The Unseen Rival

Jack and I walked out of the police station, heading home.

I suddenly spoke, proposing divorce.

Jack was focused on driving. Hearing my words, his tone was displeased: Alex, theres a limit to being willful.

I looked at him and couldnt help but smile.

Ive thought it through, I said seriously.

Then I turned, my eyes fixed on Jack, firm: Lets set each other free.

The Maserati pulled over to the side of the road.

The atmosphere in the car dropped to freezing point.

Reason.

Jacks hands gripped the steering wheel, his voice cold as ice.

Give me a reason. What are you up to now?

I looked at Jack and suddenly felt it was all quite meaningless. I rolled down the window, pointed at the car that had been secretly following us in the rearview mirror, and said.

I bet, in under ten seconds.

Someone will be here to find you.

I confidently counted down.

Ten.

Nine.

Eight.

Before I could reach seven, a figure emerged from the Porsche behind us. His eyes red, the man rushed over.

Alex, I really didnt mean it today. Because I had to accompany Ms. Rivers to the gala, I suggested getting the clothes. I truly didnt know you were sleeping at home, and I certainly didnt know youd mistake me for a thief and call the police directly.

This is ultimately my fault. Please dont argue with Ms. Rivers over this. Im begging you.

If youre truly upset, the man grabbed my hand, bringing it towards his own face. Hit me.

Hit me to vent your anger.

My hand was yanked.

It was about to strike.

Jack snapped, Alex Carter, where are your manners?

Did a dog eat them?

I just found it so laughable.

See?

I didnt have to do anything. I just sat here, passively accepting, and it still became my fault.

I pulled my hand back and turned to face Jack.

Do you understand?

Jack, I felt I had found peace, as if the pain had numbed me to the point of being emotionless. I unbuckled my seatbelt and told him, Thats the reason.

Jack, lets get a divorce.

I opened the car door, and under the shocked yet secretly pleased gaze of Jacks assistant, I smiled at him.

Congratulations. After all these years of subtly inserting yourself into Jacks and my life, youre finally going to get your big break.

I dont want Jack anymore.

I turned to leave.

Jack quickly got out of the car and grabbed my wrist.

Alex Carter, what the hell are you thinking? Do you realize that because you called the police today, I missed out on a multi-million-dollar deal? Just because you said you were scared, I rushed to the police station like a maniac, only to arrive and see you calling the police on my assistant!

Ive put up with you for a long time.

Youre constantly picking on Kyle, and Kyle has always spoken highly of you, telling me not to get angry and for us to get along! Dont be so ungrateful!

My wrist was squeezed painfully, exacerbating the old scars. I frowned, looking at my wrist, which was largely reddened.

Let go!

I forcefully pulled Jacks hand away, rubbing my aching wrist, and raised my hand to slap Jacks face.

Jack!

Ive put up with you for a long time too!

Jack and I had been together for ten years.

Even when we argued, fought, or gave each other the silent treatment, I had never, until now, humiliated Jack in front of others. But I couldnt take it anymore. I looked at Jack, cutting straight to the point.

Im telling you, when I was in the hospital with a high fever, you were out with your assistant rescuing stray cats and dogs. When my car was rear-ended, you were with your assistant stargazing. Every time I had a problem, you chose your assistant! And today!

I looked at Jack.

You gave your assistant our front door code. When I had taken my medication and was about to go to sleep! When your assistant broke into our bedroom to get your things! After I called the police, you didnt care about me; you only asked me to sign a statement of understanding!

Jack!

We were completely over then!

In a fit of anger.

I still couldnt control my expression. My carefully maintained composure utterly collapsed. Seeing Jacks face shift, then guiltily begin to explain almost instinctively.

I didnt know you were back from your business trip! How could I turn down Mr. Zhangs meeting? And sending Kyle to get the things was out of necessity. Why do you have to make such a scene?!

Alex Carter!

Jack looked at me with immense disappointment: Since when did you become so prone to jealousy, holding onto rumors and refusing to let go?

Alex Carter, no woman would like you like this!

I honestly thought I wouldnt feel sad anymore.

