Chapter 9
The entire crew’s attitude toward me changed.
Before, no one believed I really wanted a divorce. Some thought I was just being dramatic, others were convinced it was a publicity stunt to revive my career. Nobody took my desire for divorce seriously.
Now, while they might still not believe I would actually divorce him, they at least sympathized with me.
Celebrity couples living separate lives weren’t uncommon, and wealthy husbands seeking entertainment elsewhere were even more typical.
it given their social status, few would do what Marcus did – openly showing such disregard for his wife’s dignity.
But
The production team even
en worried I might quit filming.
But I acted completely normal, as if I’d experienced this kind of thing many times and it wasn’t a big deal.
This made people even more sympathetic, feeling I’d been through too much.
For the next few days of filming, I felt extremely relaxed. Everyone treated me with kindness, even the sharp–tongued female singer started showing me friendly smiles.
The production team arranged a separate room for Marcus, and I slept much better.
With adequate sleep, natural food, beautiful surroundings, and friendly faces everywhere… I felt my mood lifting from within, my whole being radiating vitality
<
The regular wife kept marveling.
“Rachel, you’ve become even more beautiful in just these few days!”
Your figure is perfect too, slim where it should be, curved where it counts. How do you do it?”
Touched by her genuine emotional support, I immediately took off my designer bracelet and gave it to her.
She put it on without hesitation, then looked at me with concern.
You’re giving away expensive jewelry just because I said a few nice things? Rachel, are you that starved for compliments? Doesn’t anyone ever praise you?”
I thought carefully. “No, not for a long time.”
The regular wife was called away for filming. As I turned around, I saw Marcus leaning against the wall behind me
His gaze was deep, his expression thoughtful.
again later.
He had tried to explain the incident from that day again
Victoria had nearly drowned as a child and developed severe aquaphobia – she would pass out when panicked. Her professor parents had specifically visited the company to ask him to be mindful of this condition.
“You’re a strong swimmer. In that situation, I had to prioritize the life–threatening emergency
I listened quietly and expressed complete understanding.
“You did the right thing. I have no objections,”
“You really think so?”
“Of course.” I spoke sincerely. “You often teach me to be mature, to be rational, to not let emotions cloud judgment. Your handling of that situation was perfect. I see no problem.”
But for some reason, though I followed his teachings, he didn’t seem satisfied. Instead, he appeared somewhat lost,
Perhaps because of the crew’s changed attitude, or perhaps feeling guilty towards me, he became much quieter. During group meals and conversations, he no longer freely criticized and judged me. During joint tasks, he voluntarily took on the more difficult parts. He even specially asked staff for a blanket when he saw me sneeze during evening filming.
“Thank you,” I said politely.
“Rachel, we’re husband and wife. In the night sky, his features were somewhat blurred. “No need to be so formal.”
“Do normal married couples require the wife to go through another woman just to call her husband?” the female singer commented sarcastically,
During one segment where wives shared their marital grievances, I had openly mentioned several points to the camera, including this one.
They found it incredible.
Marcus said nothing, pressing his lips together as he took out paper and pen. “I’ll write down my number. You can reach me anytime from now
- on.
He finished writing and held out the note to me.
I didn’t take it, wrapping the blanket tighter around myself as I gazed at the distant stars. “Never mind. There’s nothing particularly urgent anyway.”
His hand froze in mid–air.
A gust of wini swan
A gust of wind swept through, carrying the note into the dark night where it disappeared without a trace.
After filming that day, couples made their second choice.
He chose not to divorce.
I chose divorce
Just as he had instructed me to do.
On the way back, he seemed even more silent.
As we were about to enter our separate rooms, he suddenly turned around. “Rachel, my throat’s been hurting badly lately”
Marcus had allergic pharyngitis that always flared up during seasonal changes.
Whenever it acted up, I would spend hours brewing special tea, making him drink a cup in the morning and reminding him to have another i night. Even when he traveled, I would prepare portion sized packets and put them in his bag.
But I hadn’t done that for six months.
The remaining ingredients had been thrown in the trash during a random cleaning session
“Victoria said she put your medicine in your bag. Didn’t you hear that the other day?” I asked, puzzled.
His eyes lowered slightly. “Oh, I forgot.”
“Bang
I closed my door and went inside..
