Roxanne shook her head, a look of sorrow in her eyes."I'm fine. I just tripped over something," she murmured, casting a quick glance in my direction.It didn't take Christopher long to piece things together. He looked up at me, his gaze sharp with accusation. "Quit the dirty tricks, Willow."I pressed my hand against my aching ear and fixed him with a cold stare.After a beat, Christopher seemed to sense something was wrong. "What happened to your—""Deal with the matter I brought up today quickly, Christopher," I cut him off, my expression neutral. "You were right about one thing, though—Roxanne's tactics are dirty."Without hesitation, I turned on my heel and walked away.Back in my room, I ran cold water over my ear. Fortunately, it was just a small scrape. When I checked my phone, I noticed a string of WhatsApp messages from Professor Tate."Have you made a decision yet? Are you interested in joining this project?"It's a rare opportunity that could greatly benefit your a
I held Roxanne's gaze, suddenly struck by a sense of pity for her."Have you ever thought you might be the other woman here, Roxanne? And that Christopher doesn't love you nearly as much as you think he does?" I asked.She slapped me out of nowhere, her voice rose to a shrill pitch as she snarled, "You shameless woman! What nonsense are you spewing? Do you want me to throw you out right now?"My cheek stung sharply. I sneered and struck her in return, the force of it knocking her off balance and onto the floor.I loomed over her, my voice icy. "Why are you so afraid, Roxanne? Is it because you know I'm right? Well, congratulations—you figured it out. Christopher and I got married months ago. So, guess what that makes you now? A homewrecker."Getting those words out brought an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.Roxanne froze. Before I knew it, she lunged at me, her nails aiming straight at my face. "You lying snake! Christopher's been in love with me for ten years! There's no way
Although Professor Tate had given me a half-month break, he still hoped I'd get back to the lab sooner rather than later. So, I canceled my original train ticket and booked one for a few days earlier.The moment I arrived at the hotel, Zoe called. "Well, well, Willow. You got yourself a husband and now you don't even remember your old friend, huh? Why didn't you let me know you were back?"I laughed, trying to keep her from going on a rant. "I just got here. I was literally about to call you.""You free to hang out?""Of course."After university, Zoe skipped graduate school and dove straight into the family business, learning the ropes of management. We hadn't caught up in ages, but Zoe was still Zoe.The second she arrived, she was already tossing me those eyebrow wiggles, teasing, "So, how's it going with Uncle Christopher? I bet he has a solid build, huh? Don't hold out on me—how far have you two gone?"I smirked, deciding to mess with her a little. "All the way."Zoe's eye
Since I had some spare time, I figured I'd ask Professor Tate for some materials to get a head start on our project.He texted back quickly. "Don't come to me for that. Talk to your senior. He's home for Christmas, and it turns out you both share the same hometown."Professor Tate immediately sent over a WhatsApp contact. I added it, sent a quick "Hi," and waited. He was probably busy since there was no reply right away.Feeling bored, I started scrolling through my phone when a new text popped up."You really believe Chris married you out of love? Stop fooling yourself. He only did it to keep his family off his back. Leave him now unless you want me to teach you a lesson."It wasn't hard to guess who sent it. Honestly, I couldn't care less about why Christopher married me.I typed back quickly. "Well, here's hoping you two cheating scumbags stick together forever."Then, I took a screenshot and sent it to Christopher. "So this is your 'unattainable love,' huh? She's just so gen
For the past four years, Christopher had spent every Christmas with me. He'd always arrive right on time at my rented apartment, braving the wind and snow with a pumpkin pie he'd baked himself.Outside, the cold bit into everything, but that pumpkin pie? It was always warm.I used to tell Christopher he should spend Christmas with his family instead. But he'd look at me with those bright, unwavering eyes and say, "Why would you think you're any less important, Willow?"Those words stayed with me for a very long time.Truth be told, I never truly hated Christopher. The good memories we shared were real, and the things we went through together had once been my lifeline during a tough chapter of my life.But now, we'd reached a point where our paths diverged, and it was time to let go.I'd barely taken a few bites of my food when my phone buzzed with a message from Leo on WhatsApp. "Want to grab dinner?"I blinked, surprised. "Right now?""Yeah.""That's probably not a good idea.
