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 a

and took him to school. Only then did she catch a ride over to Harmony

kept hyping herself up. Having to apologize to Andrea honestly felt worse than death. But sometimes life just hit that hard; to keep going, she’d

was just before 8:30. Andrea and Jeffrey had just finished breakfast. When Andrea saw Rebecca, she got up from the sofa and walked over, a little surprised.

15:34 Thu, to Sept

18 Septe

Chapter 41

asked. Her eyes flicked to Jeffrey, who was heading downstairs, looking sharp in a

for a second when he saw

between the two of them. “Want me

and fixed her gaze on Andrea. In a robotic, rehearsed tone, she said, “I’m here

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

on.

whole presence pressing down on Rebecca like a storm. His eyes were locked on her, voice cutting. “So that’s your

was facing a stranger. She shot back, “And what is

sense any sincerity in your apology,” Jeffrey said, his gaze loaded with

and grabbed his sleeve, trying to ease the tension. “Seriously, it’s no big deal. There’s no need for her to make

Jeffrey’s reply was ice–cold, his expression

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

put her through

apology to Andrea was sincere, But knowing she only

seized Rebecca by the wrist, dragged her straight to

into the car.

follow and called out,

Rebecca. Just go inside,” Jeffrey said, not

him from leaving, but after getting to know him better, she knew pressing would only annoy him. Finally, she

try to follow again, pushing down all her worries as

madman. She tried to wrench her hand free, but his grip was iron–strong. Her wrist was turning red from the effort, yet

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