In the past, I would have apologized to him out of habit, a natural sense of submission. But things are different now.“What does it have to do with you?” I snapped back at him.Furious, Hugh threw the cake to the ground. Cream and fruit splattered across my shoes, but I barely noticed. I just stood there, staring at him in disbelief. Hugh, how could you do this?“Hugh, what’s wrong with you?” I tried to keep my anger in check, but my voice trembled despite myself.“You have the nerve to ask me that?” he growled through clenched teeth. “Shelia, how many times do you expect me to stand by and watch? Huh?”His hot breath, laced with the smell of alcohol, hit my face as he leaned closer. The rage in his eyes was like sharp knives cutting into my heart. I could feel the sting deep inside.“What did I do?” I lifted my chin stubbornly, refusing to back down. “Zachary is just a friend. He was hurt, and I helped him bandage his wound. What’s the problem?”“Friend?” He laughed bitterly,
*The charity gala began with the clinking of glasses and the buzz of polite conversation.Susanne was dressed in an elegant light blue gown, adorned with expensive jewelry worth millions, giving off an air of sophistication and grace. But I instantly recognized her necklace—it was an old piece, the same one she wore when she got married. Carol, on the other hand, was dressed in a perfectly tailored red gown, showing off half of her large chest, exuding a bold, radiant beauty. She clung to Hugh’s arm like a proud peacock, flaunting her charms for everyone to see. She whispered sweet nothings to every man who passed by, always on the hunt for new admirers.I looked at Hugh, unsure how to feel. There was a time when I used to attend events like this on his arm, foolishly believing that was what love looked like. Now, we were strangers.Carol had become the center of attention lately, thanks to all the media coverage.Zachary couldn’t come because his back injury was too severe, an
Hugh’s actions made me want to laugh. Did he really think throwing money around could make up for all the hurt he caused me? What did he take me for? A cheap decoration he could put on display when it suited him and toss aside when he didn’t need me? I looked at him coldly, as if he were nothing but a pathetic clown—ridiculous and pitiful.Carol’s face turned green with jealousy when she saw Hugh "defending" me. She clung to his arm, her voice dripping with bitterness. "Hugh, why are you bidding on that worthless thing?"Before she could finish, Hugh cut her off, his voice calm but firm: "It’s just an auction, Carol. Stop talking."Carol was furious but swallowed her words, glaring at me like she wanted to tear me apart. I smirked inwardly but pretended not to notice, casually watching the next auction item on stage.Just then, Ada gracefully walked onto the platform, dressed in an elegant white gown and with flawless makeup. She took the microphone from one of the staff and began
Shelia’s POVHugh was coming back!After Grandma told me the news yesterday, I rushed to my room and tried on every dress I owned, spending the entire evening in front of the mirror.It had been a year since he left to be a pilot with the peacekeeping forces. Throughout that year, I'd woken up countless times from nightmares of him in danger, and just as often daydreamed about jumping into his arms when we reunited. But in reality, I hadn't received a single message from him all year.No news is good news, I kept telling myself.Grandma said his flight was due to land at 9:25 AM. I woke up at 5 to do my makeup and drove to the airport.It was already 11 AM. I checked my watch, wondering if Grandma had gotten the time wrong. Then I saw his tall figure in military uniform emerge from the crowd. At 6'3", he was hard to miss. I started running towards him in my high heels.Wait, who was that woman next to him? I slowed down, noticing his hand on her waist as he leaned in close, whispering
Hugh's POV No one knew I'd be bringing Esther back."Esther, is that really you? You look so different! That outfit is so cool," Carol squealed. I've never understood how some women can produce sounds like nails on a chalkboard.She quickly started directing the staff to prepare Esther's old room and instructed the kitchen to prepare dinner, declaring we'd have a welcome party tonight. Despite my strained relationship with my stepsister, her enthusiasm for Esther was somewhat reassuring.After leaving Esther with Carol, I took a deep breath and knocked on Shelia's door. I'd rehearsed a long explanation in my head, but when I opened my mouth, all I could manage was, "Please sign these divorce papers."I knew proposing divorce to Shelia today was cruel, but some decisions need to be made quickly. Delaying would only hurt her more deeply and harm Esther too.Her reaction was as expected. I picked up the bank card and divorce papers she'd thrown on the floor and left silently. She'd come
Shelia's POV “I never liked that guy. You were so fixated on him, as if under a spell," Travis Warner said."Come on, Travis. I'm already miserable. Can't you comfort me first?""You'll be fine. My sister won't be heartbroken over the unworthy. At worst, I'll teach him a lesson for you.""Don't cause trouble. I don't want Dad to find out about this."I reclined in the car seat, exhausted from a sleepless night. Travis, sensing my mood, fell silent.The sunlight outside the window made the road shimmer with heat. As I closed my eyes, memories of my first encounter with Hugh flooded back.It was a scorching summer five years ago. I was still a medical student then. During the summer break, my friends and I went camping in the mountains. That night, despite my initial objections, we decided to have a bonfire. We thought it would be safe near the stream with no wind.Our carelessness led to a forest fire.I ran aimlessly, choking on thick smoke. Before losing consciousness, I remember bei
Hugh’s POVThe day after Shelia left, I called her twice, but she hung up both times. Did she think avoiding me would prevent the divorce?In the past, she always found ways to make me compromise - forcing me to marry her, quit drinking, eat carrot cake... But this time, I wouldn't give in. I asked Grandma about places Shelia might go and sent my assistant to search, but we couldn't find her. The owner of the car that took her away remained a mystery.On Saturday morning at 9 AM, an unexpected visitor arrived."I'm Shelia's lawyer. She asked me to deliver this divorce agreement. Please review it, and if there are no issues, you can sign," he said, politely handing over his business card and the document."Cliff Law Firm" - one of the best in the country, with connections to our company. How could Shelia afford such an expensive lawyer when she left empty-handed three days ago? It must be that man helping her.I skimmed the agreement. She wasn't asking for any property but added one cla
Shelia’s POV Even among a group of muscular men, Hugh's face stood out. As Travis pinned the gold medal on Hugh's left chest, I overheard some women nearby."That pilot, Hugh, is so handsome.""I heard he's also an heir to the Thornton Group.""Really? He doesn't look like those playboys who only drink and chase women.""I wish he was a playboy. Who wouldn't want a fling with a man like that?"Hearing this, I felt a secret pride. I even wanted to tell everyone, "This man is my husband!"But seeing Esther standing beside him, I turned away sadly, taking a few sips of champagne.Travis, noticing my displeasure, tried to introduce me to some new people."Travis, is this your new girlfriend?" asked a young, brown-haired man of average build. He then smiled at me, "Have we met before?""This is Mason Quinn, the mayor's son," Travis introduced, then whispered to me, "He's not worth it. Let's meet someone else."I smiled politely at Mason, thinking, "We've more than met. A few days ago, I s