All Chapters of One Step Ahead: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

10 Chapters

Chapter 1

On my birthday, Marshall Patton drove me to a remote camping site in the mountains. Tonight, there would be a once-in-fourteen-years red moon and a meteor shower that was said to grant wishes. A few ladybugs flew onto my face, and I shrieked, clutching his hand tightly. He instinctively flinched, but upon feeling the coldness of my hands, he pulled me into his arms. In our five years of marriage, Marshall would give me anything the moment I asked for it. A house, cars, luxury items—anything I wanted. People would say they had never seen a man love his wife so much. They spoke so confidently about him that a small part of me even started to hold out hope. So, at my celebration party, fueled by a bit too much alcohol, I boldly leaned against Marshall's shoulder. "This year, I want to spend my birthday with you. I don't want any parties. I just want you to be with me." He froze, looking stunned, and it wasn't until the mood in the room turned awkward that he

Chapter 2

When I went to my friend at the law firm to help me draft the divorce papers, her eyes went wide with disbelief, just like when she found out I was marrying Marshall. Back then, she asked, "Are you really sure about him? He's a total playboy, you know?" Now, her question was different. She asked, "He treats you so well. Are you really sure about this?" I thought it over carefully, then looked her in the eye and said, "It's just a divorce agreement. Better safe than sorry."Five years ago, Marshall had turned down a match with someone from a well-established family. He boldly declared he'd give up everything to marry me, shocking everyone around us. Because I was the one he wanted. Not Crystal, my dazzling sister, who had shone at international cello competitions, but me. The second daughter of the Paynes, the one no one liked—neither my parents nor the men around me.At first, people thought I was just a way for Marshall to get back at someone. After all, he'd introduced Cr

Chapter 3

Within a week after I consulted about my divorce, the news spread like wildfire on social media. Gossip quickly swirled about how Crystal was eager to rekindle things with Marshall as soon as she returned.Some people criticized me, calling me useless—just a country girl who couldn't keep her husband's heart.Others mocked Crystal, saying that after all these years, she had to come back and fight for Marshall, trying to take him from me.Crystal remained calm despite the rumors, but some people couldn't hold back. They were ready to jump in and defend her.The phone rang, and it was my brother, Clement Payne. I was preparing for a meeting to finalize the celebrity endorsement for the company's New Year product line.His angry voice came through the phone."You're useless. You can't even keep your own husband, and now you're blaming Crystal? You've been hiding your hideous self pretty well, but as soon as the opportunity arises, you just can't help making a fool of yourself."My

Chapter 4

The invitation from the Paynes sat on the table, addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Patton".The photo of Crystal on the invite was soft and serene. She was the precious gem of her parents.And me, the second daughter? I could only attend the Paynes' banquet through my husband's invitation.I couldn't help but sneer as I picked up my gown and headed into the room.The dress was adorned with delicate tassels and ribbons along the back. I held my breath as I struggled to tie it properly in front of the mirror.Midway through, Marshall knocked softly on the door. I didn't answer, and he, surprisingly, didn't press further.After I finally managed to get dressed, I rubbed my sore eyes and straightened my back. A few deep breaths later, I swung the door open.The living room was empty, save for the driver waiting by the door."Mrs. Patton, Mr. Patton had an urgent matter to attend to. He left a while ago."The turmoil inside me instantly felt like a joke.I bet my smile looked far from pl

Chapter 5

I had slept for what felt like an eternity—long enough to almost believe I'd never wake up again. When I opened my eyes, I didn't immediately notice anything, but then my gaze landed on the bedside table, and I saw the check lying there.I wasn't sure what I'd said during my fainting spell, but the woman in front of me seemed embarrassed. For the first time, I saw guilt flicker across her face.But that look didn't last long. Her phone kept vibrating, ringing incessantly, and it gave me a headache.Through the ringing, I could hear Crystal's voice on the other end, sweet and obnoxious. After she hung up, she came closer to my bed, as if to explain herself."Crystal has a concert next month, and she hurt her palm. I can't just hang her out to dry, Linette. Don't worry. Marshall is here to take care of you. I can trust him," she added, but she seemed to realize her own words were hollow. She quickly rushed out of the room.I turned away from her, carefully placing the check under

