Chapter 9: Retaliation

That was one of Emily’s victories in provoking me, and she was clearly very proud of it. The smile on her face deepened.

I looked at her and reminded her coldly,

"Did you forget what I did that day? If you can’t remember, I don’t mind letting you experience it again."

Emily’s face changed instantly. I could tell she hadn’t forgotten.

That night, I stormed into the private room in a rage. I dragged Emily off Jason. Before anyone could react, I slapped her—once, then again—then shoved her onto the sticky tabletop, red Solo cups tumbling to the floor.

The room went dead silent. Someone dropped a glass. I barely noticed, my vision blurred with anger.

"You think it’s funny? Do you know what happened to that homeless guy afterward?"

Furious, I smashed a beer bottle. Amidst the shattering glass, Emily screamed. I held the jagged end close to her cheek, letting her tremble in terror beneath my hand.

"Just like today, I took care of him."

"Melissa—"

"Melissa—"

No one in the room dared to breathe. In the end, it was Jason who stopped me. He rushed over, pulled me away, and threw me aside. Emily shrank behind him, pale and pitiful.

"Jay, save me."

There was anger brewing in Jason’s eyes. He raised his hand, about to hit me. But when he met my bloodshot, hateful gaze, he suddenly froze.

"Melissa..."

"Jason, you don’t dare hit me, do you?"

But I dared.

In his moment of hesitation, I slapped him across the face with all my strength. My hand shook uncontrollably afterward.

That was the beginning of the end for Jason and me. After that day, he asked for a divorce and moved out to live with Emily.