All Chapters of The Throwaway Wife: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

It wasn’t until three days after I was hospitalized that Tyler finally arrived from his film set. The severe burns I suffered left permanent damage, including to my uterus. Tyler stayed to take care of me for a week before returning to his production schedule. Overwhelmed with guilt, Rachel moved back to her rural hometown. For the next two years, every time I gently hinted at trying for another child, Tyler brushed me off, claiming he was too tired. I knew the truth. He was repulsed by the scars on my stomach. So, he found comfort with other women. Tyler’s earlier words played in my mind. His denial of me as his wife felt like a sharp bone lodged in my throat. Before I realized it, tears silently spilled from the corners of my eyes. Just then, my phone buzzed with a text. It was from Tyler.[I couldn’t find you, so I left first. [I’ve got a surprise waiting at home. Don’t be mad, okay? [Oh, and Mom says she misses us. Let’s visit her when we get the chance

As a doctor and a mother who once carried life, I knew all too well what Tyler was doing behind that curtain. I slumped against the wall outside the room, overwhelmed by memories of being alone in hospitals—seeking treatment, being hospitalized, and recovering. When Tyler emerged holding a soiled diaper, I couldn’t bear to watch anymore. I turned and left. I didn’t go home. Instead, I went to my best friend’s house. However, it was her husband who greeted me. Behind him, my friend sat in the living room, heavily pregnant and surrounded by family. I had hoped to pour my heart out to her, but seeing her glowing with happiness, I forced a smile and exchanged pleasantries before excusing myself. I wandered aimlessly through the streets, reminiscing about the time I had defied my parents to marry Tyler when he had nothing to his name. The memory felt almost laughable now. Unable to escape my turmoil, I took three days off from work and retreated to the seaside alone.

I didn’t respond to her smug look, keeping my eyes forward. Deep down, I was counting the days until the divorce deadline finally arrived. Mindy gave a shy smile and turned toward the restroom to change. When she emerged, the car continued on its way. It wasn’t long before we arrived at Tyler’s family home in the countryside. As I opened the car door, Rachel was already waiting at the front steps. She must have known we were coming. "Mom!" I called out, ready to grab the gifts I had carefully prepared from the trunk. With only a week left until the divorce, I figured I should at least fulfill my role as a dutiful daughter-in-law one last time. However, it quickly became clear that I was the only one thinking that way. “Oh, my sweet girl! I’ve missed you so much!”I turned back just in time to see Rachel calling out and hugging Mindy warmly. Looking at the baby in Mindy’s arms, Rachel pulled out a fat red envelope and handed it to Mindy. "This is for the baby.

The silence behind me was unnerving. However, I felt a flicker of warmth in my chest. After finding a place to charge my phone, I booked a nearby motel and took a shower. Once I had my train ticket in hand, I returned home. Two days had passed. With only three days left until the divorce hearing, I needed to retrieve my belongings from Tyler’s house. I turned the key in the lock, but before I could open the door, it swung open. Standing there was Mindy. As soon as she saw me, she called over her shoulder, “Tyler! Sarah’s back!“You don’t know, but Tyler’s been searching for you these past two days. He hasn’t slept a wink!” Sure enough, Tyler appeared, his dark circles betraying his exhaustion. However, his haggard appearance stirred nothing in me. “You’re back. Come in!” Tyler ushered me into the house like nothing had happened. As I walked into the living room, he subconsciously pulled back a seat at the dining table. “You haven’t eaten, have you? Have som