“Elliott’s not coming. He insists you sign the divorce papers tonight. Madeline Bryant, it’s time to stop dreaming.” On the cruise deck, a storm was raging and I was a mess, confronting Giselle Cole. Today was the sixth anniversary of my marriage to Elliott Bryant, and this cruise ship was where we first met. I never imagined my blood-written plea for one more meeting wouldn’t sway Elliott from divorcing me. He even had his sweetheart deliver the papers. How heartless! “And, I’m pregnant with Elliott’s baby. You and him, it’s over,” Giselle bragged, her growing bump proof of her hold on Elliott. How ironic! I had always longed for a child in our six-year marriage, but Elliott never once touched me. Now he and Giselle are expecting a baby. In the past, hearing such news, I would have lunged at her in a blind rage, tearing into her like a wild animal. But now, I was too drained to outdo Giselle. “Fine, I’ll sign.” Without another word, I reached out with a trembling hand, smeared with blood, and scribbled my name on the paper. Giselle was shocked by my swift agreement, then her face lit up with joy. She stowed away the divorce papers as if they were treasure, and the large diamond ring on her slender finger glinted, making my head reel. Six years of marriage, and I never got such a ring. I loved Elliott and even jeopardized my family for him, yet he gave me nothing. Not even a goodbye. “Does Elliott know I’m sick?” I asked weakly, unable to accept the harsh truth. Ten years of love, it wasn’t easy to let go. “He knows. He said you’re a burden. He’d prefer if you were gone,” Giselle shot back, her words as cold as Elliott’s. In my despair, I didn’t doubt her – those had to be Elliott’s words. I hadn’t seen him in two months since he proposed divorce. He left and cut me off. His friends and family treated me like an outcast, hiding his location. With my parents gone and assets transferred, I was useless to him. Despite my terminal cancer, he was quick to leave me for his dream woman. He was truly heartless! Still, I clung to him, my only love. I hoped for one last meeting to end our decade-long story. “Can you set up a last meeting with him?” I begged Giselle. “No need. You’re just a disaster! What’d it solve?” She sneered, queen-like. “Can I call him… please?” I backed off. Just his voice one more time would do. “Madeline, I’d never stoop so low for a man. Can’t you see? The more you beg, the less they respect you. Maybe next life treats you better,” Giselle scoffed, grabbing me. Her scorn stung. She had everything, while I, once privileged, was now desperate. How’d I end up here? As I lost myself in thought, two hefty guards moved in, silencing me with duct tape and tying me up. “Madeline, it’s time you disappeared from Elliott’s life. I’ve had enough of you…” Before I could react, they hurled me into the sea. Giselle’s words echoed in my ears as seawater filled my lungs. I was helpless against the current pulling me deeper into the sea. As my consciousness began to slip, I felt a force tug at my arm. Someone seemed to be pulling me towards the surface, but the storm was relentless. Then, everything went black. This pitiful, insignificant life of mine had been abruptly ended by Elliott’s damn dream girl. A splash of cold water jolted me awake. I forced my eyes open to find Elliott standing over me! “Madeline, stooping so low as to drug me? You’re beneath contempt! I wouldn’t touch you, let alone get you pregnant!” His face was twisted with disgust as he turned off the shower. Hadn’t Giselle thrown me into the sea? Why was I waking up in Elliott’s bathroom? I looked around, trying to understand my surroundings. The bathroom was a mess, with shower gel and a toothbrush scattered on the floor. Elliott was dressed in a dark suit, his hair and chest soaked. His eyes were filled with anger. Clearly, the recent process had been intense. This scene was all too familiar, and I suddenly remembered. This should be four years ago, on the second anniversary of my marriage to Elliott. That day, I asked the housemaid Teresa to bring a remedy from the countryside. She claimed it could help me conceive. Excited, I added it to the soup, imagining a romantic night with Elliott under the influence of the drug. I was truly desperate at that time. After two years of marriage with no sign of pregnancy, my in-laws and the entire upper-class society in Hoswich spread rumors that I couldn’t provide heirs for the Bryant family. Then, women close to Elliott, aiming to bear his child, were increasing. Tormented day and night, I reluctantly resorted to this method. However, for some reason, Elliott saw through it. He was furious, pouring the soup down my throat in front of all the servants and then dragging me into the bedroom. The potent medicine quickly took effect, and I lost control, tearing my nightgown into pieces. I repeatedly pounced on Elliott uncontrollably. Finally, he dragged me into the bathroom and ruthlessly showered me with the showerhead, exactly like the current situation. I suddenly realized I had been reborn! I was back to the time of my second wedding anniversary with Elliott.
