“Matt, are you really going to divorce Houston and study abroad?” In the quiet living room, Matt looked at Mrs. Houston’s shocked face across from him and nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Houston. As you know, I wasn’t the one who was supposed to marry her in the first place. For Houston, I was just an unexpected stand-in, a substitute when the real groom didn’t show up. Now that he’s back, she’s been so happy lately. It’s time for me to go.” Outside, a light snow was falling, creating a beautiful winter scene. He smiled lightly. “Studying abroad has always been my dream anyway.” ****** Mrs. Houston looked at the young man before her, remembering Houston’s wedding three years ago. Justin, who was supposed to be the groom, had fled abroad at the last minute. Just as Houston stood awkwardly on stage, red-eyed and unsure what to do, Matt had put on an ill-fitting suit and slowly walked up. He apologetically took the microphone and addressed all the guests: “I’m so sorry, there was traffic on the way. I’m late.” With that act, he had saved Houston’s dignity and the Houston family’s reputation. Mrs. Houston let out a long sigh, then asked uncertainly, “Will Houston agree to the divorce?” Matt shook his head with a smile. “I already got her to sign the divorce papers.” Two weeks ago, he had given her the divorce agreement. At the time, Houston was in a rush to finish work and meet Justin. She had signed without even looking and left. Now, in just seven more days, he would be able to get the official divorce certificate. He would be free. After all, the Houston family had a three-generation military background and couldn’t go abroad. So once he left the country, he and Houston would never have to see each other again. Just as Mrs. Houston was about to speak, a gentle female voice came from behind them. “Matt, what are you chatting about with Mom?” Matt turned around to see Houston, whom he hadn’t seen in days, walking towards them in a black evening gown that occasionally revealed her long legs. “…Houston.” Seeing her daughter approach, Mrs. Houston was about to step forward to scold her. “Why are you here?” With a mix of surprise and reassurance, Matt stood up, giving Mrs. Houston a pleading look to interrupt her. “I missed you, so I came by to pick you up,” Houston said, her eyes looking a bit guilty. In truth, she had come on purpose after finding out Matt’s whereabouts. After saying goodbye to the worried Mrs. Houston, the couple took their bags and left the Houston family home. On the way back, heavy rain pounded on the car windows, while inside was completely silent. Houston remained quiet for a long time before finally speaking. “Matt.” “Justin and I are really over. He just got back to the country and had heart surgery a few years ago, so his health isn’t good. As an old… friend, I just went to help him get settled. I hope you can understand.” Matt stared out the rain-blurred window and nodded. If only he hadn’t seen how Houston had dropped everything and excitedly rushed to meet Justin the day he returned. If only he hadn’t noticed Houston selling the watch she had used for years and replacing it with a cheap bracelet Justin had given her. If only… There were too many “if onlys.” Matt no longer had any expectations or trust left. A soft sigh filled the car. Faced with this husband she had married by chance years ago, Houston wanted to explain further. But thinking of her own actions over the past two weeks, she ultimately chose to change the subject. “Matt, what was that document you had me sign two weeks ago?” As soon as she finished speaking, Matt turned to look at Houston, his eyes showing three parts surprise and seven parts bitter amusement. She was only now remembering to ask about that? Then again, ever since Justin came back, everything else in her life had faded into the background. How could she be expected to care about anything else? Matt was about to speak when Houston’s phone suddenly rang. Seeing the name displayed on the car screen, Houston’s face instantly tensed up. “It’s fine, go ahead and answer. It might be something important,” Matt said, looking out the window with an indifferent expression that made Houston suddenly feel afraid. But she still answered the call, with the car’s speakers automatically broadcasting the conversation. “Houston, I miss you so much. It hurts. Can we meet?” Hearing the whiny tone on the other end, Houston’s knuckles turned white as she gripped the steering wheel. Her expression also suddenly turned cold. “Justin, I’m married now. I’ve told you many times, don’t talk to me like that!” There was a moment of silence on the other end before Justin replied, “But Houston, I was supposed to be the groom at that wedding.” The car suddenly screeched to a halt in the middle of the road, the tires making a huge noise as they skidded on the pavement. In their three years of marriage, this was the first time Matt had seen Houston lose control. She shouted