Share

Chapter 5

Author: Against the Flow
Cyrus was hospitalized for a week. Almost every day of that week, I would hear from doctors and nurses in the hospital about how loving and reminiscent of a model couple Niall and Chelsea were.

I would also hear about how obedient and sensible their daughter was.

Day by day, my determination to file for a divorce increased.

"Why have you come to my workplace again, Shayla?" Niall questioned harshly. "Are you thinking about causing trouble? Well, I suggest you save it!"

I was carrying the chicken soup I had made for my son in hand. His attending doctor mentioned that drinking more soup could aid in the recovery of his wound.

Niall looked at the thermos flask I was holding in disgust. "Even a dog wouldn't drink anything you make!"

"No, that's not it—"

Before I could properly explain that this was a nutritious meal I had made for Cyrus, he ruthlessly knocked over the soup I had spent an hour meticulously preparing to the floor.

Hot soup splashed upward. The back of my hand quickly became red and swollen.

"Putting on a pity act?" asked Niall, glancing disdainfully at me. "Save your little tricks!"

"Niall Luther! This is a nutritious meal for our son! It's been so long since he got into a car accident, but you've shown zero interest in his well-being. Now you've even deliberately spilled the soup that I made for him!

"You asked me what I wanted, didn't you? Well, that's my line!"

His expression froze before he asked calmly, "Haven't you had enough of your whole car accident act? Now you're moving on to delivering soup?"

"How could I not know that my son's in the hospital?" I cried out.

"Stop making excuses, Shayla. Just get out!" he shouted.

Just then, Chelsea approached us from the end of the corridor. "How could you speak like that, Niall? Ms. Jennings is doing this out of concern for you, even if she's going about it the wrong way."

Niall gently embraced her even as he stated coldly, "She's asking for it."

Cyrus heard the commotion outside his hospital room. Poking his head out of a gap in the door, he happened to hear those words.

He immediately rushed over and placed his small frame in front of me in an attempt to shield me.

When he caught sight of the swelling on the back of my hand, he gently blew on it for me. He then turned to look at Niall, yelling, "From today onward, you're no longer my daddy! I don't want you anymore!"

Niall turned around in shock, his eyes landing straight on Cyrus. When he saw the hideous wound on Cyrus' forehead, he panicked.

"How can he actually be injured? Did you get someone to put on special effects makeup for him, Shayla? Say something!"

As I gazed at the man in front of me, I felt like he was more than a stranger. The facts were right in front of him, yet he claimed that I was lying to him.

"Let's get a divorce, Niall Luther!" I shouted.

Chelsea saw that Niall was shaken by Cyrus' injury, so she immediately started sowing discord again.

"If not for the fact that you used many different tricks to get Niall's attention before, why would he subconsciously assume that you're lying, Ms. Jennings?

"It's easy to call for divorce but difficult to actually go through with it. If Niall really were to agree to it, it might give him a bad name.

"Furthermore, even if we were to hold someone accountable for this incident, I'm afraid most of the responsibility lies with you, Ms. Jennings."

Niall's eyes immediately lit up at her words. "Chelsea's right. If not for the fact that you've deceived me on multiple occasions, why would I subconsciously distrust you? Our son suffered such a serious injury, but all you did was call me!

"How irresponsible can you be, as a mother, to allow our son to get into a car accident in the middle of the night?"

My jaw almost slammed to the floor when I heard his shameless words.

So, according to them, I was actually the perpetrator?

How ridiculous.

"Niall Luther!" I yelled. "If it wasn't for our son rushing to celebrate your birthday with you, would we have left the house in the middle of the night?

"But what did I see when we got here? Lulu White only suffered a minor scratch, and the wound had already closed up, but you still treated her with utmost gentleness and even helped her disinfect it!

"Look at the condition our son is in right now! Don't you feel guilty?"

I turned to address Chelsea. "Others might not know about it, but are you telling me that you're unaware of Niall and I being married to each other, Chelsea Blanc? Do you think addressing me as Ms. Jennings is going to change that fact?

"Look at you, so eager to become a mistress! How cheap can you get?"

Niall attempted to say something, but when he looked into Cyrus' teary eyes, he decided against it.

"We'll treat this incident as my fault," he said eventually. "I'll upgrade our son to a premium ward and provide him due compensation! However, as his mother, you're not completely blameless! You don't have the right to point fingers at me!

"Don't blame Chelsea for it, either! This matter has nothing to do with her!"

I no longer wished to continue exchanging words with him.

Responsibility? As a mother, when my child was injured, all I could feel was pain and distress. How could I have been in the mood to think about anything else?

"Enough, Niall!" I shouted. "Let's file for divorce!"

