The Man You Couldn’t Forget

On our fifth wedding anniversary, my wife left me for the man she could never forget. "Winston's raising a child on his own. You know that being a single father isn't easy. Besides, you're both men, can't you cut him some slack?" Not only was I willing to "cut him some slack," but I was also willing to step aside completely. I was willing to be the bigger man so the two of them could raise that child together. I packed my things and left, taking the initiative to apply for an overseas program in architecture. To my confusion, she came running to me, crying and begging me not to go. Still, it was too little, too late. Chapter 1 Anniversary in Ruins When Irene Weatherby chose Winston Montrose over me once more, I grabbed her sleeve. "Do you really have to go? It's our fifth wedding anniversary today." "Keith, please be reasonable. Winston's raising a child on his own. You know how hard it is to be a single father. The kid has a high fever right now; he can't afford to wait." She sounded impatient as she pried my hand off. I sneered. Funny how that kid always managed to fall sick at the most convenient times. "The kid isn't even yours, so why is he always calling you instead of someone else? I swear, Irene, if you walk out that door today, we're getting divorced tomorrow!" Irene snapped, "Do whatever you want! Don't use that to threaten me! You're a heartless monster! No one would want you, especially after we get that divorce!" Fury surged through me. The moment she turned to open the door, I flipped the table over with a violent shove. The candlelit dinner I had prepared for the occasion crashed to the floor in a complete mess. Irene froze. "Have you lost your mind? How did I ever end up marrying someone so emotionally unstable?" I stormed out of the house, raising my voice. "Yeah! I've lost my mind! What kind of married woman runs to another man's house every single day?" As I spoke, I strode straight to Winston's door and pounded on it hard. "Winston Montrose! If you've got the guts to steal someone else's wife, then come out here and face me!" The noise drew the neighbors out. I could see heads pop out from doorways as they gathered to watch the scene unfold. Irene's face flushed red in an instant. Winston slowly opened the door, keeping his head down. He only dared to show half his body as if he were afraid. "Keith… don't misunderstand. The child's really sick. I'm a man, so I don't know how to take care of him properly. Irene's the only one we can rely on." I grabbed him and dragged him out of the doorway. "Your kid sure knows how to pick the perfect timing! Last month, he got sick on the one day Irene finally had time off to watch a movie with me. Last week, he got sick on my birthday. And now? He's sick on our wedding anniversary! "Isn't it interesting that your child is always sick whenever Irene and I finally get a moment alone? Why don't you just have her move in with you? That way you can keep her by your side all day long!" I was still burning with righteous fury as I marched back to my own door and shoved Irene, who stood there stunned and at a loss. "What are you standing there for? Weren't you in a hurry? Leave!" I slammed the door shut behind me, leaving Irene and Winston facing each other awkwardly in the hallway. The neighbors whispered among themselves, each pair of eyes filled with open contempt toward the two of them. Irene knocked, begging me to open the door. I ignored her. Only after she heard me slam the bedroom door did she grit her teeth, punch the door in frustration, and storm off. I turned on the bedside lamp calmly and flipped open a magazine. The reason I dared to make such a scene today was simple—I had been reborn. In my previous life, a fire broke out when Irene had gone to be with Winston. My home became my pyre. Now that I was given a second chance, I wasn't going to let them walk all over me again. Since she wanted to run off to another man so desperately, I saw no reason to stand in her way. However, I'd make sure the whole neighborhood saw exactly what kind of people they were. … Irene didn't come home that night, but I didn't care where she had gone. The next morning, I ran into Winston once I left my house. He looked utterly worn out. The resentment in his eyes was so thickened that it looked like he wanted to strangle me. I didn't spare him a glance. Instead, I locked the door and headed straight to work. When I got to the director's office, I handed in my application to study abroad. The director looked surprised. "Keith, have you thought this through? It's true that you're the most suitable candidate here, but didn't you say that you didn't want to leave your family?" "Don't worry, Director. I've thought it through carefully. I'm willing to put the greater good above my personal life for the sake of my country. I can only help our nation push forward by studying