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Chapter 29
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A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 30
The situation unfolded suddenly.Melanie, in a frenzy, slammed her car toward the two of them.Ezra reacted quickly, shoving Shermaine aside, but he was caught under the wheels. In an instant, he was left fighting for breath, barely alive.Before Shermaine could fully process what happened, Melanie, in a wild, frantic state, jumped out of the car, clutching a fruit knife in her hand.But this time, she didn't get the chance to get close to Shermaine.As she neared and was about ten feet away, she was swiftly restrained by the bodyguards who had been lurking nearby.Melanie screamed and cursed, her voice filled with madness, as she struggled against the guards.Shermaine, still in shock, couldn't tear her eyes away from Ezra, whose blood pooled on the ground. Her expression was mixed—conflicted and unreadable.Ezra was still alive, but just barely. His breath was labored as he looked at her with a pleading gaze, his lips parting as if he wanted to say something.But Shermaine t
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 1
"Ms. Stout, please read the requirements carefully. Once you submit your personal profile and sign up, all of your information will be sealed. You must then enter the research institute within 15 working days. Until the research results are made public, you will not be allowed to leave." The response from the National Academy of Sciences Research Institute came quickly, accompanied by a form. Shermaine Stout stared at the screen, but the mouse in her hand suddenly felt as heavy as lead. The door to her room suddenly swung open, and Shermaine blinked, quickly closing the laptop without a trace of emotion. "Shermaine, can you stop working for a while? Spend some time with me today. We haven't really been together in a while." Ezra Yarbrough placed a glass of milk on the bedside table, then sat down next to her. Normally reserved and distant, today he was like a golden retriever, affectionate and clingy, wrapping himself around her. His handsome face was soft with tender
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 2
Half an hour later, Ezra returned to the room and saw Shermaine lying on the bed. Her breathing was steady, like she had fallen into a deep sleep. He let out a quiet sigh of relief.Before leaving, he made sure to tuck the blanket around her carefully and place a gentle kiss on her forehead. Then, without hesitation, he turned and left.The sound of the door opening and closing echoed in the silence of the night, jarring in the stillness.Once Ezra had gone, Shermaine slowly opened her eyes. The bright, clear gaze she was known for now seemed clouded with sorrow, and her face was ashen, devoid of life.With delicate movements, she propped herself up in bed. Her gaze drifted toward the door, her eyes distant and numb. She felt like a hollow shell.Before lying down, Shermaine had found a moment to sneak to the bathroom and make herself throw up. Even so, when she stood up, her limbs were still tingling, her strength drained.The effects of the drug were clearly powerful.A wave o
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 3
When Shermaine woke up, she sat by the window, staring blankly. It felt like every tear she had left in her life had been shed at that moment.She couldn't even begin to describe how she felt.The good news was, she had been pregnant.The bad news was, she had lost the baby.For five years, Shermaine and Ezra had longed for a child. But those hopes were dashed every single time. After every disappointment, Ezra comforted Shermaine, telling her that maybe it just wasn't in the stars and that she shouldn't worry too much about it. Shermaine could see, though, that Ezra truly wanted a child.She had tried every folk remedy and supplement. She had even, a lifelong skeptic, turned to praying.No one had expected it, but she had managed to get pregnant.Shermaine softly caressed her flat stomach, a wave of heartache washing over her.Maybe it was better this way. The child would never have to grow up in a broken home.Just then, the nurse entered with some medication. Seeing Shermai
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 4
The sudden movement almost made Ezra stumble to the floor.He wasn't angry, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Shermaine, are you really mad at me?"Shermaine fought to suppress the nauseous feeling rising in her stomach, the urge to vomit almost overwhelming.She shook her head, pretending to have a headache. "I'm fine. The doctor said I have the flu, and it's contagious. Until I'm better, I should stay in the hospital so I don't give it to you."Ezra's frown deepened immediately at her words."Which doctor said that? No way, Shermaine. You have to come home with me."He crouched down, taking her hand with reverence and affection, like she was the most precious thing in the world. "If you're not within my sight, I'll worry about you."So tender, so loving.He was trying once again to weave a web of sweetness, to deceive her without her noticing.Shermaine pushed his hand away, forcing a smile that felt weak. "Ezra, don't do this. I'll come home when I'm better."E
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 5
The words hit Ezra like a thunderclap, jolting him awake.His face drained of color. He quickly ended the call, turning around to find himself locking eyes with Shermaine, whose gaze was as cold as ice.She had lost more weight in the past few days due to illness, her pale face expressionless, like the winter sun—bright but without warmth."Shermaine." Ezra's heart raced. He stepped forward, fumbling for words. He opened his mouth but had no idea what to say.Shermaine smiled lightly, as though nothing had happened. "What's wrong, Ezra? I heard your voice and came to check on you. You look off. Did you argue with someone?"Ezra visibly relaxed, quickly slipping into his usual act. He furrowed his brow, feigning irritation. "A few companies I'm working with have been acting up. I got angry and gave them a piece of my mind. Anyway, we shouldn't be standing here. Let's head back. Look how cold your hands are," Ezra remarked, swiftly taking her hand and tucking it into the warmth of h
