Chapter 396:
“And besides...” Belinda suddenly spoke at that time.
“I no longer want to be the person who gets left and forgotten.”
As Belinda uttered these words, her voice wavered, and her eyes began to fill with tears.
A look passed between Bethany and Johnson, filled with empathy for Belinda’s situation.
Composing herself, Belinda continued, “Lucas does have saffection for me. He doesn’t completely overlook
me... But his affection foris just not deep, merely superficial. Whenever Verena needs him, I'm pushed aside.
Just one phone call from Verena, and Lucas will leave everything behind to be with her. Is that what my life is
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtmeant to be? Constantly waiting for the moment he might leavebehind? Lucas is haunted by guilt over
Verena. Harold had her imprisoned, and she has been kidnapped recently. Lucas believes these two things
happened because of him. He feels he can’t abandon Verena now.”
With a rueful smile, she continued, “Is he wrong? No, he isn’t. He's acting on his principles, and that’s admirable.
But... His commitment to Verena is shattering me. I'm exhausted. | can’t keep investing in a marriage where I'm
continually heartbroken. It's better if we part ways. A divorce is a good thing for both Lucas and me.”
Upon hearing Belinda’s words, Bethany quickly said, “You are right! You should live for yourself, not for someone
else. Men are replaceable. If one leaves, a better one will calong.”
“You don’t have to feel sad. Especially not for someone like Lucas, who can’t even be faithful. He is not worth
your tears.”
Johnson looked puzzled. “Belinda, you mentioned Verena was kidnapped... Can you tellmore about that?”
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“Oh, | forgot you didn’t know that. It happened on that day...” Belinda then recounted the details.
By the tshe finished her story, both Bethany and Johnson were visibly shocked and angry.
Bethany, unable to contain her anger, slammed her hand on the table. “It's unbelievable! Lucas left you by the
pool like that? You could have drowned!”
Johnson's frown deepened, his face taking on a grave expression.
It dawned on him that this could have been the moment when Belinda had lost all hope in Lucas.
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The incident at the party had only further cemented her resolve to end their marriage.
Struggling to find words, Johnson stayed silent.
From Lucas’ standpoint, he might not have thought his actions were completely wrong. Yet, those very actions
had inflicted severe emotional hurt on his wife.
“Your decision to divorce is right! Why endure such a husband any longer?” Bethany was livid. “Belinda, it's good
that you're not upset! You're free now—you’ve broken out of that prison of a loveless marriage! We are both
happy for you now!”
At first, Bethany had been saddened by the news of the divorce. But now, that emotion had completely
evaporated, replaced by joy for her friend.
Bethany then suggested, “Con! After we eat, let's head to Nostalgia Lounge. Not to wallow, but to toast to a
new beginning! Let's celebrate Belinda’s liberation! This is truly a good thing!”