Seeing that I hadn't responded, Annie continued to smile happily. "You probably don't know this, but not only is my studio equipped with the best art supplies in the world, but also because I'm holding an art exhibition, Mr. Fulmer specially brought in experts from all over the world to support me."
"However, compared to all that, I envy you more, Miss Shelton. You occupy a position that no one else can steal."
I lowered my gaze, lifting the corners of my mouth in a self-mocking smile. "Is that so?"
It seemed that loving Ryan had long become something carved into my bones.
When I was little, I didn't understand anything; all I knew was chasing after him all day long. As I grew up, I even gave up my opportunity to study art abroad for him, even though he was naturally cold and indifferent to everyone.
Still, I never gave up. I believed that I could melt the ice and so I stayed by his side year after year.
Over the years of our marriage, I've been injured countless times. Yet no matter how deep the wound, Ryan never once cared about my pain. Even when my life hung by a thread, he showed not a trace of concern. Instead, he fawns over Annie's dog.
After marrying him, I wanted to continue my art studies, only to be mocked for dreaming.
Whenever this happened, I would always console myself, thinking he was a heartless, loveless person and treated everyone this way. But now, reality had slapped me hard in the face. I suddenly felt that my dream was far more important than my marriage.
By the end of her words, Annie lifted her innocent and adorable face as she smiled at me. "Do you think Mr. Fulmer really likes me?"
I snapped out of my reverie and politely agreed. At that same time, Ryan, in the driver's seat, glanced at me through the rearview mirror.
Once we arrived at the art exhibition, I immediately excused myself to use the restroom and called my mother. "Mom, please help me apply to study abroad."
My mother was somewhat surprised. "Honey, why do you suddenly want to study abroad?"
My nose stung with holdback tears.
Back then, giving up studying abroad to marry Ryan was the one thing my mother opposed the most. We'd even had a huge fight over it. That's why I drowned in regret.
I sniffed back tears. "It's just that I realize now you were absolutely right back then."
After exchanging a few more words, I returned to the event. Reporters swarmed around the couple, snapping photos frantically as flattering whispers filled the air.
"A business tycoon versus an innocent art muse, they look made for each other!"
"Mr. Fulmer has remained unmarried all this time, probably reserving the position of wife for Miss Whitmore!"
I forgot that no one knew that Ryan and I were married. The outside world simply assumed the head of the Fulmer Corporation had never taken a wife and that the position was being held in reserve for his true love, Annie Whitmore.
My heart slowly tightened and I forced myself not to shed tears. Even though I was telling myself to let go just a second ago, my chest was now filled with bitterness once more.
After Annie finished her interview, she handed me everything she was holding, rubbing her wrists. "These things are so heavy, could you please help me carry them? And remember to buy me a bottle of water too."
I took a deep breath, but when I turned back, my eyes accidentally caught one of Annie's paintings.
Although it was her work, I could tell the artistic approach was exactly the same as the mentor who taught me to paint years ago. Wasn't this plagiarism?
My heart raced and the water cup in my hand slipped, shattering on the floor. A staff member shoved me, saying, "How can an assistant like you do your job? What if you ruin Miss Whitmore's painting?"
"I'm sorry." I frantically gathered the shards when a startled gasp erupted nearby.
"Look! Annie's painting has been exposed online as plagiarism!"
As a commotion broke out among the crowd, I was jostled back and forth. Losing my balance, I ended up kneeling on the broken glass and tears streamed down my face from the pain.
Even then, Ryan only focused entirely on Annie, his brow furrowing as he gently patted her shoulder to comfort her. "It's okay. I'm here."
Sensing the shift in momentum, the reporters immediately turned their cameras toward them, closing in step by step.
