?<strong>Chapter 396:</strong>


    “And besides…” Belinda suddenly spoke at that time.


    “I no longer want to be the person who gets left and forgotten.”


    As Belinda uttered these words, her voice wavered, and her eyes began to fill with tears.


    A look passed between Bethany and Johnson, filled with empathy for Belinda’s situation.


    Composing herself, Belinda continued, “Lucas does have some affection for me. He doesn’tpletely overlook me… But his affection for me is just not deep, merely superficial. Whenever Verena needs him, I’m pushed aside. Just one phone call from Verena, and Lucas will leave everything behind to be with her. Is that what my life is meant to be? Constantly waiting for the moment he might leave me behind? Lucas is haunted by guilt over Verena. Harold had her imprisoned, and she has been kidnapped recently. Lucas believes these two things happened because of him. He feels he can’t abandon Verena now.”


    With a rueful smile, she continued, “Is he wrong? No, he isn’t. He’s acting on his principles, and that’s admirable. But… Hismitment to Verena is shattering me. I’m exhausted. I can’t keep investing in a marriage where I’m continually heartbroken. It’s better if we part ways. A divorce is a good thing for both Lucas and me.”


    Upon hearing Belinda’s words, Bethany quickly said, “You are right! You should live for yourself, not for someone else. Men are receable. If one leaves, a better one wille along.”


    “You don’t have to feel sad. Especially not for someone like Lucas, who can’t even be faithful. He is not worth your tears.”


    Johnson looked puzzled. “Belinda, you mentioned Verena was kidnapped… Can you tell me more about that?”


    Step into fiction with galnovels .


    “Oh, I forgot you didn’t know that. It happened on that day…” Belinda then recounted the details.


    By the time she finished her story, both Bethany and Johnson were visibly shocked and angry.


    Bethany, unable to contain her anger, mmed her hand on the table. “It’s unbelievable! Lucas left you by the pool like that? You could have drowned!”


    Johnson’s frown deepened, his face taking on a grave expression.


    It dawned on him that this could have been the moment when Belinda had lost all hope in Lucas.


    The incident at the party had only further cemented her resolve to end their marriage.


    Struggling to find words, Johnson stayed silent.


    From Lucas’ standpoint, he might not have thought his actions werepletely wrong. Yet, those very actions had inflicted severe emotional hurt on his wife.


    “Your decision to divorce is right! Why endure such a husband any longer?” Bethany was livid. “Belinda, it’s good that you’re not upset! You’re free now—you’ve broken out of that prison of a loveless marriage! We are both happy for you now!”


    At first, Bethany had been saddened by the news of the divorce. But now, that emotion hadpletely evaporated, reced by joy for her friend.


    Bethany then suggested, “Come on! After we eat, let’s head to Nostalgia Lounge. Not to wallow, but to toast to a new beginning! Let’s celebrate Belinda’s liberation! This is truly a good thing!”


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