I was reborn at a time when I still had my family’s support and my health! How blessed! Ever since I married Elliott, his words were harsh, and tonight, his contempt for me seemed to grow. “Listen! One more food screw-up and I’m gone!” Elliott glared at me, void of any affection. “Elliott, I’m your wife. Don’t you have any… love for me?” Memories of our past haunted me. I blurted out the question that gnawed at me in my final moments. “Love? You? If not for your family’s schemes, would we be together?” “Schemes? That was my family saving yours! Without my dad’s two billion rescues, the Bryants would’ve sunk into that financial mess!” Two years back, the Bryants’ huge oil venture in the Middle East halted due to an unforeseen war. Concurrently, a global economic crisis struck, shrinking the Bryants’ wealth dramatically in a month. Facing their financial ruin, I persuaded my dad to donate two billion dollars to help them recover. Seizing this opportunity, I fulfilled my dream of marrying Elliott. I was foolish then, believing that being with Elliott constantly would make him love me. But over six years, Elliott repeatedly shattered my hopes, and ultimately I was killed by his damn first love. Elliott lavished his affection on other women, leaving me with nothing but continuous pain. My heart had given up to despair when I found solace in the depths of the sea. In my new life, I swore no more foolish naivety! “Madeline, without those two billion, you wouldn’t even dream of marrying me. Be content with what you’ve got.” With these words, Elliott turned and walked away. “Elliott, since you hate me that much… let’s end this!” I said calmly as he walked away. He paused, laughed scornfully, then left confidently. “Fine, anytime you want!” After he left, I tried to stand, supporting my trembling body. Looking in the mirror, I saw a mess – tangled hair, empty eyes, flushed cheeks from meds, and my ripped nightie revealing my skinny arms and collarbones. I’d starved myself to fit Elliott’s ideal – long-haired, skinny women. Now, I was 5.7 feet tall and only 94 pounds. My resulting stomach cancer was probably from neglecting myself and enduring constant stress. I swore never to jeopardize my health for someone else’s ideals. With that in my mind, I threw away all my diet pills. Elliott claimed we could divorce whenever. Since then, let it be tomorrow. In my past life, I put up with Elliott’s growing disdain till it was too late. But this time, I chose to let him go, and more importantly, free myself early. After a sleepless night, as dawn broke, I dug out my old favorite jeans and a white shirt from my closet, untouched since marriage. I casually knotted the shirt and walked out with the divorce papers in my pocket. Then, I headed straight to Bryant Group, took the VIP elevator to Elliott’s office, knocked and walked in. Now, we were just married for only two years, playing the perfect couple. At this point, I could still move freely in Bryant Group, not yet so low that even their security looked down on me. Behind his big desk, Elliott’s brows furrowed upon seeing me. “What are you here for?” “I’ve drafted the divorce agreement. Take a look. Sign it if no problems.” I looked at him, my tone quite calm. A flicker of surprise tinged his gaze. Dropping the pen he held, he smiled faintly, his voice detached yet laced with disdain. “Which act are you playing this time? Didn’t you have enough drama last night?” “Elliott, I’m serious. Since you don’t love me, let’s end it sooner. It’s better for us.” Maybe I had let go of him completely. There was no ripple in my emotions when I spoke these words. Elliott’s face darkened. He stood up abruptly, circled the desk, and loomed in front of me. Pinching my chin, he locked eyes with me, a sneer playing on his lips. “What? Drugged me and failed, now another trick? Madeline, drop the games. I don’t have time for you, got it?” He then ripped up the divorce papers right in front of me and growled, “Get out!” In the past, his harsh gaze would silence me immediately. Every fight ended with me backing down, crushing my dignity. However, I was my parent’s precious daughter, pampered and loved. But for love, I made myself nothing before Elliott, burying my pride and self-respect. I used to fear Elliott mentioning divorce, considering how hard I worked for this marriage. But now, looking at this cold man, all I wanted was to get away and cut all ties and feelings for him. “Fine. Whenever you’ve made up your mind, just let me know. I’m done with this charade.” I left these words behind and turned to leave his office. At that moment, I heard a clear, shattering sound of broken glass behind me.