Related chapters

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 6

    Niall had threatened me with divorce multiple times in the past, but as someone who grew up in a single-parent family, I understood a child's desire for fatherly love.It wasn't until now that I realized that the lack of a father figure hardly made a difference.A terrible family environment was far more crippling.Instead of hoping that Niall would come around, it would be better for me to come to terms with reality as early as possible and give up on him entirely.I originally thought that Niall would happily agree to the divorce.Unexpectedly, after being momentarily stunned, he firmly refused. "Divorce? Don't even think about it!" he declared.I glared furiously at him. "What right do you have to say that? I insist on this divorce!"Who do you think you are? I've been a victim of this marriage from beginning to end. All I want right now is to leave, and you're saying I can't?"Niall grabbed me by the collar of my blouse, looking down at me cruelly. "If it hadn't been for yo

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 7

    For some time after that incident, Niall would often linger outside our son's hospital room.However, I never allowed him to visit Cyrus. If he tried to force his way in, I would yell at the top of my lungs.Niall was afraid of the situation blowing up. Their hospital dean had a usual practice—doctors who did not have harmonious families would definitely not receive his favor.Niall was afraid the director would fire him if I kicked up a huge fuss.Occasionally, I would find Cyrus looking longingly at Niall.However, every time I asked him whether he still wanted Niall as his father, he would say no.Niall had broken his little heart.Half a month later, the overseeing doctor finally declared that Cyrus could be discharged from the hospital and recuperate at home.I did not expect to see Chelsea sitting on my couch upon opening my bedroom door.She smiled provocatively at me. "There was an issue with the house that I rented out, Ms. Jennings, so Niall said that I could stay he

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 8

    I temporarily found a hotel for Cyrus and me to stay in. My phone was filled with missed calls from Niall.I did not answer a single call, nor did I reply to any of his texts. I did not understand where he found the perseverance to continue calling me.In the end, I simply blocked his number altogether.I had not originally wanted to be so heartless, considering that he was still Cyrus' father. I had thought that perhaps, one fine day, after I got over what happened between us, I would let him see Cyrus.However, I had now changed my mind. How could such a scumbag deserve to see my son?It would be terrible if he led my sweet baby astray.Chelsea handed the divorce agreement to Niall with tears in her eyes, saying, "She said that she wanted to divorce you and then just left after leaving this divorce agreement behind."I don't know where she went with the child. I was really afraid that something would happen to them this late at night, so I tried my best to stop them, but she p

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 9

    Not long afterward, after being introduced to the job by my tutor, I started working as a guide in an art gallery.Although I did not earn much from it, the advantage was that I could finally have my own identity.Moreover, it was very quiet here. There was no Niall or any disgusting affairs to ruin my life.Although Cyrus was young, he was a sensible child, and I did not have to worry about him.Just as I thought such peaceful days would continue, Niall unexpectedly appeared before me.The gallery director informed me that a VIP customer wanted to purchase several paintings. He asked me to introduce them to the paintings we had for sale and negotiate the purchase.I never expected that the said customer would be Niall Luther.He looked like he had not been faring well since I last saw him. He had an untidy beard, his hair was rumpled, and at a glance, he just looked unkempt.In the past, he would refuse to wear his leather shoes if I did not polish them to a shine. In fact, he

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 10

    Niall met me several more times in the name of business after that. However, other than business-related matters, there was nothing else I could say to him.Back when I used to like him, I had plenty to tell him, but he had not wanted to hear a word of it.On the contrary, now that he wanted to speak to me, there was nothing that I wished to share with him.Cyrus gradually got his life here on track.Niall continued to refuse the divorce. It turned out that Chelsea was not actually that important to him.When it came to his core interests, even his first love had to take a backseat.The next time I encountered Niall, I expected it to be in court, during my divorce petition against him, not in a television news report.Niall killed Chelsea and her daughter?Was she not his first love?However, the man on the news was clearly Niall Luther. I would recognize him—even if he were nothing but ash.I did not expect to receive a letter from Chelsea after that."By the time you read

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 11

    Epilogue - Niall Luther's POVI loved Shayla Jennings. Unfortunately, I realized that fact far too late.On the day that I did the deed with her, a friend had drugged me.In truth, I simply had to resist the effects of the aphrodisiac for a single night, and everything would have been fine. However, when she brushed by me, I could not stop my hand from reaching out to grab her.Although everything that happened after that point was a blur, I knew very clearly that I had betrayed Chelsea.That was why, upon waking up, I could only utter terrible things toward Shayla while feigning to be the influence of the drug.I did not expect her to end up pregnant with my child, nor did I expect her to even want an abortion.Did she not bear any goodwill toward me at all?Truthfully, I had actually fallen in love with her at first sight. I just did not want to admit that I was a fickle man who easily grew tired of my partners.Furthermore, Shayla showed no sign that she liked me, so how co