As I stepped out of the courthouse, Christopher called after me. His voice trembled, almost desperate. "Willow! Let me be the one to win your heart this time. Please?"I didn't answer.Instead, I picked up my pace, leaving him behind. After lunch, I returned to my hotel to pack. Then, I checked the time and rushed to the station.Leo and I were on the same train. He wasn't one for many words but was thoughtful. He helped me lift my suitcase onto the overhead rack before returning to his seat.Before leaving, he said, "Just let me know if you need anything, Willow."The train ride stretched on for nearly eight hours. After skimming through some project notes, my eyes grew heavy. I rested my head on my arms and drifted off.When I woke up, the world outside the train window was drenched in darkness, the sky as black as ink.I checked my phone, which I'd left on silent, and saw a dozen missed calls from Christopher. His WhatsApp messages followed one after another."Zoe said you'r
Once I got to university, I spent all my time on experiments and reading papers, barely checking my phone. By the time I finally had a break, half a month had flown by.Just then, Zoe called me."How are you, Willow? I've missed you so much!" she exclaimed."I'm good," I replied with a smile.Without missing a beat, she began her endless chatter. "I have something to tell you, and you're definitely going to love this. Back then, Uncle Christopher returned from Jaskleton looking upset and shut himself off completely."He stopped going to the office, staying in his villa all day going through our old university pictures. One time, he drank so much that he ended up in the hospital with a stomach ulcer."Roxanne tried to lift his spirits, but it didn't work. He even pushed her down the stairs! And the worst part is, her whole 'heart condition' story was a complete lie! When Uncle Christopher found out, he severed all ties with the Linds and hasn't spoken to her since."I let out a q
I didn't leave Christopher with any hope. Keeping my tone neutral, I said, "Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, Mr. Lausten."With that, I ended the call and threw myself back into the demands of my research.A year later, our project was completed ahead of schedule. Our findings significantly improved the cure rate for a once-incurable disease.The news attracted swarms of reporters eager to interview Professor Tate. Not one for the spotlight, I slipped out as soon as possible.That evening, Professor Tate treated us to a celebratory dinner. He was in high spirits and drank a little more than usual, which made him loosen up."Willow, try this dish and tell me what you think," he said.I took a bite and gave a positive response. "It tastes great."Professor Tate shot a sharp look at Leo and let out a derisive snort. "You hear that? Now, this is good food. What on earth was that disaster you served us last time? Even a dog wouldn't touch it!"Later, a senior let it slip th
I didn't leave Christopher with any hope. Keeping my tone neutral, I said, "Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, Mr. Lausten."With that, I ended the call and threw myself back into the demands of my research.A year later, our project was completed ahead of schedule. Our findings significantly improved the cure rate for a once-incurable disease.The news attracted swarms of reporters eager to interview Professor Tate. Not one for the spotlight, I slipped out as soon as possible.That evening, Professor Tate treated us to a celebratory dinner. He was in high spirits and drank a little more than usual, which made him loosen up."Willow, try this dish and tell me what you think," he said.I took a bite and gave a positive response. "It tastes great."Professor Tate shot a sharp look at Leo and let out a derisive snort. "You hear that? Now, this is good food. What on earth was that disaster you served us last time? Even a dog wouldn't touch it!"Later, a senior let it slip th
Once I got to university, I spent all my time on experiments and reading papers, barely checking my phone. By the time I finally had a break, half a month had flown by.Just then, Zoe called me."How are you, Willow? I've missed you so much!" she exclaimed."I'm good," I replied with a smile.Without missing a beat, she began her endless chatter. "I have something to tell you, and you're definitely going to love this. Back then, Uncle Christopher returned from Jaskleton looking upset and shut himself off completely."He stopped going to the office, staying in his villa all day going through our old university pictures. One time, he drank so much that he ended up in the hospital with a stomach ulcer."Roxanne tried to lift his spirits, but it didn't work. He even pushed her down the stairs! And the worst part is, her whole 'heart condition' story was a complete lie! When Uncle Christopher found out, he severed all ties with the Linds and hasn't spoken to her since."I let out a q
As I stepped out of the courthouse, Christopher called after me. His voice trembled, almost desperate. "Willow! Let me be the one to win your heart this time. Please?"I didn't answer.Instead, I picked up my pace, leaving him behind. After lunch, I returned to my hotel to pack. Then, I checked the time and rushed to the station.Leo and I were on the same train. He wasn't one for many words but was thoughtful. He helped me lift my suitcase onto the overhead rack before returning to his seat.Before leaving, he said, "Just let me know if you need anything, Willow."The train ride stretched on for nearly eight hours. After skimming through some project notes, my eyes grew heavy. I rested my head on my arms and drifted off.When I woke up, the world outside the train window was drenched in darkness, the sky as black as ink.I checked my phone, which I'd left on silent, and saw a dozen missed calls from Christopher. His WhatsApp messages followed one after another."Zoe said you'r
For the past four years, Christopher had spent every Christmas with me. He'd always arrive right on time at my rented apartment, braving the wind and snow with a pumpkin pie he'd baked himself.Outside, the cold bit into everything, but that pumpkin pie? It was always warm.I used to tell Christopher he should spend Christmas with his family instead. But he'd look at me with those bright, unwavering eyes and say, "Why would you think you're any less important, Willow?"Those words stayed with me for a very long time.Truth be told, I never truly hated Christopher. The good memories we shared were real, and the things we went through together had once been my lifeline during a tough chapter of my life.But now, we'd reached a point where our paths diverged, and it was time to let go.I'd barely taken a few bites of my food when my phone buzzed with a message from Leo on WhatsApp. "Want to grab dinner?"I blinked, surprised. "Right now?""Yeah.""That's probably not a good idea.