After leaving Elliott’s office, I headed to the seventh-floor planning department. From my past life, I remembered Giselle was an intern there. Back then, Elliott was busy with a starlet and Giselle slipped under my radar. The department was huge and buzzing with people, but Giselle stood out. She was tall, pale with long hair, and big eyes on her oval face. Her oversized, cheap business attire didn’t hide her beauty. My first impression of Giselle was like a delicate, innocent white rose in the wind. She was presenting her case in the director’s office, full of hope. But it wasn’t what he wanted. He glanced at it and angrily tossed it back at her, scolding her fiercely. Now, she was just a newbie at a big firm, trying to impress her boss. This harsh criticism must’ve hurt. Maybe this was what drove her to Elliott, climbing to the top step by step. Little did anyone know that this girl being berated would, in a few years, become Elliott’s wife and change her destiny. “Excuse me, madam. What can I do for you?” A woman in business attire came up to me and asked me with a bright smile. Only then did I realize that I had kept looking at Giselle, seeming fascinated, which wasn’t myself. Fortunately, I rarely came to the group and had never met these employees, so they didn’t know me. “Nothing. I wanted to discuss some business with your director. Since he is busy, I’ll leave then.” With a random excuse, I turned around and left. I didn’t mean to meet Giselle. I just wanted to see her at this time. I was so curious about how the inconspicuous Giselle managed to catch Elliott’s eye, sleep with him, and occupy his mind step by step. She even gained the favor and recognition of his parents! She was a recent college graduate with nothing special. How did she do that? In my past life, I was clueless about Giselle until she had already won over Elliott, surpassing all his past flings. Ignoring his family’s protests, Elliott asked me for a divorce multiple times for her. He even promoted the young Giselle, despite board objections, to aid him with the Bryant Group’s confidential matters. He trusted her more than anyone else. By the time I dug into Giselle’s background, Elliott was head over heels for her. How did an average girl from a common family with no extraordinary education earn all of Elliott’s devotion? Her looks couldn’t be the reason; Elliott had been with many beautiful women. Her beauty wasn’t her secret weapon. I remembered Giselle’s last words to me before I died. “Can’t you see? The more you beg, the less they respect you.” She was young but sensible. Could her sensibility be what captivated Elliott?
