LOGINShare
Chapter 4
Last Updated:
2024-12-09 15:51:44Related chapters
Ten Years Too Much Chapter 5
"You ripped my art?!" Ronan suddenly stormed into my bedroom, the trash bin from earlier in his hands.I had never seen him angry before—not like this.It was quite a bewildering sight, to be honest."This was the only portrait I ever did for you!" he snarled.So, he remembered that it was the only thing he had ever made for me.It had been a gift for the first birthday I spent with him.I had been reading in our garden at the time, and the sunlight—filtered through the foliage—along with the breeze, seemed to have inspired him.He had painted that moment and given it to me. "I hope you'll like it, Cordelia."At the time, I thought it was an expression of love. But now, I realized he had never truly liked me.Some people's hearts were made of stone. You couldn't change them no matter how sincerely you tried."So?" I replied noncommittally. "I hate it now and felt like ripping it.""If there's something on your mind, say it to my face!" he shouted. "No one likes that attitu
Last Updated : 2024-12-09Ten Years Too Much Chapter 6
I slept in until 9:00 a.m. this morning.In the past, I would wake up at 5:00 a.m. just to prepare breakfast for him.Ronan was a picky eater. He would only accept the freshest produce, so I planted vegetables in our garden.Back then, he jabbed at me, saying, "It's not like we can't afford vegetables. Why even bother?"If it weren't for him, I never would have turned our garden into a farm, spent hours caring for it, or taken on the role of housekeeper.Now that he was no longer in my life, I felt a strange sense of relief, as though I had been freed from a burdensome job.I could sleep as much as I wanted.To my surprise, Ronan didn't go to the academy today. Instead, he had made breakfast."I made this myself," he said. "Summer break is coming up soon. Let's travel."It was all an attempt to ease his guilt.I glanced at him and noticed his shirt—its collar covered his collarbone."Let me plant a hickey there," Christine had said yesterday while panting in his arms. "Then,
Last Updated : 2024-12-09Ten Years Too Much Chapter 7
This was the first time I had proposed a divorce.In the past, no matter how hurtful his passive-aggressiveness or absence had been, I endured it.But now, enough was enough. Why should I waste my time on a man when I still have so much of my life ahead of me?Ronan stared at me in disbelief, then asked slowly, "Is this an April Fool's joke?"I did not expect this reaction.I thought he would agree immediately—our marriage had been dull and unexciting. He had always resented how disruptive I was to his way of life.He loved art. I didn't know anything about art. My ignorance even seemed to trouble him.And now, he had found his vision of perfection."I'm serious," I said. "Let's start preparing the paperwork.""Is this necessary?!" He was furious. "I was just an hour late! Are you really holding that against me?!""No."I could see the veins bulging in his neck. "Who are you trying to fool? I know you're still upset. I just didn't want to point that out last night!"Can't y
Last Updated : 2024-12-09Ten Years Too Much Chapter 8
"Don't show that face to her. She came all the way just to give you these," Ronan grumbled as Christine quickly buttoned up."Is something troubling you, Mrs. Frost?" she asked innocently. "You can always tell me. I'm also a woman, so I'll probably understand you much better than a man with his lack of sensibility.""I'm not troubled. I'm actually feeling quite happy," I replied with a grin. "I'm going to divorce Mr. James! This ten-year-old cage is finally going to open! You can be his wife, too!"Christine's eyes reddened. "How could you say that?"Ronan pulled her behind him protectively, his voice booming. "That's enough, Cordelia! If you think you can threaten me with a divorce, think again. I'm not afraid to make it happen!"I replied calmly, "I know you are. You're a high-class gentleman with more talent than you know what to do with."There are plenty of women vying for your attention. That's why I should divorce you. It's the only way for you to find someone younger, pre
Last Updated : 2024-12-09Ten Years Too Much Chapter 9
I exhaled a breath of relief as I stepped outside the house.I hadn't socialized with anyone since marrying him. He had been the center of my universe. I cooked, cleaned, and took care of everything. I even gave him a massage every time he came home.I gave up my dreams and forced myself to become the perfect, demure stay-at-home wife. I thought that was the only way to deserve him.But now? Now I realized he was the one who didn't deserve me.I was on my way to see an old friend and revive a long-lost dream when I spotted Christine updating her Instagram.She had posted a picture of two hands tightly interlocked. The caption read: [My beloved.]I didn't need a second look to recognize Ronan's hand. The sculpted fingers were unmistakable. I even spotted a faint mark on his now-barren ring finger.I had made our wedding rings myself. On the day we married, I had told him, "From now on, I'm your wife. I'll love you till the very end."Marriage vows always sounded so beautiful, so
Last Updated : 2024-12-09Ten Years Too Much Chapter 10
Ronan felt a sharp stab in his heart as he watched Cordelia strut away without a single glance back. He wanted to chase after her, but Christine tugged on his hand."I'm not feeling well, Mr. James..." she murmured. "Can I take a breather here?"Hurriedly, he scooped her up and gently placed her on the couch. Concern etched on his face, he asked about her discomfort.Instead of answering, Christine pulled him close by the neck and kissed him.Ronan instinctively wanted to push her away, but a voice in the back of his mind whispered, "Don't worry... Just one won't hurt. She won't find out."He hesitated—and then drew her closer, deepening the kiss.He had forgotten that he'd thought the same thing back in the studio the last time. He failed to see that every affair began with the same delusional reassurance. It was always a slippery slope.When they finally pulled away, Christine curled up in his arms, purring softly, and snapped a picture of their interlocked fingers.Ronan, ho
Last Updated : 2024-12-09Ten Years Too Much Chapter 11
I arrived at the racetrack where my friend Jules Gallagher worked as a race driver coach.Jules had been my best friend since childhood. We used to promise each other we'd become the coolest race coaches ever after graduation, but I changed my mind after meeting Ronan.At the time, he seemed more important than my dream.Jules and I had a big fight about it. She called me naive and accused me of being too obsessed with love. "You'll regret this one day! Men can't be relied on—you'll see!"I had assumed she was standing in the way of my happiness, but now I understood she'd been trying to protect me.When I arrived, Jules was coaching a young teenager. It had been a decade since we'd last spoken—or even seen each other.Seeing her again after so long stunned me. The youthful energy I remembered was gone, replaced by a taller, fitter, and more confident presence.I wanted to approach her, but a sudden wave of doubt held me back.Then she looked up, her eyes widening in surprise.
