sounded. “So, according to you, not only am I useless, but I’m also a cheating…

Afikat understand her a…

…Hace deed further when she can me unile, bei fingris tightening, turning white from the pressure.

“Isn’t that true? You met her yesterday and today. When did you two start getting close? Is that why you can’t divorce me? Or is it just that your ocean has a bunch of fish, and she’s just one of them!”

Yesterday? My mind quickly zeroed in on that. Yesterday, they had left me stranded on the side of the road, and later, I got into 2la’s car. Only Randall, Zia, and I knew about it.

“You came to ‘dil’ me yesterday?” I asked reflexively.

She worried, “Don’t change the subject. What’s your relationship with her?”

I slipped her hand off and smirked. “Oh, are you jealous? Just admit it. You’re accusing me of being a cheater, but do you really…”

I didn’t believe that Yvette, who was so into Randall, could not know that he had a girlfriend. She was twisting the truth, making it seem like we were involved. Was she out of her mind?

She was sofía, and she should take it out on Randall, not me. Her face darkened with anger, but she let out a decisive laugh.

“Jealous? Do you think I’m just because of you, you winter? How dare you burn him with hot water? His hands are meant for surgery. If anything happens to him, how will you make up for it?”

My face went pale, as though I’d been slapped. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“You think I burned him on purpose?” I asked incredulously.

Her eyes were full of gloom. “Wasn’t that your intention!”

Even though I had already stopped loving her in my past, her words still struck a deep chord with me. A sharp pain shot through my chest, as though a cold chill ran through my whole body.

Randall’s hands were important, but what about mine? Did she care about my burns at all? She talked about the cause before placing all the blame on me. I felt nothing but coldness in my heart.

I offered a self-deprecating smile and stopped trying to explain myself.

“Tie, you’re right. I did it on purpose. You threatened him, so I threatened him. As for his girlfriend… I purposely flirted with her too. I’m just that kind of awful person, so why don’t you just…”

Every word she spoke seemed to fuel her anger. Her brow furrowed tightly, her fury barely contained. “You want a divorce? Fine, I’ll grant your wish.”

“Let’s meet at the city hall lobby at 8:30 am!” With that, she stormed out. I stood there, my face pale, lips pressed into a tight line.

In my previous life, I had been utterly consumed by this hopeless love, leaving me battered and broken. I had lived for her, adapting her dreams as my own, losing myself in the process. This time, it felt strangely liberating. At last, this toxic relationship was coming to an end.

I packed my things and decided I’d check on Randall. After all, he had been burned because of my carelessness.

But just as I took a few steps, I stopped. Yvette had just told me to stay away from him. Plus, with Zia there to take care of him, it didn’t really matter whether I went or not. It seemed…

…rgbone and sent Zia a message along with some money to apologize for what happened with Randall, then headed for my uncle’s hospital too.

When I entered, I found him sitting on the bed, wearing a loose hospital gown, with a scruffy beard. He looked more like a homeless man in his late 40s. His eyes were blank, staring up at the ceiling, lost in thought.

“Uncle Benjamin.”

His lifeless eyes suddenly flickered with life, and he straightened up as if he had been waiting for me.

“You’re here,” he said, his face filled with a hint of joy and hope. “I just happened to have some food. Don’t leave for lunch. Stay and have a bit with me?”

He gestured to a table not far from the bed. I looked over, and my eyes widened in surprise. The table was filled with all kinds of seafood, a feast beyond anything I expected.

“Unbelievable.” And it was all my favorite food. I stared in awe at my calm uncle; he pursed his lips, not showing any sign of unease.

“True, I didn’t prepare enough. There’s only seafood. If I were at home, it wouldn’t have been so simple. I’ll add more.”

“This is already more than enough!” I quickly interrupted him. He’d been kicked out by my grandfather and was living in poverty. The fact that he could make such a meal meant he had…

…pur… Dole Benjattati köçked at my face fully, making sure I was being sincere. After a long pause, he finally uttered, “Alright, let’s eat then.”

I moved the food over to the bed and set it on the bedside table, to share the meal with him. He had a weak heart and needed to be cautious with what he ate, so I could tell that…

“How are you feeling, Uncle Benjamin? Any better?”

Uncle Benjamin, as he spoke, pointed a shrimp and placed it in my bowl, then peeled another one. His actions touched me deeply. In my past life, the only ones who cared for me were my mom and Alex. I had very few relationships where I felt truly loved.

At home, I was always second to my brother, and after my marriage, twelve years of my life was a nadir. No one ever remembered what I liked or cared enough to show any affection.

That moment, Uncle Benjamin was not only preparing my favorite food but was also peeling the shrimp for me, caring for me in ways no one else had. How could I not be moved?

I looked at him, feeling the warmth spread through me. “Uncle Benjamin, are you feeling better?”

His face, covered in stubble, was expressionless, but when he handed me a clam and then kneaded a king crab, his eyes softened with a tenderness only an elder could show. “I made this for you. Your mom said you liked these, so from now on, I’ll make up for all the meals I missed over the years.”

My nose suddenly tingled with emotion. “Thank you, Uncle Benjamin.”

I was determined to work hard and earn enough money for his surgery. I didn’t want him to suffer the same fate as in my previous life—dying young and leaving me behind.

I approached the interview that afternoon with a newfound determination.

The next day, I arrived at the city hall early. I was 20 minutes ahead of schedule, and Yvette had yet to show up.