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 6
After their conversation, Shermaine quickly made an excuse to rest and left the room with swift steps.Ezra watched her retreating figure, his mind replaying the strange look she had given him moments ago. A wave of unease washed over him, but he quickly pushed the feeling aside.Ezra was certain that Shermaine loved him deeply, that even that cold, aloof woman would get jealous. A few years ago, if he had even exchanged a few words with one of his assistants, Shermaine would sulk for days, ignoring him completely.If she had discovered what was going on between him and Melanie, she wouldn't be so cold. He was confident that, with her love for him, she would have reacted very differently.His phone buzzed again. It was another message from Melanie, begging him to take her to his house.Ezra's handsome face darkened, and just as he was about to lash out in anger, a new message from Melanie appeared on the screen.The message contained a provocative picture—on a white bedspread
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 7
The next morning, Ezra woke up feeling an odd weakness throughout his body. However, as he lay there, everything seemed fine. Shermaine simply told him it was because he'd had too much to drink the night before.On the table beside him was a beautifully wrapped box. Ezra's curiosity piqued, but Shermaine, looking a little embarrassed, explained, "That's your anniversary gift. Don't open it yet. Wait until tonight when you get back."Ezra felt a warmth in his heart as he pulled her into his arms, a rare trace of guilt flashing in his eyes. He spoke softly, "Shermaine, after this week, I'll take you abroad for a month. We'll get away and clear our minds."Shermaine gave a brief nod before quickly pulling herself from his embrace. "Hurry up. We're going to be late."At the foot of the mountain, as they were getting out of the car, a high-pitched, sweet voice called out, "Ms. Stout, Mr. Yarbrough, what a coincidence! You two are here too!"They turned to see Melanie, surrounded by a g
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A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 30
The situation unfolded suddenly.Melanie, in a frenzy, slammed her car toward the two of them.Ezra reacted quickly, shoving Shermaine aside, but he was caught under the wheels. In an instant, he was left fighting for breath, barely alive.Before Shermaine could fully process what happened, Melanie, in a wild, frantic state, jumped out of the car, clutching a fruit knife in her hand.But this time, she didn't get the chance to get close to Shermaine.As she neared and was about ten feet away, she was swiftly restrained by the bodyguards who had been lurking nearby.Melanie screamed and cursed, her voice filled with madness, as she struggled against the guards.Shermaine, still in shock, couldn't tear her eyes away from Ezra, whose blood pooled on the ground. Her expression was mixed—conflicted and unreadable.Ezra was still alive, but just barely. His breath was labored as he looked at her with a pleading gaze, his lips parting as if he wanted to say something.But Shermaine t
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 29
Under Ezra's hopeful gaze, Shermaine gently lifted her hand and touched the crying boy's small face.Ezra's eyes visibly lit up with excitement. He thought, perhaps, Shermaine had already forgiven him.But what he didn't expect was what came next."In the past, I did want to have a child with you," Shermaine said as she slowly pulled her hand away, her tone light yet cold, carrying an air of indifference. "But then, I realized something. I'm actually glad we didn't have a child. If we had one, it would have only tied me to you longer."Shermaine smiled at him, but the smile was filled with distance and coldness."Looking back, I don't even hate you for drugging me and causing me to lose the child. In fact, maybe I should thank you.""No, that's not what happened," Ezra choked, the weight of regret and pain threatening to overwhelm him. "I never meant to cause you to miscarry. It's all my fault. If you really feel nothing for me anymore, why did you leave me all those things to re
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 28
Melanie nearly couldn't hold back her smile. She quickly moved forward while holding the child, and in a sweet, high-pitched voice, called out, "Ezra, why did you take so long to get here? If you were any later, your son and I would've been bullied."But to her surprise, Ezra didn't stop beside her. He walked straight past, heading for Shermaine.Ezra's handsome face was filled with concern, his usually indifferent dark eyes now showing rare humility. He lowered his voice as he cautiously spoke to Shermaine, "Shermaine, she didn't do anything to you, did she? I'm sorry I'm late. Don't be angry. Whatever it is, I'll explain it at home. I'll do anything you want."The atmosphere suddenly grew tense and awkward. The bystanders, who were too far away to hear Ezra's words, could still tell something unusual was happening from his submissive posture in front of Shermaine. A few people who were closer exchanged shocked glances, their faces a mix of panic and disbelief. They hadn't expect
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 27