Last Updated : 2024-12-09Ten Years Too Much Chapter 12
Jules' words consoled me.I thought she was right on all fronts, so I hired a lawyer and showed him the video I had taken at the studio.Yes, I was going to bankrupt Ronan.I had been in deep love with him for ten years. Never had I imagined we would come to this.After everything was settled, I received a call from Ronan."My work ended earlier than usual today. Let's have dinner at your favorite restaurant," he said.That restaurant had opened half a year ago. Couples—married or not—could pose for pictures against its beautiful rose-adorned backdrop.I had wanted to dine there for so long and kept reminding him.But he was always "too busy." Still, I had waited, hoping for the day he would finally make time.The restaurant closed down half a month ago. It felt like a sign, a foreboding reflection of our relationship."The place is gone, Ronan. Just like our marriage," I said coldly. "I'm suing you, too. See you in court."He was silent for a few seconds before retorting, "
Last Updated : 2024-12-09
Latest chapter
Ten Years Too Much Chapter 18
My career was skyrocketing. I had become an elite race coach.Jules was over the moon."I'm so glad you didn't throw your true self away!" she exclaimed.I smiled as I watched the sunrise. She was right. My new life had begun.…Half a year later, Ronan and I found ourselves in court for our case. He had not been looking for me at all before then.Rumor had it that he had broken up with Christine, but the woman kept clinging to him, harassing him.I was shocked by the state he was in. His chin was covered in messy stubble. His eyes were heavy with dark circles. He looked so aged, nothing like the elite professor he once was.I had ample evidence of his infidelity, so I won the case easily. We were divorced, and he lost much of his fortune.He did not attempt to deny anything. He even apologized to me right there in court.I breathed a sigh of relief. I was finally free from him. Just thinking back on these ten years made me feel tired. I had spent so long living behind a mask
Ten Years Too Much Chapter 17
Ronan lingered in the stadium long after Cordelia had left, still in disbelief. The woman he had been obsessing over was her all along.She was right there. She was his!But then again, the only time he had ever been intimate with her had been while drunk, in the darkness. He hadn't seen her body, hadn't realized it was her.He had mistaken that woman for someone else.He wanted to slap himself.Desperate to see her again, he sought her out.Cordelia, however, remained in her office, refusing to come out. She spoke through the door, her voice firm. "I didn't tell you this so you'd try to win me back. I just want you to know that there can only be one person in your heart."And you married me while secretly in love with someone else. That woman might have been me, but if it weren't… would you justify your affair with Christine forever, just because of that?"Ronan froze, unable to respond. Cordelia was right. Without a doubt, he was wrong. He shouldn't have tried to care for t
Ten Years Too Much Chapter 16
Ronan kept looking for me, but I kept avoiding him.Christine constantly updated her profile with increasingly intimate pictures of them—kissing, lying on the same bed, going on excursions…At first, I thought Ronan sincerely wanted me back.But now? I wasn't so sure.…Today, there was a competition. It drew quite a crowd.I decided to join, and my students cheered me on.I easily became the champion, stepping out of my race car in uniform.My teenage students rushed to surround me."You're so cool, Cord!""You're a badass!"The cheering was almost deafening.Since leaving Ronan, I'd gradually rediscovered myself. It felt amazing to reconnect with the person I was before I met him.And then I saw him.He was in the audience, wearing a crisp white shirt, his hair neatly combed. He held a bouquet, his eyes glowing with admiration."You were incredible out there, Cordelia," he said. "Your life is so much more exciting than my boring, studio-bound one."I chuckled dryly. "
Ten Years Too Much Chapter 15
I started to walk away, but Ronan followed me. "It's not like I've committed the gravest sin, right? Can't you just give me another chance?"Man, he really was full of it.I turned my attention to the race cars in front of me and had an idea. "You want another chance?"He nodded. "Yes.""Fine! Be my passenger. We'll drive a lap. If you can handle it without throwing up, I'll give you another chance.""B-But…" he stammered hesitantly.I knew why. Painting was all he ever did. There was no way he could stomach this.By the time Ronan was in the passenger seat, his face had turned a little pale.I laughed and slammed on the gas pedal, driving at my fastest.The car roared, its engine booming. He clenched his eyes shut, his lips ghastly pale.I felt exhilarated. For ten years, I'd forced myself to act like a feminine, traditional wife. But he'd never tried to be a part of my real life before.I wanted him to see this side of me.…Soon, we finished the lap.As soon as Ronan s
