Chapter 10%
Through the haze of alcohol, Jonathan spent the night lingering with the person who came, lost in the illusion of comfort. It wasn’t until the golden rays of morning spilled into the room that he finally saw her face.”
Lily Patricia.
She nestled against him, her delicate frame leaning into his chest, her voice as sweet as honey. “Richards, I heard everything you said last night.”
She traced a finger down his arm. “Zara doesn’t deserve your love. Let me take care of you instead, alright? I won’t be useless like her. I will give you a beautiful, healthy child.”}
But this time, Jonathan didn’t fall for her sugar–coated words.
With a cold sneer, he shoved her off the bed. Lily tumbled onto the floor with a startled gasp. He got up and began dressing, his movements sharp and resolute.
“Lily,” he said, his voice devoid of warmth, “you were never anything more than a distraction. I have only ever loved Zara. Being with you was just an act of defiance.“}
His gaze darkened. “I have made up my mind–I’m going to change. If you dare interfere with my relationship with her again, I won’t show you any mercy.“}
A crisp check fluttered through the air, landing squarely on Lily’s stunned face.
Without another word, he threw on his coat and stormed out the door.”
Last night had been his awakening.”
In this world, he could afford to lose everything–but not Zara. He had to find her. No matter what it took.
***
After a long and restless journey, I finally returned to my hometown.
Everything was just as I had left it.”
Time had stood still here, untouched by my years of absence. The familiar streets, the small shops, the gentle hum of daily life–it was as though I had never left.
The neighbor’s auntie spotted me from afar, her eyes lighting up with surprise and joy. She bustled over, immediately offering to help me tidy up my old home.
“I remember when you got into Abertic University,” she said warmly. “We were all so proud of you. Looking at you now, I bet you have made quite a name for yourself in the big city.“}]
She sighed wistfully. “Your mom would have been so proud.”}]
Looking at the neighbor aunt’s loving face.”
I, however, lowered my head in embarrassment.
I was the first student in this small town to be admitted to a prestigious university. At that time, everyone, including myself, believed I would definitely have a bright future. That I would build a successful career. That I would give my mom the life she deserved. That I would have a happy family.”
But fate had other plans.”
At the crossroads of my life, I had chosen to marry Jonathan.
And for that decision, I had sacrificed ten years of my youth and lost two precious lives.
of my
I chatted with the auntie for a while, carefully skirting around the worst parts of my story. But when I told her that my mom had passed, her face fell and grief settled between us like an unspoken weight. I couldn’t help but shed a tear as well.
“I always felt that I had killed mom,” I whispered. “If I had realized sooner that something was wrong; If I had hidden the truth about my child’s death; If I had never married Jonathan and instead worked hard to earn money for her treatment, none of this would gonna be happened.”
The auntie reached out and patted my shoulder before pulling me into a comforting embrace.
“Actually, your mother called me years ago,” she murmured. “She knew you weren’t happy in your marriage. She cried and told me she was sorry. it was all because she dragged you down-“}
She tightened her grip on me. “Zara, you have grown up. There is nothing Auntie can advise you on. But no mother doesn’t love her child. Your mom never blamed you. She just wanted you to be happy.”
And just like that, the dam broke.
