At the dinner table, Linda, smelling strongly of alcohol, came close to me."Melvin just graduated, and I'm thinking of having him as my assistant," she said.I found this quite surprising. Over the years, there had been a revolving door of men in her life, the longest-lasting ones lasting no more than three months. Linda was naturally fickle, always chasing after something new.She usually dreaded getting too attached, but she seemed willing to keep Melvin close. It seemed she genuinely liked this young man.I kept my gaze low and calmly asked, "Do you need me to arrange anything for him?"Linda raised her eyelids to give me a teasing glance and remarked, "So generous? What if he’s trying to replace you as the Chancers' son-in-law?"I responded with a neutral expression, "As long as you wish, it's fine with me.""Lewis, don't be ridiculous. I'm not in the mood to coax you right now," Linda said in a lazy tone, her eyelids slightly drooping. It was as if she was convinced that I wa
Linda stormed out, probably to find Melvin. Not long after, she sent me a message:"Take some time to reflect and then come apologize to me."I stared at the shattered pieces of porcelain, lost in my thoughts, reminiscing about the past. When we graduated from high school, Linda cautiously moved closer to me, just to be closer in our group photos. We were separated by only a shoulder's width, yet I could feel the intense affection of a young girl back then, burning like fireworks. The summer breeze carried a hint of the lingering daytime heat. Being close to her, I could feel a warmth in my chest. Even now, I still remembered it.When I accepted her confession, the radiance and excitement in Linda's eyes were unforgettable. She said she would be the perfect girlfriend in the world and would treat me well for a lifetime. The sincere and fervent love of a young girl surrounded me, and I naturally believed it. I never doubted her sincerity, but sincerity can change in an instant.
Our wedding anniversary was approaching at the end of the month, and we had already decided to celebrate it with a dinner party. But this wasn't just any ordinary party. Prominent business figures would be in attendance and this would be a crucial opportunity for the Chancers Corporation.In the past couple of years, rapid advancements in technology had posed a significant challenge to leading companies. Among them, the Chancers Corporation had been slow to innovate and felt the impact the most. I had been working tirelessly with my team to create a new product, eagerly awaiting its official launch at the party. This was the best chance for the Chancers Corporation to secure investments and support.At this critical juncture, there was no room for surprises, whether internally at Chancers or from the investors. I repeatedly stressed to Linda that her presence was crucial. We needed to ensure not only the new product's commercial value but also send a message to potential partner
Late into the night, a heavy rainstorm poured down. When Linda arrived at the hotel, the party had already ended.I sat there amidst the mess, looking expressionless."Lewis," she said softly.I slowly raised my head, my eyes devoid of any emotion."Now, are you satisfied?"Things went wrong, and all the team's hard work went to waste…"Ms. Chancers, are you happy with this lesson?" I asked.Linda's face turned pale, and her voice trembled. "Lewis, I didn't know this party was so important. I just wanted you to admit your mistake, especially after what happened that day."Her voice grew quieter until it disappeared entirely. I stared at the wine glass by my feet. The remaining red wine reflected the colors of the dim overhead lights, making my head spin."Linda," I said.Gradually, my emotions calmed down, replaced by deep exhaustion."For nine years, you've been reckless for nine years but I’ve never thought of leaving you. “I always believed you were just a child at heart. “But
The argument that day ended on a sour note, with Linda refusing to agree to a divorce. I packed my things and moved out of the villa. When I returned to the company later, I sensed that something was amiss. People passing by were sneaking glances at me, hesitant to speak up.It wasn't until I reached the office door that I realized my belongings had been thrown out, scattered all over the floor.I wore a cold expression and asked, "What's going on here?"Melvin emerged from my office, pushing the door open casually. He glanced at the mess on the floor and chuckled, "Lewis, Ms. Chancers said you've been fired."I was stunned. "What's the reason?"Melvin leaned against the door frame and smirked, "Because you messed up the product launch, Lewis."His casual tone struck me like a thunderbolt. I instinctively replied, "That's not my fault."Melvin seemed to enjoy my reaction. He walked over and turned the nameplate on the desk, which now prominently displayed, "General Manager, Melvi
I turned to look at the others in the company. They had unpleasant expressions, but no one spoke up. Just then, Linda walked over.I stared at her with a blank expression and asked, "Linda, what's going on here?"Linda replied casually, "I'm doing this for your own good.""You made a big mistake, so it's best for you to stay at home and reflect."Melvin will take over your position." Her relaxed tone left me in disbelief. "He's just an intern! What makes him qualified to take my place?"Linda crossed her arms and sneered, "Lewis, don't underestimate others, and don't forget that your success today is largely because you're my husband."It suddenly struck me that Linda was trying to force me to comply. She wanted me to realize that without her, I was nothing.Linda looked me up and down and said, "Just admit your mistake, and everything can still be yours.""You're really concerned about your status, aren't you? I know it, or else you wouldn't have worked so hard," she added.I star
