My Eight-Year Marriage: A Scapegoat No More! I’d been with my husband for eight years. He was the perfect husband, attentive to my every need. Until the news broke that my best friend was back in the country and had been hurt. At the grand opening, he ditched me and ran to the one who truly held his heart. The next day, I received the divorce papers. Eight years of devotion, and it all meant nothing the moment his ex came back. I finally got it. I’d loved Julian Thorne for a full decade. But he, he never knew. The day he married me, I didn’t sleep a wink. I’d longed for this day for so, so long. The day Julian Thorne and I got married, it poured outside. Originally, the one Julian was supposed to marry was Blair Thompson. But on their wedding day, Blair took the wedding funds and ran, abandoning the ceremony. Blair, she was my best friend. Back in university, she was incredibly introverted, barely spoke, and came from no significant background. Nobody wanted to hang out with her. Our university was an elite one, full of students from old money and powerful families. Later, I learned Blair had forced her parents to borrow money from everywhere just to get into the school because she was determined to bag a wealthy husband. The lazy afternoon sun spilled onto the garden path. I was heading to the office to go over a paper with a professor when I heard a commotion around the corner. A few entitled brats had cornered a young girl. They were spewing all sorts of filthy language. The girl had a large backpack, her body curled into a ball, eyes filled with tears, staring timidly at the aggressive faces surrounding her. Liam Hayes ripped off the girl’s hat, threw it to the ground, and stomped on it. Lucas Thorne snatched her phone, fiddling with it, letting out strange cackles now and then. The girl pleaded, her voice trembling, “Please, give me my things back, I’m begging you…” But they ignored her, continuing their torment. “Cole Hayes, is bullying part of the Hayes family’s values?” I said, my voice cold, staring at Cole. Cole Hayes, the sole heir to the Hayes family, their future successor. In this city, the Hayes family ranked first, the Millers ranked second. “Maybe Miss Miller should mind her own business first?” Lucas glared at me, annoyed. “You know the consequences if you don’t leave now.” I twirled my pen, speaking casually. Cole gave me a deep look, then slightly raised his chin, signaling them to leave. “Since when did Miss Miller start being so nosy?” they muttered as they walked away. It was true, I was known in our circles for being aloof and reserved, yet that day, I stepped forward anyway. My parents were always busy with business abroad, maybe I was just lonely too. “My name is Blair Thompson, thank you for saving me just now.” Blair extended her hand to me. “Seraphina Miller. Don’t be such a coward in the future.” I glanced at her. But she just grinned and hugged me. “From now on, you’re my best friend!” I didn’t like unfamiliar people getting too close, but that day, I don’t know what possessed me, but I didn’t push her away. From then on, Blair followed me everywhere, every single day. She chattered constantly, incredibly noisy. But I never once cut her off. Julian Thorne, he was utterly, madly in love with Blair. At the most luxurious private club in the city, it was covered in Ecuadorian Royal Roses and Japanese Alpine Peonies. A globally renowned wedding dress designer had custom-made a dream gown for Blair—gossamer-thin French lace, dazzling Swarovski crystals, every stitch radiating luxury. The lavish wedding he gave Blair was the talk of the entire city. That day, everyone who was anyone was there. I watched it all in a daze. Ten years of unrequited love, maybe it was finally time to end it. Like a shell of myself, I escaped into the lounge. Afraid that in the next second, I’d just completely break down. “Sera, could you do me a favor?” Blair had followed me in, I hadn’t even noticed. I looked at her, gesturing for her to continue. Blair ran over, shaking my arm. “Could you help me elope? I don’t want to marry Julian.” “Why?”
