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

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

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

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

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,

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