Until the 99th Sunset

1.

Arthur had lost his memory, every trace of me wiped clean. His mind was stuck in the year he loved his ex-wife most. No matter how much everyone around him tried to reason with him, he insisted I was the homewrecker whod sabotaged their relationship.

The doctors said there was a chance his memory could return, and I clung to that hope with everything I had. For three years, we divorced and remarried. It became the talk of the entire social circle, a running joke. People even placed bets. Bets on when Id finally give up, bets on when Arthur would remember.

Then came the eighth time our divorce hit the headlines. Reporters, cameras rolling, swarmed into my law office. They shoved microphones in my face, their words dripping with malice. Ms. Jones, as a divorce attorney, how do you feel about being divorced eight times yourself?

My firms sign was defaced, my personal commendation plaques trampled underfoot. Before I could even respond, my boss fired me, citing damage to the firms reputation. Eleanor Jones, take some advice: have some self-respect, stop hounding Mr. Hayes.

I gripped my trembling hands, a sudden weariness washing over me. They were right. This time, I really had to let go.

It was pouring rain when I left the office. Carrying a box of my belongings from my desk, I drifted home. The front door was ajar, and I could hear Arthur and Laura Millers laughter drifting from inside. I glanced around. The place was a disaster C clothes strewn everywhere, the carpet stained The living room TV was still replaying the days circus at my office.

Seeing me, the smile on Arthurs face faded a bit. Still have the nerve to come back. His sarcastic words cut through the air, sharp and clear.

Laura giggled and kissed Arthurs cheek. Alright, you two were together for seven years, try to keep some decorum. She then looked up, raising an eyebrow at me, her smile suggestive. Arthur really missed me, so I came over. You dont mind, do you?

Rainwater dripped from my hair, hitting the floor one by one. A wave of exhaustion washed over me. Without another look at the two on the sofa, I turned and walked toward the bedroom. But as I pushed open the door, I froze.

Oh, I forgot to tell you. Arthurs voice was laced with a cruel amusement. This house is also registered under my mothers name. It has nothing to do with you. I threw all your stuff out. Probably in the trash can by the road.

Arthur leaned against the wall, a smirk playing on his lips, as if seeing me in such a state brought him immense joy. A sharp pain stabbed at my chest. My soaked shirt made my body shiver with cold.

You bought todays trending topic, didnt you? My voice was barely a whisper. Were already divorced. Why did you have to make me lose my job?

In response to my question, Arthur lifted his hand and swatted the box out of my grasp. Documents and files scattered across the floor. Seven years of my hard work, my lifes blood, lay exposed.

Three years of chasing me isnt enough for you? Even if I really did have something with you before, Ive lost my memory. His voice was cold, each word a blow. Ive forgotten you, which means you mean nothing to me!

His words, yet again, tore open old wounds. Three years ago, his sudden amnesia had erased everything about me. Just the day before, hed been excitedly planning the nursery with me, imagining if it would be a boy or a girl. But then he forgot, and only remembered Laura.

You just forgot! You have no idea what Laura did back then Frustration and fury threatened to drive me mad. Arthurs face was livid. He grabbed my arm, his grip like iron, and shoved me out the door.

The heavy rain instantly drenched me again. I dont care what Laura did. I only remember that I love her, and thats enough.

I opened my mouth, but all my questions and bitterness suddenly felt meaningless. Arthur irritably avoided my gaze, then roughly pulled off the wedding ring from his finger. The edge of the diamond ring scratched his skin. He tossed it at my feet, and as he slammed the door shut, he spat out, Dont be so pathetic, begging me to remarry.

I stood there for a long time, then finally knelt down and picked up the wedding ring. Arthur had designed it himself before we got married. Hed worn it for seven years, never once taking it off.

By the roadside trash can, there were our smashed wedding photos, the scarf hed knitted for me with his own hands, and all the photo albums filled with our memories.

My phone suddenly rang. I looked at the caller ID and answered. Arthurs mothers excited voice came through. Eleanor, I just got Arthurs medical report! The doctor says his memory is starting to loosen up!

"If he continues treatment, theres an eighty percent chance he can recover!

My knuckles were white as I clutched the phone. The word good died on my tongue. In the end, I simply whispered, Mom, no more treatment. If hes forgotten, then let him forget.

2.

The next day, I went to the Hayes family estate. I laid the eight divorce certificates on the table in front of Arthurs mother. Mom, Arthur and I are divorced again.

She looked at me with pity, sighing deeply. Arthur is truly sorry for what hes done to you. You two were so happy once. Her eyes pleaded. But this time, its really different. Ive contacted several doctors, and they all say theres a high chance of recovery. She pushed some business cards toward me. Im getting old, and all I want is for you two to have a good life together. She paused, a hopeful glint in her eyes. Hes even remembered quite a few things from the past recently

Her persuasion was cut short by my interjection. But hes never remembered anything about me. I lowered my head, avoiding her sympathetic gaze. The atmosphere grew heavy, until she spoke again. If you leave, and Arthur remembers you and cant find you, hell go mad.

