From Postpartum to Heartache

"Natalie, I haven't eaten yet..."I turned back and looked at him, confused. "If you haven't eaten, then eat. Why are you telling me?"Did he still expect me to be like before? No matter what, always making sure a home-cooked meal was waiting for him?Holding the baby, I glanced over my shoulder and added, "Oh, right. If you're hungry, there's still a pack of spicy noodles. You can cook it yourself."-Newborns fall asleep quickly. Once the baby was settled, my phone buzzed with a message from my father.[Natalie, you've turned me down so many times, but I'm getting older. Can't you take over the company for me? Just think of it as doing your dad a favor.[I know you don't want Daryl to feel like he's been deceived, that the company he's been working for all this time is actually ours. But in the end, you're my only child. If you don't take over, who will?]A dull ache spread through my heart. My parents had already sacrificed so much for me. And yet, I had nearly let all their

All these years of being married to Daryl, I nearly forgot that I wasn't just some insignificant woman. He only knew my last name was Sullivan, but he never realized that Sullivan Enterprise belonged to my family.I had sacrificed so much of my own dignity just to protect his fragile ego. What a joke!After marriage, Daryl didn't just leave me to go on dates with Madison; he always became unreachable. His disappearing acts became routine, and by the time the next day rolled around, he would always have some excuse ready to cover up his absence.It wasn't until one day, when I checked his phone, that I finally figured out who he had been spending his time with.We had an explosive argument. I cried on the floor, devastated, while he remained cold and distant. He accused me of invading his privacy, then ignored me for two whole weeks after that.He had used my love for him to hurt me without any remorse.I swore I wouldn't leave him, but this time felt different.When I needed h

My father's face was dark with anger."I'm so disappointed in you. After everything he's done, you still can't bring yourself to divorce him? How many lies has that scumbag fed you?"I didn't reply. This was something I would prove with my actions."Don't worry, Dad. I have a plan."After I returned home with Jennifer, Daryl changed his usual cold behavior. Not only did he start coming back home on time, but he also made home-cooked meals and served them to me.In the evenings, he would take care of Jennifer. He would tell me that caring for a child was hard and that as a husband, he should be helping out.A week later, I arranged to meet Madison at a restaurant downstairs from my apartment.Madison arrived dressed in her finest, wearing the same crystal bracelet I had. She sat down and flashed me a sly smile."So what's going on, Ms. Sullivan? Do you finally have time to see me, or is it that you can't control your husband and decided to come after me instead?"I haven't been

After arriving in Mirelia, I focused all my attention on work and hired an experienced nanny to take care of Jennifer's daily needs.I suddenly realized that a man could be more unreliable than a complete stranger.The nanny took such great care of Jennifer. Every time I thought about Daryl's behavior, I couldn't help but feel both amused and heartbroken.Just as I thought life was settling into a routine, Daryl showed up.He stood at my door in messy clothes and a face full of stubble.I was shocked—he was supposed to be mending things with Madison during this time. I didn't expect him to show up on my doorstep.When Daryl saw me, he wasted no time in rushing forward and hugging me."Natalie! I found you! I finally found you! Please, just hear me out!"I only had one drink at Madison's place, and then… I don't remember anything! I swear I'm innocent! You can't just take Madison's word for everything and condemn me! I love you! You're the only one in my heart! Please, Natalie,