at the screen: “But you left! You abandoned me and left!” The phone went completely silent. A moment later, Justin’s voice came back sounding choked up: “I’m sorry. I was sick at the time and didn’t want you to worry. I had no idea it would have such serious consequences.” “Ah! Houston! My heart hurts so much. It’s okay, just let me die like this. Then I won’t bother you anymore, and you can live happily with my substitute.” Soon, there was no more sound from the other end. Houston instantly panicked. She immediately looked at Matt. Matt spoke up first: “It’s fine, I’ll take a taxi home. You go check on him. Don’t let anything really happen.” Houston still felt somewhat guilty and said softly, “I’m not going to see him. I just remembered there’s an urgent matter at the company, so I need to stop by there.” “I’ll come back to be with you after I finish.” Matt nodded and opened the car door to get out. Watching her car speed away, Matt stood in the rain holding an umbrella, his eyes darkening. A moment later, he gave a bitter smile and started walking towards home, over ten miles away. Three years. It was time to end it. Three years ago, he had put on that ill-fitting suit and married a woman who could barely remember his name. Friends and relatives privately said Matt was pitiful, just a stand-in for his wife’s true love. But in the three years since, they had shared romantic moments together and dreamed of the future. Matt had thought he had melted the heart of this so-called ice queen. But now, Matt clearly knew he had been wrong. If that was the case, he should return to where he truly belonged and give back this position as Mr. Houston. It would fulfill Houston’s wishes. And free himself as well. Lightning split the night sky, followed closely by torrential rain that swept through like a tidal wave. It also washed away the last of Matt’s feelings for Houston. Matt slept alone that night. By noon the next day, Houston still hadn’t returned. When he woke up, it was still raining outside. Matt stayed at home, calmly deleting all the posts about their married life from his social media accounts. Just as he finished cleaning everything up, he saw that Justin, who had been threatening to die yesterday, had suddenly posted on social media: “What’s it like to be doted on by your ex-girlfriend?” He included a grid of nine photos. In the first, the usually cold and indifferent Houston was in his arms, feeding him porridge. In the second, the normally aloof Houston was sitting by his bedside, holding his hand. In the third, the usually proud Houston was kneeling in front of him, her eyes full of concern as she helped him take medicine. The fourth showed a pile of luxury goods, each worth millions. Justin had captioned it: “Thanks to Houston’s connections, I’m not angry or upset anymore.” In the photos, the handsome man smiled sweetly, looking like the happiest prince on a phone call. The comment section was full of envious remarks: “Left and experienced hardships, returned and it’s still true love. Justin, did you save the galaxy in your past life?” “No way! It must have been at least ten galaxies. Justin, how did you manage to make your ex still so devoted to you?” Besides the envy, there were naturally some who wanted to mock Matt. Matt just glanced over them briefly, a few comments catching his eye: “I wonder how Mr. Robin feels seeing all this?” “What could a mere substitute feel? Did he really think that by stepping in to save face as the groom, he could win the heart of the Houston family’s princess? He’s probably dying of jealousy right now. Want to bet how many minutes before this lapdog shows up?” “I bet 10 minutes!” “I bet 5 minutes!” “I bet 1 minute! He’s probably already downstairs. I’ll stake my new Lamborghini on it!” Many people eagerly joined in the betting, with the stakes getting higher and higher. But Matt just smiled resignedly. He would soon no longer be “Mr. Houston” in others’ eyes, so why chase after a woman who didn’t belong to him? So Matt quickly typed out a response on his phone: “I bet he won’t show up for a lifetime.” His words stirred up a storm, with many people immediately messaging to ask if he was joking. Matt simply turned off his phone and stopped looking at any messages. Instead, he turned to make himself a bowl of noodles. Just then, the phone suddenly rang. Matt didn’t answer, but the calls kept coming non-stop for five or six minutes before finally stopping. But soon after, the housekeeper Mrs. Bruce came in holding her own phone, looking troubled. “Sir, the young miss wants you to answer the phone.” Only then did Matt pick up the phone and answer. “Matt, it’s all a misunderstanding. I already made Justin delete those posts. Don’t overthink it. He was feeling very unwell yesterday, that’s why I didn’t come home. Nothing happened between us.” Houston’s anxious voice came through the phone. The moment she saw Matt’s comment, she had panicked. Matt looked at the noodles he had made and