The 99th Forgiveness

Frederick Morrison and I had been married for five years without any children.Today was the celebration party for Morrison Group's successful bid on the East District project. It was also the ninth day since Frederick and I had agreed to start trying for a baby.However, when Frederick's innocent secretary, Emma Wells, knocked over the champagne tower, spilling wine all over our business partner, he immediately stepped in to shield her.Then, he turned to me dismissively. "Cecilia, apologize to Mr. Carter."I froze, unable to believe what I was hearing. The business partner, Luke Carter, frowned and pointed angrily at Emma. "Mr. Morrison, it was that young lady who made the mistake. I only want her apology."Emma's eyes welled up as she tugged at Frederick's sleeve, looking like she'd been terribly wronged. Frederick gently patted her hand, then turned to me with complete indifference."What are you standing there for? Drink with Mr. Carter right now. If one glass isn't enough,

After hanging up the phone, I calmly shut down my laptop. "It's nothing. I was just discussing a divorce case with Mr. Powell."Frederick's expression changed instantly, and he rushed over to me. "What divorce? Do you want to divorce me?"I took two steps back and replied dismissively, "No, it's a case. Mr. Powell wanted my opinion on something."Only then did Frederick relax, handing me the paper bag he'd been carrying. "This is for you."The logo on the bag belonged to my favorite bakery. Before we were married, whenever he upset me, he would run to this shop to buy me a cake. The place was always busy, requiring at least two hours of waiting in line each time.He would personally wait in line regardless of the weather to make me happy, just because I wanted some. Sometimes I felt bad for him and suggested he hire a delivery service instead.However, Frederick would always say, "Cece, it's fine. I'm more than happy to do it for you."Remembering this warmed my heart, and I cou

I ignored my phone's vibrations and turned it off completely. From this moment on, my five-year marriage with Frederick was over.At the hotel, Frederick saw my message and began frantically texting me back."Divorce? Don't be ridiculous. How could all those reconciliation vouchers be used up so quickly?"Is it the gift? Don't you like it? I can pick out something else for you."Cecilia, answer the phone. Let's talk about this properly. Why did you turn off your phone? Are you really angry?"He refused to believe I would ignore him and kept calling me repeatedly. After hearing the cold, automated message for the 39th time, he finally began to panic."Impossible... It just can't be. Everything was fine when I left..."His mind began replaying how calm I had been when mentioning the reconciliation vouchers. It was the kind of calm that comes from having given up hope.At this thought, Frederick quickly grabbed his clothes and threw them on. Emma wrapped her arms around his neck,

Though Frederick kept trying to reassure himself, seeing my empty desk only made him more agitated. Even when handling work, he became distracted and careless.The unease in Frederick's heart grew heavier as he stared at my vacant workstation. Finally, he couldn't contain himself and called for the HR director, Cameron York."Mr. Morrison, do you have any work instructions?""Did Cecilia take a day off today?" Frederick looked at the documents in front of him, speaking casually.Cameron paused, looking at him with confusion. "Ms. Harper resigned.""What?" Frederick's pen stopped abruptly mid-signature, tearing through the white paper. "When did this happen? Who approved it? How was I unaware?"Cameron explained hesitantly, "She submitted it last night. You approved it this morning!"These words hit Frederick like a bolt of lightning, leaving him stunned on the spot. He immediately opened his computer and frantically scanned through the emails, his hands trembling as he clicked o

"These past two years, I paid too much attention to Emma because I saw the you from nine years ago in her. I mistakenly thought I liked her."But I only realized that what I thought was love was just an illusion after you left. You have always been the person I've loved," Frederick said.I looked at him mockingly, suppressing the nausea churning in my stomach. The man's self-righteous declaration of love continued, "I've seen how you've performed all these years. Maybe your competence at work made me feel pressured. I felt like you had changed."You're more rational and assertive, like a cold, heartless machine. So, when Emma appeared, I unconsciously wanted to get closer to her. I seemed to see the you I first met in her…"Cece, I don't want a divorce, and I don't want to lose you either. Can you forgive me this once, considering I was willing to overcome my fear of flying to come find you?"As Frederick spoke, tears streamed down his face, but my heart felt only coldness. This w