During college, I spent four years washing Asher’s socks and underwear, and I even booked hotels for him and the cheerleader, helping him win her over. Now, I’m Mrs. Asher, and I’m pregnant with his child. In the Snapchat group, Asher is holding the cheerleader’s daughter in one arm and wrapping his other arm around the cheerleader’s waist. Their gaze in the photo is filled with such affection. On our seventh anniversary, he received a unique gift—the urn of his child. I just finished my prenatal checkup, and everything is normal. I let out a sigh of relief. At the registration desk downstairs, I saw someone familiar. Looking closely, it was my husband, Asher. A woman with long, wavy tea-brown hair, holding a child, reached him before I did. Asher looked down at the woman, pulled her into an embrace, and kissed her. The woman smiled brightly. The man turned around and picked up a little girl. She wrapped her arms around his neck, calling out, “Daddy, Daddy!” I stood there, frozen. Asher had said he would accompany me for the prenatal checkup, but this morning he suddenly claimed he had an urgent matter at the company and couldn’t get away. Turns out, he was accompanying his first love’s child to see a doctor. His first love is back. Freya, the woman everyone admired. Freya clung to his arm, occasionally snuggling her head into his chest like a beloved cat. Asher raised his eyes and met mine, quickly pulling his arm away. “Cora, why are you having your prenatal checkup at this hospital?” “The other hospital was fully booked, so I had to come here. Didn’t you say you had urgent matters at the company? Was it just to accompany them?” The baby in my belly suddenly kicked me hard, and a sharp pain hit. “Cora, listen to me. It’s not what you think. Freya just returned to the country yesterday, her child had a fever, she was too anxious and could only ask me for help. Please don’t make a fuss over a child, okay?” Asher explained with an innocent expression. Freya raised an eyebrow disdainfully, “Oh, the girl who used to wash Asher’s underwear has made it to wife status and even got pregnant. Don’t delude yourself into thinking this will earn his love. You’re just a substitute for me, always have been, always will be!” Asher stood there blankly, letting his beloved maliciously slander me. I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms, leaving marks. Clutching my stomach, cold sweat poured down. “Cora, Cora…” At some point, I passed out. When I woke up again, Asher was gripping my hand tightly by the bed, tears in his eyes, “Thank God you’re awake. Don’t scare me like that, okay?” I avoided his gaze and said coldly, “Leave me alone. I don’t want to see you, just go away!” Asher was slightly taken aback, probably never expecting that someone who was always so compliant could lash out. Asher lowered his eyes, the gentleness in them vanished instantly. “Cora, don’t be ungrateful. I just accompanied an old friend to the hospital! I’m warning you not to act up! I chose to be with you because you were more obedient and sensible than others.” Asher slammed the door and left. How absurd. A man chooses to marry a woman not because he loves her or can’t be without her, but because she’s obedient and sensible. It’s utterly ridiculous. I’ve been in love with Asher for ten years, always trying to be the supportive partner. But in Asher’s heart, there’s always been a space reserved for Freya. Perhaps I should be grateful. I’ve become Mrs. Asher, the wife of a CEO of a public company. I shouldn’t ask for more. Yet I still yearn for his love, for his heart to be solely mine. During college, Freya and I shared a dorm room. Her name suited her well; she had a sweet demeanor, with charming eyes and dimples that would evoke a protective instinct in others. Asher was her instant crush, her dream man. Asher’s features were striking, like a Greek statue, seemingly favored by the divine. His deep-set eyes beneath thick lashes exuded an air of noble aloofness. He was the head of the sports department, and I’d been an athlete since childhood. When I applied for the sports department, he said my passionate speech moved him, and he chose me first. After joining, he would often have me help organize various sports activities. I found not only his appearance captivating but also admired his organizational skills. Under his leadership, many of our department’s large events received high praise from the dean. Asher became a campus sensation, with girls flocking to him like a popular star. He joked that none of those girls compared to being with me. He said being with me was comfortable and different from being with them. Though just a joke, it made me happy for days. Once, my mother was hospitalized and needed surgery that cost a significant amount. My living expenses suddenly dropped, and I was eating only one meal a day. Asher noticed and always invited me to meals, insisting on paying. When he learned about my family situation, he transferred me five thousand dollars without hesitation. That money was half his living expenses for months, yet he gave it to me easily. He survived on instant noodles for over a month. Another time, my roommate bullied me, accusing me of stealing and stuffing tissues into my kettle. That roommate even rallied others to corner me, forcing me to admit and apologize. Terrified, I hid in a corner, crying uncontrollably. When Asher found out, he confronted each of them, ensuring they wouldn’t bully me again. What Asher did made me grow attached to him. I asked why he was so good to me, and he said he couldn’t stand seeing others bully me and instinctively wanted to protect me. I didn’t know if it was affection, but his determined look etched into my heart, and his defense deeply moved me. I’d never felt so cared for, so cherished. Asher was like the warm sun in winter, melting the ice and snow. I even hoped our relationship could develop further. Every time we went out to eat or drink, he liked to bring me along. Asher couldn’t hold his liquor, so I often drank for him. He didn’t know that each time I’d run to the restroom to vomit. Freya and I were roommates, and Asher asked me to help him pursue her. Freya’s beauty was unmatched; I knew I couldn’t compete. Though unwilling, I couldn’t refuse any favor Asher asked. Later, with my help, Asher and Freya started dating. They were the perfect couple, becoming a campus legend. When they went out, they always invited me along. I was the obvious third wheel, carrying bags, saving seats, queuing, and even booking hotel rooms for them. I successfully helped him win the heart of the cheerleader. I even washed Asher’s underwear and socks until we graduated from college. His roommates called me a simp. They said I was a model simp for helping the man I loved chase his goddess. But whenever I was down, Asher would drop everything to comfort me. He’d pinch my cheeks, pat my head, and gaze at me with a smile, saying warm words to cheer me up. He’d order my favorite sweet and spicy dishes. I didn’t like scallions, and he’d pick them out for me. He’d accompany me to watch thriller movies I liked. Even if I was a simp, as long as I could stay by his side, I was willing. When they argued, Asher only confided in me. Asher joked, “Cora, you’re so understanding. Who’ll be lucky enough to marry you?” A warmth filled my heart, and I looked up, “Is it you?” Asher almost choked on his drink, and I quickly patted his back. “Cora, having Freya is enough. But if she had your personality, it would be perfect. You’ll find someone who truly loves you.” I feigned calmness, but my heart stung a little. In senior year, during a campus basketball game, Asher broke his leg. The doctor said he’d need a month in the hospital and couldn’t be left alone. Everyone was busy preparing for graduation. There was an internship opportunity at a big tech company, with only one spot. If you performed well, you’d be offered a full-time position. Everyone in our computer science department coveted this chance, trying every way to get it. But the advisor gave it to me because I consistently had the top grades. But what about Asher? Freya was busy with her thesis and couldn’t care for Asher. For Asher, I turned down the internship. I couldn’t abandon him when he needed me. I researched online about foods that promote bone healing, how to make soups, and how to cheer up patients. “Cora, what’s Freya busy with? Did she ask you to visit me daily? Why doesn’t she come?” “I came on my own. I just want you to recover quickly. Campus recruitment is nearing, and I don’t want you to miss it.” Asher’s expression was complicated, frowning, “But everyone’s busy now, and you’re here taking care of me. What about your own matters? If I caused you to miss an important chance, I’d feel guilty.”
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