After leaving the Bryant Group, I returned to my parents’ house and lived in the room they had always reserved for me. My mother got a brand new quilt for me. The scent of sunshine on the quilt made me sleep particularly sweetly. I didn’t go back to my home with Elliott, and I didn’t know if he had ever looked for me. I even didn’t care if he would. Early the following day, I received a call from Sean West, the butler. “Mrs. Bryant, you didn’t come back last night. Where have you been?” “I’m at my parents’ house.” “Well. Mr. Bryant asked about you when he came back last night. Mrs. Bryant, you two, quarreled?” Sean asked me cautiously on the phone. In fact, during two years of marriage, only Sean had been silently caring about me. “Yes. Please tell him that I won’t go back, and I’ll pick a time to take away my things,” I spoke calmly. “Mrs. Bryant, what’s wrong? I know that sometimes, Mr. Bryant has gone too far, but marriage is a tough journey. As long as you are together, things will gradually get better.” Sean heard that I wanted to move out and became a little emotional. “It won’t get better. He doesn’t love me, and you all know that.” I smiled bitterly, no longer had any expectations, and hung up the phone. There was a time when I couldn’t leave Elliott for hours without thinking about where he was, who he was with, and what he was doing. It was hard not being around him. I couldn’t have left him for more than a day. But now, whatever. I was completely awake and didn’t care anymore. Where Elliott was and who he was with had nothing to do with me. For the rest of my life, I just wanted to take it easy, do what I wanted, be sober, self-loving, and no longer lost. I got up and opened the closet. Looking at the neatly arranged old clothes, I couldn’t help but smile. Before marrying Elliott, I was a rebellious girl. At that time, I liked motorcycle clothes, jeans with rivets, cool and unique dresses, and short hair. But later, learning that Elliott liked gentle and lovely girls with long hair, I gave up all these clothes and replaced them with long skirts and dresses that I had never enjoyed. I even stopped cutting my hair and let it grow long. Why bother deliberately catering to others’ preferences? People who loved you would love you no matter what you looked like. I picked out a short black T-shirt and a pair of ripped jeans from the closet, took out my favorite canvas shoes, dressed them up, put on a little makeup, and then went straight to the barbershop. Soon, with the skillful barber, my waist-length hair turned into neat collarbone-length hair, and the bangs in the front also turned into see-through bangs. I looked at my new look in the mirror and suddenly felt much more relaxed and refreshed. Just then, my phone rang. I picked up the phone and saw that it was my best friend, Paige Ford, calling… “Madeline, where are you? Come and stay with me. I feel terrible.” The call was connected, and Paige’s feeble voice came from the other end. “I’m at the barbershop. Where are you? I’m on my way,” I answered without hesitation. “Neon Club. Come quickly. I’m waiting for you.”
I glanced at my phone; it was about six in the evening. This was the time when a call ended over a decade of friendship with Paige in my past life. In my memory, Paige was in desperate need of comfort after breaking up. But I coldly turned her down to wait for Elliott, who didn’t show up until midnight. Meanwhile, because I didn’t accompany her for a drink, Pagie asked a group of unreliable friends to the club. Soon, she was drunk and was taken away by a bastard. When she was aware of the danger, she called me many times, but I ignored all of them and did not rush to find her. Although that bastard was sent to prison by the Ford family the next day, Paige’s reputation was completely ruined, and our friendship utterly ended after that. This time, I wouldn’t let it happen again. I drove to Neon Club, which was owned by Quinn Woods, Elliott’s good friend. The Woods family was prominent in Hoswich, and Quinn was the only heir. His family’s main business was shipbuilding, but Quinn was not interested and would rather run the high-end private club than inherit the family business. In my previous life, among all Elliott’s friends, Quinn was the one who despised and hated me the most. Every time I met him, he would mock me and quarrel with me. We didn’t like each other, so I never set foot at the club he ran. Now that I had been dead for once, I had let go of all the trivial conflicts in the past. Quinn was just an insignificant person in my life. Soon, I parked the car and walked straight into Neon Club. This club was indeed known as the most high-end and luxurious private club in Hoswich. The moment I entered, I was shocked by the artistic decoration style. I had grown up seeing a lot of luxury goods, so I could tell at a glance that this decoration must have cost a fortune. It was so luxurious that even the paintings on the walls used to be sold at high prices in auction houses. Paige told me that she was in box No. 8. I walked along the corridor, focusing on my phone with my head down, and I accidentally bumped into someone. “I’m so…” Subconsciously, I wanted