After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage By Cassila K

Chapter 30

Others also stood up and left.

"Zoey, we're heading out now."

Someone muttered under their breath, but their words reached my ears clearly.

"Does she even have the nerve to go against Sara? Doesn't she know she's the one who stole someone else's man?"

"Jealous, obviously! Sara's beautiful and accomplished. What does she have?"

"She makes trouble for Sara, and in the end, it's her husband who goes to comfort Sara. How stupid!"

Their mocking laughter faded into the distance, leaving the large private room eerily quiet.

Alone, I let out a faint, bitter chuckle and poured myself another glass of liquor. I drained it in one gulp.

To be honest, Sara wasn't entirely wrong-I hadn't been to those places.

But I knew she was lying.

Because of my mother.

I wasn't born without parents.

My mother was a doctor with Médecins Sans Frontières, stationed in war zones.

In those days, for a woman to work abroad while her husband stayed behind to raise their child was unthinkable.

Neighbors would sneer and taunt, saying:

"Your mother doesn't want you anymore!"

I clenched my fists and fought to defend myself, protecting what little pride I had, only to face even harsher ridicule.

Mother frequently sent letters stamped with exotic postmarks, recounting her work and life in detail, often accompanied by photographs.

Whenever my father read her letters to me, I would envision the heroic image of a brilliant doctor.

She once told me:

must see it for yourself. Broaden your horizons, and only then will you know

was five, she died in

at the hospital managed to recover only

risked her life to protect, there was

action" meant, but I did

Women who love the limelight never meet a good

my mother, but her words

see for yourself. Document and experience the

you know

that old camera, its weathered body

to hold some lingering warmth of

her relic, and

my face in my hands, I let my tears slip

miss you

The next morning.

headache jolted me

recognizing the familiar

recollection

of water to soothe my throat, I noticed Jackson

you behave as

turned and walked toward

the desk

my voice hoarse as I

Jackson smirked coldly.

it

My breath caught.

"What did you say?"

his arms, a disdainful smile tugging at his

her to

roar filled my

had given my

glass slipped from my hand and shattered. I lunged

collar, shouting hysterically:

dare you touch my