At least, from signing the statement of understanding at the police station to getting into the car with Jack, I had maintained my dignity and proper manners. I had even reviewed all my memories with Jack in the car.

In the end.

I concluded.

I wanted a dignified end.

But tears still fell uncontrollably due to Jacks complaints and accusations, like pearls from a broken string, impossible to stop.

Yes, no one would like me like this.

I choked out.

So, I dont need your liking either.

I wiped away my tears and turned to leave, but Kyle grabbed my hand. He cried with me, even more fiercely than I did, apologizing repeatedly.

Alex.

I really didnt mean it. Please dont fight with Ms. Rivers. Ill resign tomorrow. Ill disappear immediately! Ms. Rivers really loves you. Please dont make her sad, okay?

I detested Kyles manipulative act the most. Watching Kyle sob inconsolably, my tears actually stopped. I forcefully pulled away from Kyle and cursed loudly.

Get lost!

Kyle fell to the ground, looking up at me in shock.

Alex Carter!

Jack tenderly helped Kyle up, and seeing Kyles palm scraped, he roared at me.

Are you insane?! Apologize to Kyle!

Dont dream about it.

Me apologize? I looked at Jack, then at Kyle whose eyes flashed with triumph, and threw down a sentence: If you dont agree to a divorce, well proceed with legal action.

I didnt look back, nor did I pay attention to Kyles continuous sobbing and Jacks soothing words, calling me crazy.

Instead, I hailed a taxi to my best friends place.

My best friend said nothing. After leading me into the house, he pulled out dozens of bottles of beer he had saved in the fridge and placed them on the table, asking only one question.

Enough?

I looked at my best friend, and my eyes suddenly turned red.

My best friend said nothing, only opened his arms to me, and asked again: A hug?

I completely broke down, sobbing hysterically in his arms. I cried until my voice was hoarse, until my body trembled, until I was throwing up violently in the bathroom. In the end, I told my best friend.

I want a divorce!

I want a divorce!

I want Jack to suffer a terrible end!

What is the end of love?

Its when two people, once so intimately close they were willing to face the world together, become adversaries holding knives, determined to fight to the death. Its when the hope of entering the tomb of marriage and making it bloom with love finally gives way to the realization that even roses eventually wither.

I stayed at my best friends place for half a month.

During that half month.

I saw Kyles social media updating daily, and every post carried Jacks shadow.

[The moon is in the sky, and I have a star.]

The photo showed Kyles selfie, and in the corner, the back of Jack, who was on the phone by the floor-to-ceiling window.

[Stars shine forever, and I will follow the light.]

The photo showed a star ring on Kyles hand, reflecting light, and a pair of slender, beautiful hands.

They were Jacks.

[The star opens my eyes!]

The photo was taken in a first-class cabin.

Kyle smiled brightly, next to a sleeping profile.

One thing after another.

My best friend jumped up and down, pointing at Kyles social media and cursing: Holy hell, that cheap bastard! Is Jack so blind he cant see that conniving snake? No one would believe it!

My best friend was furious.

I, on the other hand, appeared calm.

I seemed to be nearly through the withdrawal period, and for my best friends outburst, I calmly remarked.

Jack knows perfectly well.

Perfectly well?

My best friend sat next to me.

Dammit, then why does he claim its innocent?

In Jacks eyes, as long as they havent rolled into bed together, its innocent. After all, he always believes he hasnt cheated.

Jack always held onto that bottom line.

So, every time I threw a tantrum, he always had that line: Kyle and I are completely innocent. Your heart is whats dirty! To your dirty heart, everything looks dirty. And I would be silenced, unable to say a word.

Now, looking back at these past events.

I had found peace.

I reminded my best friend: The moving company will be here soon.

Jack and I were getting a divorce. I was moving out of the house, so naturally, I had to go to the house to retrieve my belongings.

After all.

My mothers remaining possessions, her belongings, were still there.

Good, youve thought it through.

My best friend followed me home, waiting at my doorstep.

I knew from Kyles social media that Jack was away on a business trip these days.

I thought Jack and I wouldnt meet, but to my surprise, as soon as I pushed open the door, I smelled food from the kitchen. As I got closer, I immediately saw Kyle sitting at the dining table with his legs crossed, eating shrimp.