calmly said, “I made noodles. Are you coming home to eat?” Houston was stunned for a moment before replying, “I’m glad you’re not angry. You can eat the noodles yourself. Justin’s heart is hurting again, so I’m taking him to the hospital for a check-up. Don’t worry, we’re really just frie-” Before she could finish, Justin’s panicked voice came through on the other end. “Houston, where are you? I can’t see you. Did I lose you again? My heart feels so anxious.” The call was abruptly hung up, leaving only Houston’s urgent voice addressing the other end: “Justin, I’m right here. You didn’t lose me.” Looking at the ended call, Matt sent Houston a message: “That document you asked about yesterday is in the glove compartment on your side.” “Open it and you’ll see what it is.” It wasn’t until two hours later that Houston finally replied with one sentence: “No need. Whatever you had me sign, I’m sure it’s not to harm me.” This meant she wouldn’t look at it. Of course. Right now she just wanted to be by Justin’s side. Why would she bother looking at anything unrelated to Justin? Even though that divorce agreement was right within her reach. In the afternoon, Matt drove to follow a truck delivering supplies to the orphanage where he grew up. Matt had been an orphan since childhood, raised here. Seeing Matt arrive, the children were all very excited, running up to cling to him and share their experiences. After spending time with the kids, he went to the director’s office to say goodbye. “Mama Director, I’m going abroad for further studies.” The director was very happy. Matt had been a top student in physics at Tsinghua University, but had suddenly given up studying abroad for a flash marriage. She had been regretful about it for a long time. “Matt, that’s wonderful news.” The director held Matt’s hand, smiling with satisfaction. But then she thought of something and her expression turned worried. “But… you going abroad to study means you and Houston will be in a long-distance relationship. That can be very difficult.” Matt looked out the window at a few children playing and running around, shaking his head with a light smile. “It’s not a long-distance relationship. We’re getting divorced.” “Because… Justin came back.” The director was stunned at first, then let out a long sigh, feeling both regretful and relieved. “I guess I wasn’t wrong in my initial assessment. This marriage of yours was never going to last long. You see, once a person still has someone else in their heart, no matter how loving things seem on the surface, it’s all fake. As soon as that person comes back, the marriage is over. So it’s good that you’re divorcing.” She held Matt’s hand sympathetically, comforting him softly. Matt smiled back and hugged the director. Yes, it was good that it was ending. After returning from the orphanage, Matt went to the civil affairs bureau and learned that in five more days he could finalize the divorce. Only then did he go home to pack his luggage. It was then that he realized his clothes filled several entire closets. Inside were also various expensive watches, sports car keys, and other priceless gifts from Houston. In truth, during their three years of marriage, Houston had always been good to him, constantly giving him black credit cards, houses, cars, and more. But he had never touched any of it. Because every time Houston gave him gifts, Matt would see the shadow of someone else in her reddened eyes. To be precise, Houston’s kindness to him was all stolen from Justin, who had temporarily exited the stage. He used to think that with time, Houston would see his true heart. But reality proved that what didn’t belong to him would eventually have to be returned. Matt sorted out some of his own belongings, then took all the gifts he had given Houston over the years and sold them for scrap. Over the years, to make her happy, he had carefully prepared many gifts for her. She had never even glanced at them. The only watch she ever wore was quickly replaced by a cheap bracelet from Justin after he returned. Seeing all these gifts tossed aside with a thick layer of dust on them, Matt smiled bitterly again. If Houston truly loved him, where did all this dust come from? Watching the junk truck drive away, he was about to return to the villa when he heard a horn honk behind him. Matt turned to see a flashy Ferrari stop in front of him. A girl in a red dress stepped out of the car with a showy air. It was his sister-in-law Jenny. Jenny frowned at the departing junk truck, then snorted disdainfully. “As expected of an orphan with no parents. Even cardboard boxes have to be sold for money. Acting like our Houston family is going bankrupt or something.” Matt didn’t even look at her, turning to leave. Jenny’s mocking smile turned to anger. She stepped forward to grab him. “Matt!” Ever since Matt had entered their Houston family, he had always been very humble and tried to please everyone. He had never given her the cold shoulder like