After leaving the company, I received calls from many of the core management team members I had nurtured. They were all calling to express their support for me and their anger at the situation. I turned off my phone and walked around without any specific destination in mind.As I walked, I suddenly heard people around me screaming in fear. Before I could react, I was hit by a car that had gone out of control. Pain quickly spread throughout my body, and I felt a warm sensation on my forehead and other areas. Then, everything went dark, and I lost consciousness....When I was being taken into the operating room, the doctor advised me to contact my family to come to the hospital. Despite the intense pain that had nearly numbed my body, I managed to call Linda.I spoke with a steady voice, although it trembled slightly. "Linda, I've been in a car accident, and I'm at the hospital now. The doctor says I need a family member here with me. Can you come?"Upon hearing this, Linda respon
I felt like I had slept for a long time, and it was a deep, exhausting slumber. When I woke up again, it was late at night. Linda was lying by my bedside, sleeping lightly.I made a slight movement, and she immediately opened her eyes."Lewis, is there pain anywhere?" After the last word left her lips, she tightly held my hand. The IV tube was still attached to the back of my hand, making it difficult for me to pull my hand away immediately.A cold, damp chill crept up from my stomach. "Linda, what are you doing here?"She quickly replied, "I'm your wife, I'm here to take care of you.""Sorry, I didn't know you really had a car accident," she apologized.I sneered, "You're dirty to me.""Why do you assume that I would want to reconcile with you?"Or acknowledge that you're my wife?"She widened her eyes, and all the words got stuck in her throat. After a while, her face turned pale."Lewis, don't talk to me like this. Things will get better. We will both get better," she said, her v
As I was about to leave the hospital, a hoarse voice came from behind me: "Are you satisfied now?"I turned around to see Linda holding a sheet of paper. She had lost a lot of weight, and her collarbones were sticking out."I used to think that my wealthy family background and my own qualities meant you should feel lucky to have me by your side, being spoiled by me," she began, her voice trembling. "But now I realize that without my parents' protection, I am nothing."She continued, her voice shaking even more: "Chancers Corporation is gone, my mother is ill, and even you have left me. I truly have nothing left."The autumn wind felt a bit gloomy, and I remained silent.There was nothing left for us to say at this point. I turned to leave, but Linda stopped me.Her body trembled slightly, and her eyes were red. "Lewis, can you stay? Can we forget everything and start over?"After a moment of silence, I spoke softly, "From the moment you deceived me and underestimated me, there has be
On the day when the Chancers Corporation changed hands, I had someone deliver the news to Linda's mother. When something worth celebrating happens, it's only right to share it with others. However, upon hearing the news, she was so shocked that she fell into a coma and has not woken up since.Aware of her condition, I came to the hospital and paid all her medical bills. Standing at the door of the hospital room, I looked at Linda's mother lying in bed, frail and lifeless. Suddenly, I remembered how she looked when she first approached me all those years ago—graceful, arrogant, and condescending."Lewis, being chosen by our dear Linda is your good fortune," she had said back then. "As a mother, I naturally respect her wishes and agree to you becoming our son-in-law."With that, she placed an agreement and some documents in front of me. "Don't rush to refuse. Take a look at these first," she urged. "I've heard that your mother was a highly respected educator during her lifetime. Yo
Linda looked at me, despair in her eyes for the first time."Lewis—" She tried to speak but couldn't find the words."Linda, don't struggle. You can't win against me," I said."Take advantage of the tiny bit of nostalgia I still have for you and sign the divorce papers now," I continued. "Don't push your luck while I'm still showing you some mercy. You can't afford it."Linda's face turned pale. "Lewis, do we have to do this?""What else?" I stood up, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Linda, do you really think that after everything we've been through, we can go back to how things were?""You do know this relationship began with your deceit," I added, looking down at her. "Not to mention what happened later – your emotional and physical infidelity. You've already tainted yourself to the point where I find you disgusting to look at."Really, don't push me any further, Linda."Linda closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, they were calm. "Fine."The process of my di