advanced techniques abroad. That's what matters most right now. "Once you approve this form, I'll go right home and start packing." The director frowned, stubbed out his cigarette, picked up his pen, and signed the application. "Go home and get ready. Say your goodbyes properly. You'll leave in a week." I bowed deeply. "Thank you, Director." When I returned home, I pulled out a suitcase that had long since gathered dust. It was one I had bought when Irene and I got married. Back then, I had gone against my family's wishes to marry her because I believed she was kind. I had thought she was thoughtful and reliable. I thought she was someone I could place my trust in. I hadn't expected that her kindness came with conditions. For starters, it was reserved for one person alone. Chapter 2 A Marriage Drained Dry Winston's wife had died young—buried in a mining collapse years ago. Their child had just turned one when tragedy struck. Irene had run around the hospital with him, helping however she could. It was common for neighbors to help neighbors who were in need. However, no one expected that Winston would set his sights on Irene the moment his wife was out of the picture. Ever since that day, everything regarding the child became Irene's responsibility. Winston would go running to her when they were nearly out of formula. He would plead with her to help him out when his kid was outgrowing his clothes. He would come knocking on Irene's door when his child fell ill. What made it worse was that Irene never said no. Eventually, eighty percent of her monthly salary went straight to the two of them. It had gotten so bad that we were practically living in poverty. We barely had any proper appliances, and that beat-up bicycle was something I had bought when we got married. When I tried to talk to her about it, she called me cold-hearted. "You're both men. How can you not understand Winston? His wife died before the child was even weaned, and he nearly lost his own life, too. How is that child going to live without my support?" That was the crux of the problem, wasn't it? Everyone here knew Winston had received a large compensation payout after his wife's death. Meanwhile, our household ran entirely on my salary. I would have fought bitterly with Irene over this if this were in the past. But not anymore. I packed my things. Then, I placed divorce agreement on the coffee table in the living room, waiting for Irene to come back. She returned late, but I didn't question her like I used to. The moment Irene walked in and saw me sitting on the sofa, she noticed the documents on the table. A flicker of unease crossed her face as she asked, "Keith, can we not fight anymore? I know my attitude was bad, but there's no need to divorce over something this small, right?" I scoffed. "Something small? His kid is practically about to start calling you 'Mom,' and that's still small to you? This divorce is happening whether you like it or not. There's nothing left to discuss." When she saw I wouldn't budge, Irene snapped, "Keith Pembroke, can you stop being so unreasonable? That child liking me just means I'm a good person. So what if he recognizes me as his godmother?" "A good person?" I curled my lips into a cold smirk. "You really are everyone's sweetheart, aren't you? Tell me. Does the kid like you, or is it his father who's taken a liking to you?" Irene's face darkened. "Keith, you're impossible! There's no explaining anything to a petty man like you!" I smiled faintly. "Isn't this perfect then? I'm giving you the chance to be with someone like Winston. Back then, I went against my parents to marry you because I thought you'd treat me well. And now? "Are you seriously going to expect me to watch you treat another man better every single day? Look around you. The place you're living in belongs to the government, and we only got it because of my job. "The major appliances you see here were part of the wedding gift I gave you. I pay for everything we eat and drink. Even what you wear comes from my money. And your salary? That all went to buying toys and snacks for Winston's kid, to buying Winston suits and ties, to dressing him up! "You didn't bring so much as a fruit basket when we visited my mother for Christmas. Yet, you had no problem buying new clothes and giving gifts to someone else's child!" Now that I was finally saying everything I had bottled up for so long, I let out a long breath and continued calmly, "Irene, since you don't like me, there's no point dragging this out any longer. You can do whatever you want after the divorce. You can marry him if that's what you wish. "You can even have his son call you 'Mom.' That way, at least all that money you spent on them won't have gone to waste." I stood and headed back to the bedroom. "Irene, this divorce is happening." She stood outside for a long time before finally rushing in after me. "Keith, can we