Julian and Blair had been together for five years. In those five years, his doting and favoritism towards Blair drove me insane with jealousy. I had never seen Julian like that. I forced myself to bury those feelings deep inside. “I don’t want to marry someone I don’t love, please, Sera,” she pleaded, whining. “Stop messing around, the wedding’s about to start.” I said, a little annoyed. “Alright, fine, I’ll go get ready then.” Blair skipped off. My thoughts drifted back to the past. I absolutely hated horseback riding. But I heard he loved equestrianism, so I signed up for riding lessons too. On my first lesson, I was nervous and clumsy, trying to approach the restless horse, but I couldn’t calm it down. Just as I was at a loss, Julian, wearing a dashing riding helmet, walked over with a confident stride. He gently patted the horse’s neck, whispered a few words, and the horse immediately settled down. Then he turned and looked at me, a smile in his eyes. He patiently taught me how to properly hold the reins and mount the horse. As he guided me hand-in-hand, I caught a faint scent of his cologne. His proximity made my cheeks burn. “Thank you, Julian,” I said, blushing. I’d liked him since childhood, but this was the first time I’d ever called him by name to his face. The reason I liked him was simple: he was incredibly handsome. “It’s nothing, Sera. Feel free to ask me anything you don’t understand.” When he looked at me, his eyes seemed to sparkle. I nodded. In that instant, my heart felt like it burst with fireworks. Maybe he liked me a little too. Was I really Julian and Blair’s matchmaker? I asked myself countless times. At a lavish private yacht party, I didn’t like crowds, so I stood alone on the deck, enjoying the breeze. The sea wind gently lifted my hair. As I was lost in thought, a magnetic voice suddenly came from behind me: “Standing out here in the wind, aren’t you cold?” I turned, and Julian Thorne, dressed in a white casual suit, appeared before me. He stood tall, his presence extraordinary, the limited edition Rolex on his wrist glinting dazzlingly in the sunlight. “It’s alright, the view here is beautiful,” I replied calmly. He smiled, walking to the railing and standing beside me. “Indeed, this sea always lifts one’s spirits.” “I remember you don’t really like attending parties.” “I came with a friend.” I glanced at Blair, who was flitting between various wealthy young men. “Your friend? She’s quite beautiful.” Julian followed my gaze. Blair that day was in a custom gown, its train spilling like a river of stars, her exquisite makeup highlighting her striking features. Yes, I bought it for her. “Sera, I’ve never been to a yacht party!” she looked at me pitifully. “Please, please, take me!” My heart suddenly softened, I gave her a makeover and brought her along. “So, Mr. Thorne, is she your type?” I asked him boldly, secretly testing the waters. “Do you want me to introduce you?” I waited for a long time, so long I thought Julian wouldn’t answer. “No.” He waved his hand at me. “Let’s go, Miss Miller. Get back inside, it’s cold.” He said he didn’t like her, Yet his eyes never left Blair. The next day, he began his relentless pursuit. He pursued her relentlessly and patiently for almost a year, making sure everyone knew it.
“Sera, I said yes to Julian’s proposal!” Blair smiled, as innocent and charming as a child. “Hm, congratulations.” I unconsciously tightened my grip on the book in my hand, my fingertips turning white, but I didn’t even notice. Back then, I naively thought Blair truly loved Julian. I refused to be the villain who tore them apart. I’d consider my feelings for him just a long, beautiful dream. Now that I was awake, I’d pay the price for indulging in it. But in the end, Blair still ran away from the wedding. And, she even took the wedding funds with her. At the wedding venue, guests filled the seats, flowers and crystal chandeliers shimmered, everything arranged to the most luxurious specifications. Julian, in his Italian custom suit, stood tall, but as he waited for Blair, he received the news of her elopement instead. In an instant, his eyes widened, staring in disbelief at the empty end of the red carpet. The composure on his face vanished, replaced by anger and panic. “Where is she?!” Julian roared, his voice echoing through the entire hall, making the surrounding staff tremble. Julian tore off his tie and flung it at the elegant dessert table, scattering pastries everywhere. Then he stormed into the bride’s dressing room, and seeing the empty space, he became even more enraged. He clenched his fists, veins throbbing on his forehead, muttering through gritted teeth, “How dare she!” Julian rushed out the door, completely abandoning his usual image, his uncontrolled appearance a stark contrast to his usual self. A few hours later, Julian returned, defeated. He walked straight to me. “Sera, will you marry me?” Julian clutched my hand, as if afraid I’d refuse. I knew he needed a bride today. Whether it was to get back at Blair or save face. “I…” “Seraphina Miller, are you crazy? Can’t you see he’s just using you to clean up his mess?” Cole Hayes interrupted me. “Miss Miller, so desperate to get married? You’re so desperate to get married you’ll take anyone, even a hand-me-down? Why not consider me instead?” Cole said casually, a cigarette between his fingers. “What do you mean by that, Mr. Hayes? Are you openly opposing me?” Julian stared at him intently. “Exactly what it sounds like.” Cole didn’t even spare him a glance, smiling. “So, Miss Miller, what do you say?” “Yes, Julian.” I completely ignored Cole. “Damn it! Seraphina Miller, you’re just determined to suffer, aren’t you?!” Cole smashed the champagne bar and the flower arch. Then he turned and left. Suddenly, a heavy rain began to fall. The wedding venue was ruined. And just like that, in such a miserable state, I married the man I’d loved my entire youth. That wedding night, I didn’t sleep at all. I was overjoyed, after all, I had waited for this day for so, so long. I knew why Julian chose me. His first love ran away, so naturally, he chose the next best option—the one who could help him the most. He needed me to help him save face. I didn’t care about any of that. I just wanted him. My parents were exasperated, but they spoiled me rotten and let me do as I pleased. After all, we had the means, so what was there to fear?