this before. Today he actually dared to turn his back on her. A fire of rage instantly rose in Jenny’s heart. “Hey orphan! Are you deaf? I’m talking to you!” Matt turned back and pulled off her hand, his eyes flashing with annoyance. Jenny had always disliked him, feeling that someone of his background was completely unworthy of entering their prestigious Houston family. So for three years after the wedding, she had constantly targeted him, saying things like the breakfast he made wasn’t fully cooked, or stepping on the clothes he had washed to dirty them. But now that he was leaving, he didn’t want to tolerate her anymore. Jenny was about to continue making a scene, but seemed to think of something. The corners of her mouth curved up into a sneer. “Someone like you should sell more junk. After all, now that my sister’s true love Justin is back, you can get lost, you so-called stand-in.” As she finished speaking, a man in a white suit, dressed quite elegantly, stepped out from behind her. This was Matt’s first time seeing Justin in person. A pair of almond-shaped eyes brimming with charm, messy black hair casually swept back, porcelain white skin paired with the fitted white suit – just standing there exuded an aura of nobility. No wonder Houston had been so obsessed with him for all these years. But that suit, those accessories – Matt found them somewhat familiar. Wasn’t this style of dress exactly the same as what was in his own closet? In that moment, Matt fully understood. He really had just been a stand-in all along. Justin looked Matt up and down, as if seeing a cheap version of himself, full of disdain and mockery. But this expression was quickly hidden away when Houston’s car pulled in behind them. He immediately put on a pitiful face and said, “Jenny, don’t talk about Mr. Robin like that. He’s your brother-in-law now. What if he gets angry and kicks me out?” Just as he finished speaking, Houston’s panicked voice came from behind. “What’s going on? Who’s kicking who out?!” Houston hurried over. Her gaze fell on Justin standing there unharmed, and she seemed to breathe a sigh of relief before turning to address Matt. “Matt, Justin’s house has been empty for years and needs to be renovated. So could he stay with us for a few days?” Matt looked at Houston without speaking. In the silence, Justin’s expression became very uneasy and a bit pitiful. “Houston, maybe I should just leave. After all, it was my fault for not showing up at the wedding. Now you have a new husband, and Mr. Robin doesn’t seem to welcome me.” Houston looked at Matt, her face hesitating. Justin let out a long sigh, turning away dejectedly. Jenny immediately reached out to stop him. “Justin! Why are you leaving?! If anyone should go, it’s him. The real man of this house should be-” “Shut up, Jenny!” Houston snapped angrily. “Who said you could talk to Matt like that? He’s my husband and your brother-in-law. Apologize to him right now or get out!” Jenny’s eyes instantly reddened at this. Seeing the scene, Matt finally spoke up, the corners of his mouth curving into a smile. “It’s fine, you don’t need to scold Jenny. I didn’t refuse. Mr. Ford, please make yourself at home here.” After all, in five more days, this home would belong to Justin. There was no need to ruin the sisters’ relationship over an outsider like himself. With that, Matt turned and walked into the villa. “Hey orphan! Who said you could speak for me?! Am I wrong?! If my sister wasn’t the Houston family’s princess, would you have stepped up as the groom?!” Jenny’s defiant voice came from behind, followed by Houston’s scolding and Justin’s placating words. Hearing Jenny’s words, complex emotions surged in Matt’s eyes. This was his eighth year of loving Houston. He still remembered the scene when he first fell in love at first sight with her in the dance studio. She was wearing a ballet dress, her graceful movements making her look just like a proud yet noble and beautiful white swan. In that moment, his heart was captivated. But she was the Houston family’s princess, the darling of high society. As an orphan, Matt knew their backgrounds were worlds apart. But in the end, when he saw Houston red-eyed and at a loss standing on that stage, Matt instinctively went up. That feeling had nothing to do with status or benefits. He simply didn’t want to see the girl he liked cry. Seemingly afraid Justin would still leave, Houston immediately instructed the servants to move his luggage into the largest guest room. Jenny instantly strutted over to Matt, her nose in the air. “What are you standing around for? Go make dinner. Oh, and Justin can’t eat spicy food, so make it bland.” Hearing this, Justin’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he looked Matt up and down again. “I’ve heard Mr. Robin’s cooking is quite good. Then today I’ll have to trouble-” Before he could finish, Houston came down from the guest room upstairs. “Jenny, that’s enough! How many times have I told you, we