Ten Days To Die And Leave My Cheating Husband
For the final ten days, I stopped fighting. I stopped the tearing arguments, the desperate attempts to make him see reason.
I let him spend the nights with his trophy girlfriend, Blakely, never once asking where he was.
I let him give her the things I cherished.
The day I left was my birthday.
He burst in, Blakely clinging to his arm, and they knocked over my cake. He shoved me against the window, his fingers digging into my jaw.
He demanded to know why I had hurt their child.
When did you become so vicious, Sierra?
I smiled, suddenly too tired to explain anything.
Yes, I whispered. I am that vicious.
So, you and her? Go have your happy life.
Then, under his horrified gaze, I arched my back and vaulted out of the nineteenth-floor window.
It was the only way to end everything in this world.
1
When the long-dormant System appeared and told me I could go home, I had just finished another explosive fight with Owen.
He had walked in minutes earlier, fresh from an encounter with Blakely Cole, his kept woman. When he saw me lying in bed, he pressed himself against my back, his lips warm and tracing slow, possessive lines on my neck.
I bolted upright and instinctively slapped him.
Owen. If you don't find it disgusting, I certainly do.
He froze for a moment, then gave a short, bitter laugh, rubbing his cheek. Then, he yanked me off the bed, dragging me to the bathroom.
He pinned me in front of the vanity mirror, one hand clamping my chin, his eyes toxic with contempt.
Youre disgusted with me?
Sierra Reed, look at yourself! Do you see any trace of the woman I married?
I stared at the reflection. My hair was tangled, the strap of my silk slip was falling off my shoulder, and I looked like a distraught mess. The eyes that he used to call the most beautiful thing hed ever seen were dull and lifeless. Fine lines had crept up around them, stealing the vibrant energy of my youth.
In that instant, my mind flashed to Blakelys faceher youthful, glowing skin, her sparkling eyes burning with naked ambition and a kind of triumphant provocation.
So, what, Owen? Thats your justification for cheating? I scoffed, leaning against the cool tile, my eyes stinging with unshed tears.
He slowly moved closer, his thumb gently wiping a tear that escaped my lash line.
I told you more than once. Its just a fling. Im just playing around.
When Im done with her, Ill come home.
Sierra, Ive always loved you.
It was nauseating. Utterly, uncontrollably sickening.
I screamed, a primal sound of pain, and grabbed a hand lotion bottle, smashing it into the mirror. It splintered into a thousand jagged pieces.
Get out! Just get out!
After he left, I stood barefoot on the icy marble floor, looking out the window at the enormous LED billboard across the street. Owen had paid to run a giant photo of Blakely, her face splashed across the skyline.
I gave a bitter, dry laugh.
This kind of bitter confrontation had become a nightly occurrence over the last year. It started with soul-crushing agony, but now, only an exhausted despair remained.
I wasn't supposed to be here.
Eight years ago, I arrived in this world on a mission: to save a bitter, broken teenager named Owen Maxwell.
His father had cheated, his family business had collapsed, his mother had committed suicide, and he was buried under massive debt. His eyes were utterly dead.
I was the one who found him on a sunny morning and walked toward that desperate, miserable boy.
I moved in with him, first in a basement apartment, then in a tiny shared room, slowly working to help him pay back every debt.
He once asked me, confused, Why are you so good to me?
I smiled, taking his hand. Maybe its fate. Or maybe its the Universes instruction.
He lowered his head and murmured, Then you must be the best gift the Universe has ever given me.
The day the mission was supposed to end, he seemed to sense I would leave. His eyes were red-rimmed, and he held me tightly from behind, staying awake all night.
I caved. I wrapped my arms around him.
Owen, Im not going home.
The System vanished entirely after that. For five full years, it was silent.
And it was in those five years that Owen cheated. It was three years after our wedding.
He found a younger, beautiful, ambitious modelBlakely Cole.
2
I still remember the day I found out.
He came home drunk, hugging me, resting his head on my shoulder. Through the haze, he suddenly mumbled,
Sierra, why do you feel shorter?
I thought it was funny then. Ive been five-foot-five my whole life; how could I suddenly be shorter?