Actually, during our eight years of marriage, Julian was very good to me. In hazy moments, it felt as though Blair had never even existed. He became known in our circles as a total doting husband. I even started to believe he had fallen in love with me. Julian frequently took me to various galas, openly marking his territory. It was as if he couldn’t bear to be apart from me for a second. Every time, he’d prepare a gorgeous gown for me in advance. Watching me put it on, his eyes would be filled with tenderness and adoration, and he’d softly say, “My Sera is truly beautiful.” At banquets, when others toasted, he would subtly shield me, take the glass, and drink it all down, whispering, “I’m here.” When I stumbled accidentally, he’d quickly catch me, his concerned gaze fixed. “Sera, are you hurt?” His anxious look made the other rich kids tease, “Julian, you’re still so sweet on Sera after all these years.” When Julian wasn’t busy, he’d take me on vacations to a private island. In the island villa, he’d personally cook breakfast for me, the apron softening his usual sharp business edge. Sunlight streamed into the kitchen as he served the fried eggs onto a plate, smiling as he called out, “Come, try it. I hope it’s to your taste.” Walking on the beach, I spotted a seashell. Me, Miss Miller, the heiress to such a powerful family, what expensive trinket haven’t I seen? Suddenly, a playful thought sparked in my mind. “Julian, I like this shell.” Julian didn’t care for his expensive suit getting soaked by the seawater. He stepped into the shallows, picked it up, wiped it clean, and handed it to me. “You’re like a little kid.” But who wouldn’t turn into a child when they feel loved? At night, when nightmares startled me awake, he’d immediately pull me gently into his arms, murmuring like he was soothing a child, “It’s okay, Sera, I’m right here.” Once, a project I was in charge of ran into trouble, leaving me frowning with worry. I didn’t want to tell my parents; I wanted to prove my own capabilities. When Julian found out, he immediately used his connections and even personally got involved in the planning. He gently stroked my hair, coaxing, “Don’t worry, Sera, I’m here.” In that moment, tears welled up in my eyes, brimming with gratitude. I knew that from the moment I agreed to marry him, I’d been burdened by the heavy shackles of being a “stand-in.” Whenever night fell, those doubting voices echoed in my heart, yet I stubbornly searched for a flicker of love in the darkness. Perhaps, Julian’s intentions weren’t pure at first. But in the years of our marriage, every little moment was real. Eight years had accumulated, perhaps he had long forgotten Blair. I immersed myself in Julian’s favoritism towards me. This exception was real and tangible. I tried to break free from the constant cycle of searching for evidence of his love for me in every detail, every day. I gradually stopped thinking about the past. Their past. It would get better. Everything was slowly getting better. But then, Blair came back. And my love story came crashing down. Turns out, my proud marriage was so fragile, so easily shattered.
The next day, the art exhibition opened grandly. I wore a floor-length gown, its tailored cut highlighting my slender waist, the diamond necklace around my neck dazzling brightly. Every movement exuded nobility, captivating the entire room. I saw the awe in Julian’s eyes. And pride. But just then, a sudden car accident shocked the entire city. The moment Julian glimpsed the injured person on someone’s phone, He trembled all over, his eyes bloodshot. He didn’t care that we were at the exhibition, he abandoned me and rushed off. After excusing myself to the organizers, I drove to follow him. Julian was holding Blair, leaving without a backward glance. I was completely blindsided. Blair? When did she come back? Right, only she could make Julian act so recklessly, so utterly without a care. Blair was critically injured, in a coma, her life hanging by a thread. When Julian saw me arrive, his face was filled with rage. He grabbed my collar, roaring, “Was it you? When did you know she was back?!” My eyes widened in shock, tears streaming down my face. “Julian, we’ve been married for eight years. Do you really not know me at all?” Julian was blinded by fury, not listening to any explanation, and he violently flung me away. The next day, I received the divorce papers. I was sitting on the living room sofa, still holding a freshly brewed cup of hot tea. When the assistant handed me the divorce papers, my hand shook uncontrollably, splashing hot tea that scalded my skin, but I didn’t even feel it. My gaze fell on the agreement, my lips trembled, tears streamed down my face. My heart felt as if it had been struck by a heavy hammer, our past affection shattered to pieces. After steadying myself, I signed without hesitation. Let it be. No more fear, no more anxiety. It was time to return what didn’t belong to me. What wasn’t mine had no need for entanglement. It was pouring outside, and I took nothing with me. I sat by the door all night long. Julian never came home. “Let’s meet, my dearest best friend.” Blair’s provocative message came through. I thought it over and over, then decided to go. Some things, I needed to get clear.
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