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 1

    I did not expect to get into a sudden car accident while taking my son to the hospital to celebrate my husband's birthday.There was a hideous wound on my son's forehead from where glass shards had cut into it. His face was covered with blood.I frantically called my husband for help."Stop calling me, or I'm filing for divorce!" my husband, Niall Luther, bellowed over the phone.I let my hands fall limply at my sides as I told my son, "Daddy's really busy. Let's find another doctor to treat your wounds first."My son nodded sensibly. "It's okay, Mommy. It doesn't hurt!"Despite his words, the wound on his forehead was two inches long, and one could almost catch a glimpse of bone peeking from the gap.How could it not hurt?My eyes reddened involuntarily, but I looked up to catch sight of Niall standing inside one of the hospital rooms.Was he not busy?I could not resist stepping closer and just so happened to see him helping Chelsea Blanc's daughter—Lulu White—disinfect her

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 2

    Seeing the terrible wound on my son's forehead, I chose to ignore my heartache from Niall's words, calling him again and again.I could live with Niall not loving me, but my son, Cyrus, was my bottom line. I brought him into this world, so I had to take responsibility for him."She's so desperate to reach you," said Chelsea. "Maybe something really did happen? You should probably answer the call!"Her words had Niall picking up my call immediately."Spew any more lies about my son getting into an accident, I'm divorcing you immediately!" he warned right off the bat.He knew how much I loved him. In the past, whenever we had differences in opinion, I would compromise unconditionally the instant he mentioned divorce.I would not cave this time, though. This was our son we were talking about!"I'm telling the truth," I told him. "I'm at your hospital with our son right now! All you have to do is come over and have a look. That'd tell you whether I'm lying or not. Would you dare to

Latest chapter

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 11

    Epilogue - Niall Luther's POVI loved Shayla Jennings. Unfortunately, I realized that fact far too late.On the day that I did the deed with her, a friend had drugged me.In truth, I simply had to resist the effects of the aphrodisiac for a single night, and everything would have been fine. However, when she brushed by me, I could not stop my hand from reaching out to grab her.Although everything that happened after that point was a blur, I knew very clearly that I had betrayed Chelsea.That was why, upon waking up, I could only utter terrible things toward Shayla while feigning to be the influence of the drug.I did not expect her to end up pregnant with my child, nor did I expect her to even want an abortion.Did she not bear any goodwill toward me at all?Truthfully, I had actually fallen in love with her at first sight. I just did not want to admit that I was a fickle man who easily grew tired of my partners.Furthermore, Shayla showed no sign that she liked me, so how co

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 10

    Niall met me several more times in the name of business after that. However, other than business-related matters, there was nothing else I could say to him.Back when I used to like him, I had plenty to tell him, but he had not wanted to hear a word of it.On the contrary, now that he wanted to speak to me, there was nothing that I wished to share with him.Cyrus gradually got his life here on track.Niall continued to refuse the divorce. It turned out that Chelsea was not actually that important to him.When it came to his core interests, even his first love had to take a backseat.The next time I encountered Niall, I expected it to be in court, during my divorce petition against him, not in a television news report.Niall killed Chelsea and her daughter?Was she not his first love?However, the man on the news was clearly Niall Luther. I would recognize him—even if he were nothing but ash.I did not expect to receive a letter from Chelsea after that."By the time you read

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 9

    Not long afterward, after being introduced to the job by my tutor, I started working as a guide in an art gallery.Although I did not earn much from it, the advantage was that I could finally have my own identity.Moreover, it was very quiet here. There was no Niall or any disgusting affairs to ruin my life.Although Cyrus was young, he was a sensible child, and I did not have to worry about him.Just as I thought such peaceful days would continue, Niall unexpectedly appeared before me.The gallery director informed me that a VIP customer wanted to purchase several paintings. He asked me to introduce them to the paintings we had for sale and negotiate the purchase.I never expected that the said customer would be Niall Luther.He looked like he had not been faring well since I last saw him. He had an untidy beard, his hair was rumpled, and at a glance, he just looked unkempt.In the past, he would refuse to wear his leather shoes if I did not polish them to a shine. In fact, he

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 8

    I temporarily found a hotel for Cyrus and me to stay in. My phone was filled with missed calls from Niall.I did not answer a single call, nor did I reply to any of his texts. I did not understand where he found the perseverance to continue calling me.In the end, I simply blocked his number altogether.I had not originally wanted to be so heartless, considering that he was still Cyrus' father. I had thought that perhaps, one fine day, after I got over what happened between us, I would let him see Cyrus.However, I had now changed my mind. How could such a scumbag deserve to see my son?It would be terrible if he led my sweet baby astray.Chelsea handed the divorce agreement to Niall with tears in her eyes, saying, "She said that she wanted to divorce you and then just left after leaving this divorce agreement behind."I don't know where she went with the child. I was really afraid that something would happen to them this late at night, so I tried my best to stop them, but she p

