A Love on Paper のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 1 - チャプター 10

I married Christopher Lausten during my first year of graduate school. Once we left City Hall, he rushed back to take care of his company while I returned to my studies.Months passed without us seeing each other until winter break finally rolled around. I couldn't contain my excitement as I hauled my heavy suitcase to his place.But when the door swung open, I was met by a gorgeous woman. She eyed me suspiciously before asking, "Who are you?"Before I could answer, Christopher appeared behind her. His expression was conflicted as he jumped in, "She's my relative and will be staying over for a while."I tried to speak, but the words got caught in my throat, thick and suffocating like a lump of cotton. His cold, oppressive stare met mine, and I was forced to swallow the words I wished I could say—"I'm his wife."After hesitating, I dropped my gaze and muttered, "Sorry to bother you."She exhaled in relief, though the hostility in her eyes remained. Each word underscored her claim

Roxanne shook her head, a look of sorrow in her eyes."I'm fine. I just tripped over something," she murmured, casting a quick glance in my direction.It didn't take Christopher long to piece things together. He looked up at me, his gaze sharp with accusation. "Quit the dirty tricks, Willow."I pressed my hand against my aching ear and fixed him with a cold stare.After a beat, Christopher seemed to sense something was wrong. "What happened to your—""Deal with the matter I brought up today quickly, Christopher," I cut him off, my expression neutral. "You were right about one thing, though—Roxanne's tactics are dirty."Without hesitation, I turned on my heel and walked away.Back in my room, I ran cold water over my ear. Fortunately, it was just a small scrape. When I checked my phone, I noticed a string of WhatsApp messages from Professor Tate."Have you made a decision yet? Are you interested in joining this project?"It's a rare opportunity that could greatly benefit your a

Although Professor Tate had given me a half-month break, he still hoped I'd get back to the lab sooner rather than later. So, I canceled my original train ticket and booked one for a few days earlier.The moment I arrived at the hotel, Zoe called. "Well, well, Willow. You got yourself a husband and now you don't even remember your old friend, huh? Why didn't you let me know you were back?"I laughed, trying to keep her from going on a rant. "I just got here. I was literally about to call you.""You free to hang out?""Of course."After university, Zoe skipped graduate school and dove straight into the family business, learning the ropes of management. We hadn't caught up in ages, but Zoe was still Zoe.The second she arrived, she was already tossing me those eyebrow wiggles, teasing, "So, how's it going with Uncle Christopher? I bet he has a solid build, huh? Don't hold out on me—how far have you two gone?"I smirked, deciding to mess with her a little. "All the way."Zoe's eye

For the past four years, Christopher had spent every Christmas with me. He'd always arrive right on time at my rented apartment, braving the wind and snow with a pumpkin pie he'd baked himself.Outside, the cold bit into everything, but that pumpkin pie? It was always warm.I used to tell Christopher he should spend Christmas with his family instead. But he'd look at me with those bright, unwavering eyes and say, "Why would you think you're any less important, Willow?"Those words stayed with me for a very long time.Truth be told, I never truly hated Christopher. The good memories we shared were real, and the things we went through together had once been my lifeline during a tough chapter of my life.But now, we'd reached a point where our paths diverged, and it was time to let go.I'd barely taken a few bites of my food when my phone buzzed with a message from Leo on WhatsApp. "Want to grab dinner?"I blinked, surprised. "Right now?""Yeah.""That's probably not a good idea.

Once I got to university, I spent all my time on experiments and reading papers, barely checking my phone. By the time I finally had a break, half a month had flown by.Just then, Zoe called me."How are you, Willow? I've missed you so much!" she exclaimed."I'm good," I replied with a smile.Without missing a beat, she began her endless chatter. "I have something to tell you, and you're definitely going to love this. Back then, Uncle Christopher returned from Jaskleton looking upset and shut himself off completely."He stopped going to the office, staying in his villa all day going through our old university pictures. One time, he drank so much that he ended up in the hospital with a stomach ulcer."Roxanne tried to lift his spirits, but it didn't work. He even pushed her down the stairs! And the worst part is, her whole 'heart condition' story was a complete lie! When Uncle Christopher found out, he severed all ties with the Linds and hasn't spoken to her since."I let out a q