not get divorced?" I couldn't understand what she was trying to pull now. Her heart clearly belonged to Winston, so why was she so unwilling to let me go? Still, none of that mattered now. I would be leaving the country in a week. Irene would end up with Winston sooner or later. … Early the next morning, I heard the sound of cooking coming from outside before I even opened my eyes. I had never once seen her step into the kitchen for five years of our marriage, except for the time she eagerly stewed some soup for a sick Winston. I ignored her, grabbed a basin of water, and went to wash up. When I finished, I picked up two eggs from the table, slipped them into my bag, and headed for the door. "Have breakfast before you go." Irene's tone was unusually gentle. Unfortunately, her attempts to appease me weren't going to work. "Don't bother. We're practically divorced. We don't need to go through this farce of playing pretend. Oh, and don't forget to pay for your share of the groceries tonight. I paid for everything in this house—the pots, the food, the oil. If you want to eat, you can pay for it." Irene had not spent a single cent on me despite having been married to me for five years. Honestly, I could confidently say that I might as well have been supporting her and her loverboy all by myself. Chapter 3 A Public Reckoning My hand had just reached the door when a knock sounded from outside. I opened it to find Bertha standing there with a warm smile. "Keith, these are eggs from the old hens back in my hometown. I figured you could use the extra nutrition." I could tell that this wasn't a social call, but she wanted to have a chat with me. "Come in and have a seat, Bertha." She stepped inside and glanced at Irene. "You're home too, Irene. I know I'm likely overstepping here, but I'm of the opinion that a woman shouldn't meddle in another person's household once she's married, wouldn't you agree? A wife should care for her husband instead of another." Irene kept her head down, eating in silence. She didn't say a word. However, I noticed a hint of guilt in her eyes when she snuck a glance at me. I gave Bertha a glass of water, but she waved her hands politely. "I'll just say a couple of things. I still have to get back and take the kid to school." I thanked her with a smile and walked her out. When I turned back, I saw Winston standing hesitantly by the door, not daring to step forward. "Irene, Winston's waiting for you outside," I called out loudly into the room. Irene flinched, startled, the cutlery slipping from her hand and clattering to the floor. Winston hurriedly tried to explain in a low voice, "Irene and I are really innocent, Keith—don't misunderstand…" The word innocent coming from his mouth sounded ridiculous. I shot him a cold look. "Winston, drop the innocent act when you talk to me. You might be able to play Irene like a fiddle with how foolish she is, but not me. Everything your family's eaten and used these past years has been paid for by my household. "I'm giving you three days to pay it all back. If you don't, I'll take it to the broadcast station and announce it to the whole neighborhood." Winston's face turned ashen. "Those were just things Irene helped us with because she felt bad for me raising a child alone. It's just groceries and the kid's necessities. I swear it's nothing more. Didn't Irene ever tell you how much she spent?" "Whatever she spent on you before marriage isn't my concern. But those funds became shared marital property after we got married. She spent at least eighty percent of her salary on you each month. Since this has dragged on for five years, I'd say that's at least 25,000 dollars. "If you don't pay it back, I'll take it to the authorities and let them sort it out." The moment Winston heard that number, he froze in shock. He looked toward Irene inside the house, his expression pitiful. "Irene, say something…" Irene barely dared to breathe. "Winston, you should pay it back. It's not a small amount. Just… do it for me…" Winston looked completely stunned. Then, he dropped to his knees in front of me with a loud thud and started crying. "Keith, please try to understand me. I'm raising a child on my own. How am I supposed to come up with that kind of money…" I didn't even bother wasting words. I knew full well that he was doing this to get out of his debt. Instead, I went straight to the factory where both Irene and Winston worked, sought out their director, and told him everything. "Director, I'm not asking you to take any sides or play the judge here. I just want my money back. I don't care about anything else." The director poured me a glass of water, trying to calm me down. "Keith, I've seen how devoted you've been to Irene all these years. She's in the wrong here. I'll help you get the money back, but divorce isn't something to take lightly…" "Director, I've already submitted my application to go