Luke took the document with a smile, his eyes full of smugness.
The divorce agreement in my hand slipped and hit the floor with a sound.
Through the crack in the door, Shania saw me standing outside, her face instantly turned flustered. She asked, "Gabriel, why are you here? Don't misunderstand. This is Luke, the poor student you sponsored back then. He just returned to discuss a collaboration with me and wanted to thank you for your help."
"Hi, Gabriel, long time no see." Luke placed the materials behind him, put on a professional demeanor and reached out to shake my hand.
I looked at his sharp suit and perfectly styled hair. It seemed like our roles had reversed. I was now the one in need of support.
Suppressed my resentment, I smiled, extended my hand and said, "Long time no see. I was just passing by and thought I'd stop in to see you. Since you two have things to discuss, I'll head home now."
Shania, still uneasy, followed me out and tried to explain, "Gabriel, don't overthink it. Luke's research aligns with yours. I was just about to ask him for advice on your behalf. Didn't you always want our child to have a successful father? This is the perfect opportunity."
Look at her tried so hard to appear considerate, I suddenly found it laughable.
To help Luke succeed, she didn't hesitate to become a thief, even sacrificed herself to stay with me. Now that her goals were almost achieved, why bother using a child to tie me down again?
I said casually, "Don't worry. That time was just my misunderstanding. You already investigated and cleared it up. I'm not that narrow-minded. You two go ahead. I'll be at home waiting to hear from you."
After she heard that, the tense look on her face finally relaxed. She personally escorted me to the elevator.
After returned at home, I packed up everything Shania had given me over the past five years and donated it all to the orphanage.
Just after the staff left, I received a call from an auction house. Shania had won a bid for an item a week ago, but her phone had been off, so they contacted me.
When I signed for the delivery, the staff opened the box to confirm its contents. Inside was a pair of exquisite couple rings.
I froze for a moment, I stared at the plain and rough wedding ring on my finger, suddenly felt cold inside.
Then Shania's message appeared on my screen: [Gabriel, I bought a piece of jewelry, it's for a client. My phone just off earlier. Can you take it home for me? I'll have Lila to pick it up.]
I casually replied with an: [Okay] and put the box away.
Since I had already decided to leave, I had no intention of exposing her pathetic lie.
That night, her secretary came to collect the box and told me Shania had to go on a sudden business trip.
But late at night, Luke sent me a friend request. After I accepted … a video appeared on my phone.
In a revolving restaurant, a woman in a white dress knelt on one knee. There was a distinct red mole on her bare shoulder.
Amid the cheers of the staff, the two exchanged rings and embraced in a kiss.
I replied with: [Wishing you a long and happy life together] and stayed up all night.
On the morning of the third day, Shania messaged me, she asked me to attend Luke's launch event.
Just as I was about to enter the venue, a security guard stopped me, "Sir, please show your invitation."
When I didn't respond, the guard continued, "This venue is fully booked by the Timberson Group today. It's a private event for prominent figures in the capital. If you don't have an invitation, I'm afraid you'll have to leave."
People nearby waited to enter started looking my way and whispered, "Isn't that Shania's husband? Is he still thinking he's some young star from the Lambert Family? He's been living off the Timberson Family for five years. If Shania hadn't kept her promise and married him, who knows where he'd be now, probably still working off his family's debts!"