to apologize, but suddenly, I heard a gentle male voice with a hint of surprise. “Madeline!” Who was this person? Did he know me? I was stunned and quickly looked up, seeing a handsome face instantly. I always adored good-looking people and would be nice to them. But this was the only face I wouldn’t say I liked the moment I saw it. Because he was the man I hated the most, Quinn. “Well, Mr. Woods. I’m sorry that I show up in your club. But if you mind, I can go to another place with my friend right away.” My voice instantly turned cold. The memories of him endlessly ridiculing and mocking me in my previous life still lingered in my mind. “How could it be? Everyone here is a guest. Your friend is Paige, right? She is in box No. 8.” To my surprise, Quinn, whom I had been incompatible with in the past, instead of being angry because of my words, actually had a very gentle tone and even guided me thoughtfully. It was unbelievable… In my impression, he was not a good person. I didn’t know what game he was playing right now. Although he looked nice, I rolled my eyes at him and didn’t bother to care what he thought. I just walked around him quickly to the door of box No. 8 and went in directly. There were many girls in the room, and Paige, sitting in the center, wore a champagne-colored dress. Seeing me coming, these girls immediately surrounded me as if they were so surprised. I used to hang out with them when I was unmarried. But of all those people, Paige and I were closest and other than that, Fiona Tucker. But Fiona had been studying medicine abroad for several years. I didn’t expect her to show up here today. Fiona was equally excited to see me. She immediately gave me an intimate hug and then cheered. “Madeline! It’s been a time! You’ve disappeared from our circle since you got married. You’ve gone too far!” “Come on! I find it harder to meet her than the king. She’s been so focused on having Elliott’s baby for two years. She hasn’t even had time for me.” Paige held my arm and couldn’t help complaining about me. Indeed… Since I married, I had become farther and farther away from my friends. Every time they asked me out, I would consider Elliott first, so I rarely participated in any of their gatherings. “I was wrong, okay? Well. I will punish myself with three drinks tonight! Paige, my dear baby, happy birthday!” I handed Paige the gift I had prepared for a long time. It was a diamond brooch with a sunflower pattern. It was expensive, but I bought it without hesitation to make it up to Paige in my previous life. “Are you willing to drink? Didn’t you announce at the bachelor party before your wedding that you would quit drinking to prepare for pregnancy? Will Elliott be angry if you drink?” Paige took the gift with a smile, but what I said about drinking shocked her. “I’m too young to be in such a hurry. I have more important things to do. Besides, I don’t care what Elliott thinks. What matters most is that I’m happy!” Letting go of my obsession, I no longer restrained myself. The moment I said these words, I felt my boredom and mania swept away. I picked up the wine glasses placed on the table and drank three glasses in one go, causing my friends to cheer instantly. “What happened? Did you suddenly sober up or did you undergo a makeover? I feel like you’re a different person, Madeline. No matter how much we tried to persuade you in the past, you turned a deaf ear. Now you’re finally seeing reality?” Fiona was the most open-minded and sober among the three of us. She had often advised me not to get lost in love. Hearing me say this, she was, of course, happier than anyone else. “Yes, I’ve realized. We shall hang out as often as before. Fiona, you are right. Women have to have their world and careers. It’s boring to focus on men!” After a few drinks, I felt much better, hugged Fiona, and kissed her on the cheek. In my previous life, when I had stomach cancer, everyone left me. Only Paige and Fiona were there for me. Knowing that I had no money, they didn’t hesitate to chip in and pay the surgery fee for me. In the end, however, I was still foolish. The day before the surgery, I still had hopes that Elliott was going to meet me, so I secretly rented the cruise ship without them knowing and ended up on the bottom of the ocean. “Well… I’m not surprised at all when Fiona says this. But since you said so, I’m shocked!” Paige joked, but I could hear that they were all happy that I could wake up. “All right. Stop talking about me. Today’s protagonist is Ms. Ford. Let’s celebrate Paige’s birthday!” I changed the topic with a smile and reminded them quickly. Everyone reacted instantly and gave birthday wishes to Paige. Then, the club’s waiter brought a birthday cake. Tonight, we had a lot of fun, and I hadn’t relaxed like this for quite a long time. It was so lovely not to love anyone who didn’t deserve it. I drank a lot and needed to go to the bathroom. So Paige and I, holding each other up, staggered out of the box together. “Elliott, teach me. This cue is so heavy that I can barely hold it.” A delicate female voice came from the next box. Hearing it, I stopped involuntarily.
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