I must say that Ralph was sharp to recognise such tactics, much better than Mark could ever be.
I took the other apple he had peeled and said mockingly, “Oh, it’s probably depression.”
After a pause, I emphasized, “Severe depression.”
Ralph was amused, “How can she be severely depressed? She has schizophrenia. I reckon she has to go to a mental hospital. Only symptomatic treatment can cure her problem.”
I laughed out loud.
Mark looked at me in disbelief.
He never imagined that I would be this cold–blooded and make fun of a sick woman.
However, the most unbearable thing for him was that I looked like a dead wall when facing him, but could immediately smile sweetly at another man.
Jealousy grew in his heart, and he scowled, “That’s enough, Lily, why are you being like this? No wonder your parents are so disappointed in you, no wonder our son hates you. You are just a vicious, heartless woman! You’re right, I regret not signing those divorce papers. I should have dumped you earlier and let everyone see who you really are, a toxic woman!”
Sophie looked proud in his arms, but she was still pretending to be virtuous, “Mark, stop… Don’t say all those harsh words because of me!”
Mark said, “Sophie, you don’t have to hold me back. I want a divorce not only because I want to be with you, but also because I am extremely disappointed in her.”
I gnawed the apple leisurely and contentedly.
I gave him no response.
Mark looked at me in surprise, wondering why I was being so indifferent.
I had a melt down during my birthday last year, because my parents didn’t accept my invitation to the party.
That day, he couldn’t stop me from drinking. He reminded me again and again, saying that I didn’t deserve to be loved by anyone.
I cried silently over this for several days. I barely ate, my eyes were swollen, and I even got conjunctivitis.
Since then, he had never provoked me with that remark again.
