The next day, Eric dropped a bombshell online.He exposed Shirley's scheme, revealing how she had manipulated public opinion after the auction to deceive everyone.He also confessed to the hardships he had made me endure.Tears streamed down his face as he repeatedly apologized on camera.However, I stayed unmoved. Like a shattered mirror, some things were simply beyond repair. No one could fix those deep, irreparable cracks.After the exhibition, Eric confided in me about the pain he carried inside."Anna, I once thought you couldn't live without me. But in truth, it was I who couldn't live without you."In the past, you often asked if I loved you. But in the stillness of the night, I found myself whispering 'I love you' again and again… only to realize there was just one pillow on the bed."He had finally come to understand what love truly meant.Unfortunately, the one who taught him that had already stopped loving him.With sincerity in his eyes, he asked me to join him on
After that difficult confrontation, Eric left me alone for a long time. He even sent over the signed divorce papers.I felt a rush of relief and happiness.To mark my new beginning, I decided to throw a celebration.On my social media, I shared a new update. "I'm giving myself a pair of wings. Freedom begins tomorrow."Just then, I noticed a new follower had appeared on my account.One day, I received a notification that a post from three years ago had been liked. It was the photo of the wedding ring I had once shattered.Layla was the first to send her congratulations."Mom, you look beautiful!"Even though Layla had once spoken to me with harsh, hurtful words, I never blocked her. I still reached out from time to time.No matter what, a mother's bond with her child couldn't be broken.Because Layla was still so young and naive, I found it impossible to blame her.As for Shirley, I made Eric promise to keep everything quiet.A child like Layla didn't need to be burdened wi
I was taken aback by the pain, despair, and regret reflected in Eric's eyes.In a fit of fury, Shirley ripped the divorce papers to shreds.Through her tears, she spoke of the grievances she'd held onto for over a decade, desperate to awaken even a flicker of pity in Eric's heart."Anna, you bitch!" she suddenly screamed. "You destroyed the only child Eric and I had. You stole everything that belonged to me!"Without warning, a loud smack rang out.Shirley went still, her sobs silenced in an instant. She pressed her hand to her cheek, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at Eric.Eric's face hardened. Through gritted teeth, he hissed, "Shut up, you bitch."Shirley's complexion turned ashen in an instant.Without hesitation, Eric pulled out a stack of photos and medical reports. Dated ten years back, the photos revealed Shirley sharing a passionate kiss with another man.The recent medical reports highlighted "pubic symphysis diastasis", a physiological change that occurr
Eric still refused to sign the divorce papers.Left with no other option, I had my lawyer reach out to him again and again.At last, I told him, "Fine. Don't bother signing the agreement. We'll settle this in court.""Can I see you one last time, Anna?" Eric asked, his voice tinged with desperation."I'll sign the papers," he added.I agreed.…When Eric flew to Parisoir, I was busy delivering a fashion design presentation.I took the opportunity to introduce daring concepts that challenged conventional norms.As I had won the favor of the younger audience, I was entrusted with leading the project team.From the podium, I spoke with confidence. My colleagues below nodded in approval, their eyes shining with admiration.Outside the window, Eric stood holding a bouquet of red roses, his expression one of surprise.When the presentation concluded, he approached and offered me the roses."Anna, I never realized how remarkable you are," he admitted.But I had always been remar
After the initial success of the Fashion Week project, I was offered a permanent position. The contract spanned ten years, and I didn't hesitate to sign it.In Eric's eyes, the dreams I had abandoned and the sacrifices I made for what I believed was love were simply acts of self-devaluation.When I once proposed returning to work, he told me, "You're not capable of balancing both family and career."He wasn't entirely wrong.After all, I realized I was best suited to prioritizing my career over family. I excelled in my studies, surprising even my mentor with my outstanding results.My coursemates looked at me with envy.I was no longer living in Eric's shadow, endlessly coveting what others had.Now, I stood confidently in my own light, admired by those around me.While my new life prospered, Eric remained confined to the shadows."This is your last chance. If you don't come back, I'll sign the divorce papers for real," he warned.But what I wanted was for him to sign the pap
Through a colleague's introduction, I applied for a master's program in fashion design.After ten years away from both work and study, I felt adrift and unsure of myself.During the day, I focused on my master's coursework, cramming to fill gaps in my theoretical knowledge.In the evenings, I interned at Parisoir School of Fashion Design, gaining hands-on experience late into the night.However, these late nights were unlike before.There was no child to coax to sleep, no chores left unfinished, and no sharp words to bear. There were no dinners left waiting cold on the table.There were no more empty promises from a husband who never came home.Though I was tired and worn out, I felt a quiet sense of happiness.My mentor's patience and the encouragement of my colleagues became my source of inspiration. Seeing their passion and skill stirred something deep within me. I couldn't shake the regret for how naive I had once been.In the end, I discovered that loving myself was the