Zachary was quiet for a long moment. When Sarah thought he wouldn't answer, he finally said softly, “A friend."Something in his tone made her change the subject quickly. "If you don't mind, could you tell me more about your sister's condition?""She has severe reactions to blood. Episodes of memory loss. Panic attacks around unfamiliar men - severe enough to cause physical symptoms. In certain situations, she completely breaks down."His professional demeanor returned as he spoke, creating distance.Sarah considered this carefully. Classic signs of severe trauma. Whatever happened must have left deep psychological scars.Before she could respond, Mrs. Maggie returned with clothes. "The shower's ready, dear. These should fit - they're Mia's."Sarah thanked her, but after showering and changing, she realized she'd caught more than just rain. Her face was flushed, her eyes glassy with fever.Zachary noticed immediately, touching her forehead with a frown. "You're burning up."Thr
James's face tightened with irritation. "I'm in a meet-""Another meeting, right?" Sarah cut him off, her voice turning cold. "Mr. Chancer, I can’t be waiting for you forever. If we're getting divorced, stop dragging it out while planning your wedding. Playing the devoted groom while keeping me hanging - it's getting pathetic."Sarah was done with Charlotte's little power plays, done with this pointless connection to James.She'd always been decisive - when she loved, she gave everything, and when it was over, she walked away clean.She wasn't deluded enough to think James's hesitation meant he cared. She simply ranked last in everything that mattered to him.James gripped his phone, jaw clenched. Thinking of the man who'd driven her home, anger flared. "Drop the act, Sarah. You're only in such a rush because you've found someone else."Sarah almost laughed at his absurdity."Think what you want," she said coolly. "It's none of your business anymore. Besides, no one moved on fas
"Man, you've got some nerve," Scarlett finished with disgust.Sarah, amused by her friend's outburst, couldn't help but smile.James frowned. "My mother threw you out? You were sick?"Playing concerned now?Sarah glanced at the courthouse doors, finding the whole thing ironically funny."Yes," she said flatly. "So, Mr. Chancer, if you care at all, handle the paperwork quickly. Let's avoid any more... misunderstandings."She pulled Scarlett away before James could respond.As soon as she left, James called Charlotte about yesterday's events."I wanted to let her stay," Charlotte said, sounding apologetic. "But your mother... well, you know how she feels about Sarah. She called the security before I could do anything else."James felt oddly uncomfortable. "Charlotte, that house was meant to be hers."Meanwhile, Sarah opened her phone to find a flood of messages from Steven,"We could do $3,000?""Even $2,500 works!!!""Hello???""You there?""Price is totally negotiable!!!"S
His reaction startled them. One friend hesitantly explained, "After Charlotte left, you were in a dark place. The board was losing faith. Then these major accounts suddenly appeared. My father told me Sarah secured them using her status as your wife. She never mentioned it, knowing you wouldn't approve."She had no business background, no degree. She'd used the family name he resented. She must have known he'd reject the deals if he knew, so she'd kept quiet.For three years.James sat in the shadows of the private lounge, remembering her face today. His chest tightened unexpectedly.That evening, he returned home to find Charlotte and his mother on the living room sofa, looking like the perfect family."James!" his mother brightened. "Join us. Charlotte and I were planning the wedding. She had this lovely idea about holding an outdoor garden wedding, but I thought we could do a grand church ceremony as well...""Mom, could Charlotte and I have a moment?""Of course, darling. Ta
"Mom, James just pities her," Charlotte soothed. "No career, no degree. He wanted a clean break, so he threw some property her way to leave quietly."Her mother's perfectly penciled eyebrows drew together. "I don't like it. Are you absolutely certain James isn't harboring feelings for her?"Charlotte laughed, all sugar and honey. "Mom, please. James never even slept with Sarah. He spent three years waiting for me.""Well, that's something. Let me handle this house situation."After hanging up, Mrs. Garnett speed-dialed Mrs. Chancer.The news left Mrs. Chancer reeling. Her son had given that woman prime real estate? Sarah hadn't even produced an heir - what claim did she have to Chancer property?Her calls to Sarah went straight to voicemail - blocked.Unable to reach Sarah and hesitant to confront James - fearing it might jeopardize the engagement - she let the situation simmer.Meanwhile, Sarah nestled into her new apartment, buried in psychology journals, refreshing her exper
Steven stepped in with a friendly smile to lighten the mood. “Miss Sanders, sorry for showing up unannounced,” the tall, refined man greeted Sarah with a polite nod, a flash of mischief glinting in his eyes.“Hello, Miss Sanders,” Mia added, her gaze bright as she looked at the graceful woman before her. “I’m Mia Reynolds.”Sarah took in the sight of the sweet, lively young girl and immediately understood.“Hello, please come in,” Sarah said, stepping aside to let them enter.“You guys chat! I’ll get started on dinner.” Steven, carrying several bags of groceries, headed straight for the kitchen as if he owned the place.Sarah moved to stop him, but Scarlett blocked her path.“Hey, Chef, we know you’re talented, but Sarah’s hosting today! No need for you to cook—we’re having hotpot. I already bought everything we need.”Scarlett was quite the foodie, and her compliment about Steven’s cooking was genuine—she still remembered the taste of his barbecue game bird from last time.H
"I hear you're working at Adams University now?" Zachary asked casually, skillfully deflecting the curious glances around the table.Mia perked up. "You're at Adams? Are you teaching?"Her enthusiasm was genuine—she'd clearly taken a liking to Sarah's gentle demeanor."I'm working at the counseling center," Sarah explained, warmed by the young girl's obvious delight."Really? So I could come visit you?" Mia leaned forward eagerly.Despite having just met, Mia felt drawn to Sarah's warmth, finding an unexpected comfort in her presence.Sarah studied Mia, reminded of a young deer she'd once encountered while hunting—trusting and bright-eyed."Of course," she smiled, already fond of this sweet girl."Then I'm in your debt for looking after my sister." Zachary's voice was smooth as he added another portion to Sarah's plate.Sarah caught his eye as she glanced at the food he'd served her. His satisfied expression made her feel like she'd walked right into his carefully laid plan.
