Chapter 299 I'll Help You Wipe Out His Entire Family
Jennifer sobbed in her car for what felt like an eternity, each gasp for breath a painful reminder of James' cruelty. Finally, the storm of tears subsided, leaving her drained and empty. With a facial wipe, she valiantly resisted the temptation to return, to entreat him to retract his words. Instead, she turned the key in the ignition and drove home.
Confusion warred with hurt and anger. Why was he doing this? Hadn't she been there for him, tending to his every need, offering him unwavering support? She had done nothing wrong!
The injustice of it all was suffocating, a weight pressing down on her chest. He had pledged to confront all challenges alongside her; however, just days subsequent to this vow, he was now meting out such malevolent resistance. Why?
The drive home was a blur, her mind reeling, narrowly avoiding collisions as her emotions veered between numbness and agonizing despair. By the time she pulled into the driveway, she was emotionally spent, craving the solace of her bed.
"Jennifer? You're back early. Shouldn't you be with James?" Kaitlyn asked, her brow furrowed in concern as Jennifer walked through the door.
Jennifer mumbled a noncommittal response, her steps heavy as she dragged herself towards her room. She nearly collided with Dennis, who was exiting his own room. He took one look at her swollen eyes and instantly knew. "Jen, you've been crying! Who's been bullying you? Tell me, and I'll get even!"
Kaitlyn, alerted by Dennis' words, hurried over, her face etched with worry. "Jennifer, darling, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing," Jennifer choked out, forcing a watery smile. "Just tired. I need to lie down."
Kaitlyn and Dennis exchanged a knowing look. Kaitlyn took Jennifer's hand, her voice gentle. "Did you two have a fight?"
The dam broke. Jennifer's carefully constructed composure crumbled, and fresh tears welled up in her eyes.
Their suspicions confirmed, a flicker of relief passing between Kaitlyn and Dennis. This was good. This was progress.
Jennifer wanted to deny it, to protect James, but the memory of his harsh words, the sting of his rejection, was too raw. "I don't understand what's gotten into him," she whispered, her voice thick with unshed tears. "He was so cold, so angry. He even threw away the food I brought him."
She recounted the events at the hospital, her voice trembling with hurt and disbelief. As she spoke, an oppressive hush descended upon the room. Kaitlyn and Dennis listened, their faces carefully neutral, hiding their true emotions. They knew this was no ordinary fight. This was James fulfilling his end of the bargain.
Despite their relief that James seemed to be following through with the plan, a pang of guilt resonated within them. They had, after all, grown fond of him over the past five years. He had become a part of their family.
Dennis let out a heavy sigh, his own heart heavy with a mixture of relief and regret. Kaitlyn, too, felt a twinge of sympathy for the man who had been their daughter's husband for so long.
Fortunately, Jennifer was too consumed by her own pain to notice their subdued reactions. Had she been more aware, she might have sensed their underlying tension, the way their eyes met for a fleeting moment, a silent conversation passing between them.
Seizing the opportunity, Dennis retrieved the divorce papers, carefully concealing the content and leaving only the signature lines visible. "Jen, darling, why don't you just sign these? It's just a formality, some legal documents James needs for the insurance."
Lost in her despair, Jennifer didn't question their request. She didn't even glance at the papers before signing her name and pressing her thumbprint on the dotted line.
With the deed done, a wave of relief washed over Kaitlyn and Dennis. They ushered Jennifer towards her room, eager to have her out of sight before their true emotions betrayed them.
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Edwin rushed to James' room, his face creased with concern. "Mr. Smith, why the sudden decision to discharge yourself?"
James offered a tired smile. "I'm feeling much better, Doctor. My injuries are healing well, and I can move around without any problems. No need to stay cooped up here any longer. I can recuperate at home."
Edwin nodded, knowing that James, with his medical expertise, was probably a better judge of his own condition than most doctors. "If you're set on leaving, why didn't you have Jennifer come to help with the discharge procedures?"
A shadow crossed James' face. "We're getting a divorce, Doctor."
"What?" Edwin exclaimed, stunned. "What happened? I thought you two were happy. Was it something specific? Look, Mr. Smith, I'm a married man myself. I know these things can be tough. Couples argue, it's normal. Don't throw away a good marriage over a simple misunderstanding. It's a rare and precious thing to find someone special."
James remained silent for a moment and then said, "It's for the best, Doctor. We've already made our decision. And as you said, if it's meant to be, we'll find our way back to each other."
Seeing the resolute look in James' eyes, Edwin knew further persuasion was futile. Some matters are best left for couples to resolve on their own.
He assisted James in the discharge procedures, but his heart weighted heavily with remorse. Over lunch, he offered James his spare room, urging him to stay for a while, but James politely declined. As they parted ways, James made a final request. "Doctor, if Jennifer comes looking for me, please don't tell her where I am."
Edwin nodded, respecting his wishes.
James had no intention of leaving Lindwood City, not yet. He checked into a nearby motel, his face hidden behind a mask, sunglasses, and a hat. It wasn't vanity that made him conceal his scarred visage; he simply didn't want to frighten anyone, especially children.
He had unfinished business to attend to. The Perry family had a debt to pay.
They were the reason he was in this predicament, the reason his life had taken such a drastic turn. If they hadn't sent someone to spy on him, to take those damning photos, he and Jennifer wouldn't have had that fateful argument. They would have been at the cinema, enjoying a movie, not caught in a raging inferno.
James had always lived by a simple code: repay kindness with kindness and repay malice with justice. The Perry family had wronged him, and he would have his retribution.
"You're thinking about revenge," Arianwen's voice, devoid of emotion, cut through his thoughts as he entered a deserted alleyway.
"Yes," he replied, his voice devoid of inflection.
"Tell me who they are, and I will eliminate them," she offered, her tone as cold and sharp as a winter wind.
James shook his head. "This is my burden to bear. I'll take care of it myself."
Meanwhile, Harmony arrived at the hospital, her heart pounding with a mixture of hope and dread. But when she reached James' room, she found it empty. The nurse informed her that he had been discharged. Panic welled up inside her. She quickly dialed Jennifer's number, her mind racing with possibilities.
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