Since I had some spare time, I figured I'd ask Professor Tate for some materials to get a head start on our project.He texted back quickly. "Don't come to me for that. Talk to your senior. He's home for Christmas, and it turns out you both share the same hometown."Professor Tate immediately sent over a WhatsApp contact. I added it, sent a quick "Hi," and waited. He was probably busy since there was no reply right away.Feeling bored, I started scrolling through my phone when a new text popped up."You really believe Chris married you out of love? Stop fooling yourself. He only did it to keep his family off his back. Leave him now unless you want me to teach you a lesson."It wasn't hard to guess who sent it. Honestly, I couldn't care less about why Christopher married me.I typed back quickly. "Well, here's hoping you two cheating scumbags stick together forever."Then, I took a screenshot and sent it to Christopher. "So this is your 'unattainable love,' huh? She's just so gen
Although Professor Tate had given me a half-month break, he still hoped I'd get back to the lab sooner rather than later. So, I canceled my original train ticket and booked one for a few days earlier.The moment I arrived at the hotel, Zoe called. "Well, well, Willow. You got yourself a husband and now you don't even remember your old friend, huh? Why didn't you let me know you were back?"I laughed, trying to keep her from going on a rant. "I just got here. I was literally about to call you.""You free to hang out?""Of course."After university, Zoe skipped graduate school and dove straight into the family business, learning the ropes of management. We hadn't caught up in ages, but Zoe was still Zoe.The second she arrived, she was already tossing me those eyebrow wiggles, teasing, "So, how's it going with Uncle Christopher? I bet he has a solid build, huh? Don't hold out on me—how far have you two gone?"I smirked, deciding to mess with her a little. "All the way."Zoe's eye
I held Roxanne's gaze, suddenly struck by a sense of pity for her."Have you ever thought you might be the other woman here, Roxanne? And that Christopher doesn't love you nearly as much as you think he does?" I asked.She slapped me out of nowhere, her voice rose to a shrill pitch as she snarled, "You shameless woman! What nonsense are you spewing? Do you want me to throw you out right now?"My cheek stung sharply. I sneered and struck her in return, the force of it knocking her off balance and onto the floor.I loomed over her, my voice icy. "Why are you so afraid, Roxanne? Is it because you know I'm right? Well, congratulations—you figured it out. Christopher and I got married months ago. So, guess what that makes you now? A homewrecker."Getting those words out brought an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.Roxanne froze. Before I knew it, she lunged at me, her nails aiming straight at my face. "You lying snake! Christopher's been in love with me for ten years! There's no way
Roxanne shook her head, a look of sorrow in her eyes."I'm fine. I just tripped over something," she murmured, casting a quick glance in my direction.It didn't take Christopher long to piece things together. He looked up at me, his gaze sharp with accusation. "Quit the dirty tricks, Willow."I pressed my hand against my aching ear and fixed him with a cold stare.After a beat, Christopher seemed to sense something was wrong. "What happened to your—""Deal with the matter I brought up today quickly, Christopher," I cut him off, my expression neutral. "You were right about one thing, though—Roxanne's tactics are dirty."Without hesitation, I turned on my heel and walked away.Back in my room, I ran cold water over my ear. Fortunately, it was just a small scrape. When I checked my phone, I noticed a string of WhatsApp messages from Professor Tate."Have you made a decision yet? Are you interested in joining this project?"It's a rare opportunity that could greatly benefit your a
I forced a hollow smile, though bitterness prickled at the edges."Christopher, why did you marry me if you can't let Roxanne go?" I sighed before adding, "Let's just get a divorce."His brows drew together sharply, his expression darkening with disapproval."Stop being ridiculous," he said, irritation lacing his tone. "Just give me some time. I'll take care of this."I didn't respond.Silence stretched between us. I wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all. If Christopher were capable of handling it, he wouldn't still be caught between me and Roxanne.Fortunately, Roxanne's sudden arrival broke our standoff. She breezed into the room with a smile, casually looping her arm through Christopher's."What are you doing in here?" she teased. "Come help me in the kitchen—we have a guest to entertain."Her tone dripped with false sweetness, but the way she emphasized "guest" wasn't lost on me. She shot me a pointed look, warning me to know my place.At last, Christopher turned to R