abroad. I'll be leaving next week to pursue my studies. Who knows how many years I'll be gone? It'll be better for all of us if she divorces me and marries Winston." The director looked shocked. My reputation as a devoted family man had long been firmly established. So, no one expected that I would choose to go abroad. Fortunately, he was a reasonable man as he said encouragingly, "Keith, studying abroad is a good opportunity. You have my support. Just take care of yourself out there. "As for Irene… She was actually a strong candidate for Employee of the Year this time. I never expected her to be so lacking in judgment." Before he could finish, Irene burst into the office. "Director, don't listen to him! We're not getting divorced! Also, I've never agreed to him leaving abroad! How could you decide on something so major without even discussing it with me?!" Winston followed right behind, crying as he fell to the floor. "Director, please help me! There's no way I can repay that much money!" Their commotion quickly drew a crowd of workers from the factory. I spoke calmly. "Keep making a scene if you don't care about your pride. This divorce is happening, and you will pay me back." Winston didn't care that he was now the center of everyone's attention as he shouted, "You're asking for 25,000 dollars! How am I supposed to live with my child after this? I might as well just die…" He even scrambled toward the window, grabbing onto the windowsill as if he were about to jump. Chapter 4 No Shame Left to Hide Irene immediately rushed forward and clung tightly to Winston as he broke down in tears. She followed along, coaxing and comforting him. The director was thoroughly disgusted with them. "Have you two no shame at all? This is a workplace! Everyone is watching! How shameless! Keith, go home and get some rest. I'll make sure that this is properly handled." I nodded and turned to leave. Irene hurried after me, trying to grab my arm. However, Winston caught up and held onto her tightly. I had no interest in sparing them even a glance. So, I strode away, went home to grab my documents, and bought my plane ticket. By the time I returned, Irene was storming back toward the building in a fury with Winston trailing timidly behind her. I didn't know what had happened after I left, and I didn't care. I slipped the ticket into my pocket, pretended not to see them, and went back inside. Not long after, the two of them showed up at my door together. The hallway was piled with a heap of miscellaneous items, and Winston's expression looked worse than ever. Irene was the first to speak, "Keith, I've gotten everything back. Let's not get divorced, okay?" Before I could answer, Winston burst out, "Keith Pembroke, I've returned everything I've taken! I don't want anything anymore. Are you happy now? Irene, you don't have to worry about my boy and me anymore. Just let the two of us fend for ourselves!" I flipped through the pile of junk they had brought back and found that even the free-range eggs Irene had bought him just two days ago were there. I clapped my hands and sniggered. "Winston, Irene's been the one helping you raise that child for the past five years. She has paid for everything you've eaten and used. Your wife's parents are long gone, and you are the sole owner of the compensation money, no? "If I'm not mistaken, you've saved quite a bit, haven't you? Saying you'll be left with nothing to live on is quite an exaggeration, don't you think?" Word about my outburst at the mine had already spread throughout the residential compound. The neighbors had been waiting to watch the drama unfold. As a result, the hallway was livelier than a holiday gathering. Irene's face flushed bright red. "Winston! I've helped you plenty all these years. Can't you consider all the aid I've given you and stop making a scene? You may not feel embarrassed, but I do!" Bertha stepped forward to smooth things over. "Keith, if this keeps going, everyone's going to be embarrassed. Life still has to go on." I understood her good intentions. In this day and age, everyone was expected to keep family matters behind closed doors, especially family scandals. However, I knew I had nothing to be ashamed of. As for Irene and Winston… Honestly, why would I care about them when I was going to divorce Irene soon enough? I took Bertha's hand in mine. "Bertha, I've already made up my mind to divorce. I'll be leaving in five days to study abroad. I've already bought the ticket. You should take a look at these things. You have my permission to take anything your grandson can use. "I was going to sell everything else as scrap even if you don't take them." Bertha glanced between Irene and Winston, clearly feeling awkward. I pulled her along. "This toy car would be perfect for your grandson. And these clothes—they're all brand new and about his size. You should take the eggs too." Bertha thanked