have servants. Why do you always make Matt cook for you?” Justin’s expression soured, his glance towards Matt filled with hatred. But when Houston walked over, Justin immediately put on a different face, smiling. “I’ll cook today. I learned a lot of skills abroad these past years and have been wanting to make something for you all to try.” As he said this, Justin was looking at Houston. Houston’s eyes suddenly had a moment of haziness, but when she saw Matt standing quietly to the side, she still shook her head and said, “No need. Your health isn’t good. Let the servants-” Jenny latched onto her, grabbing Houston’s hand and saying, “Sis, just let Justin cook for us. He worked so hard to learn.” Houston seemed to think of something and finally nodded. “Alright, but don’t tire yourself out.” Matt watched all of this without saying a word, just standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at the garden. Seeing Matt so quiet, Houston suddenly felt an increasing sense of panic. After a long silence, she walked to Matt’s side and softly said, “Matt, if you don’t like Justin staying here, I’ll send him back after this meal.” “No need. Let him stay if he wants.” Matt turned to look at Houston. “That document, have you looked at it?” Mentioning the document again, Houston’s brow furrowed slightly. “I haven’t looked yet. Didn’t I say I trust you? Do I really need to look at it?” Did she need to or not? Matt didn’t know. The signature was already there anyway. But thinking of their three years together… Matt was about to speak when Justin suddenly came over carrying a pot of hot soup. He glanced at Matt standing like a stranger beside Houston, his eyes flashing with intense jealousy. Then, pretending to stumble, he rushed forward towards Matt in a panic, spilling the entire pot of soup. “Watch out!”
“Watch out!” Seeing the hot soup flying towards him, Matt instinctively pulled Houston into his arms to protect her. Then he watched helplessly as a huge pot of scalding chicken broth poured all over him. “Ahh!” In an instant, Matt was drenched in soup, his skin immediately turning bright red from the burns. The searing pain nearly made him pass out. “Matt!” Houston pushed Matt away, her eyes full of panic. “Don’t be afraid, I’ll take you to the hospital right away!” He looked up at her, the pain spreading through his whole body. He used all his strength but couldn’t say a word. Then he looked at Justin. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Robin. Are you alright? Houston, thank goodness Mr. Robin protected you.” Seeing Justin’s fake panic and the satisfaction hidden in his eyes, Matt immediately realized what had happened and said shakily: “You did that on purpose?” Hearing this, Justin was stunned for a moment, then tears started falling from the grown man’s eyes. “Mr. Robin, what are you saying? How could I do that on purpose? I know you feel insecure and prejudiced against me. It’s my fault for making you get burned!” “But you can’t slander me like this.” Seeing Justin cry, Jenny resolutely stepped in front of him and angrily said: “Matt! That’s enough! So what if you got a little burn? Why are you making such a big deal out of it? Justin worked hard to cook for us, he’s tired enough already! Besides…” Jenny looked at Houston, whose eyes were now filled with doubt and anger, and raised her chin to continue, “Besides, my sister was right there. Even if Justin wanted to hurt someone, he’d never hurt my sister, right?” As soon as she finished speaking, the doubt in Houston’s eyes instantly disappeared. She looked at Matt with furrowed brows and said disappointedly, “That’s right, Matt. Justin wouldn’t hurt anyone, least of all me. Please don’t overthink things, okay?” Hearing these words, Matt felt countless emotions rushing to his head, tears welling up in his eyes. Houston sighed, her voice becoming calm. “Matt, let’s go to the hospital, alright?” Matt knew that no matter what else he said, Houston wouldn’t believe him now. He was about to nod when- “Oh no, Justin, you’re hurt so badly!” Jenny cried out. Houston’s attention immediately shifted. She rushed over to Justin in a panic. His snow-white arm had some small blisters, looking quite “severe” indeed. Justin put his arm behind his back, shaking his head with red-rimmed eyes. “I’m fine. Mr. Robin looks much worse. You should take him to the hospital first.” He had barely finished speaking when Houston turned back towards Matt. Justin immediately put on an agonized expression. “Ah! Houston! My heart hurts so much. It must be the shock of Mr. Robin accusing me just now. Ah, Houston…” Justin collapsed, grabbing Houston’s hand as she tried to support him. He gasped weakly, “Houston, am I dying? Will I never see you again?” Jenny stomped her foot anxiously. “Sis! Justin’s heart condition is bad. Let’s get him to the hospital quickly!” “I-I’m fine…” Justin continued gasping pitifully. But this act undoubtedly made Houston’s heart ache. She could no