For the past three years, every time we divorced, Arthurs mother would say those exact words. And every time, because of those words, I would soften, again and again. Remarrying, time after time.

Before I could reply, there was a commotion at the entrance. Arthur walked in, his brows instantly furrowing when he saw me. Eleanor Jones, are you here to complain to my mother again? he sneered. I threw you out, and youre still clinging on like a ghost. Cant you really live without me?!

Arthurs mothers chest heaved with anger. She shot to her feet, her hand flying up to deliver a resounding slap across Arthurs face. Havent you caused enough trouble?! How much more do you intend to push Eleanor? Without her, you wouldnt even be alive!

I sat on the sofa, my hands clenched into fists, memories of seven years ago flooding back. His marriage to Laura had been a nightmare. Shed reveled in his complete devotion, yet secretly had another man. When he discovered her infidelity, he became the laughingstock of their social circle overnight. When he went to confront her, Laura had absconded with ten million dollars, vanishing without a trace.

After that, Arthur sank into a deep depression. He was about to jump from a bridge when I saved him.

So what? She just wanted money, didnt she? Arthur remained stubborn, his gaze fixed on his mother. I dont care what Laura did back then. I just love her, and I cant love anyone else. His voice was defiant. I wont regret it.

In that instant, all the strength seemed to drain from Arthurs mother. She turned, her eyes full of apology, to look at me.

Arthur rubbed his temples, then finally, as if in defeat, he lifted his head. Eleanor Jones, you want to remarry? Fine, well just divorce again anyway. Youre the one wholl look like a fool, not me. His voice was cold, taunting. So desperate for me? Lets go to the registry office now. He chuckled humorlessly. This is your eighth divorce, isnt it?

I forced a smile, unable to reconcile the man before me with the Arthur in my memories. I came here to clarify things with Mom. I looked him dead in the eye. Youre free, Arthur Hayes.

Arthur froze, his hands at his sides trembling imperceptibly. He stared at me in surprise, then quickly regained his composure. Playing hard to get, huh? Too bad it wont work on me. He scoffed. Alright, you said it. Just dont come crawling back to me again. Arthurs words were almost bitten out. Ignoring his mothers protests, he tossed whatever he was holding onto the floor and stormed out.

Arthurs mothers eyes went dark with fury. She screamed after his retreating back, Youll regret this, Arthur Hayes!

3.

Whether Arthur regretted it or not, I no longer cared. After finally giving up on his treatment, the constant tension Id lived with for so long began to ease.

After leaving the Hayes estate, I was about to go retrieve my passport and ID from Arthur. For years, all my documents had been with him. Just as I rounded a street corner, a sharp pain shot through my forehead. Hot blood gushed from the wound. I felt dizzy, disoriented, before I even understood what was happening. A group of people violently dragged me, hitting and kicking.

Thats her! Thats the homewrecker!

Mr. Hayes and Laura are the real couple, she just had to come chasing after him, trying to be a mistress.

Pfft, shes a disgrace to the legal profession, always handling other peoples divorces, yet she cant sort out her own life.

The commotion immediately attracted the attention of passersby. They didnt intervene, but instead pulled out their phones, snapping photos of me. Losing too much blood, I couldnt fight back. When the crowd saw I was completely defenseless, they dispersed, spitting on me as they left. Well beat you every time we see you!

Through my blurring vision, I saw Arthur in the distance. He and Laura were holding hands, laughing sweetly, looking genuinely happy. Our eyes met, and Arthurs expression stiffened. He instinctively started running toward me. You, what happened to you?

Blood flowed unstoppably, staining my clothes. Arthurs mind went blank. He seemed to panic, his hands trembling as he pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance. But Laura stopped him. Dont bother. Shes probably just faking it, trying to get your sympathy, isnt she? Her voice was dismissive. It just looks scary, shell be fine. Laura tugged at his arm. Didnt you say you were going to take me to pick out my birthday present?

Laura pulled him away. Arthur hesitated for a moment, then turned off his phone. He didnt look back at me.

I leaned against the wall, gasping for breath, the blood still flowing. In the end, I called for an ambulance myself. But before it could arrive, I lost consciousness completely.

When I woke up again, it was a week later. The doctor said if Id been any later, I might have died from blood loss. Arthurs mother, hearing what happened, specifically came to the hospital to see me. She covered all the medical expenses.

Eleanor, it was just those peoples extreme behavior. Ive already handled it. She looked at me, a flicker of something in her eyes. Arthur he just forgot you have a blood clotting disorder. Arthurs mother tried to persuade me again, but seeing my pale face, the words died in her throat.

I smiled faintly. Mrs. Hayes, Arthur and I are divorced, and I wont be staying in Sterling anymore. I took a deep breath. I wont be coming back.

Hearing the change in address, her eyes welled up. In the end, she just nodded. Eleanor, whatever you want to do, Ill help you.