My parents died in a car accident and the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. I cried and begged friends and relatives for help, only to be coldly rejected.
In my despair, my fiancée ignored the gossip and handled my parents' funeral, insisted we still go through with the wedding.
But in the fifth year of our marriage, after my 99th failed startup attempt, I used the last of my money to buy her a bouquet of roses.
Only to accidentally overhear a conversation between her and her best friend, "Shania, how many times has Gabriel failed at starting a business? I've lost count. He really is a fool. Every time he fails, it's because you handed the core data over to Luke and he doesn't suspect a thing?"
Then came Shania's icy reply, "This is the 99th time. What, do you pity him?"
Sofia said, "No, it's just ... after all, you've been married for five years. Luke is coming back to the country tomorrow. Aren't you worried what will happen if he finds out?"
Shania said, "Luke isn't that poor kid from back then anymore. He's now a rising star in tech. Our companies working together is perfectly normal. I only chose Gabriel back then because I couldn't be with Luke. Now that he's successful, everything I've done is worth it."
I clutched the bouquet tighter, tears slipped down my face.
So, what I thought was salvation … was nothing more than Shania used me as a stepping stone to help her old flame.
She had actually married someone she didn't love, for him. If that's the case, this marriage wasn't worth keeping.
——
Inside the room, Shania held a wine glass, her voice full of longing and regret while saying, "If I can't be with Luke, then at least I can help him, make sure he never struggles with money again. That's the only thing I can still do for him. As for Gabriel ... I'll keep an eye on him. I won't let him find out the truth."
Her friend across from her looked disappointed, conflicted and said, "You gave him so many resources and he rejected them all. But then he specifically asked for what Gabriel had. He's clearly doing it on purpose, trying to ruin things between you two!"
She warned, "If the truth comes out, not only will you face public backlash, the Timberson Group's reputation will be destroyed too. Gabriel might even hate you. It's just not worth it."
But Shania sipped her wine indifferently and said, "Not worth it? Maybe. But love has never been something that can be measured. Once we get this last batch of data, everything will be over. And I don't want to hear another word about it."
Sofia still worried, "And what about Gabriel? He's spent five years buried in the lab, watching someone else steal his work and bask in the spotlight. Don't you ever think about how he feels? He loves you so much and you ..."
She was cut off by Shania’s word, "Enough. I already said, Luke is not a thief. If someone needs to be held responsible, it's me. I gave him the information. I'll take full responsibility!"
Sofia sighed, "Ugh ... I really don't understand you. Why bother? You didn't have to drag Gabriel into this, but you still ... Forget it. Do whatever you want."
Their voices faded. I slid down the wall and sat on the cold floor.
The scene of my parents' deaths five years ago was still fresh in my mind. Their deaths had caused the company to collapse.
It was Shania who pulled me back from the rooftop. She handled the company's debts and took me into the Timberson Family.
I thought I had found redemption and I willingly drowned in the happiness she created. But I never imagined, it was all a lie.
Her repeated encouragement to keep trying was only so she could pass everything I built to Luke. And like a fool, I believed her every comforted word and started over, again and again.
