After the divorce, he begged

Chapter 41

Jeffrey’s phone buzzed twice. It was a message from Samuel: [Good night, Dad.]

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Jeffrey had seen these words from Samuel many times before, but tonight, they hit differently, sinking deep into his heart. He stared at the screen, his finger hovering for a moment before he finally typed back: [Good night, baby.]

Samuel saw the reply and bit his lip gently.

After getting in the car, lan took Rebecca to treat her wound. Once done, he dropped them at Maple Garden and watched them enter and head upstairs before texting Rebecca: [Keep your wound dry. Take care.]

Rebecca saw lan’s message only after putting Samuel to bed. She quickly replied: [Okay.]

lan texted back almost instantly: [You seemed a bit off today. Did Jeffrey do something again?]

[Everything went smoothly today. Why would I be in a bad mood?] Rebecca didn’t want lan to worry about her, so she kept her real feelings hidden.

Her interview was a win, and her mom’s surgery went well. If it hadn’t been for what happened tonight, it really would have been a perfect day.

lan messaged again: [We’ve been friends for years, I know when something’s wrong. If you don’t want to talk, I won’t push. Just remember, Jessica and I are always here for you.]

Rebecca typed back: [I know.]

That night, Rebecca lay awake for a long time, unable to fall asleep.

For over twenty years, she never bowed her head when she was right. Before marriage, her parents shielded her from injustice. Afterward, Jeffrey ensured she never had to endure unfairness alone.

But now she was alone. At the start of this new life, everything already felt wrong. Bitterly, she wondered, ‘If Mom woke up and knew I gave in over something not even my fault, would she be disappointed?‘

Rebecca couldn’t remember when she’d actually fallen asleep. The only thing she knew was that when the alarm rang, her head was foggy and her eyes refused to open. Still, she got up early, determined to make breakfast.

was no longer living with Jeffrey, every single thing fell on her shoulders–meals, cleaning, all the daily routines. Strangely, taking care of everything herself gave her

to finish his breakfast and took him to school.

sometimes life just hit that hard; to keep going, she’d have

arrived at Harmony Estate, it was just before 8:30. Andrea and Jeffrey had just finished breakfast. When Andrea saw Rebecca, she got up from the

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18 Septe

Chapter 41

flicked to Jeffrey, who was heading downstairs, looking sharp

for a second when he

here for me or for Jeffrey?” Andrea asked, glancing between the two of them. “Want me to give you two

rehearsed tone, she said, “I’m here to see you. Yesterday, I lost control and hit you with my bag.

almost at a loss, glancing at Jeffrey helplessly. “Uh… Jeffrey?” she asked, not sure

on.

Rebecca like a storm. His eyes

almost like she was facing a stranger. She shot back, “And what is it, exactly,

apology,” Jeffrey said, his gaze

deal. There’s no need for her to make a big

Jeffrey’s reply was ice–cold, his expression hard as stone, refusing to

chill ran through Andrea. She thought, ‘He cared for Rebecca for five years, yet after just a few days apart, he’s this ruthless? If he ever learns I’ve been deceiving him… I can’t even imagine what

through the wringer, so she just turned to Andrea

all flawless. Her apology to Andrea was sincere, But knowing she only did it because he forced her sparked a sudden, nameless anger

Rebecca by the wrist, dragged her straight to the garage, and practically

into the car.

follow and called

Just go inside,” Jeffrey

to know him better, she knew pressing would

all

his grip was iron–strong. Her wrist

really didn’t expect you to fold so easily, Rebecca,” Jeffrey sneered as he leaned over