Seeing me come in.

Kyles expression froze, like a child caught doing something wrong. He immediately stood up and called out to me.

Alex.

I looked at Kyle wearing my pajamas and slippers, then at Jack, whose smile froze as he brought out a dish, then stiffly asked me, Have you eaten?

I ignored Jacks attempt at pleasantries and walked into the room.

I suddenly froze.

All my neatly arranged action figures on the bedside table were scattered. Even the bed was a mess, the wardrobe had clearly been rummaged through, and even the innermost safe was open.

My heart clenched, and I instinctively checked the contents of the safe.

Alex

The safe was empty.

Kyle, standing at the doorway, spoke in a faint voice I could barely hear: Im sorry, Ms. Rivers and I lost our luggage on the way back. Ms. Rivers told me to come here to grab some clothes to wear first.

I accidentally opened the safe

My mind buzzed, and I turned around to see a piece of jade on Kyles hand. My breathing stopped.

I really didnt mean it.

Alex, please!

Kyle suddenly lunged at me, then dropped to his knees in front of me, grabbing my arm and crying.

Please forgive me!

I didnt know it was your mothers keepsake! I didnt know, I truly didnt!

Kyle grabbed my hand.

Hit me!

Please!

Hit me, make me feel better!

Kyle lunged to kowtow to me, his head about to hit the ground, when suddenly a hand appeared between us. Jack cradled his forehead, pulling the trembling Kyle up, and looked at me indifferently.

The dead cannot be revived. Objects are mere things. Theres no need to make it difficult for the living over inanimate objects. Kyle already knows he was wrong.

Jacks tone was so calm, as if this whole incident was a trivial matter.

And I, was the narrow-minded one.

He protected Kyle in a defensive stance, telling me.

Dont keep making things hard for Kyle. Hes already under enough emotional strain.

I didnt say a word, didnt even react.

As long as Kyle played the victim, it was all my fault.

From Kyle stealing my watch, to Kyle taking my painting, to Kyle smashing Jacks and my wedding photo, to Kyle brazenly breaking into my home, my space, and now, smashing the last thing my mother left me.

Jack was still telling me to forgive, telling me to be magnanimous.

My mind was constantly buzzing, my throat tightening, the tremor in my fingertips betraying my lack of composure. I turned to look at Kyle, who was still crying in Jacks arms. I walked directly up to Kyle, and right in front of Jack, I grabbed Kyles hair and slammed his head hard against the wall.

Then, amidst Kyles screaming, I kicked him in the knee, and this time he truly knelt before me.

Thats not how you kowtow.

I stomped on Kyles knee with one foot, and with the other hand, grabbed Kyles head and slammed it onto the ground.

A violent thud echoed.

I heard Kyle shriek, saw crimson blood seeping from his forehead, and told him: Thats how you kowtow and apologize!

My eyes were bloodshot, and I was about to yank Kyles head down again when Jack grabbed my wrist. He forcefully stopped my movement, looking at me darkly.

Let go!

Dream on!

Jack then raised his other hand to press down on mine, then forcefully pried my fingers open. My nails were almost broken, and I frowned in pain, yet he seemed completely oblivious, still prying my fingers open little by little, warning me.

Dont go too far, Alex Carter!

Too far?

I looked at Jack, my anger turning to a sarcastic laugh: Jack, the difference between humans and animals is that humans can think and discern right from wrong. Humans have moral restraints, not just instincts that lead to unconditional protection!

Since youve decided to protect Kyle!

Fine!

Ignoring my broken nails, seeing the blood oozing from my fingertips, and while Jack was stunned, enduring the agonizing pain, I fiercely slashed Kyles face.

Along with my nails completely breaking.

Kyles face, which had appeared in dozens of my social media posts every day, was also ruined.

Kyle completely broke down.

I burst out laughing.

This is what?!

This is karma!

Im telling you, Jack, I looked at Jacks disbelieving expression, then at Kyle, who was covering his face and squawking, and reminded him: Im never a saint! You should have known that!

Jack!

Youve truly pissed me off now!

Im telling you!

If I dont ruin you, Im not an Alex Carter!