Love That Wasn't Meant to Last

After a full day of flying, all I wanted was a decent night's sleep at the hotel. But after being kept up all night by Selena, I fell asleep instantly once she drifted off, sinking into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The next morning, I woke up as soon as sunlight hit my face-my body never failed me. Selena was still asleep, but beside her sat Zion, gently holding her hand and wiping it, like a caring parent watching over a child.

Noticing I was awake, Zion pointed to a plastic bag on the bedside table, silently signaling that breakfast was there. I didn't decline; after an entire day without eating, my stomach was empty.

Once I finished eating, Zion stood up, looking at me with an expression of calm resolve. "I've already submitted a request for extended leave on your behalf to your company. Your boss approved it.noveldrama

"Hudson, stay here and help Selena through her treatment."

It was only then that I learned Selena had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and her suicide attempt had come after nearly two weeks of symptoms. Seeing my skepticism, Zion handed me a thick medical file from the bedside table. It documented every detail of Selena's diagnosis, episodes, and treatments.

He then pulled out a credit card from his pocket and handed it to me. "This is Selena's card. There are 800,000 dollars. Consider it a compensation for you staying and helping with her treatment.

"If you agree to stay, we'll make sure it's worth your while. I didn't change the password; you should know what it is better than I do."

I didn't take the card. For one, I didn't need the money; and besides, it was Selena's card. The whole thing felt distasteful, and I looked down on Zion's approach, especially knowing he had kept Selena's diagnosis from me.

"If you knew all of this, why did you agree to the divorce in the first place? If I'd known, maybe Selena wouldn't have " I didn't even finish my sentence before Zion cut me off.

"That's because I was too arrogant," he said. "I thought I could help her get better on my own. But her treatment failed because you left.

"Hudson, Selena's condition is partly your fault. You're responsible for her." He was practically seething, looking as though he could strangle me right there.

His anger didn't faze me. After years of dealing with all kinds of people, I wasn't easily intimidated. And honestly, I felt unfairly blamed. I had no idea about Selena's condition.

We had been married for years, and she never once brought it up. To say this was all my fault seemed completely unreasonable.

"I'm not agreeing to this," I said firmly. "I've already filed for divorce, and we don't have any kids, so legally speaking, Selena and I have no obligations to each other."

It wasn't that I didn't want to help Selena, but as her ex-husband, I didn't feel it was my place anymore. Besides, I was already with Sylvia.

Zion was visibly angry at my refusal. He shot me a dark look before breaking into a cold smile.

"If you don't agree, then I'm keeping your ID and phone," he threatened. "You won't be able to leave. Let's see how you handle that."

His words made me suddenly realize I was missing something. I patted my pockets-empty. My phone and ID were gone.

To make a point, Zion pulled out my phone and waved it in front of me, a taunting look in his eyes. I tried to grab it back, but he quickly moved it out of my reach.