Chapter 6

The nurse rushed to help me with the blood seeping from my arm, while Marshall leaned in, patting my back like I was a child.He couldn't argue with me at the hospital, as I threw things and hit him in frustration. Patiently, he waited for the driver to come pick me up in the middle of the night and take me home.In the hospital lobby, I dragged my injured leg forward, brushing past Crystal, who was lying on a stretcher.Her wrist was bleeding heavily, blood streaming onto the floor.I pretended I hadn't noticed, but Marshall, who had been gently holding my hand, tightened his grip suddenly.I yanked my hand away from his and climbed into the car without a word.He followed, practically begging, "Linette, just stay home and wait for me, okay? I just need to make sure she's alright. I'll be back soon."I shoved him aside and rolled up the window, refusing to look back this time.The next day, the news about Marshall spending the whole night at the hospital with his first love wa

Chapter 7

A few ridiculous scenes involving the three of us provided plenty of entertainment for everyone. Marshall grew increasingly guilty toward me, but I continued working late into the night, avoiding him whenever possible. We barely saw each other in private.Marshall, like I used to be, started leaving work early, always waiting at home whenever he had a chance. He soon realized that when I got busy, I could go for weeks without even seeing him.One night, after a late event, it was already nearly 2:00 AM when I finally came home. Marshall's face was cold as he helped me inside, and then, as if deflating, he pulled me into his arms. "Do you really have to stay out this late every night? Are you actually working, or are you just avoiding me?"Dizziness hit me, and I almost vomited. "Look, if I don't work hard now and save some money, what will I do when your little mistress takes over and has me completely cut off?" I didn't bother hiding the alcohol on my breath and laughed,

Chapter 8

After hearing what the investor said at the dinner table, Marshall began avoiding Crystal even more over the next few days. I made sure to inform security, and by that afternoon, she was clicking her heels, making her way back to Marshall's office.She was as proud as ever, blaming all her recent misfortunes on me. In her mind, Marshall's eternal favoritism toward her could never allow him to ignore her completely. But this time, it seemed Marshall wasn't giving her any special treatment. I could faintly hear the sound of papers being thrown in the background.When she stepped out, our eyes met in the hallway. Her face was pale, but she still tried to put on a sweet, gracious front.As usual, she sized me up from head to toe, then, with the gentlest tone, spoke words designed to crush me. "Stop wearing that bright red lipstick. It doesn't suit you. Your face is too ordinary. This will just make you uglier."She pulled an old lipstick from her handbag and placed it in my pal

Chapter 9

I tossed a prenatal checkup report onto the desk, watching as unease spread across Marshall's face."This is what you mean by 'I'm the only one'?""This is your so-called 'past tense'?"The report clearly showed a pregnancy of 12 weeks, and the patient's name was Crystal Payne.Crystal had just wrapped up shooting her ad campaign. As of yesterday, the posters had been launched nationwide across stores, with no chance of recall. Her public image was now tied to the product, and any scandal involving her would undoubtedly impact sales.I wondered if Marshall had thought this through when he impulsively added Crystal to the project. Did he realize that every coquettish look she gave was calculated? That every tear she shed was a manipulation?The woman he had once cherished had been plotting to control him from the very moment they met. His so-called "first love" had turned into a blade, one that now carved deeply into his heart. Served him right. I pulled a divorce agreement

Chapter 10

When Marshall finally agreed to sign the divorce papers, Crystal nearly lost her mind with excitement. The day I got the divorce certificate, she no longer had that calm, gentle demeanor she once had. Her stomach hadn't even started showing, but she was already wearing loose maternity clothes, practically itching to claim her territory.My mother clung to her arm, reminding Marshall to take care of her precious daughter, never once daring to look me in the eye.Marshall really walked away with nothing. I took the money I was entitled to, handed in my resignation, and booked a one-way flight to Galdren for a vacation.He kept calling me relentlessly, but I sat in a café with my laptop, sweetly feeding him the most nauseating love words I could find online. I knew Crystal would hear it. I wanted her to feel the same heart-wrenching betrayal of being replaced, to understand that kind of gut-wrenching pain.Crystal, in her newfound role as the rightful queen, tried to catch me in

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