This would be my promise to live on and embrace a new version of myself.Ivanna saw my determination and shook her head. She advised, “Have something to eat.”I nodded, and she strode out to prepare some food. Meanwhile, I gathered my emotions and fixed my appearance before leaving the room. After the meal, I told Ivanna, "I'm going to pick up my daughter.""Are you sure? Why don't you stay with me for a few days and calm down before doing that?"I knew she was worried, so I looked at her and said firmly, "I won't give up so easily. I'll take back everything that belongs to me!""Then how will you explain not leaving to see your parents?" Ivanna was still worried.I remained calm and replied, "I have an explanation."Immediately after, I changed into my own clothes, picked up my bag, and checked my phone. Before leaving, I instructed Ivanna, "Please get that coat cleaned for me.""I'll send you there." Ivanna grabbed her bag, put on her shoes, and took the coat. On the way, she

I intentionally recounted my trip to Matthew without withholding a single detail when I returned home. He beamed and praised me, “You’re a wise partner. You’re understanding and skilled at winning people’s hearts.”However, I corrected him, “It’s not about winning people’s hearts, but about being kind. Speaking of Johnson, he’s done a lot for our family. It’s natural for a man like you not to notice these things, but women appreciate small gestures.”Truthfully, I aimed my actions at dispelling Matthew’s suspicions. I knew this sly fox would become vigilant if I hid things from him, and he found out later. I had to break him down without revealing my intentions.With this excuse, I frequented the wives of those clients, laying the groundwork for my future. To Matthew, I employed womanly tricks, which were nothing more than having meals and doing our nails together.Although I bustled, he thought it would amount to nothing. Still, he praised me a few times, “This is good because eve

My heart skipped a beat when I saw Atlas’ cold eyes again. Our last encounter was still fresh in my mind.My hysterical behavior that night probably left a big impression on him. Now, I was pretending to be affectionate with Matthew, and it felt embarrassing.I instinctively removed my hand from Matthew’s arm and smiled at Atlas. Nick approached, and a crowd gathered around him to chat and get his attention. Matthew was among them.I observed them coldly. Indeed, they were "sincere." Atlas briefly glanced at Matthew. I was sure there was a hint of disdain in his gaze.Nick didn’t introduce Atlas, and Atlas didn’t seem interested in meeting anyone. Instead, he stood beside me and said, "Ms. Hartz. Oh, maybe I should address you as Mrs. Murphy?""'Ms. Hartz, please," I replied noncommittally. "I didn't expect to see you here today.""Hmm." He sipped his drink and asked, "Seems like you're in a good mood?""Life must go on. As you said, everything depends on the individual." My res

I remained still. His behavior puzzled me, but I knew they were crocodile tears.Eventually, he stood and said, "Wait here, I’ll make you something to eat." He would not show me his face.I didn’t care about his thoughts. Even if he showed such emotions occasionally, my image of him would not change. I couldn't lower myself to the level of a brute.I knew quick action was my best defense. I couldn't let him succeed.He returned to normal at breakfast, warm and smiling. "Honey, come here. Eat while it's hot! Start with the milk!"He was attentive to me during breakfast, and everything seemed to have returned to normal. His actions left me feeling a little dazed.“How about a day off today? You've lost a lot of weight recently. I could tell when I held you last night," he said tenderly.A vision of him and Melanie brought me back to reality. To calm my nausea, I patted my chest. "I don't know why I keep feeling nauseous. Maybe I'm too worried about my parents.""I know. Don't wor

There was an Italian restaurant across the street. Two people were stepping out, the woman leaning on the man's arm. They probably just finished lunch, but it seemed like it took a while.They stood in front of the restaurant. After some exchange of words, the woman kissed the man on the cheek. He ruffled her hair affectionately, giving her a tender smile.After hailing a cab for her, he turned and hurried across the square. They were none other than Matthew and Melanie.My cheeks became flushed. I forced an awkward smile, and I could sense the twitching at the corners of my mouth. I looked at Atlas and said, "I’m sorry you had to see that.”He stared at me before speaking. "Don’t be.”I struggled to manage the awkwardness I felt. I thought Matthew and Johnson had gone out to dine with clients, but I was wrong. Only Johnson was doing that.The atmosphere turned heavy. Fortunately, the server arrived with our drinks. Atlas pushed my drink toward me as he stared.After a while, he