A Hundred Chances Is Enough, Right?

The office television was broadcasting the story of Cedric Gardner's return. Tiffany Scorsese's eyes remained on the screen the entire time, even when she accepted the property transfer agreement from me and signed it without hesitation.Parnings Manor, located in the western suburbs, was one of the most sought-after properties in all of Cloudridge. It was nearly impossible to purchase even with money, yet it held no value in her eyes—just like I did.After the broadcast ended, Tiffany appeared to be in high spirits. She casually twirled the pen between her fingers after signing, then handed the property deed back to me. "I must have transferred over 60 properties to you by now? You're basically a little tycoon," she joked.The delight in her tone was undeniable, but it had nothing to do with me. It was all because her first love was coming home.I stood in front of her and simply nodded. "The mansion in the western suburbs has a view of the ocean. I really like it."Back when she

This woman, whom I had called "Aunt Elena" for five years, was the perfect excuse, carefully prepared from the beginning.The fireworks show carried on. No one was paying attention to me anymore.Then the weather turned. Out of nowhere, rain came pouring down. Tiffany quickly pushed through the crowd. "Cedric's not well. He can't be in the rain. Please, make way."She carefully shielded him as she helped him into the car.And once again, I was left standing alone.The rain was ice cold, but I didn't feel a thing. Maybe five years of marriage had already numbed me.…I got home and took a hot shower. By the time I came out, Tiffany was in the living room. She hesitated, then actually thanked me. "Thank you for stepping in out there. I mean... we're still secretly married. If things had come out, it wouldn't have looked good for Cedric. One day, I'll find a way to make our relationship public."I didn't remind her that there would be no more chances to go public. This marriage

At first, I thought I was mistaken. But after blinking and looking again, I was sure of it. Tiffany had really stopped her car right there on the highway.She opened the door and stepped out, walking straight toward me. She knocked on the cab window, mouthing words I couldn't hear. The soundproofing was too good.The driver looked over, puzzled. "Hey, do you want me to roll the window down so you can talk to her? It's dangerous out here."I shook my head. "No. Just ignore her."Tiffany knocked harder, her hands pounding the window again and again, but I never once glanced her way.The commotion finally came to an end when a police officer led her away. Only then, with the surrounding cars blocking the view, did I finally turn and look.Her expression was crystal clear.So she could be anxious about me after all.But I'd already given her a chance. She was the one who gave it up.The traffic cleared up quickly, and before long, we reached the airport. I arrived on time. What I

Finally, as I scanned my boarding pass and stepped through the gate, Tiffany called out to me. "Matthew, is there really no chance for us anymore?"I didn't stop walking. That silence was the clearest answer I could give her.The flight from Cloudridge to Newford was just three hours.I had never been to Newford before. It was colder than I imagined.I arrived at the homestay I had booked weeks ago. It wasn't anything luxurious. I didn't want a five-star hotel. I just wanted something that felt alive.Newford didn't disappoint me. The woman who ran the place greeted me warmly at the door. "You're a lot later than expected. Did something happen?"I shook my head. "It's all taken care of now.""That's good. You're new around here. If anything goes wrong, just find me. I'll help you out."I nodded and thanked her for her kindness. She asked if I had eaten. Then she recommended a few restaurants nearby, saying the food was great.Originally, I had come to Newford to start over.

"She told me we could see it too, but I know she did it for you. I didn't want to come. But then again... she only did all that because she knew you'd like it. So in the end, I brought you anyway."Blake kept talking.I knew she was doing all of it for me. Maybe it started with love at first sight, or maybe that short conversation from the other night left an impression on her.But seeing her so nervous, rambling at the end without daring to meet my eyes, I realized I couldn't blame her.She hadn't done anything wrong. She was just a little jealous.Blake clearly wrestled with herself before she finally looked up, eyes shimmering with tears. With a face like hers, even tears looked like poetry. Her eyes were practically made for holding emotion."That person in the rabbit costume was definitely her. If you leave now, you can still catch her," Blake said.I stared at her so long she started to tremble. Even as she told me to go to Tiffany, deep down, I knew she didn't mean it.S