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Chapter 5

Author: Sleepyhead
Third-Person POV

As the plane soared into the sky, Colin leaned back in his spacious first-class seat and closed his eyes to rest.

Yet the image of Wendy standing outside the airport security checkpoint, smiling and waving goodbye, kept flashing through his mind.

His eyes snapped open, and his brows furrowed.

It dawned on him that he hadn't seen her genuinely smile in a long time. Not the cautious, polite smile she wore at social gatherings.

But the way her lips used to curve upward withou
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  • Can't Pay Me to Stay   Chapter 12

    Colin's POVBeneath an oak tree a short distance away, Colin and Simon looked on in silence.Simon stared at Elyse, whom Henry had lifted high into the air. Her laughter rang like silver bells. With an envious look in his eyes, he said, "If... my little brother and sister had survived..."Colin patted Simon on the shoulder, stopping him before he could finish his sentence. His gaze lingered on Elyse as well.The young girl's bright energy and joy, which clearly showed she'd been raised in a loving environment, felt like a mirror. It reflected the happiness he'd once possessed and destroyed with his own hands.Colin recalled Wendy's pale face after her miscarriage and the cold-hearted "compensation" he'd offered her back then. His heart belatedly twisted, the pain relentless.He'd finally realized why Wendy had done everything in her power to cling to the money he'd given her back then. She'd secretly established a scholarship fund that helped countless girls facing the same hards

  • Can't Pay Me to Stay   Chapter 11

    Wendy's POVDuring the awards ceremony's after-party, I met Henry Grant. He was a brilliant architect with a rather stubborn streak.We got into a heated argument over the design concept for a public space, and neither of us was willing to back down."Ms. Sinclair, your idea is far too idealistic. It's structurally impossible!" He frowned, his tone firm."You're the one whose thinking is constrained by convention, Mr. Grant!" I fired back without hesitation.The others watched us in shock, thinking that we'd become mortal enemies.However, it was precisely through these clashes of opposing ideas that we unexpectedly discovered the same passion and dedication to our craft deep within each other's souls. Our arguments turned into in-depth discussions, and our differences became sparks of inspiration.Henry admired my boldness and creativity, while I respected his rigor and ingenuity. From professionals with opposing ideas, we gradually became kindred spirits who understood each ot

  • Can't Pay Me to Stay   Chapter 10

    Wendy's POVAfter three years, I reached my first significant milestone as a fashion designer in Eunovia. My collection, which I'd named Shattered and Reborn, was shortlisted for one of the industry's most prestigious international awards for emerging designers.The inspiration behind the collection came from my experiences throughout those seven arduous years and my eventual escape. It featured extensive use of torn fabrics that had been painstakingly stitched back together with gold thread, symbolizing destruction and rebirth.The colors gradually shifted from dark, oppressive shades to bright, warm hues, reflecting the state of mind I'd finally achieved.On the day of the finals, I stood beneath the spotlight. Looking out at the fellow designers and audience members from around the world, I felt a strange sense of calm."This collection was inspired by a chapter of my life." My voice passed through the microphone and rang out across the venue. "I once believed my worth lay in b

  • Can't Pay Me to Stay   Chapter 9

    Wendy's POVThat evening, I flew back out of the country. I accepted an offer from a fashion house in Eunovia.No one here knew my past. My colleagues only cared about my creativity and complimented me for it. For the first time, my worth had nothing to do with being Mrs. Fraser.My new apartment was small, but it got plenty of sunlight. I kept a few potted plants by the window.On weekends, I'd hunt for secondhand treasures at the local markets or sling my easel over my shoulder and head to the river to paint.Life was simple, but my days were filled with the reassuring feeling of being in full control of my own fate.I thought my farewell at the cemetery had been the end of it. However, one evening, when I returned to my apartment building with fresh flowers and groceries, I spotted two familiar figures.Colin was dressed in a casual suit. Simon, who was holding his hand, looked at me timidly and called out, "Hi, Mom."After stepping forward, Colin said in an unusually low an

  • Can't Pay Me to Stay   Chapter 8

    Colin marched forward and grabbed my wrist, his grip shockingly strong."Where have you been for the past three months? Do you have any idea—"His words cut off abruptly. Perhaps it was because of how calm my gaze was. He swallowed hard, an inexplicable panic churning in his eyes.Suddenly, he yanked me into his arms, hugging me so tightly that I could barely move."Come back..." His voice trembled almost imperceptibly.At almost the same moment, Simon burst into tears and rushed over to wrap his arms around my legs."Why did you leave me, Mom? I missed you so much..."Once, these tearful words and desperate embrace would have melted my heart in an instant. Now, they only filled me with a profound sense of exhaustion.Slowly but firmly, I pushed Colin away. Then I crouched down and calmly looked at Simon, who was bawling his eyes out."Simon," I said, my voice devoid of emotion. "You have Ava now. You like her more, and she's better than me in every way, isn't she?"Simon fro

  • Can't Pay Me to Stay   Chapter 7

    Colin's POVHis copy of the divorce certificate?It finally hit Colin that he hadn't signed some sort of compensation agreement that day—he'd signed the divorce papers!...After collecting the divorce certificate, Colin sat up in his study all night. The thin piece of paper weighed a ton in his hands.At dawn, there was a knock on the door before it opened. Chloe walked in with Ava, who was dressed to the nines."Colin, I heard about what happened with Wendy," Chloe said, her voice calm and even tinged with a hint of gladness."It's just as well that you've divorced. She was never suited to be a part of our family. You know Ava well, and her family is on par with ours. You two—""Get out," Colin said, his hoarse voice icy and firm.Chloe was startled. "Colin, what are you—""I said, get out."Colin raised his head, his eyes bloodshot and his gaze sharp as it landed on Ava. "As for you, Ms. Levine, consider this your last visit. Don't come here again."Ava's carefully maint

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