Chapter 3

My refusal hit Sharon like a spark to dry tinder.

"Tutoring just you is one thing," she protested, "but what's the harm in adding Harry and studying together? We're in the most critical phase of the year right now. Can't you think beyond yourself for once?"

Her glare was fierce and accusatory, forcing me to question the idealized view I had once held of her.

Sharon had been the undisputed star of our class—brilliant and proud, but so poor that she often went without proper meals.

I had no real love for studying myself, yet I hired her as a tutor and paid her far more than necessary, all to protect her pride and avoid making it feel like charity.

After graduation, I used my family's connections to get her an internship at my father's company and quietly arranged for her quick promotion to project manager.

After we got married, I handed her full control of the company, trusting her to manage it. And despite everything I did for her, Sharon still plotted to end my life.

There was no way I would make the same mistake again.

Harry looked up at me, his expression one of calculated vulnerability. "If I don't get into university, my father will force me into some dead-end factory job to support us. I really want to keep studying. Please, this would be like saving my life. I'll do anything to repay you."

Sharon's frustration boiled over. "Are you really trying to drive Harry to his death before you stop?"

I took several steps back, wanting distance from their escalating intensity, as if it could somehow contaminate me.

"What kind of talk is that?" I replied calmly. "A life like his is too important for me to take responsibility for."

I pulled out my phone and transferred $1,000 to Sharon's account. Her contact was still at the top of my list—a detail that now felt ominous.

"I've sent your payment for this month," I said evenly. "Our tutoring sessions are over now; there's no need for you to come back. Focus your energy on helping Harry. I won't interfere."

A look of pure glee crossed Harry's face, his eyes lighting up as he turned to Sharon. She ignored him completely, her focus locked on me. Her brows knitted together in disbelief.

"What were you saying?" she stammered. "You're ending the tutoring altogether?"

To make sure she understood, I explained clearly, "You're free from coming here anymore. Harry needs your full attention right now; without it, his chances of getting into university could fall apart."

"But I've been tutoring you for two years," she said. "Aren't you worried that stopping now will ruin your chances on the exams?"

"That's my problem to handle," I said coolly. "Take care."

In my previous life, even after all of Sharon's lessons right up to the end, I had still chosen to study abroad. My grades hadn't improved at all, and I was branded forever as the one who ruined Harry's life.

Looking back, I had been such a fool.

Sharon's hands shook at her sides, her knuckles turning white as she clenched her fists. Through gritted teeth, she said, "Fine. Don't regret this."

With that, she led Harry to storm out.