longer think about the disheveled Matt. She helped Justin up and headed for the door. Just before leaving, she seemed to remember something and turned back to Matt with a guilty look. “Justin’s heart is weak. I’m afraid something might happen to him. The hospital isn’t far from here.” “…Matt, you can take a taxi to the hospital yourself.” It wasn’t until their three figures had disappeared from view that Matt came back to his senses, inhaling sharply through clenched teeth as he fought against the pain. Seeing how severely he was injured yet left behind, the servants quickly ran over with painkillers and alcohol. But Matt’s burns were too severe. Even after taking the painkillers, he still had to lean against the wall for support, enduring the pain as he slowly made his way towards the hospital. With each step, he moved further and further away from the place he had called “home.” At the hospital, the doctor used cotton swabs to carefully press down the blistered areas while asking Matt with concern why he was so severely burned yet had no family accompanying him. Matt inhaled sharply from the pain. Two other doctors passed by the doorway, chatting. “Miss Houston really dotes on her husband. Just a few small blisters and she booked the entire floor, getting all the dermatology specialists to consult.” “I know, right? Those few blisters would have mostly healed on their own if he’d come in a bit later. If only I could find a caring woman like that who loved me.” “Haha, dream on. Women like that only come along once in a blue moon.” Once in a blue moon? Matt smiled bitterly. Abandoning her severely injured husband to go take care of someone with minor injuries – she truly was a one-in-a-million good woman. Matt’s injuries were too severe. He needed to stay in the hospital for a few days. Three days later, Matt was finally discharged, his body still wrapped in bandages. As soon as he turned on his phone, countless missed calls and messages popped up, filling the screen. They were all from Houston. This had never happened since Justin’s return. While Matt was still in a daze, Jenny called. As soon as he answered, her shrill voice came through. “Matt, you’ve got some nerve! Where have you been for three days? Did you do it on purpose?! Can’t compete with Justin so you’re pulling this kind of stunt? Do you know my sister’s been going crazy looking for you?! Don’t think this will get her attention. Dream on! The position of Houston son-in-law will always belong to Justin!” After finishing her tirade, Jenny hung up. Matt just furrowed his brow. Had he heard wrong? Houston had been frantically searching for him? How was that possible? Wasn’t she busy taking care of Justin? Why would she look for him? But when Matt looked at the 999 missed calls on his phone, it did seem to show Houston’s urgency in trying to reach him. Filled with confusion, Matt returned home. As soon as he entered the gate, the servants rushed over looking immensely relieved. Several of them were on the verge of tears as they spoke. “Sir, you’re finally back. The young miss has been going crazy looking for you…” Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps approached. “Matt!” Houston anxiously ran over. In the three days apart, the usually glamorous woman looked rather haggard, especially the dark circles under her eyes. “I was in the hospital. The same one where you were taking care of Justin.” Hearing this, Houston sighed. “About last time, I didn’t mean to abandon you. It’s just that after Justin’s surgery, the doctors said he needed to stay calm and not get agitated, or something could happen. I’ve been used to taking care of him since we were kids, so that’s why I took him to the hospital first.” “And you didn’t object at the time either. Since you were at the hospital, why didn’t you tell me or answer my calls? You’re my husband. Don’t you know I’d be worried? Can you not do this again next time?” By the end, there was a hint of accusation in her tone. But Matt just looked at her calmly, not responding. Because in two more days, he would be gone. So there wouldn’t be a next time. For some reason, seeing Matt’s calmness, Houston suddenly felt panicked as she recalled Matt’s behavior these past few days. She stepped forward and took Matt’s hand, sighing, “Actually, Justin really didn’t mean to hurt you last time. Since you don’t want him staying here, I’ve already had him move out. Can you stop being upset over this little thing from now on?” Houston stared directly at Matt, hoping to see a trace of being moved in his eyes. But Matt had no reaction. He removed Houston’s hand and turned to go upstairs. As soon as he entered the room, he saw an expensive watch placed on the bed. He looked up questioningly at Houston who had followed behind. Houston sighed. “Matt, this is my way of making it up to you. You won’t be angry anymore now, right?” Matt looked at the watch in the box, worth millions, a complex look flashing in his eyes. Three years. A