Chapter 4

"Liam, didn't you hear me?"

"Or do you think I'm a burden too?"

"Maybe I should just leave. I'm only holding you back here."

If I'd seen Isabella's tearful act before, I'd have rolled my eyes.

But now, I felt a pang of pity too.

Liam quickly denied it. "Isabella, how could you be a burden?"

"I just didn't hear you. Wait, I'll get your breakfast ready."

Liam scurried off to the kitchen.

Watching him rush off for Isabella, I relaxed, grateful she'd shown up at the right time.

After breakfast, a new problem arose.

I had to go to work, but I worried about leaving James alone with them.

James seemed to sense my concern and said understandingly, "Zoe, focus on your job."

"I've been on my own before—you know I can handle basic things."

I glanced toward the kitchen.

Liam came out and sneered, "What do you take me for?"

"Some monster who'd attack a disabled person?"

I smiled awkwardly.

Was I doubting my own husband's character?

Though Liam had been moody lately, he was undeniably a good person.

I married him because he was kind.

In life, he respected his parents, was loyal to friends, and before Isabella, we had a happy marriage.

At work, he was always voted favorite teacher by his students.

He often donated to charity and volunteered.

I shouldn't have doubted him.

Once I cleared my head, I felt okay leaving for work.

At the office, I was still anxious.

Colleagues noticed my distraction and asked what was wrong.

Finally, counting down the minutes till getting off work, I rushed home.

As I walked in, I saw James collapsed on the floor, a complete mess.

I ran over to check on him.

James insisted, "Zoe, I'm fine."

Liam sneered, "Of course he's fine—he's faking it."

"Zoe, don't fall for his act."

James hung his head, lips tight, eyes reddening. "Zoe, I'm just a burden. I cause trouble here—please let me go."

That word sounded familiar, but I didn't have time to think where I'd heard it.

Liam immediately agreed, "He's right—he's too much trouble. Zoe, let him leave."

Anger flared, but as I was about to argue, I caught the red rim of James's eyes.

Almost instantly, I calmed down.

Honestly, thinking it over, my marriage with Liam was already dead. Maybe it was time to end it.

James's legs were injured—if he stayed, I dreaded what might happen to him when I wasn't around.

Leaving was the best choice.

I nodded. "Okay."

Liam brightened. "Zoe, glad you see sense."

I looked at him seriously. "We're not in a good place now—we should separate."

"Liam, let's get a divorce."

Liam was stunned. "Zoe, what are you saying? You'd divorce me for a cripple?"