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
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
At night, while I was trying out a new tea cocktail recipe, the doorbell rang. I slipped on my slippers and went to answer it. Linda Chancers, clearly drunk, bumped directly into me.Behind her, there was a young and lively guy who smiled at me. "Mr. Leedon, Ms. Chancers had a bit too much to drink, so I offered to bring her back," he said.He had a youthful energy and a friendly smile, without any hint of aggression. He had the kind of look that Linda always liked, like a cute puppy.I gently pushed Linda back into his arms and told him, "There are new pyjamas in the bottom drawer of the wardrobe. You can pick the style you like."After a pause, I added, "I'm a light sleeper, so please keep it down at night."Melvin Jacobs probably didn't expect me to be so understanding when dealing with the man his wife had an affair with. He stared at me with wide eyes and stuttered, "Mr. L-Leedon, I won't be staying..."He helped Linda onto the couch, being gentle and full of affection. Then, he
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