Later, I checked his phone. His Blakely was five-foot-ten, tall and strikingly sexythe complete opposite of me.
And the pet name he had slurred? Was it Sierra, or was it Blakely?
...
I dont remember the specifics of that day. Only the thunderous roar in my head, the world tilting and falling into darkness.
Owen knelt before me, crying and begging. He said it was a mistake, a momentary lapse, a temporary thrill.
Three years of dating, three years of marriage, giving up my chance to go homeall for this ending.
I was too stubborn and too hurt to let us go.
So, we silently agreed to maintain the marriage.
But a rotten love, a rose infested with beetles, is impossible to discard yet sickening to hold onto.
His repeated betrayals led to an endless cycle of fights and resentment, until we were utterly exhausted and numb.
It was like a dull blade sawing through the last remnants of our love, slowly, agonizingly.
So, when the System finally woke from its long hibernation and spoke to me, I answered immediately.
System, I regret it. I want to go home.
3
Host, I did warn you that the events following the completion of your mission were unpredictable including Owens change of heart.
However, due to your past exceptional performance, I can grant you a special privilege and reopen the channel home.
But you have only ten days remaining.
Tears streamed down my face. I nodded.
Understood. You have a final ten days left in this world. The departure countdown officially begins.
The System disappeared again.
The house sank back into a deathly silence.
I dried my eyes and began to pack. No, not pack. I needed to erase every trace of myself from this world.
I gathered all my clothes and dropped the bags into the garbage chute.
I took down the wedding photos from the wall, one by one, and pulled out the wedding ring he had given me.
On our wedding day, Owen held that three-quarter carat cluster settinga ring that cost him everything he had back thenand knelt, his voice thick with tears.
Sierra, you are the only light in my dark life.
I will be faithful to no one but you, ever.
That small, sentimental diamond was the vessel of our most intense love, and I wore it for years. Until the day I saw Blakely on his arm, flashing a five-carat fancy pink diamond that glittered blindingly.
After that, my ring stayed in the drawer.
I used the diamond to violently smash the glass on our largest wedding portrait. It shattered instantly.
Finally, I looked at the home, once saturated with eight years of our shared life, and felt a strange relief. I had been stuck in this sick, resentful marriage for five years.
Now, finally leaving felt like the truest form of freedom.
4
The next morning, I went downstairs.
The lights were dim. Owen was sitting on the sofa, smoking, his expression unreadable.
Where are the wedding pictures from the wall?
He spoke flatly, stopping me in the hall.
His phone was buzzing constantly with notifications. I could see Blakelys messages flashing across the screenshe was holding a dozen preserved, gold-dipped roses, her face radiant.
[Such a tough night, baby, but this gift makes me feel so much better again
]
He noticed me looking but didnt bother to hide the screen.
I put them away, I said, my voice empty, and walked past him to the kitchen for a glass of water.
He extinguished his cigarette and smirked, rising to his feet. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a delicate Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra pendant.
He put it around my neck from behind.
Still mad?
Here. A peace offering.
It looks good on you, Sierra.
He leaned in close, his voice a low, toxic whisper in my ear. Like a snake tasting the air.
Sierra, you are the only Mrs. Maxwell. No one can ever replace you.
Not even Blakely.
Once Im tired of her, we can try for a baby again. How does that sound?
I coldly pushed him away, then slowly smoothed down the lapel of his expensive shirt, brushing off the smear of another womans lipstick.
I managed a brittle, scornful smile.
Then, I turned and walked away.
5
Owen and I had a child once.
I didnt even know I was pregnant then.
I was still obsessed with his fidelity, spending a whole night crying outside the hotel where he was staying with Blakely.
In the morning, I watched him emerge, his arm around her, one hand resting possessively on her backside as he tucked her into the passenger seat.
They started getting intimate in the car immediately.
I gripped the steering wheel and screamed, a raw, wrenching sound, and slammed my car into theirs.
Thats when I lost the baby.
It was the fourth time I had found proof of his ongoing affair with her.
Owen looked slightly confused now, but he didnt detect my secret reference to the miscarriage. He merely nodded thoughtfully and left the house again.
