I Didn't Stop Her This Time

I suddenly opened my eyes; sunlight streamed through the gap in the curtains, casting light on the floor, while the familiar scent of laundry detergent lingered in the air. This was neither the smell of hospital disinfectant nor the mustiness of the rented room. I raised my hand to touch the pillow; its softness was exactly as I remembered. The calendar on the wall clearly displayed 12th May, 2024. My heart suddenly pounded wildly; this date was like a sharp knife that instantly pierced my calm facade. On this day in my past life, Bella Sue sat across from me holding the divorce agreement, her eyes full of hope for the future but completely devoid of any attachment to me. She said then that she was going to Country M to start a new life, where everything she wanted awaited her. I remember breaking down like a madman at that moment, desperately begging her to stay, but she coldly pushed my hand away, saying I didn't understand her dreams. Later, I learned that what she called her dreams was nothing but an elaborate fantasy painted by a stranger from Country M. That man named Simon deceived her in an international friendship group, claiming he could help her obtain a green card, and she willingly abandoned our five-year marriage. In my past life, after she left, I fell into a deep spiral, lost my job, and my parents were heartbroken and worried sick about me. As for Bella Sue, after she arrived in Country M, she fell under Simon's control and ultimately died tragically in a foreign land. Thinking of this, I pinched myself hard; the sharp pain told me clearly this was no dream—I had truly been reborn. This time, I will never allow tragedy to repeat itself, nor will I waste tears on those unworthy. "Finlay Yip, are you awake?" Bella Sue's voice came from outside the door, just as in my memory, carrying a subtle yet unmistakable urgency. I took a deep breath, stifled the emotions swirling inside me, and responded in as calm a tone as I could: "I'm awake. What's going on?" The door opened, and Bella Sue stood in the doorway wearing her favorite white dress, holding a document in her hand. There was a deliberately maintained gentleness on her face, but I knew her too well; behind that gentleness lurked an urgent desire to escape. "Let's talk." She walked over to the sofa and sat down, placing the document on the coffee table. I walked over and sat in the chair opposite her, my eyes fixed on the document — the Divorce agreement. It was formatted exactly the same as in my previous life; even the position of the signature field hadn't changed. "Why?" I asked knowingly, simply to see if she would show even a trace of hesitation. Bella Sue took a sip from her glass, avoiding my gaze: "Finlay Yip, we aren't right for each other. I want to build my career in Country M; there are better opportunities there." "Is it because of Simon?" I bluntly called out her lie. Bella Sue froze for a moment, then lifted her head, her eyes filled with a newfound determination: "Yes. I met Simon. He can help me get a green card. I don't want to be stuck in this small town for the rest of my life." "Do you really know him? Are you just going to trust him like that?" I tried to keep my voice calm, but the anger inside me kept growing. "Of course I know him!" Bella Sue raised her voice. "Simon is a good person; he has already helped many people get their green cards. Don't spout nonsense here and stop me from chasing my dreams!" Watching her stubbornness, I remembered my own hysteria in a past life. Such entanglement didn't keep her—it only made me a joke. This time, I won't make the same mistake again. "Alright, I agree to the divorce." I picked up the pen and without hesitation signed my name in the signature field. Bella Sue clearly hadn't expected me to be so decisive; she froze, a flicker of surprise in her eyes swiftly replaced by joy. "You really agreed?" She asked in disbelief. "Yes," I said, putting down the pen and pushing the Agreement back to her. "I have no objection regarding the property; you can divide it however you want." In her previous life, she had nearly given up all her property just to go to Country M quickly. This time, I wouldn't let her think I was still clinging to anything. Bella Sue picked up the Agreement, carefully examined my signature, and after confirming it was correct, a radiant smile spread across her face. That smile was like a thorn piercing my heart, but I no longer felt the pain as I once did. "Thank you, Finlay Yip. I knew you would understand me." She said as she quickly signed her name. At that moment, the doorbell rang. I went to open the door; it was my father-in-law and mother-in-law. As soon as they entered, they noticed the divorce agreement on the coffee table. My mother-in-law's expression changed instantly. "Bella, what are you doing?!" My mother-in-law snatched the Agreement and, seeing the signature, her hands trembled with anger. "Mom, I want to divorce Finlay Yip and go to Country M to find Simon." Bella stood up, her tone resolute. "Are you crazy?!" Finlay Yip's mother shouted. "That Simon is a fraud! How can you give up such a good family for him? Finlay treats you so well; what are you thinking?" "Mom, don't interfere with me. Simon is not a fraud; he will help me." Bella said stubbornly. Finlay's father frowned and earnestly advised, "Bella, Country M isn't as good as you think. Don't let yourself be deceived. Wouldn't it be better to live well with Finlay?" "No!" Bella Sue shook her head. "I've already made up my mind, and no one can stop me!"