me profusely. Then, she turned slightly away and lowered her voice. "Keith, what you said about going abroad… Is that really true? Wouldn't you just be giving them everything?" I nodded. "It's true, Bertha. Our country is still rebuilding. So, how can I waste my time on petty things like this? "Irene doesn't know how to treasure what I've given her, but I'm sure the government and the people wouldn't dismiss me so easily if I devote myself to the country's rebuilding efforts." Bertha could only nod in quiet support. As she passed Irene, she shook her head and sighed, muttering under her breath, "How can you throw away such a wonderful husband?" Irene became as still as a statue under everyone's derisive eyes. Chapter 5 A Clean Break When Winston saw Irene's attitude, he put on a pitiful, aggrieved expression and ran back into his room. He returned with an envelope in hand. "Here's 20,000 dollars. It's everything I've got. It's all yours! As for the remaining 5,000… Well, you can decide whether my life is worth that much!" Irene couldn't stand seeing Winston like that, and her heart softened immediately. "Winston, what are you doing? You can just pay it back slowly. There's no need to rush like this." I shot Irene a glance, pulled the envelope from Winston's hand, and began counting the bills one by one right in front of them. "One, two, three…" I continued calmly until I was done. "Good, good. There isn't even a cent short. You really have given me 20,000 dollars exactly. As for the remaining 5,000, let's just consider it part of the wedding fund Irene saved up for you over the years. You don't have to pay that back." Irene instantly bristled. "Keith, you can't just say things like that! There are so many people watching. Everyone knows you are my husband!" I let out a cold laugh. "That's why you should also know that everyone is well aware that you've been running to Winston's place over and over again? We aren't fools. We all know that the only one you really care about has always been him." Winston's face lit up at that. Irene's tone turned resolute, almost like she was swearing an oath. "Keith, I will never divorce you!" Winston's expression darkened immediately. I didn't respond. I simply turned and went back into the room. Irene followed closely behind me, sticking to my side as if I might disappear if she let me out of her sight. I took out the envelope Winston had just handed over. I had intended to split it with Irene. After all, she had used the money she earned to pay for Winston's things. Unfortunately for her, Winston's cries drew Irene's attention. She bolted toward the door, only to pause at the threshold as though she had just remembered I was about to divorce her. She looked torn, unsure whether to stay or go. I waved my hand dismissively. "Go on. We're neighbors. It's only right to help each other." Only then did Irene relax and hurry out. Soon after, Bertha knocked and came in. "I just saw Winston twist his ankle. Irene helped him up and rushed him off to the hospital. Only God knows whether it's real. They're already like this while you're still here. I'm sure they'll cross the line the second you leave the country!" I gave her a small smile. "Ah, but Bertha, I've already decided to leave. They can do whatever they want. This works out just fine for me. I've got nothing tying me down anymore, so I can focus on studying abroad. Oh, right. Here's 10,000 dollars. Please give it to Irene. "I've handed in all the necessary paperwork, and I'll be leaving early tomorrow." Bertha looked surprised. "That's so sudden! Didn't you say you'll be leaving in a week? Don't you think it's a bit rushed?" I continued packing my things as I answered, "I'm worried that Irene might try to get in my way when the day comes. So, I'm leaving early. She doesn't know about this." When Bertha saw the determination blazing in my eyes, she knew that there was no persuading me. So, she sighed and shook her head, saying nothing more. … I left the house with my luggage before dawn even broke. The skies were still in shades of purple with the barest tint of gold. The only thing I left behind for Irene was a signed divorce agreement. The moment I boarded the plane, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. I had thrown everything away just for the sake of my little family in my previous life. Forget going abroad, I didn't even leave the province. Yet, all that devotion got me nowhere. After I died, my soul was chained to Irene. I was forced to watch as she and that man walked side by side every day. I burned with anger, but there was nothing I could do. I watched them act all lovey-dovey right in front of me, all the way until I was given a second chance. My time as a ghost made me rethink a lot of things. Eventually, I learned post-death that nothing was more important than improving myself and dedicating my life to serving my country.