He didn't come home for two days.
I watched the news reports, the endless stream of gossip about him and Blakely. I was so calm, I didnt send a single text or make a single call.
Instead, I spent those two days liquidating everything: the real estate, the jewelry, the stocks Id accumulated over the years.
The System had confirmed I could convert the wealth Id amassed in this world into currency in my home world.
In the first two years of our marriage, Owen had rapidly built his fortune. It was the peak of our love, and he bought every property, putting the deeds squarely in my name.
He used to say that I had pulled him out of the abyss and then suffered with him through the hard years, and he felt crippling guilt. Only giving me enough money could ease his conscience.
In the end, he failed to give me enough love, but he gave me enough moneymore than enough to live extravagantly for the rest of my life when I returned.
With five days left on the countdown, I drove out to the suburbs.
There was one last property deed I hadn't sold yet: the lakeside villa.
It was his anniversary gift to me after we got married. We spent all our holidays there when we were happy.
It was also where I got pregnant with the child we lost.
The villa held profound significance for us. I was going there now to retrieve the deed and sell it to a broker.
I drove into the gated community. I hadnt been back in two years, not since Owens cheating began.
But everything looked pristine. The small courtyard outside the villa was filled with new rose bushes.
Puzzled, I got out of the car and put my key in the lock.
Just then, someone opened the door from the inside.
Whats wrong, baby? Just fed you and youre hungry again?
It was Blakely.
6
She stood there in a long, red silk negligee, leaning lazily against the doorframe, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
But quickly, her moist, dark gaze raked over me, settling on a look of utter condescension and triumph.
I understood everything in an instant.
Owen had moved her in here.
This is my house.
Im giving you five minutes to get dressed and get out.
I pulled the door open, trying to step inside.
Blakely blocked the entrance, meeting my eyes without a trace of fear.
But the truth is, Mrs. Maxwell, Owen gave me this house.
Gave? When was the deed transferred? The owner of record would certainly know.
Youre borrowing it for a few days. Youre squatting. Dont confuse yourself with the mistress of the house.
Blakelys face cycled from white to red.
I didnt waste any more breath on her and called Owen immediately. He needed to clean up his own toxic mess.
On the other end of the line, Owen chuckled dismissively.
Sierra, its just a house. Whats the big deal if the girl stays there for a few days?
Dont go over there and start trouble, alright? Its a pain in the ass to calm her down when she cries. Also
I didn't hear what else Owen said because Blakely suddenly grabbed my wrist, escalating her taunt.
Ms. Reed, I hear you and Mr. Maxwell dated for three years and got the ring.
Well, Ive been with him for three years, too.
Do you think Ill be the next Mrs. Maxwell this year?
She then patted her stomach lightly.
Oh, and I might have one more card to play: the baby in here.
On the phone, I heard the faint clicking of cards as Owen played poker. He spoke casually, distracted.
A vintage Cartier diamond/sapphire piece went up for auction the other day. I bought it for you. Itll arrive a day or two before your birthday.
I told you, Blakely is just a distraction, a pretty little bird to keep me amused. Look, if youre really that upset, Ill tell her to move out.
He was still rambling, placating me with careless lies.
I let out a cold, shaky laugh.
Owen, did you hear that?
Your little bird has a baby bird!
Congratulations. Youre going to be a father. Youre finally getting what youve always wanted.
On the other end, Owens voice went instantly quiet. There was silence for a long moment.
7
Owen found me when I was leaving the memorial park.
Now, only three days remained until my departure.
Blakelys words had brought the memory of my child rushing back.
I had spent the last two days visiting my babys tiny plot, leaving behind my favorite candies.
I hadn't returned home, and I hadn't answered Owens calls. It was like I had simply vanished.
When Owen finally found me, he lunged forward, grabbing my arm and pulling me into his black SUV without a word.
Inside the car, he gripped the steering wheel, looking deeply into my eyes. His voice was husky.
Ill take care of Blakely. Ill handle everything.
Owen once told me, A child should only be born to the person you love most. Ill only have children with you, Sierra.