Sarah looked at Scarlett, who was visibly worried for her. With a sigh, Sarah explained patiently, “Scarlett, since I was willing to divorce James, it shows that I’ve already moved on. I don’t plan on staying single forever, but right now, I just haven’t met anyone who makes my heart flutter.”Scarlett let out a relieved “Oh,” finally at ease.But then she remembered that even someone as charming and handsome as Zachary hadn’t managed to catch Sarah’s eye, and she couldn’t help but wonder what Sarah had ever seen in that jerk, James.…Since they had work the next day, Scarlett didn’t stay too late, helping Sarah clean up before heading home.The following morning, Sarah was up early. During her years of marriage to James, the Chancer family had expected her to stay home, playing the perfect trad wife and dutiful daughter-in-law. Now, returning to work filled her with excitement and anticipation.The university wasn’t far from her apartment, so she decided to walk. As she enjoyed
"I don't want to go to the hospital. Some painkillers will do," Sarah protested.Zachary's knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. "Has it always been this severe?""No, it usually doesn't hurt this much. I just skipped lunch and had too much coffee today," Sarah admitted sheepishly."You should have known better." His voice carried gentle reproach.She paused. "I did. I just got caught up in work and forgot to eat."The hospital's emergency entrance was quiet at this hour - no lines, just the on-call staff. Luckily, the gynecologist was available and quickly prescribed pain medication."Take these after meals, and don't skip any doses," the doctor instructed.Sarah nodded obediently. She wanted to explain that it wasn't usually this bad - skipping meals had just been a mistake.During the drive to her apartment, Zachary remained silent, his expression taut. Once they arrived, he grabbed the medication bag and strode toward the elevator.Sarah stared for a moment before hurry
The day before the competition, Sarah was busy at school all day.She worked with the events and planning teams to decorate the auditorium, even Professor Wells stayed late out of concern."Are the competition questions secure?" Professor Wells asked.Sarah nodded. "They're locked in the counseling room's safe, and I’m the only one with the key."Professor Wells looked relieved. "Good."After he left, Sarah double-checked all the auditorium equipment.By the time everything was ready, it was already 11:30 p.m. She let out a tired sigh. No matter how exhausting, as long as tomorrow's competition went smoothly, it would all be worth it.Back at the counseling room, she was gathering her things when her phone rang. "Mia?"Mia's concerned voice came through. "Sarah, why aren’t you home yet?""Don’t worry, I’m just wrapping up and heading back now. It’s late—go to sleep. You need to be ready for the competition tomorrow," Sarah said, her voice hoarse from fatigue.Mia yawned sleep
“Who said I wouldn’t participate in your university’s psychology competition?” A familiar voice rang out.Sarah’s eyes widened in shock as she turned around.The office door swung open, and Jane walked in with her assistant.Lucy Chancer stared in disbelief. “Jane… Jane Lawrence!”Jane ignored the stunned faces and walked up to the dean, shaking his hand. “Hello, I’m Jane Lawrence.”“Ma’am, what brings you here?” Sarah asked, still frozen in place.“We’ll discuss this later,” Jane replied, her attention shifting to Mrs. Chancer. “Madam, I’ve now confirmed that I will be attending the competition as a judge. This should no longer be considered an oversight, correct?”Mrs. Chancer’s face darkened. She exchanged a baffled look with Lucy. How had Jane Lawrence been convinced? Could it have been Mr. Reynolds pulling strings again?“Ms. Lawrence, you’re really agreeing to be a judge for the competition?” The dean asked, barely hiding his surprise.Jane nodded. “Yes, it’s confirmed.”
