All Chapters of A Thousand Second Chances: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

At that moment, Shirley finally understood. All the privileges that should've belonged to her had been given to someone else without her even knowing.If she cried or made a scene now, it would only make her look pathetic. She couldn't afford to lose her dignity.She was scared of Matthew looking down on her, of him thinking she was stingy and cheap. But other women could spend his money as if it were nothing, and he didn't even blink.So what did that make her, after three years? A joke. A proud, stubborn joke.Even her anger faded away. All that was left inside her was like a dried-up well, silent and hollow.Matthew hurried after her, tripping over his own words. "Sh-Shirley, there's nothing between us. She probably just talked to Howard on her own. Don't ignore me, please."Seeing her this calm scared him more than if she had yelled, cursed, or even hit him.It was as if she were living inside a bubble, cut off from his voice. Everything he said just slid right past her.Be

When Shirley finished speaking, every nerve in her body felt like it was finally breathing again—sharp and satisfying all at once. She was about to turn and walk away, but then she spun back gracefully, her voice cool as she said, "I'm narrow-minded and not very forgiving, so you'll have to lose a bit for the sake of the Rays' reputation. If you don't pay back the money, I'll have no choice but to take you to court. You don't want the family's name dragged through the mud, do you?"Moral blackmail? Please. Two could play that game. She didn't even care what the three of them thought after that. Without waiting for their reaction, she turned and walked off.Matthew caught her by the wrist. His hand was trembling, his voice low and hoarse as he called out her name."Shirley…"Spending money on a woman and then demanding it back—he had never sunk to something this humiliating. Yet, the words of accusation he wanted to throw at Shirley wouldn't come out when he saw the bloodshot

Noelle's temper flared, and she slapped Kevin across the chin. "You're the one who's sick! How dare you say Shirley's sick!"Kevin froze for a second before quickly explaining, "That's not what I meant. I just think maybe she's dealing with something mentally. If you can, bring her back to see me. I can help."Noelle blinked, her face going pale. "Seriously?"Kevin gave a serious nod.Noelle stared for a beat, then straightened his collar as if nothing had happened. "Did that hurt? I was just trying to play around and accidentally used too much force. Next time Astrid comes in, make sure you call me." With that, she rushed outside.Kevin just shook his head helplessly.Shirley was standing by the car, waiting. She looked perfectly calm and even smiled at Noelle."Shirley…" Noelle trailed off. She couldn't bring herself to believe Shirley had any kind of mental illness, but the way Shirley had acted earlier had scared her. "Matthew really put on a show, huh? Pretending like

Shirley stood under the dorm building, not caring if people passing by stared or whispered. She wasn't afraid of anything. After all, she wasn't the one who should be embarrassed here.Thinking about what happened earlier, Matthew walked up to calm her down. "Alright, I'll go right now. Whatever you want, I'll get it for you." As long as she stopped bringing up divorce, he could handle her temper. After all, he was the one who had spoiled her into being this way. He could only give in.Half of Shirley's anger fizzled out, but the rest of it still burned inside her, caged in. Matthew took her hand, guided her into the car, and closed the door gently for her. Every student and professor nearby couldn't help but envy her life.Inside the car, Shirley's hands trembled slightly as she tried to keep them steady. Matthew glanced at her and softened his tone. "Is there anything else you want? I'll buy it all for you tonight."Shirley turned her face away and stared out at the sky, wh

Matthew got out of the car and made a phone call."Yeah, it's called Summer Delights. My wife loves their stuff. Have the owner come in and work overtime—I'll pay ten times the rate. I need a garlic croissant."Shirley stared at him under the streetlight, his shadow stretched long across the pavement. He looked sharp and calm, yet also reckless and unshaken. She had been mocking him all night, and he hadn't once gotten angry.But their marriage was nothing more than a torn-up rag, beyond repair.And now, standing in front of the same bakery he once bought pastries from for his ex, he seemed to have forgotten.But had he really forgotten, or just pretending?She couldn't tell.Part of her wanted to rip everything apart, but she refused to make herself look like a fool.Maybe divorce really was the only ending for them.But letting him off that easily? No way.Why wouldn't he divorce her? Was he scared of splitting his money?Shirley didn't get out of the car. She just watched