章 6: Chapter 6
From the moment William Wang laid eyes on the divorce papers, a fiery rage consumed him. His thoughts were a tumultuous storm, struggling to grasp why Brian sought to sever their ties.
Nina's words were a wake-up call. He was blind to the numerous trials Brian had weathered. As a partner, a lover, a spouse, he was failing. He found himself questioning his role in their relationship. His actions were so deplorable that if he had a sister married to a man like him, he would have insisted on a divorce, even if it meant resorting to violence. If he were in Brian's shoes, he would have walked away long ago.
Brian was justified in seeking a divorce.
His anger morphed into regret and guilt. He owed Brian an apology, a heartfelt one.
Nina gently caressing Brian's arm, felt an increasing conviction that William was behaving monstrously. The more she pondered, the more she felt their marriage should dissolve.
She was at a loss for words, unable to counter the idea of a divorce. Her heart ached for Brian.
"Maybe... maybe we should... divorce..."
The words lingered, unfinished.
Wait, she was supposed to be a voice for reconciliation. How did she end up suggesting divorce? She had lost her way.
William chastised himself, "William, you're a real piece of work! No wonder Brian can't stand you. You deserve this."
With a resounding smack, both mother and son turned to see William slapping himself.
"I'm sorry."
He had to admit it, he owed Brian an apology.
Nina was left speechless, her heart aching for her son who had slapped himself, and even more for Brian. Regardless of Brian being her son's partner, he was a person deserving of sympathy.
William knew he was at fault. He had wronged Brian. If Brian shot him and didn't kill him, it would be a mercy.
He approached Brian, guilt etched on his face.
"Mom, close your eyes, or maybe step out for a bit."
He was about to kneel, still somewhat shy about showing such humility to his spouse in front of others. Nina was about to leave, but the conversation had reached a point where it was up to William now.
Brian held Nina's hand.
"Mom, please sit. Speak your mind."
Brian remained stoic, quietly observing William.
Pride, dignity, he was ready to surrender it all. For all the hardship and grievances Brian had endured over the past three years, he should kneel.
William was about to kneel in front of Brian, bracing himself on the coffee table.
Brian quickly bent over, stopping him from kneeling.
"No, I can't accept that."
Nina saw a glimmer of hope. Had Brian forgiven William?
William was also taken aback. Was it all over just like that?
Brian smiled and took out his phone.
"Mom, I didn't divorce him because of hardship. I'm a man, and since this is my responsibility and I promised Grandpa, no matter how hard or tiring it is, no matter how many issues there are, as his partner, I should help him through it. You said it yourself, he sacrificed his personal life for the country, it's noble. It's my duty to help him take care of his parents and business. I've said it before, I didn't divorce him because of these reasons."
"Then why?"
Brian pressed play on a recording on his phone.
A clear argument could be heard.
"Marriage needs emotional support, not just friendship and familial love, but romantic love. Have you ever loved me?"
"No."
It was a recording of their argument, with William's crisp and clear answer, "No."
Brian smiled faintly, his fingers lightly dancing over his phone.
"Mom, he doesn't love me. There's no affection between us. That's why in three years, he's called me less than five times. That's why, even after his first mission ended and he had several months off, he never came back to see me. He doesn't even remember the last time we saw each other. No matter how much I give or how hard I work, he might feel sorry, but he'll never feel for me. Without affection, how can our marriage continue? You and dad have a great relationship, tell me, how can he and I continue to live together? It's not fair to either of us. We're both still young, let's just let it go."
Nina was speechless, her arsenal of persuasion exhausted.
A marriage without love couldn't continue. Not to mention asking Brian to keep working so hard for someone else's career. In the end, no one would appreciate him.
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット