All Chapters of A Thousand Second Chances: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Astrid was lost in her memories, a soft, blissful smile on her lips. That moment in her past was something she could never forget.How many times in your life could you meet someone willing to risk everything for you?She was never short of admirers, but compared to Matthew, they all fell flat. None of them had his energy, his wild, untamed spirit, his powerful background, or the dazzling way he lit up a room.She kept that memory locked away like a precious treasure. Every time she revisited it, the sweetness always outweighed the pain.She murmured, "I guess he chose someone else in the end because he couldn't have her. Once he got me, he took me for granted and went chasing after something new."I don't think he really loves his wife. She's rough and dismissive, the kind of woman who just read a few more books, but she's not even in his world. They've got nothing in common. But we do. We could talk forever."I regret it so much. If only I hadn't said yes to him so easily back

Shirley was almost done eating, so she passed the leftover chicken to Matthew.He didn't hesitate and finished it in just a few bites. Then, his eyes lingered on the rest of the food. "You gonna eat the rest of that? No sense wasting it. I'll take care of it for you.""Go ahead," Shirley said lightly.She drifted over to the window, where a familiar figure caught her eye.It was her soon-to-be ex–father-in-law, Milton, walking into the hospital with a girl clinging to his arm. The girl bounced along happily, all energy and sunshine, while Milton, tall and stern-looking, just shook his head helplessly, clearly indulging her.To anyone passing by, they looked like a father with his daughter.The girl wore cut-off shorts and a tank top, with not a single designer label on her. Even her crossbody bag looked like something picked up for five bucks at a street market. But she didn't seem to care. She only held tight to Milton's arm, gazing up at him with eyes bright with admiration.

Honestly, Shirley had to admit she kind of admired Astrid. The woman still carried feelings for Matthew, yet she could walk around hand-in-hand with Tony as if nothing was wrong. And the two brothers couldn't be more different.Did Astrid never feel like she was losing her mind?Shirley also had to hand it to Tony. He had married his brother's ex, and even if he knew his wife's heart wasn't really his, he still played the part of the loving husband.Life in a wealthy family wasn't easy—it was a lot harder than it looked.The next day, Shirley slept until noon before remembering she had promised to bring Baxter lunch. She quickly ordered takeout and carried it over to him.Baxter was still hobbling around. He tried to convince her to stay and watch a movie with him, but Shirley politely turned him down.When she finally got to the hospital, Matthew was, unsurprisingly, in one of his moods again."You want me to resign? How dare you! Are you trying to overthrow me?"Howard stoo

Shirley finally got the same treatment as Matthew.She had a driver in front and an assistant beside her. Too bad her car wasn't a Bentley. A used car couldn't exactly give off that billionaire vibe.Howard, dressed in a sharp, custom suit like Matthew's, drove dutifully up front."Mrs. Ray, have you gone through the lounge transfer contract?"Shirley nodded, rubbing her forehead. "Yeah, I did. Honestly, I barely understand it. Hiring an expert would cost extra. Might as well get what I can before I officially divorce Matthew."Howard blinked at her bluntness, then forced a polite smile. "Mr. Ray really does care about you. I can tell he doesn't actually want a divorce…"Shirley gave him a half-smile, cold and teasing. "You know better than anyone. He gave Astrid jewelry worth millions and me a keychain worth less than 20 bucks. This marriage is already cheap enough. I'm not going to humiliate myself anymore."Howard stayed quiet, realizing he had no words to excuse Matthew th

Shirley couldn't help but laugh. Howard let out a helpless chuckle beside her, secretly wincing at the smashed antique coffee pot on the floor.The server didn't really know its value, but Howard did—he had helped pick out this set, and it really did cost tens of thousands.Outside, the sun blazed down, and the air was warm and heavy. Inside, the temperature was perfect, but Shirley's chest still burned from the adrenaline of the showdown.A young woman strutted in, dripping in designer labels and jewelry, showing off a bit of cleavage. Her eyebrows were lowered, and she looked as if she had a grudge against the entire world.Her gaze swept over Shirley. "You're the one who broke the antique pot? Do you know how much this costs? Can you even pay for it?"She spoke with biting sarcasm, looking furious yet still putting on airs, staring down at everyone as if she were above them.Shirley stood, coolly meeting her eyes."You're the manager here?""Yeah. That thing you broke costs