Student Days

Back in school, I publicly humiliated Aidan Shaw when he confessed his feelings for me.

"I was just messing with you. How could you take it seriously? Have you looked in a mirror? Do you really think you're worthy?"

Seven years later, Aidan Shaw had become a new titan of the business world.

Meanwhile, I was working three jobs just to support myself.

He used every trick in the book to marry me, tormenting me day after day and trampling my dignity underfoot.

But when I finally gave in to him,

he flew into a rage.

"Who are you putting on this act for? If you want to die, then hurry up and do it!"

Yes, Aidan Shaw.

I really am going to die.

1

In the three years I've been with Aidan Shaw, I've become a public laughingstock.

Anyone with eyes could see he didn't love me. They knew he must have had some other reason for marrying me.

But I knew the truth: Aidan Shaw married me for the sole purpose of getting revenge.

Those years when my family fell apart, life stripped me of all my pride, and eventually, my dignity.

One million dollars.

That's all it took for Aidan Shaw to trap me by his side forever.

My old standard of living was restored, but I lost my freedom in the process.

He said:

"Elara Hayes, weren't you so arrogant? If you have the guts, then dump me again like you did back then. Otherwise—"

"—you'll be stuck by my side forever."

Aidan Shaw was right.

I didn't have the guts, so I remained trapped by his side, year after year.

But in the end, Aidan Shaw won't be able to keep me.

A single medical report had shown me the end of my life's road.

Outside the hospital, the sunset stained half the sky red.

I folded the report over and over into a small square and tucked it into the very bottom of my purse.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to console myself.

'It's fine. So what if there's a little pain? I've always been good at enduring. If I just wait for the day I finally get to leave, won't that be a form of release in itself?'