full three years. They had shared a bed, had happy times together. In her eyes, was he really the type of person to fake being angry and hurt just for compensation? Suddenly, he recalled the gifts Houston had carefully prepared for Justin in her social media posts. A mocking feeling welled up, but he quickly suppressed it. Forget it. If she didn’t understand, there was no point in explaining. Seeing no smile appear on Matt’s face, Houston didn’t think much of it, just assuming he didn’t like it. “Matt, if you don’t like these, once I’m done dealing with Justin’s situation, I’ll take you to an auction to pick out the most expensive one for you…” Houston hadn’t finished speaking when Jenny and Justin’s voices came from outside the door. “Justin, I told you my sister loves you so much, she’d never really make you move out. It’s all that Matt’s fault. I’ll scold him for you later. You’ll move back in, right?” As they spoke, the two brazenly walked into Matt and Houston’s bedroom. Then upon seeing the watch set on the bed, Jenny exclaimed in delight: “Oh my god, sis! Justin just mentioned to me that he really liked these watch models. I can’t believe you actually bought them!” She looked at Justin beside her, her eyes full of envy. Hearing this, Justin’s face instantly reddened, then he shot a smug look at Matt. Seeing that Houston didn’t immediately deny it, but instead looked hesitant, Matt didn’t even think before picking up the box and handing it to Justin. “If it’s meant for you, then take it.” With one sentence, he made the choice for Houston, resolving her dilemma. At this moment, Houston looked at Matt in shock. Seeing how generous he was being, the unease in Houston’s heart grew stronger. She wanted to object, but seeing how happy Justin looked, she closed her mouth. She thought to herself, it’s fine, next week is our wedding anniversary. She could make it up to Matt then. Surely she was overthinking things. He was just jealous and sulking. Matt loved Houston so much. How could he possibly leave?
Another day passed. There was just one day left before the divorce cooling-off period ended and Matt would receive the divorce certificate. Thinking that he could finally leave, he began mailing his luggage abroad. Halfway through packing, Houston called from the office, asking him to attend a high society party at the Houston family mansion. Matt wanted to refuse. With just one day left, their legal marriage was about to end. But thinking of how Mrs. Houston had taken care of him over the years, and that this was the last day after all, Matt wanted to find a chance to speak with Houston alone and explain things clearly. Though the marriage had begun in confusion, Matt wanted to end it with clarity. In the bustling Houston family estate, everywhere was brightly lit, with elites gathered, clinking glasses. But as soon as he entered, Matt didn’t see Houston. After asking around, he learned from an old Houston family servant that Houston was in a house to the north. Matt immediately headed in that direction. The door to the house was slightly ajar, with some suggestive sounds coming from inside. Matt suddenly felt a wave of nausea. His body trembled as he slowly peered through the door crack. Instantly, a jarring scene entered his eyes. On the sofa, Justin was roughly and urgently pulling at Houston’s evening gown while pinning her down. His large hands gripped Houston’s waist as he trailed kisses from her collarbone downwards. Houston tilted her head back with closed eyes, frowning. She seemed somewhat resistant, but didn’t push him away. Her expression was conflicted. “Houston! Promise me you won’t leave me.” Justin murmured. Houston’s eyes suddenly snapped open as she forcefully shoved him away. “Justin! What the hell is wrong with you?! I’m married! Why did you come back now? What exactly do you take me for? Something you can toss aside and pick up again whenever you feel like it? Do you know how afraid I am of being alone again?!” Houston was furious, but Justin wouldn’t listen. He stubbornly moved forward and embraced her waist again, pressing their bodies together. “Houston! I was wrong!” “Justin! Get lost!” Over and over, relentlessly. Finally, Houston gave in and surrendered. This time she didn’t let Justin come embrace her. She forcefully pulled Justin to her and bit down hard on his lip. Then their lips and tongues intertwined, inseparable. Moments later, the two finally parted. Justin wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and smirked triumphantly. Then he tilted up Houston’s chin. “So, do you still love me?” Matt watched from outside, feeling as if countless knives were stabbing his heart. Houston stood frozen for a long while. Eventually, she raised her head and looked at him with eyes full of restrained love. Her tone was one of surrender. The next moment, her red lips moved: “Yes!” With that, Justin’s eyes filled with smug satisfaction. He pulled her in for another kiss, then asked, “So, will