Chapter 43 Stopped Caring Long Ago
The moment Emily closed the car door, she could no longer hold back her overwhelming emotions.
Three years of marriage, all her love, completely destroyed by Alex's silence.
Tears finally fell.
They hit the back of her hand, spreading into a small wet patch.
Emily sniffled. It's fine, she didn't care anymore anyway.
The taxi quickly drove away from the club. Emily gave the driver an address by the sea.
She just wanted to find somewhere quiet.
Meanwhile, at the club entrance.
Alex watched the car disappear into the street, his face full of irritation and a hint of panic.
He immediately moved to drive after her.
But the moment he pulled open the car door, Grace's tearful voice came from behind. "Alex!"
She and a few classmates rushed out, her face pale. "Alex, where are you going? Miss Johnson, she..."
"Shut up!" Alex spun around sharply, his eyes ice-cold and piercing. "Who told you to talk like that just now?"
His voice was cold and harsh, instantly filling the air with pressure.
Everyone froze in place, no one daring to say another word.
"Alex, don't be like this, I'm so scared..." Grace's heart tightened as she stepped forward to grab his hand.
Alex shook her off and got straight into his car and left.
He floored the gas pedal, the engine roaring loudly.
The sky gradually darkened.
The sea breeze brushed across her face, slightly soothing the frustration in Emily's heart.
She sat on the beach, listening to the dull sound of waves crashing against the rocks.
Her phone screen kept lighting up with calls from Alex.Emily glanced at it and put the phone on silent.
Just as she was about to put it away, another call came through.
She paused, then took a deep breath, trying to make her voice sound calm. "Hello, Matthew?"
"Nothing much, I contacted a nutritionist for you and sent you their info." Matthew's warm voice came through the receiver.
Emily's eyelashes lowered slightly. "Thanks, but I don't need it."
Matthew was perceptive and immediately noticed something was wrong with her voice. "Emily, are you upset? Did something happen?"
Emily's nose stung as she fought back tears. "I'm fine, just a bit tired. Wanted to come out and clear my head."
The other end went silent for a few seconds before Matthew asked softly. "You're at the beach?"
Emily was surprised. "How did you know?"
"I can hear the waves." Matthew's voice carried a hint of helplessness. "Still the same as when you were little—whenever you're sad, you like to run to the beach and sit. Tell me exactly where you are, I'll come find you."
Before Emily could refuse, Matthew added. "I'm in the area on business anyway. I'll just swing by to check on you. Don't worry, I won't ask questions."
Emily hesitated for a moment but eventually gave him the address.
Before long.
Someone sat down beside her.
As he'd said, Matthew really didn't ask questions, only occasionally bringing up childhood memories.
Emily laughed from time to time, lifting some of the heaviness.
And this scene was witnessed entirely by Alex.
He'd chased all the way and finally found Emily here.
But beside her was Matthew.
The two sat side by side, chatting happily in the sea breeze.
It looked quite pleasant, but to Alex it was painfully glaring.
He dialed Emily's number again—still no answer.
Alex's expression grew darker, shadows spreading in his eyes, an invisible danger emanating from him.
Emily sat by the sea while he watched, until Matthew draped his jacket over her shoulders—then Alex punched the steering wheel and drove off.
Emily sat with Matthew a while longer before he checked the time.Matthew checked the time: "Emmie, let me drive you home."
Emily shook her head. "No need, but thank you, Matthew."
Matthew hesitated, but knowing Emily's personality, he didn't push it.
He put her in a taxi before leaving.
That night.
Emily checked into a nearby hotel.
She really didn't want to go back and face Alex.
She didn't sleep all night...
The next day.
Emily had just woken up when her phone rang.
It was Margaret calling.
She hesitated for half a second. "Grandma?"
"Emmie, where did you go last night? Why didn't you come home... cough cough cough!"
Margaret started coughing violently before she could finish.
Emily's heart tightened. "Grandma, I had something come up last night and stayed at a friend's place. Don't worry."
"How are you feeling? Why are you coughing again?"
Margaret's voice sounded weak. "Alex said you didn't come home, and I've been worried all night... cough cough. It's fine, Grandma will just take some medicine. Emmie dear... cough cough cough! Grandma feels a bit better, don't worry."
Emily felt both helpless and anxious. "That won't do! Coughing makes your lungs and chest hurt."
"Wait there, I'm coming back right now. If it's bad, we're going to the hospital."
She immediately started packing to check out.
Little did she know, the old lady hung up with a resentful expression. "You brat, all you know is to make this old bag of bones help you smooth things over. Can't even handle your own wife—what business are you running? I'm telling you, if you can't make things right with Emmie, don't bother coming back either!"
Alex sat on the sofa, his aura even colder, but he said nothing.
Half an hour later.
Emily returned.
She hurried upstairs, but just as she reached the stairway landing, someone pinned her against the wall.
She looked up into those sharp, cold eyes.
Emily was startled and struggled to push him away. "Alex, what are you doing... mmph!"
Before she could finish, Alex grabbed her chin and kissed her.
The force was so strong that Emily felt her lips hurt.
This kiss carried intense possessiveness and anger—rough and domineering, with no trace of tenderness.
Emily was caught off guard and struggled desperately.
But Alex was too strong; she couldn't break free at all.
The more she resisted, the angrier he became.
How could she laugh and chat with Matthew yesterday, but act so disgusted when she was with him?
Rage surged up.Alex's grip tightened, and Emily's shirt tore, exposing her fair, smooth shoulder.
"Alex, you bastard!"
Emily was terrified. She broke free with all her strength and slapped him hard!
The crisp sound of the slap echoed through the hallway.
Alex's head turned from the impact. He pressed his tongue against his cheek, and the surging emotions instantly cooled.
Emily clutched her clothes, her hands trembling slightly, her face covered in tears. "Divorce! I've had enough!"
Divorce?
The moment those words came out, the coldness around Alex became terrifying.
Emily fiercely wiped away her tears, resolute and determined.
Seeing her like this, Alex's heart felt like it was being squeezed tight, the pain making it hard to breathe.
He wanted to say something, but his throat felt blocked—he couldn't get a single word out.