Ten Years Too Much Chapter 14
The James family was one of the wealthiest and most powerful in the city, so it wouldn't take much for any of its members to find me. That's why I wasn't at all surprised to see his grandmother looking for me.She walked slowly toward me, her eyes widening in shock. "Cordelia! You… race cars?""I do."Ronan's grandmother was a decent woman. She often gave me allowances and healthy foods, and she knew why I had no children—it was because of Ronan, plain and simple."Can we talk, Cordelia?" she asked.I took her to a nearby coffee shop."I know you're here to stop our divorce," I said. "But let me be clear: we can't stay together anymore."She took a sip of her coffee. "I heard about his… thing with Christine McKenna. But I need to tell you why he had an affair with her."When he was 20, he went to a rural town and encountered a young woman bathing by the river. From that moment on, he believed he had to find her. He thought it was his responsibility because he had found her in t
Ten Years Too Much Chapter 13
Ronan trembled, his palm slick with sweat.Cordelia knew. He hadn't expected her to, but she knew.But how? He had hidden it so well!"I can explain—"The call ended abruptly. Cordelia had hung up.His phone slipped from his hand with a dull thud.The black screen mirrored the despair and guilt etched across his face. He had a sinking feeling—this was it. Cordelia was truly done with him.He tried calling again, but his attempts were futile. He dialed her best friend, Jules, but as soon as the call connected, all he heard were insults."You fucking douchebag! Go fuck your perfect woman instead of bothering Cordelia!"The call ended just as abruptly.Ronan lowered his head in defeat.He had been an artist since childhood, and by now, he was a respected painter and professor. Everyone admired him. He had never known what it felt like to be unwanted.This was the first time he felt utterly helpless. What was he supposed to do?He couldn't let her leave him. He loved her!Yes
Ten Years Too Much Chapter 12
Jules' words consoled me.I thought she was right on all fronts, so I hired a lawyer and showed him the video I had taken at the studio.Yes, I was going to bankrupt Ronan.I had been in deep love with him for ten years. Never had I imagined we would come to this.After everything was settled, I received a call from Ronan."My work ended earlier than usual today. Let's have dinner at your favorite restaurant," he said.That restaurant had opened half a year ago. Couples—married or not—could pose for pictures against its beautiful rose-adorned backdrop.I had wanted to dine there for so long and kept reminding him.But he was always "too busy." Still, I had waited, hoping for the day he would finally make time.The restaurant closed down half a month ago. It felt like a sign, a foreboding reflection of our relationship."The place is gone, Ronan. Just like our marriage," I said coldly. "I'm suing you, too. See you in court."He was silent for a few seconds before retorting, "
Ten Years Too Much Chapter 11
I arrived at the racetrack where my friend Jules Gallagher worked as a race driver coach.Jules had been my best friend since childhood. We used to promise each other we'd become the coolest race coaches ever after graduation, but I changed my mind after meeting Ronan.At the time, he seemed more important than my dream.Jules and I had a big fight about it. She called me naive and accused me of being too obsessed with love. "You'll regret this one day! Men can't be relied on—you'll see!"I had assumed she was standing in the way of my happiness, but now I understood she'd been trying to protect me.When I arrived, Jules was coaching a young teenager. It had been a decade since we'd last spoken—or even seen each other.Seeing her again after so long stunned me. The youthful energy I remembered was gone, replaced by a taller, fitter, and more confident presence.I wanted to approach her, but a sudden wave of doubt held me back.Then she looked up, her eyes widening in surprise.
Ten Years Too Much Chapter 10
Ronan felt a sharp stab in his heart as he watched Cordelia strut away without a single glance back. He wanted to chase after her, but Christine tugged on his hand."I'm not feeling well, Mr. James..." she murmured. "Can I take a breather here?"Hurriedly, he scooped her up and gently placed her on the couch. Concern etched on his face, he asked about her discomfort.Instead of answering, Christine pulled him close by the neck and kissed him.Ronan instinctively wanted to push her away, but a voice in the back of his mind whispered, "Don't worry... Just one won't hurt. She won't find out."He hesitated—and then drew her closer, deepening the kiss.He had forgotten that he'd thought the same thing back in the studio the last time. He failed to see that every affair began with the same delusional reassurance. It was always a slippery slope.When they finally pulled away, Christine curled up in his arms, purring softly, and snapped a picture of their interlocked fingers.Ronan, ho