you divorce that Matt and marry me?” Houston’s entire body suddenly went rigid. Abruptly, she recalled that wedding years ago that she couldn’t bear to remember. She thought of the figure who had resolutely stood up and walked steadily to her side amidst all the strange looks. “…I.” Houston turned her head, about to answer. But in that instant, she saw a pair of grief-stricken eyes gazing at her through the slowly opening door. All at once, darkness descended in Houston’s mind. Matt stood outside, calmly looking at her, tears streaming down his face. “—Matt!” Matt couldn’t bear to watch anymore. He also didn’t want to know the answer. He turned and walked away. But the faster he walked, the more that scene replayed in his mind. Three years ago, they went on a honeymoon to a tropical island. Just because it was his first time at the beach and he glanced a second too long at some women in bikinis, Houston’s face instantly darkened. She dragged him back to the presidential suite and didn’t let him leave for seven whole days. After seven days, when they ran out of strawberry-flavored supplies, they moved on. When the bed and sofa broke, they used the floor. She held him in her arms again and again, eyes red with jealousy: “Matt, I have everything they have. Don’t look at other women. Don’t leave me.” He had to swear over and over before her jealousy finally subsided. Afterwards, Matt’s waist was sore for days, and she teased him about it for weeks. From that day on, he never dared to look at another woman again. But in his heart, he was overjoyed at Houston’s jealousy. Now, Matt finally understood. Her jealousy didn’t come from love. She was just afraid of being alone, afraid of standing helplessly on that stage again, not knowing what to do. He had thought that after deciding to leave, his heart would no longer be moved. Now… Matt felt suffocated with pain. He just wanted to get away from this place as quickly as possible. Never to see her again. Passing through the bustling area of the Houston mansion, Matt took a deep breath. He was preparing to make his way through the crowd and leave. “Matt.” A voice suddenly came from behind. The familiar tone made Matt stop in his tracks. Matt looked at the speaker, wanting to call her “Mom” but suddenly remembering something. In the end, he respectfully addressed her as “Mrs. Houston.” Hearing Matt’s form of address, Mrs. Houston sighed but didn’t say anything. She just handed Matt a new ID card. “Matt, I’ve taken care of all the procedures for you to emigrate and study abroad. From now on, the name Matt Xu will no longer be associated with you. You’ll have a completely new identity. Is there anything else you need me to do?” Matt looked at the stack of documents in his hand, feeling a great sense of relief. Perhaps thinking of the scene in that small house earlier. Or perhaps thinking of the brand new life and identity awaiting him, Matt’s hand began to tremble. Mrs. Houston noticed Matt’s emotional state and asked with concern, “Matt, what’s wrong?” Matt took a deep breath to hold back his tears. He put the documents in his pocket and shook his head. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Houston. I’m very grateful for your care all these years and for doing this for me now. I just have one request, please promise me.” Matt struggled to control his emotions and said softly, “My whereabouts and location – please, please don’t tell Houston.” Matt and Houston should never meet again in this lifetime. Hearing this, Mrs. Houston looked at him in shock. “Did something happen between you two again?” Because just a few days ago, when talking about Houston, Matt would still smile. But now, Mrs. Houston could only see extreme disappointment and grief in his eyes. What could have happened in just a few days? Thinking of this, Mrs. Houston looked Matt up and down carefully. Her sharp eyes finally noticed the burn marks on Matt’s neck, partially concealed by makeup, and the bandages peeking out from his wrists. Mrs. Houston was stunned. Worry evident in her voice, she exclaimed, “Matt! What happened to cause those injuries?!” Matt pulled down his sleeves to cover the bandages on his wrists. He looked at Mrs. Houston solemnly: “Mrs. Houston! Please don’t ask anything. Just promise me what I asked earlier. I just want to leave quickly without causing any more trouble.” Matt didn’t tell Mrs. Houston about what happened in the small house. Since he was leaving, never to return, what was the point in saying anything? Or even if he did say something, what good would it do? Her true love had returned. Even if he left, she probably wouldn’t care. Matt smiled. “Mrs. Houston, thank you for taking care of the immigration paperwork. I’ll be going now.” He had barely finished speaking when a female voice suddenly came from behind them. Matt turned around and found himself looking into Jenny’s deep, panicked eyes. “What immigration?!”
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