All Chapters of A Thousand Second Chances: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

Later, Astrid professed her love to Matthew in front of the whole school. She went all in, her eyes shining, just like the way Shirley used to look at him—full of hope, almost begging.He caved and nodded, then regretted it right away. But he couldn't just throw Astrid under the bus like that, not in front of everyone.Matthew told her he was already in love with someone else, but Astrid said she didn't care. She begged him to at least try dating her; otherwise, she'd never be able to show her face on campus again.For that entire month, every single day felt like torture. The guilt he carried toward Shirley grew heavier and heavier.It became the one thing Matthew hid, the secret he was terrified Shirley would ever find out. That fear hung over him like a blade ready to drop.He knew Shirley couldn't stand even the smallest betrayal. He knew that if she found out Astrid existed, she would never forgive him, never come back to him.So he hid it, because he was scared.Shirley's

Astrid's eyes darkened for a moment before she shook her head.Tony caught it, but didn't call her out. He just said it casually, as if he was dropping the truth to kill her hope. "Because he gave up everything that came with being the Rays' heir. Basically, for Shirley's sake, he walked away from every single benefit tied to the family name."Astrid's eyes widened in shock. Then, all the money Matthew had—none of it came from the Rays?Tony glanced at her. "Every bit of what he has, he earned for Shirley."As the one who had benefited most from Matthew stepping aside, Tony had once asked Matthew if it was really worth it.But Matthew, looking like he had just won the whole damn world, had smiled with reckless pride in his eyes and said, "Of course! I'll never let her live a hard life."Just then, Paulina came over, grumbling under her breath. Her fake smile was so stiff that it looked painful. She couldn't even pretend anymore. "Where's your dad?"Tony picked up his phone.

Shirley shoved Matthew away."What are you even doing here? Move! Don't get in the way!"She slipped Baxter's arm over her shoulder to help him walk.Matthew's face stiffened, his eyes flashing with something sharp before he smoothed it over. He gently pulled Baxter's arm off her."Can you even carry him? Go outside and find someone. Get the nurse's office to bring a stretcher. I'll help until then."Since when was he ever helpful?Shirley frowned, but she didn't have time to question it. The truth was, she couldn't carry Baxter herself.She didn't hesitate and ran out, calling for help as she went."Somebody! Quick, we need help over here!"The place fell into chaos.A girl finally worked up the courage to ask, "Are you Shirley's boyfriend?"Matthew smiled warmly and nodded. "I'm her husband. We're married.""Wow, you two look perfect together!""Thanks."Then Matthew turned and said, "Could you get a couple of the guys to carry this guy out?"There was no way a CEO lik

Matthew stood outside the building for hours. Even when the sky grew dark, he didn't leave. He stood stiff like a statue.Professors passing by didn't dare to ask questions.That single word—"ex-husband"—spread like wildfire. News that Shirley wanted a divorce traveled fast among her coworkers.She wasn't afraid of people knowing. She wasn't afraid of gossip, either.Divorce wasn't something shameful.A colleague tried to reason with her. "Your husband's been standing out there for hours. You sure you don't wanna just talk to him?""It's not like I told him to stand there. If he wants to, I can't stop him."A guilt trip only works on someone still in love. Did she still love him?The answer was no.Her colleague gave a small smile. "You really mean to divorce him, huh? If you push things too far, there's no going back."Shirley turned to her colleague. The woman was genuinely trying to be kind."Fighting's normal. You two are still young; you just need time to adjust. Once y

Matthew's eyes darkened, but he finally found the strength to speak."Do you remember when we first got married? We didn't have any money, and you always made me instant mac and cheese. Back then, I thought it was the best food in the world."Of course, Shirley remembered. Those days had been hard, but her heart had been full.She had signed the prenup and didn't take a single cent from the Rays. No one would've believed it if she told them.Matthew had said he was broke, that all his money was tied up in his startup.Shirley never complained. She spent her paycheck buying boxes of mac and cheese, feeding both herself and Matthew.Still, she was excited. She tried to make it healthier, adding vegetables and bits of meat, changing it up so it felt like more than survival food.Later, when things got a little better, they'd shop together at the grocery store.He never told her how much he made, and she never asked.But she'd skip over the expensive brands, heading straight for t