I avoided Linda's attempt to hold my hand and placed the divorce agreement and the share acquisition contract in front of her."Linda, just sign it," I said calmly.Her dark eyes flickered with a hint of bitterness. "Lewis, are you really that ruthless? I know I was wrong, and I won't contact those other men again."Seeing that I remained silent, Linda grew increasingly agitated. "I merely had an affair, does it really warrant you hating me and seeking revenge to this extent?”She yelled at me, her voice hoarse and terrifying, like a dying wounded beast.Did I hate Linda? Perhaps, there was a time when I did. I used to believe that by offering my sincere heart, I could get another one in return. But later, I realized that what I received in exchange was a sharp knife, one that had stabbed me deeply, causing me to bleed profusely.I raised my glasses slightly on my nose and said, "Linda, I've never been someone who repays kindness with vengeance. When you tried to destroy my business
After being discharged from the hospital, I returned home. Linda sprawled on the couch, her arm covering her eyes. She looked utterly defeated."Did you set everything up, Lewis?" she asked, her eyes showing a hint of desperation.I knew her life had been tough during my time in the hospital. While I was away, some of the team members I had nurtured decided to leave. As they departed, the Chancers Corporation started falling apart. The corporation seemed on the brink of collapse, and internal problems were tearing it apart.The first department to hit rock bottom was the finance department. Linda had hired some of her lover's relatives for key financial roles, despite my objections. She claimed they were highly skilled professionals and hoped I would train them. But the truth was, these folks were quick but often cut corners, making them a long-term risk.This actually worked in my favor. As expected, the finance department started having issues. Then, under Melvin's guidance
That evening, I stood in the darkness for a long time, until my hands turned icy and my feet went numb. It was then that I made a decision. I took the initiative to approach the school and gave up my opportunity to study abroad. The Chancers family held significant influence, and tweaking my plans for studying abroad was an effortless task for them.I preferred taking initiative rather than passively bearing the consequences.I personally dismantled my business, crushing my dreams of studying abroad.Linda aimed to break my spirit and keep me grounded forever.So, I made the choice to start from zero, with the intention of relying on her strength to rebuild.I wouldn't and couldn't afford to lose.Melvin chuckled softly on the other end of the line, "It's not over yet, is it, Lewis? You desire more than just this, don't you?"I nodded and sighed, "You know me too well, Melvin."Of course, it wasn't finished.It couldn't be over.My goal had always been clear: to make the Chancers Co
"Did you never love her, Lewis?" Melvin asked me, lowering his voice.Did I love her?The answer would always be a resounding yes.On the day when she ran through several streets under the scorching sun just to buy bread I want to eat…When she stood up for me without caring about her own image when others mocked me for being an orphan..When she confessed to me, stumbling over her words three times before finally getting it out...I truly and passionately loved her.But on the day I received the offer to study abroad, I overheard a conversation between her and her mother.In their dialogue, I was merely the prey that had ignited Linda’s conquering spirit.Her description was surprisingly detailed.She scrutinized every aspect, from my looks, personality, and accomplishments, to name a few.In the end, she concluded that I was like a dandelion.My resilience would always prevail, and regardless of how challenging the circumstances became, I would discover a path to endure.She simply w
Linda refused to discuss divorce under any circumstances. She started calling and texting me daily, just like back when we were deeply in love. She shared every little detail of her life, and on several occasions, she even called me late at night from different phone numbers.She claimed to have turned a new leaf, shedding tears during our conversations, expressing regret for her past decisions, and reminiscing about our shared history.After hanging up on her, Melvin contacted me. He sounded somewhat pleased, saying, "Lewis, she broke up with me, stating that she wants to focus on pursuing you. Now she's at the office, gazing at your photos every day, hopelessly in love with you."I chuckled softly in response, not saying much.It wasn't about love, it was about my capabilities. There were plenty of handsome men out there, but she was fixated on me. Why? Because I was intelligent, studious, and knew my own boundaries. She disliked my dominance and independence and abilities but
Sometimes, I can't help but wonder why people are so afraid to admit their shortcomings.I chuckled and shook my head, replying with a question of my own, "Are you willing to break up with Melvin?"Linda wiped her face and calmly responded, "My involvement with him was just a fleeting attraction, you know."After a brief pause, she added, "Melvin really reminds me of the old you, the one who used to rely on me for everything.""But, Lewis, I've never thought about leaving you."I ignored the first part of her statement, but I believed the latter.After all, no one could fulfill the role of the son-in-law in the Chancers family better than me.But what did it matter?I didn't marry her out of love."Don't dwell on it," I said with a blank expression, looking at her. "Let's just sign the papers and part ways amicably. That's the best conclusion for us."Linda's voice grew hoarse as she shouted at me, "Fourteen years, and you're willing to disregard our history like this? Lewis, don't for