Chapter 3

I placed my trust in him and learned to “understand” his difficult predicament.

As a result, my family members mocked me behind my back. They said I had worked so hard to provide for this adulterous pair so that they could live a happy life together.

I used to fight back and shout at them, “My husband is just taking pity on Anna, so he’s just helping her out. I trust them!”

In return, Jonathan kept two households while keeping me in the dark.

I ended up becoming a laughingstock.

I raised my hand and slapped Jonathan across the face.

“How could you still have the nerve to say something like that?

“Jonathan, until the divorce is finalized, I don’t want to see you ever again!”

I pulled my luggage bag and headed toward the school dormitory.

There would be one more quota eligible for permanent position in the city.

The principal told me that if I could achieve the “Outstanding Teacher” award this year, I could fill the quota.

I woke up early in the morning and worked till late at night by participating in school activities, just for the position.

I took on any work that other teachers did not want to do.

After two months without a break, I worked myself into collapse.

When I woke up, I found myself lying on a bed in the clinic.

My parents sat beside me.

“Nancy, you’re a commander’s wife, yet you’re looking in your gift horse’s mouth. Why push yourself this hard?

“Look at you. You’re all skin and bones. It breaks my heart.”

Why were they here?

I pinched myself hard before I was sure it was not a dream.

My eyes reddened, and I sobbed. “Dad, Mom, I’m not throwing a tantrum. I want to divorce Jonathan for real.

“I’m fighting for the chance to return to the city. When I get it, I’ll take you with me.”

When one was sick, they became more fragile than usual.

At that moment, my heart grew tender enough to forgive my parents for helping Jonathan hide the truth from me.

I could let go of anything else as long as we were united.

But my mother looked troubled. She let out a sigh.

“Nancy, we came to discuss something with you today.

“You’ve lodged a report against Jonathan to his superior. As a result, he was penalized.

“Despite all this, Jonathan doesn’t blame you. He’s also aware that you’re trying to earn the quota to return to the city, and he happens to have one in his hands.”

My father quickly nodded.

“As long as you agree to take part in the ceremony to acknowledge Anna as part of our family, Jonathan will allow you to fill the quota.”

That tiny spark of hope in my heart was completely gone.

They were here for Anna’s sake again.

My parents wanted to acknowledge an outsider as their daughter.

They were worried about Anna’s reputation, hence they took the initiative to come to me.

I blinked and allowed tears to slide down my cheeks freely.

I exhaled weakly.

“Fine. I agree.”

My parents went all out for the ceremony in acknowledging Anna as their daughter.

Everyone in our family attended the ceremony.

Anna and Jonathan walked hand-in-hand, as if they were a perfect couple.

I, on the other hand, held a tray of food and stood by the side.

I watched as my parents gave their blessings to Anna.

My parents laughed and chatted happily with her as they gave her a luxurious gift.

How hilarious was that?

I had not seen them smiling so genuinely at me for a very long time.

Anna walked over to me and hugged me affectionately.

“Nancy, I’m your elder sister from now on.

“You need to treat me like a real one, you know?”

There was a subtle provocation in her gentle expression.

My body stiffened. I gripped the plate tightly. No sound came from my throat.

Just then, someone teased us.

“Anna, which one are you? Nancy’s sister-in-law or her elder sister?

“Or should I say you’re Jonathan’s first wife while she’s the second?”

Jonathan’s expression instantly darkened.

“Quiet!

“Nancy, Anna is your elder sister. I know you’re not used to it yet, but you should, at least, show her some respect.”