Now, he had conceived a child with Blakely, yet he was sitting here, playing the role of the devoted husband. I found it utterly ridiculous. I folded my arms and stared out the window.
Why should I care?
Its not my baby, after all.
His gaze sharpened suddenly, but he laugheda strange, humorless sound. He roughly grabbed my wrist, forcing me to turn and face him.
Sierra Reed, dont you pretend you dont care at all?
His eyes were bloodshot, fixated on me, as if afraid to miss the slightest change in my expression.
And where the hell have you been for the last two days? Why arent you answering your phone?
My face remained blank. I simply looked at him.
I told him, my voice almost a whisper,
Owen.
Im going home.
The air in the car thickened into a suffocating silence.
After a long pause, he sneered, as if Id told the funniest joke hed ever heard. His tone was arrogant.
Home?
Where are you going to go? You have no family, no parents here, Sierra.
Other than me, who do you have left in this world?!
8
I looked at him calmly, a sad self-awareness settling in my eyes.
So, this was the end of love: cruel mockery and verbal abuse.
I took a deep breath, realizing there was nothing left to say to him, and stepped out of the car.
Owen slammed his fist against the steering wheel and violently sped away.
We parted ways in bitter failure, again.
For the final three days, his behavior grew more egregious.
He sometimes brought Blakely home to spend the night, their movements and sounds filling the house.
I simply closed my bedroom door and didnt ask a single question.
The last day before my departure was my birthday.
Owen left early in the morning without so much as a glance in my direction.
I spent the entire day alone, burning every photograph of us together.
Then, I waited quietly for midnight.
That evening, I bought myself a small cake and stuck in the candles.
I turned off the lights, closed my eyes, clasped my hands, and made a wish.
I wished for a smooth return home, and I wished that Owen Maxwell and I would never cross paths again.
But before I could blow out the candles, the front door rattled open.
Owen strode in, his face dark with fury.
Clinging to his arm was Blakely, her face tear-streaked and pitiful.
Before I could process the shock, she slapped me across the cheek.
Mrs. Maxwell, I know you hate me.
But my baby is innocent. What gives you the right to hurt him?!
I touched my stinging cheek, a detached, cynical laugh rising in my throat. Honestly, I had no idea what she was talking about. I hadn't left the house all day.
But Blakelys audacity was a shield given to her by Owen.
Owen stood beside her, a cigar clamped between his fingers, and sneered.
Sierra, was that really necessary?
Because you couldnt have a child, you paid someone to run over hers?
His words were sharp as glass, slicing open the old, festering wound of my miscarriage.
But I didn't have time for this drama. The System was reminding me that only a few minutes remained before my departure.
I walked straight toward them, past Owen, and slapped Blakely.
That slap was a return for her audacity and a reward for her three years as his mistress. If I didnt hit her back today, I never would.
Blakely was stunned. When she recovered, she collapsed into Owens arms, sobbing hysterically.
He rubbed his temples, then slowly pulled the tablecloth off the dining table.
CRASH! The sharp, piercing sound of shattering glass and ceramic echoed through the vast house.
The cake and the dishes, like my five years of marriage, were smashed across the floor.
He walked to me, pressed me against the window frame, and clamped his hand tightly around my chin.
His high, proud brow was furrowed, and his eyes were utterly cold and unfeeling.
I told you I would handle this.
Why did you have to provoke her?
Sierra Reed, when did your tactics become so cheap, so vicious?
Or is this just another pathetic performance to try and force me to come home?
Behind me, the window was wide open.
The night air from the nineteenth floor rushed in around me.
At that moment, the midnight clock chimed. The Systems voice was prompt.
Home Channel is now open.
Host will return to the original world upon successfully completing the death requirement in the current world.
I smiled softly, pushing his hand away.
My voice was gentle. Yes, Owen. I am that vicious.
Owen frowned, confused.
I pointed at Blakely and smiled at him.
So, Im stepping aside.
You and your Blakelygo have a wonderful life together.
Then, as Owen Maxwell watched, I turned, arched my back, and fell backward out of the nineteenth-floor window.
First, search for and download the MotoNovel app from Google. Then, open the app and use the code "315487" to read the entire book.
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