Upon hearing Shermaine's words, Melanie's face twisted with a fleeting look of rage. The anger and bitterness in her eyes grew stronger.Shermaine realized she been right all along. Ezra wanted to have it both ways.The thought of him pretending to be so deeply in love with her earlier made Shermaine's stomach churn. It was hard to believe she had once been taken in by his act.Melanie, clueless about Shermaine's meaning, assumed she was simply reluctant to divorce and grew more smug."Yes, Ezra's exact words were that if you hadn't left without a word and then disappeared without a trace, he would have divorced you long ago. You ran off in such a hurry because you were avoiding Ezra bringing up divorce, huh? So, all those times you acted so aloof and composed were all just an act. The truth is, you can't let go of Ezra."Laughter rippled through the crowd of onlookers.The drama between the three of them had caused quite a stir back then. Ezra had publicly admitted to his affair
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 26
Melanie lost her composure immediately, screaming from across the room, "Are you all crazy or blind? I'm Mrs. Yarbrough! She's the one you should be taking away! Let go of me! You'll regret this when Ezra hears about it!" Normally, the security guards would be wary of her name-dropping Ezra. But things were different now. Ezra wasn't as important as Shermaine. The school staff and security were all well aware of Shermaine's status, though they kept it confidential for her safety and privacy.After Melanie and her child were dragged off as Melanie hurtled insults, the head of security approached Shermaine with a respectful greeting. "Professor Stout, Melanie is a recent hire, so she doesn't know the rules. Should I help you report this to the dean?" Shermaine lazily lifted her eyelids. "No need. I understand the dean's situation. Since Ezra pushed her into this role, there's no real harm in keeping her around as long as she doesn't cause much trouble. I won't be here for long a
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 25
The child in front of Shermaine seemed around three years old, his wide, curious eyes locked onto her. He seemed to think bumping into people was a fun game, as he awkwardly shuffled his short legs backward, ready to charge at her again. Shermaine rubbed the spot where he'd collided with her. She didn't want to make a fuss with a toddler, but there was a flicker of irritation rising in her chest. "Whose kid is this? Where are his parents? Children shouldn't be here." "That's my son." A familiar, sweet voice rang out, laced with a hint of challenge. "Other people's kids aren't allowed, but my special status allows me to bring him." Melanie clicked her heels over to them, her high heels tapping loudly on the floor. Compared to years ago, she was no longer the naive girl she once was. Now, she looked much more polished and mature, though her eyes had become sharper, with an edge of bitterness. Shermaine hadn't expected to run into Melanie here. Judging by the time, Melanie s
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 24
There was still nearly half a month before the results would be out. Shermaine had only told her parents about this. No one else knew, not even Nikki. After a restless night, she slept in the next morning, and when she woke up, she felt much more refreshed. She pulled open the curtains and immediately spotted Ezra still standing down below. He seemed to be truly freezing, his body trembling slightly, his eyes bloodshot with a look of deep despair. Shermaine took one glance at him before quickly closing the curtains. For a moment, she almost forgot about his bothersome presence.Having finished up her work at the research institute, Shermaine still had to go to her regular job. She had kept her professor position at Judgeton University, which meant she could return to work there anytime.On her way to work, she took the back gate of the apartment complex to avoid Ezra. She also made sure to stop by a real estate agency, asking them to help her find a better place to live.Ezr
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 23
As soon as Shermaine got into the car after leaving the event, she instinctively sensed that she was being followed.She glanced at the rearview mirror and saw the familiar license plate. Her face remained unchanged, and her voice was calm as she said, "Drive on."Ezra followed her to the apartment complex where she now lived. It was an unremarkable neighborhood, nothing special about it at all.Shermaine acted like she hadn't even noticed his presence. But just as she was about to enter the building, she suddenly stopped.Turning around, she looked at Ezra, her eyes colder than the night air around them."Mr. Yarbrough, if you keep following me, it's going to start looking bad, don't you think?"Shermaine allowed him to follow because she knew there was nothing he could really do to her. After all, she was under national protection now. She didn't have to be afraid of any trouble or threats.Only then did Ezra step forward. The cold, desolate night seemed to make his lone figur
A Weight She Refused to Carry Chapter 22
In his hand, he held a black blazer, clearly not a match for Shermaine's white mermaid gown. It looked more like a man's jacket. "It's a bit chilly inside. Do you want to put this on?" Eddie asked, his voice casual, but already he was draping the jacket over Shermaine's shoulders.As he lowered his gaze, his expression softened, and for a brief moment, there was a tenderness in his eyes.Ezra recognized that look instantly. What made it even harder for him to accept was that Shermaine, who had always been so careful about boundaries with others, didn't pull away. She allowed Eddie to drape the jacket over her without hesitation. She even lifted her soft, delicate face to smile slightly at him. "Thank you."The scene hit Ezra like a sharp blow, and his chest tightened in pain. He felt a sudden rush of anger and jealousy, his breath coming in heavier bursts. He stepped forward quickly, wanting to separate them, but just as he did, Eddie turned to face him.Ezra froze. His e
