Chapter 2 The man who once loved me no longer existed . Gary used to follow me to every fashion exhibition in the country , just to support my dreams . Even in small boutiques overseas , he held my hand and swore he would stand by every decision I made . Because I loved him , I gave up my career after we married and stayed home to take care of him . My friends often invited me to fashion shows , but I always turned them down . In my gray , colorless life , the only comfort I had left was the collection of clothes I once poured my heart into . They were locked away in my closet , carrying the weight of my abandoned dream . He knew how much those things meant to me , yet he still allowed Lucy to trample all over me . A week from now , I'd be starting a new life . His life , on the other hand , would come to an end . With that thought , my emotions finally settled . However , the next day , one phone call from Lucy shattered my peace . " Zoey , are you doing this on purpose ? Not a single one of those dresses fits me ! I know you hate me , but getting back at me like this is too cruel , don't you think ? How could you be so heartless ? " Confused and furious , I hung up on her . However , the look in Gary's eyes made my stomach drop . " Zoey , you need to apologize , " he said . I couldn't believe what I was hearing . How could he say something so absurd ? " You two stole my designs , and I haven't even held her accountable . Why should I be the one to apologize ? " His face darkened instantly , irritation flickering in his eyes . " Zoey , can't you be more sensible ? No matter what , you ruined Lucy's banquet . If you refuse to apologize , I'll have to reconsider Mr. Johnson's medical expenses this month . " The mention of my dad made my heart sink , followed by a wave of bitter despair . Once , Gary had treated my dad with deep respect . On the day of our wedding , he had knelt before him , swearing to love me for life . Whenever my dad's illness flared up , Gary was always the first to rush to his side . People used to praise him for being so devoted , saying I had married the right man . Even my dad often held his hand with tears of gratitude in his eyes . It was said even the most devoted child grew weary after years at a sickbed , yet he , with no blood ties , cared for my dad tirelessly for ten years . However , now , he was threatening my dad's life for Lucy's sake . The sorrow in my chest was overwhelming , but for my dad's sake , I had no choice but to give in . I had no savings after years of being a housewife , so I borrowed money from a friend to transfer my dad to another hospital . By coincidence , it was right next to my new job in Pereem . That way , I could cut ties with Gary once and for all . That afternoon , Gary dragged me to Lucy's place to apologize . She loved cats , and her house was full of them . The moment I stepped inside , they lunged at me , their claws tearing bloody scratches down my legs . Only then did Lucy appear , feigning surprise . " Oh my , I forgot Zoey is afraid of cats . Sorry about that . There are just too many . I can hardly keep them under control . " Gary's eyes were full of concern for Lucy . He shook his head and said , " It's nothing . It's just a few scratches . Zoey's not that delicate " I used to be afraid of cats . Five years ago , a stray cat had pounced on me . The shock was so severe that I lost the baby I had 1/2 Chapter 2 been carrying for eight months . +25 BONUS 2/2