Boyfriend planned for us to get our marriage certificate on 5/20, but I waited all day from morning till night, and he never showed up. I called him dozens of times, but it was always busy. Half an hour before City Hall closed, I received a photo from Phoebe. In the photo, Jasper was holding a pregnancy test report in one hand and caressing her not-yet-showing belly with the other, looking utterly doting. The message was quickly deleted. A moment later, Jasper called me. “Adeline, I was drugged a month ago and made a mistake, but the child is innocent. I have to take responsibility.” “Don’t worry, once she has the baby, I’ll send her abroad. It won’t affect your position as my wife.” “Don’t you like kids? Once the baby is born, I’ll have them under your name, and you’ll be their only mom.” When I didn’t say anything, he added, sounding a bit guilty. “Phoebe is very emotional because of her pregnancy and needs constant care. You should go home first. We’ll talk about the certificate after she has the baby.” I clenched my phone, smiling bitterly. Jasper, why would you think I, the heiress of New York’s Johnson family, would want a man with a tarnished reputation? I took a picture of the scene and sent it to his arch-enemy. “Does your offer still stand?” 0
Over the phone, I heard the doctor’s reprimand. “Phoebe’s family, she’s been pregnant for over a month. How could you sleep together? What kind of husband are you, so irresponsible?” Jasper instinctively wanted to explain but was distracted by Phoebe’s weak cough, so his explanation turned into an apology. “Sorry, I’ll be more careful.” My fingers tightened as I took a deep breath and made a decision. “Jasper, let’s break up.” Hearing my words, the initial guilt evaporated, replaced by a flood of blame. “Cora, what are you throwing a fit about? Is it fun to compete with a pregnant woman for attention?” “Every time there’s a problem, all you do is threaten to break up. Have you ever really left? After eight years, who else would want you? Do you dare to really break up?” His words were like sharp knives, stabbing straight into my heart. This was the 99th time Jasper stood me up for Phoebe. The previous 98 times, Phoebe always had some excuse to call him away whenever we were about to get our certificate. The first time, she had just returned to the country and needed a pick-up. The second time, she twisted her ankle in high heels, and Jasper rushed to take her to the hospital. … The 98th time, she got drunk and was being followed by some men. She called Jasper crying, and without hesitation, he left me on the roadside and sped off. That night, without my phone, I walked over ten kilometers to get home. When I opened the door, I saw him holding Phoebe on the sofa. Seeing me, Phoebe sat up first, tears in her eyes, pitifully explaining. “Adeline, I’m sorry, it’s not what you think. I was just so scared, and Jasper was just comforting me.” I looked at her, my words sharp with sarcasm. “What kind of comfort needs you to be in each other’s arms?” Jasper shielded her behind him, reprimanding me. “She was just frightened and couldn’t sleep. I just lent her my shoulder for security. She’s just my junior. Cora, can’t you be more generous? Stop being jealous over everything, you seem so bitter and mean.” That night, we had a huge fight. And just like now, I suggested breaking up. But back then, the breakup was mixed with sadness and grievance, wanting comfort, wanting someone to coax me. Every time it was the same. Every time he stood me up for Phoebe, I’d get angry and suggest breaking up. But within a couple of days, I’d fall for his sweet talk and forgive him. Never thinking that this would become a weapon he could use to stab at my heart. Not hearing my answer, Jasper realized he was too harsh and softened his tone. “Alright, Adeline, stop being petty. I didn’t mean it. I just made a mistake every man makes, and it was planned. You know, in our line of work, these things happen often. I really couldn’t prevent it.” “I promise you, I won’t let her threaten your place as my wife. Once the baby is born, we’ll get married, and I’ll give you a grand wedding. Don’t be sad, okay?” “Where are you now? Still at City Hall? I’ll come pick you up.” Before I could speak, he was drawn away by Phoebe’s groans of pain. “Phoebe’s not feeling well, she can’t be left alone. You take a cab back first, and later, I’ll buy you your favorite crawfish.” The call ended, and I stared at the black screen of my phone, laughing until tears came to my eyes. Jasper, why do you think I, the heiress of New York’s Johnson family, would want a man with a tarnished reputation? And why do you think someone like me, a beauty queen of Southwest F4, would be unwanted? Watching the crowd disperse at City Hall, I snapped a picture and sent it to his arch-enemy, Lachlan, the playboy of New York. Captioned: “Does what you said about the certificate still count?” 0