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 7

    For some time after that incident, Niall would often linger outside our son's hospital room.However, I never allowed him to visit Cyrus. If he tried to force his way in, I would yell at the top of my lungs.Niall was afraid of the situation blowing up. Their hospital dean had a usual practice—doctors who did not have harmonious families would definitely not receive his favor.Niall was afraid the director would fire him if I kicked up a huge fuss.Occasionally, I would find Cyrus looking longingly at Niall.However, every time I asked him whether he still wanted Niall as his father, he would say no.Niall had broken his little heart.Half a month later, the overseeing doctor finally declared that Cyrus could be discharged from the hospital and recuperate at home.I did not expect to see Chelsea sitting on my couch upon opening my bedroom door.She smiled provocatively at me. "There was an issue with the house that I rented out, Ms. Jennings, so Niall said that I could stay he

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 6

    Niall had threatened me with divorce multiple times in the past, but as someone who grew up in a single-parent family, I understood a child's desire for fatherly love.It wasn't until now that I realized that the lack of a father figure hardly made a difference.A terrible family environment was far more crippling.Instead of hoping that Niall would come around, it would be better for me to come to terms with reality as early as possible and give up on him entirely.I originally thought that Niall would happily agree to the divorce.Unexpectedly, after being momentarily stunned, he firmly refused. "Divorce? Don't even think about it!" he declared.I glared furiously at him. "What right do you have to say that? I insist on this divorce!"Who do you think you are? I've been a victim of this marriage from beginning to end. All I want right now is to leave, and you're saying I can't?"Niall grabbed me by the collar of my blouse, looking down at me cruelly. "If it hadn't been for yo

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 5

    Cyrus was hospitalized for a week. Almost every day of that week, I would hear from doctors and nurses in the hospital about how loving and reminiscent of a model couple Niall and Chelsea were.I would also hear about how obedient and sensible their daughter was.Day by day, my determination to file for a divorce increased."Why have you come to my workplace again, Shayla?" Niall questioned harshly. "Are you thinking about causing trouble? Well, I suggest you save it!"I was carrying the chicken soup I had made for my son in hand. His attending doctor mentioned that drinking more soup could aid in the recovery of his wound.Niall looked at the thermos flask I was holding in disgust. "Even a dog wouldn't drink anything you make!""No, that's not it—"Before I could properly explain that this was a nutritious meal I had made for Cyrus, he ruthlessly knocked over the soup I had spent an hour meticulously preparing to the floor.Hot soup splashed upward. The back of my hand quickly

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 4

    I did not own a car, and umbrellas were practically useless in such heavy rain, so Cyrus and I ended up having to brave the rain.Just as I got him to the kindergarten, Niall happened to speed by in his car, splashing muddy water all over the two of us.It was Lulu Blanc who got out of his car.I could still recall how lonely my son looked back then."Didn't you say that Daddy had something else to deal with, Mommy?" he asked. "Why is he sending another girl to school?"I rushed forward to interrogate Niall, but he shoved me unceremoniously to the ground."If Lulu catches a cold from being out in the rain, nothing you do will be enough to compensate for it!" he snapped frostily.Cyrus ran over to stand in front of me, yelling, "Bad Daddy! You're not allowed to push Mommy!"However, Niall did not care whether his son caught a cold or came down with a fever. He instead concentrated on embracing Lulu, ensuring not a single raindrop touched her.He did not even spare a glance for

  • Too Late for a Second Choice   Chapter 3

    Just as I was about to leave the hospital with Cyrus, a sharp-eyed nurse caught sight of me."Where are you going, miss? Your child's forehead is bleeding! We need to take care of it quickly!"Since he was willing to lead the way to a doctor, I wouldn't need to seek my son's treatment elsewhere.The doctor whom the nurse led us to used alcohol to disinfect Cyrus' wound. Cyrus' face was pale from the pain, but he still pushed through the pain and did not shed a single tear."Daddy said that he likes brave children, so I can't cry!" he declared. "If he comes over later and sees me crying, he'll be unhappy."My son was using Niall's words to motivate himself, but in the next hospital room over, the father, whom he assumed did not like fussy children, was doing his best to pacify a little girl.The doctor looked speechlessly at me."What exactly happened?" he asked. "If such a large wound isn't stitched up quickly, it'll leave a scar.""We got into an accident. Please take a look a

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status