Lahat ng Kabanata ng Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

Vance had broken his no-drinking rule. He was obviously drunk, or else he wouldn't have shouted like that.In Rebecca's memories, Vance in high school was the aloof genius, always focused on his studies. Once, a girl who admired him had offered him water on the sports field, but he had ignored her.As her husband, he was polite and emotionally steady, never laughing heartily or showing anger. He was so calm, so detached that even brushing his fingers felt cool.The video panned across faces, capturing a flushed Vance. His eyes were sparkling as he raised his glass with a broad smile. "Welcome home, Cathy."So, he could laugh, be passionate, and use intimate nicknames.He just didn't do that to Rebecca. He never smiled at her, never showed passion, and never called her by her nickname.Nancy's voice came from outside, interrupting her thoughts. "Madam, are you up yet?"Rebecca's daily routine was predictable. When there was no response, Nancy worried she might need help, especial

Catherine, reading the room, interjected timely, "Don't mind their harsh words, but as your long-time friends, we're truly concerned about you. We're blunt, but it's nothing personal. Don't take it to heart.""I'm not upset," Vance replied, pocketing his phone. "Doesn't matter. She won't stray far. Let's go on."In five years, home was her only refuge. He was not worried because she had nowhere else to go.Aiden eyed Catherine, muttering, "Catherine is the bigger person here. If you two hadn't split...""Don't talk nonsense." Catherine glared. "Keep your mouth shut for one night. Vance is married now. That's inappropriate."Her gaze turned wistful toward Vance. "I don't want much. Just want to be accepted by you guys and stay by your side. That's enough.""Silly talk." Aiden thumped his chest loyally. "You're forever our princess, and we will never let anyone bully you. Vance, right?"Vance swirled his wine, the scene evocative of old times. He'd sit back, watching his crew bant

"Vance..." Rebecca choked back her tears, her voice trembling despite her efforts to stay composed."What's wrong?" Vance reached for her hand. "If you feel like crying, then cry. Don't hold back."His voice was truly so soft and gentle. It brought her back to the day years ago when she had come out of the operating room after the surgery.He and the nurse had wheeled her back to the ward, and he had stayed by her bedside, speaking to her in that same tender tone, as if his words could drip with compassion. "Does it hurt? Cry it out. Don't hold back."At that time, she had believed that such gentle care was the best medicine to ease her pain. Then it took her years to fully understand that a man's tenderness and concern could never truly evolve into love."Vance, let's get a divorce," she said in a low voice, withdrawing her hand as the stinging pain gradually blurred her eyes with tears.He furrowed his brow, clearly not expecting her to say something like that.After a brief s

"What a coincidence!" Vance interjected hastily.The underlying message was clear. He was urging her not to say anything more."Yes, he is also involved in business, though his operations aren't on the same grand scale as Mr. Bradford here," Rebecca said, taking a sip of her tea.Through the steam rising from the cup, she could clearly see the relief washing over his face."What an incredible coincidence. Next time, be sure to bring him along, and we can all have tea together," Pascal said warmly, showing extra courtesy since she was Lauren's student.Vance's expression shifted once more, and Rebecca found it amusing. In their entire five years of marriage, the range of emotions he had displayed didn't come close to the variety she had witnessed just this afternoon.Given the circumstances, Vance couldn't linger much longer. After chatting for a short while, he mentioned having other matters to attend to and suggested they wrap up, but he was uneasy about leaving Rebecca there alone, w

Did Vance feel pain, too? Rebecca understood why.His entire life would bear the weight of her. It was a burden he couldn't escape, so how could he not hurt?The love of his life was right there beside him, yet because of her existence, they couldn't be together openly and legitimately. How could that not cause him pain?He was torn between his conscience and the impulse to break free from his constraints. The constant internal conflict must be agonizing. How could it not hurt?Wouldn't it be better to just let her go?Back home alone, Rebecca sat facing the ten watch boxes laid out before her. She stared at them for what felt like an eternity, tempted to grab each box and hurl it viciously against the wall.But she refrained, knowing impulses wouldn't solve anything.Once her emotions had finally settled, she opened a second-hand trading app on her phone and began searching for buyers of luxury items.Soon, she found a local dealer and arranged for them to come pick up the ite