As Lachlan was entering the airport, he saw the message and didn’t think twice. He delayed his flight, jumped on a helicopter, and rushed over, afraid he’d miss his chance. When I saw him, he was breathless, drenched in sweat, clearly having run over from the helicopter. Without a word, he grabbed my hand and headed to the counter. Just in time, the staff stamped the papers, and I could hear his sigh of relief. Outside City Hall, he waved the red certificate in my face, looking smug. “Now you’re really mine, don’t even think of escaping.” Watching him, as happy as a child, I was in a daze. Was this the same Lachlan I knew? I remember once when Jasper left me in the pouring rain because of Phoebe, Lachlan drove by and splashed water all over me. Already soaked, I broke down in tears right in front of him. The usually rebellious Lachlan suddenly panicked. He took off his jacket, draped it over me, awkwardly pulled me into a hug, and half-jokingly said. “What’s the big deal about getting married? Does it have to be Jasper? What about me?” “He loves competing with me over business, so I’ll steal his wife. Marry me? I promise no cheating, no divorce, just till death do us part.” Back then, when my heart was all about Jasper, I pushed him away and slapped him. He didn’t get mad; instead, he was more serious than ever. “I’m serious. Think about it.” The sincerity that night and the innocence now seemed nothing like the playboy rumored to be all about partying. “Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you regretting it?” Lachlan’s voice pulled me back, and I shook my head at him. “No.” He then relaxed, taking my hand and saying. “Come on, I’ll take you home.” Thinking about how he rushed here breathlessly, he must have something urgent, so I said understandingly. “If you have business, you can go ahead. Don’t worry about me.” As soon as I said that, his assistant, who had been waiting for a chance to speak, finally interjected. “CEO, the lady has spoken. We need to hurry, or we’ll miss it.” Lachlan then explained that he was supposed to fly to the Middle East for a big project today but delayed it to rush over when he saw my message. This reminded me of a time when Jasper, as a core researcher of airplane parts, was invited for international exchange. It was right when I was having surgery for a cervical tumor, and I reluctantly asked if he could leave a day later. He held my hand and comforted me helplessly. “I’m going for work, it’s an organizational arrangement, not for fun. Stop fussing, I’ll come back as soon as it’s over, okay?” But that night, just out of surgery, I saw on Facebook someone sharing a photo of him passionately kissing Phoebe abroad. Turns out, love and not-love were already clear. Feeling moved, I patted Lachlan’s shoulder, signaling for him to go. He instructed the driver to take me home and then left reluctantly. As we parted, I noticed a familiar Porsche Cayenne parked at 12 o’clock in the distance, with Jasper getting out of the car. 0
Jasper approached, looking at Lachlan’s departing figure, and asked. “Who was that?” Caught off guard, thinking about whether to come clean, he suddenly looked at me, unconcerned, and started berating me. “Why are you still here and not answering your phone? How long are you going to keep this up? Do I have to come pick you up personally every time? When will you change your spoiled heiress attitude?” “Our Jasper family has always been kind and gentle. If you don’t tone down your drama, how will you marry into our family?” Looking at him like this, my earlier worries seemed unnecessary. I smiled bitterly. Just as I was starting to feel anxious, considering whether to reveal everything, he suddenly looked at me. Unconcerned, he immediately began a stream of criticisms. “Why haven’t you returned after all this time? You don’t answer calls either. How long are you going to keep this up? Do I have to come and get you myself before you’ll stop your spoiled behavior?” “Our Meng family has always been kind and gentle. If you don’t curb this dramatic attitude, how will you marry into our family in the future?” Seeing him like this, my earlier worries seemed unnecessary, and I gave a bitter smile. “Jasper, we’ve already broken up. I’m not going to marry you. What you’re worried about won’t happen. You can leave.” He froze, then tried to soothe me as he used to. “Adeline, I made a mistake, but I explained everything over the phone. Once she has the baby, I’ll send her abroad. She won’t be in your way.” He stepped forward to grab me, but I subtly dodged. He paused awkwardly, his hand dropping to his side, his temper flaring up again. “I’ve explained so many times and even came to get you. What more do you want? Do I have to pay forever for one mistake?” I wasn’t feeling wronged, yet he was acting like he was. It was amusing. “You did nothing wrong, and there’s no need to apologize. I’m just tired. Let’s end things amicably without making it ugly.” Seeing my determination, he got a bit panicked, grabbing me with a voice desperate and humble. “Adeline, please, my dear, I really messed up. There’s nothing between me