Atoning for Her Sins

Later that night, while I was packing my things in the apartment, my phone buzzed with a notification. Someone I had specially followed had just uploaded a new post.I opened the app and found a new video of Tanner and Willow. They were on the beach, kissing under a grand display of fireworks.This scene caused memories to rush over me like a tidal wave.Back when we were in love, Tanner had promised to give me the most romantic fireworks show and propose to me beneath the flickering display.I put my phone away and stared at the bags I had packed. My heart felt empty now. I always thought I would spend my life with Tanner, so I had bought many things to decorate the home of my dreams. But in reality, leaving this place wasn't as hard as I had imagined it to be.After having most of my luggage shipped, I spent the night in a hotel with a suitcase containing several pieces of clothes.Next morning, I headed straight to the company.When I entered my office, I found that my belo

As soon as I exited the airport, I saw Davin waiting for me in the arrival hall. Surprised, I walked up to him and asked, "Mr. Slade, why are you here?"He casually took my luggage and strode outside. I hesitated for a while before quickly following him.Once in the car, Davin explained, "My grandfather and your parents both wanted me to be the first one you see when you arrive in Eastford, so I canceled my meeting and came to pick you up."I was at a loss for words. Was he expecting me to compliment him?"You're very thoughtful. Thank you for taking the time to come get me."My words didn't quite make him happy. Instead, the atmosphere grew even more awkward.Just as I was about to say something to ease the tension, he turned toward me. His expression shifted oddly and was tinged with a hint of shyness."Ka… Kathy."I froze, my eyes widening in surprise. Davin quickly shed his shyness as though it had been my imagination."We'll be married soon. I'd prefer you to address me d

Two days before the wedding, Julia Dawn, one of my former interns, sent me a video.In the video, Tanner was shouting at his human resource department staff member."I transferred Katherine to Westridge! How could a perfectly fine person just disappear into thin air? Are you all that useless?"Shaking, the staff member stood there and said helplessly, "I talked to Katherine. She said she didn't want to go to Westridge. Her employment contract was up, and she said she was leaving.""She left?" Tanner sounded incredulous. His body trembled as he staggered backward, but Willow caught him in time. "So she's no longer with the company, and no one knows where she went?"Everyone stood silent, holding their breath.In a fit of anger, Tanner threw the documents at the staff member's head.He demanded, "Why didn't you tell me she was leaving?"The staff member covered her head and glanced at Willow, pointing at her with a pitiful expression on her face."It was Ms. Thorne! She told me

Davin dropped me off after the party. Right after he left, a figure abruptly emerged from the shadows.I stared at the uninvited guest indifferently and said, "Tanner, enough already. You know I'm engaged, so what are you doing here? Let me remind you once again—we've broken up."Tanner's eyes were red as he uttered through gritted teeth, "I won't let you do this to me, Katherine. You lied to me. How dare you break up with me?"I looked at him, confused. "What did I lie about? Why do you keep acting like I hurt you?"He went on angrily, "If you had told me earlier that you were the heiress of Leigh Group, I never would've believed it when Willow said that you were some promiscuous woman, that you only closed deals by drinking and sleeping with clients! Things between us wouldn't have turned out like this!"I rolled my eyes. "Tanner, do you believe whatever Willow says? Are you a child? Listen carefully. Every single deal I closed was based on my capabilities. It had nothing to do

"You'd better explain what this contract is about!"Dad slammed the contract that Davin and I had signed onto the table, his hand trembling as he pointed at me.I kept my head down, too afraid to speak.After Willow was taken away for questioning, everything came to light, including the marriage contract I had with Davin.When I didn't respond, Dad fumed and threw his teacup across the room.I shut my eyes and braced myself for the impact, but a broad body stepped in front of me. I looked up into Davin's concerned eyes. He gently patted my head, wordlessly telling me not to be afraid.Then, he knelt before Dad with his head covered in tea leaves and explained, "This is my fault. I was the one who suggested we sign the contract. At the time, I was afraid Kathy wouldn't accept me, so I used the excuse of saving her to make her marry me. But I truly care about Kathy. Please, let me marry her."He then sincerely bowed to my parents.I stared at him in shock. Mom nudged my arm, and