Chapter 1

The moment I finished posting my comment, Jason called.

He did not even say hello. He just started yelling at me over the phone.

“Sheena, have you learned nothing? I just told you not to stir up trouble, and now you are showing off on your social media. Really?

“If you’ve got so much energy, why don’t you try solving some of the company’s problems instead?!”

His tone was cold and condescending. It was like he was scolding an employee, not talking to his girlfriend.

I always thought Jason and I were in love.

At the very least, he cared about me enough to become my boyfriend.

We had been together for eight years. I had been by his side through everything since he graduated college.

From having nothing to becoming the chairperson of a company.

We weathered so many storms together.

In the early days, when money was tight and he was starting the company, I borrowed from every bank and loan app I could find to help him stay afloat.

Later, when we could not pay it back, my phone was flooded with calls. Debt collectors showed up at the door of our tiny apartment.

They even mass-texted my relatives and friends, so everyone knew I owed money.

Even then, I did not shed a single tear.

The moment Jason learned the truth that night, his eyes instantly filled with tears. He clung to me tightly, whispering his sobs in my ear.

He said,

“Sheena, I swear I’ll never let you down in this lifetime.”

Looking back now…

His so-called “lifetime” only lasted eight years!

I gripped my phone so tightly that my fingers turned white.

“How is that ‘showing off?’ My boyfriend just registered for marriage with my younger sister. Of course, I have to congratulate you. Otherwise, wouldn't I seem like a rude girlfriend and an even ruder sister?”

The voice on the other end suddenly went silent.

Then I heard Tessa’s loud cries and dramatic sobs, and Jason comforting her.

I could not help but let out a bitter laugh. Even my tongue felt numb with the taste of bitterness.

I thought he went quiet because he felt guilty and his conscience kicked in.

It turned out that he was just busy consoling his sobbing newlywed wife.

“Sheena, how can you say that? I did not have a choice. That’s why I asked Jason for a little help.

“Don’t worry. Once the baby’s born, I will divorce Jason right away. I will step aside for you two.”

I had not even responded yet when Jason’s furious voice came through the phone again.

“Tessa’s pregnant. She can’t get upset like this. Sheena, enough is enough!

“I can’t believe how cold and heartless you are! You’re jealous of your own sister? Why don’t you go drown in a pool of your own tears!

“If anything happens to Tessa because of you, I swear I’ll never forgive you for the rest of my life!”

The words I was about to say got stuck in my throat.

I sat there quietly, listening to Jason insult me over and over again. Tears were streaming down my face before I even realized it.

My heart felt like it had been torn to shreds. My voice came out hoarse as I asked him, “Jason, did you ever love me or thought of me as your girlfriend?”

There was a long silence on the other end.

I gently nodded my head.

Before he could say anything, I added, “I got it now.”

That thoughtful pause was the clearest answer I needed.