and Phoebe. She’s just a junior colleague. That incident was an accident. I love you, only you. Please, let’s not fight. Come home with me, okay?” I stepped back to avoid his touch and bluntly exposed him. “Last month was an accident, but what about last night?” “When I was excitedly waiting at the City Hall to marry you, where were you? At the office, a hotel, or in Phoebe’s bed?” He staggered back, clearly flustered, and after a moment, apologized sincerely. “I’m sorry, I drank too much last night.” As he spoke, he tried to grab me again, attempting to sweet-talk like before. But Phoebe’s call interrupted him, and hearing the familiar ringtone, he hesitated, looking at my expressionless face. I knew it was a ringtone he set specifically for Phoebe. I mocked him. “Go ahead, answer it. She might get emotional and affect her pregnancy.” He didn’t catch the underlying meaning, genuinely released me, and answered the call. As he stepped away, he even complimented me. “You’re so understanding, thank you.” Watching him pace back and forth, getting increasingly anxious, I found it amusing. At that moment, eight years of relationship felt like a joke. Silently declaring my foolishness. As the call wrapped up, he turned towards me, looking conflicted. When I looked back, there stood a man marked by time, respectfully addressing me. “Madam, Mr. Lachlan sent me to pick you up.” Jasper returned just in time to see this, his eyes filled with unease. “Who is he, and why did he call you madam?” I had the driver Lachlan sent wait aside before explaining. “He’s my family’s driver, Uncle Zack.” “When did your family change drivers?” Jasper was preoccupied with the situation at home involving Phoebe, thinking it was a personnel change in my family, and had already dismissed his earlier curiosity about why the driver called me madam. Even asking when the driver changed was more of an afterthought, with no intention of delving into the truth. So, after asking, he ignored my resistance and dragged me into his car. On the way back, he didn’t forget to scold and warn me. “It’s your attitude that’s causing the problem. Phoebe was worried and insisted I come find you. Now look, she tried to make something to eat and ended up falling.” “When we get back, control your temper. Phoebe is also a victim in this. Don’t be so malicious.” As he endlessly criticized me, he seemed to forget that just minutes ago, he was apologizing and asking for forgiveness for cheating last night. I didn’t respond, just glanced in the rearview mirror to see the concerned Uncle Zack. I waved him off, signaling him to go back. Back at the house, the first thing I saw was Phoebe struggling to get up. Jasper quickly released my hand and rushed to pick her up. In his arms, Phoebe wore a smug smile. Jasper anxiously carried her to the sofa, thoroughly checking for injuries. Only when he found none did he relax. He didn’t notice that when he passed me, he bumped me aside, causing me to hit the corner of the dining table with a sharp intake of breath. Looking at me leaning against the table, he ordered unhappily. “What are you standing there for? Phoebe got hurt because of you. Go make some light dishes and apologize to her!” His cold demeanor felt unfamiliar. Seeing me motionless, he got annoyed and, surprisingly, put on a cartoon apron. As he headed to the kitchen, his grumbling continued. “I know I made a mistake, but I’ve apologized. What more do you want? Holding onto this endlessly, is it fun?” “I’ll make this meal for you. Use this time to think clearly. I hope when we eat, you won’t sulk like everyone owes you.” Watching his skilled cooking, I felt a sense of disorientation. In our eight years together, he never cooked. Every time I cooked, he never hesitated to praise me. “Adeline, you’re wonderful. Having you is happiness.” But when I asked to try his cooking, he always said his hands were for research, not cooking. Yet now, this skillful scene, who is it for? The answer was clear. Watching his adept cooking, emotions surged, and tears silently fell. I turned away and went to the bedroom to pack my things. Upon entering, I found all my belongings replaced by Phoebe’s items. Even my custom wardrobe was filled with her various outfits. I rushed to the bedroom, opened the nightstand, and found my important documents replaced by a box of glaring condoms. Overwhelmed with anger, I stormed out to confront Phoebe. “Where are my things?” Unexpectedly, Phoebe, who was leisurely eating watermelon, suddenly acted like she was facing a formidable enemy. She answered timidly. “Adeline, I’m sorry. Your things were moved to the storage room by the maid.” I grabbed her hand, my anger palpable. “Who gave you permission to touch my things?” Hearing this, she dropped her pretense, gazing past me with a smirk. “What do you think?” The watermelon in my other hand slipped away. She grabbed my hand, and in the commotion, she deliberately stepped on the watermelon rind and fell hard.
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