I stopped what I was doing and turned to him.
“What for?”
Gregory searched the vanity for a while, then
explained,
“Didn’t Claire come back? She’s having a
fashion show soon, but she called to say her
investor pulled out.”
く
“But she’s already sent out invitations and
needs money urgently. Lend me your card.”
I scoffed, “Linda Claire’s personal matters,
what’s it to you?”
“Besides, why should I give you my money to help someone else? You’ll get the credit, but I
might not get my money back.”
Gregory frowned, displeased.
“Bethany, how can you say that? We’re
married; it’s our shared property.”
“What’s wrong with me using it?”
I was startled, suddenly remembering Gregory’s promise to Linda Claire.
Was he really in love with me, or did he just
want my money?
In my past life, with my family’s help, Gregory
had climbed the ranks, becoming a prominent
figure.
His wealth was comparable to mine.
Yet he persisted in his deception, revealing
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the truth only when I was dying.
And without a will, my assets would go to
him.
Thinking about this, I felt even more foolish.
I’d been manipulated by Gregory and Linda
Claire!
Taking a deep breath, I looked coldly at
Gregory.
“I don’t have any money.”
Gregory frowned, “No money? How’s that
possible? Didn’t you have a substantial
dowry? And the wedding gifts yesterday,
almost a million dollars.”
“Bethany, Claire’s your friend, why would you
say such hurtful things?”
I sneered, “Friend? My relationship with her is
probably not as close as yours.”
Gregory froze, a flicker of panic crossing his
face, quickly masked.
“What are you saying, Bethany?”
く
I bent down, closing my already packed
suitcase.
“I’m saying what I said last night about
divorce is serious.”
“I’ve scheduled an appointment at the
courthouse, next Friday morning at 9 am.
Please don’t be late.”
Gregory seemed to notice only now that
nothing of mine was on the vanity.
He nervously grabbed my arm, stopping me.
“Bethany, are you serious?”
I raised an eyebrow, repeating myself,
“Next Friday morning at 9, courthouse.”
8
I hadn’t been out of Gregory’s house long
when his mother called.
Having learned the news from Gregory, she
changed her earlier attitude, apologizing
profusely and trying to persuade me.
But I detected a current of resentment; she
く
resented me for damaging their reputation,
for being inconsiderate.
I hung up and blocked her number.
I told my parents about my decision.
Although angry, they were mostly relieved I’d
changed my mind.
As for reputation?
Reputation is earned, not given.
After finishing up my things, I contacted my
overseas friend, Anya, late that night.
I decided to return to my career, holding my
own fashion show.
Nathan had lost a business opportunity, and I
wanted to compensate him.
And I was confident I could earn him more
than Linda Claire.
Linda Claire had always been overshadowed
by me, until she studied overseas, returned a
supposed fashion genius.
If I hadn’t given up my career for Gregory in
<
my past life, becoming a stay–at–home wife,
that title wouldn’t have been hers.
Anya rushed back the next day to help me
design the show.
The timing was perfect. It had just been my
wedding. I hadn’t completely abandoned my
career.
Besides, I had actually intended to hold a
show around this time in my past life.
But Gregory had persuaded me to give it up.
I found my old designs and rented a studio
with Anya.
We worked day and night.
Gregory, somehow getting wind of this, found
our studio.
His face grim, umbrella in hand, he arrived,
looking exhausted.
Raindrops splattered on the pristine white
tiles, making me frown.
I was a neat freak, and Gregory knew it.
But he ignored it, coldly asking,
“Do you know Nathan Land?”