The documents on Jane’s bedside table, which she reviewed more thoroughly this time, included a detailed outline of the upcoming psychological knowledge competition, complete with proposed discussion topics. Her curiosity was piqued—perhaps engaging with this new generation of students could offer unexpected surprises.Meanwhile, back home, Sarah stared out her window, lost in thought. Jane’s words replayed in her mind. She had to admit, Jane was right. After years of studying abroad and participating in cutting-edge psychological research, Jane had become a trailblazer in the field. Her return to host forums in East Coast wasn’t just about solving academic problems; it also focused on analyzing and dissecting unique psychological cases, making her time exceptionally valuable.To persuade Jane to participate, Sarah would need to offer something even more valuable than Jane’s current priorities—something she didn’t have. With that realization, she knew she had to let it go.The next
Jane Lawrence gave a helpless smile. "Miss Sanders, I thought I made it very clear—I don’t have the time and won’t be attending the competition."Her assistant stepped in, blocking Sarah. "Miss, Professor Lawrence’s time in the country is limited. All her activities are pre-scheduled, and there’s no way to change her commitments to accommodate your competition.""Did you get a chance to review the files I gave you?" Sarah asked hopefully.Jane hadn’t expected her persistence. She nodded. "Yes, I’ve reviewed them. I must admit, the work from Adams University’s students is impressive. There are some very interesting ideas."Sarah’s eyes lit up, but Jane quickly tempered her expectations. "However, Miss Sanders, those files alone aren’t enough to justify altering my schedule. I returned to the country to participate in a symposium with East Coast’s psychology experts. Every issue we address there could provide crucial solutions for patients struggling with similar mental health challe
"Miss Sanders, this is a serious matter. Perhaps you should try to gather more information first. After all, there are still a few days before the competition," Dean said hesitantly. Although he was the dean of the universityl, the board of directors held the ultimate authority."I understand, Sir,” Sarah replied, her expression heavy with concern. The Chancer family had really pushed her into a corner this time.After leaving the principal’s office, she headed to the psychology consultation room, where Mia was waiting for her."Sarah, I’ve already heard everything. What should we do now?" Mia asked, worry written all over her face.Sarah gave a bitter smile. "The only thing I can do is try contacting Jane Lawrence again."She had included one of her own research papers with the materials she’d submitted to Jane, aligning with Jane’s latest research direction. But what if Jane hadn’t seen it?At 3 p.m., Lucy sat smugly in front of her computer, pleased with the heated discussions
“You—!” Lucy raised her hand in anger, ready to strike.Sarah took a step back, her tone calm but firm. “I’d think twice if I were you. Last time, I let you off the hook and didn’t call the police. If you dare lay a hand on me now, I’ll settle both old and new scores with you.”Lucy hesitated, her hand hovering mid-air, before finally lowering it. “The Chancer family does not welcome you!”Bang!The door slammed shut in Sarah’s face. She glanced at it briefly before turning to leave.Her next stop was to replace her lost phone. After getting a new SIM card and purchasing a new device, she immediately checked the school forum. The chaos sparked by that phone call was evident. The psychology students, practically fans of Jane Lawrence, were already planning to print banners to welcome her.Sarah tried calling Jane’s assistant again, only to receive the same response: “She doesn’t have time.”Even the academic papers she had submitted to Jane seemed to have vanished into thin air,
Sarah had a few suspects in mind. Lucy and Mrs. Chancer hated her the most, and while James seemed unlikely to stoop to such levels, she couldn’t rule him out completely. He had proven capable of shattering her past impressions of him.After the chaos at the party, Lucy had taken the day off and stayed home. Without hesitation, Sarah decided to head to the Chancer house.The maid who opened the door looked startled to see her, likely because Lucy and Mrs. Chancer had been bad-mouthing Sarah nonstop at home.“Miss Sanders, what brings you here?” the maid asked.“I’m here to see James,” Sarah replied directly.“Mr. Chancer isn’t home. Perhaps you can come back another day,” the maid suggested.A soft voice floated out from inside. “Who is it?”Charlotte appeared and froze for a moment when she saw Sarah. Unsure of how to react, she let out an awkward laugh. “Oh, it’s you. What brings you here?”“I don’t have time for small talk,” Sarah said bluntly. “I lost my phone at the party
"Alright," Sarah said, walking over immediately.Scarlett tossed her a carefully selected outfit and grumbled, “That scumbag! You’d better never see him again. The nerve to accuse you of cheating during your marriage!”“I feel like I’m finally seeing him for who he really is,” Sarah replied, her gaze hardening.Sure enough, Sarah's hunch was correct. The next day’s news didn’t mention anything about the birthday party. Instead, it only briefly touched on Lucy’s harassment incident, conveniently skipping over the rest.When Sarah arrived at school, she couldn’t find her phone anywhere.Just as she was about to go searching for it, Professor Wells appeared. “Sarah! I can’t believe you really managed to invite Jane Lawrence! Did you meet her already?”“What?” Sarah was baffled. “Professor, I saw her yesterday, but I didn’t get a definite answer!”Professor Wells frowned deeply. “How can that be? I called you this morning, and you told me yourself!”Impossible. Her phone had been m