All Chapters of Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford: Chapter 81 - Chapter 90

That evening could have remained a timeless, vibrant memory of her youth, instead of five years of marriage wearing down her long-buried crush until it was ground to dust.Rebecca took her time in the café, savoring every sip of coffee and bite of cake before heading off to catch a movie.By the time the credits rolled, the afternoon was already well underway. Having skipped lunch, she hailed a cab to a pizza shop.One bite, and satisfaction surged through her as the savory cheese burst across her taste buds. With that, her plans for the day were complete. Feeling quite full, she decided to stroll through the alley to digest her meal.The alley was packed with quirky shops, each more fascinating than the last. She meandered along, soaking it in. Spotting a group of young women lining up at a cake shop, she joined the queue just for the fun of it.Amazingly, no one seemed to notice her limp—or if they did, there were no weird stares or pitying glances.As she stepped outside, hold

Rebecca couldn't wrap her head around it.Did birds of a feather really flock together? Why did strangers outside Vance's world never bat an eye at her limp, while everyone in his orbit oozed hostility?"I suggest you verify," she said, not wanting to hassle a desk jockey. "Your job is to help visitors, not insult them or turn away potential clients. I don't want to file a complaint.""Then act like one—a real client or guest," the receptionist countered, but picked up the phone to call the executive assistant, explaining the situation.Whatever the reply, her chin jutted out smugly. "Knew it! My radar for gold-diggers is spot-on. Types like you should buzz off. Or I'll call security. The assistant has never heard of you.""Oh really?" Rebecca stayed cool.With her visa on the line, she'd packed every document, marriage certificate included. "Then tell me, who is his real wife?""Sorry, gold-digger, but I'm just a hardworking employee," the receptionist scoffed. "I don't pry int

"I've got you! I'm taking you to the hospital!" Vance cradled her and bolted to the elevator.Rebecca said goodbye to him and closed her eyes, the smile lingering on her face.In the elevator, he stared at her shut eyes, slamming the buttons as if it would speed things up."Rebecca, stay with me! Don't sleep!" he shouted frantically.Finally, they reached the first floor. Firefighters arrived sooner than expected, but Vance had no time to care about the flames.He bundled Rebecca into the car and raced to the nearest hospital.She came to when they arrived. The doctor immediately conducted a detailed examination. Luckily, there were no burns, but rashes covered her face, smeared with soot into a messy blotch.After cleaning her face with a swab, the doctor said, "These look like an allergic reaction, and that fainting spell was probably from the allergy too."After a pause, he added seriously, "Passing out from an allergy in a burning room? That's a recipe for disaster. How did

Someone had wanted her to chug the mango juice, an attempt to knock her out cold so the fire could burn her alive.Aware, she had taken the bait, drinking it. If they were gunning for a crime, she'd hand them the rope.From her experience with mango allergies, she'd only break out in hives and would not pass out. So, why did they bet on her fainting? It had to be Vance's intel.Once, early in the marriage, she'd accidentally eaten a mango cake and broken out badly. Hiding her rash-covered face, she'd faked sleep in the room and ignored his knocks.Nancy had freaked out and ranted about allergies causing shock. Losing no time, Vance had busted the door down, seen her out cold, and truly thought she had gone into shock.Rebecca didn't know if it was one person or the whole gang after her life. Either way, mangoes wouldn't kill her or knock her out. She had just played along and delivered that theatrical line: "If I die, you won't owe me anymore."Anyone could play the pity card. Bu

"Everyone has poured so much into the company to get where we are today, and she just lounges at home, reaping the rewards while stirring up trouble for you, Aiden, and Lucas," Catherine cried, her breath hitching between sobs. "I tried to be friendly, to smooth things over, and to play peacemaker. But she shuts me down and snaps at me until I hit my breaking point. Why does she get whatever she wants from you? In a dumb moment, I locked her in to stall her meeting with you. I never expected a fire."Rebecca wasn't impressed, betting Vance would push for forgiveness next."Vance, I swear I'll never do it again. I'll toe the line from here on out. Can you forgive me?" Catherine whimpered, her tears slashing down and drenching his sleeve.Rebecca gave a thin smile. "You're barking up the wrong tree. I'm the one who got hurt. Why beg him?""But..." Catherine peeked at her meekly. "I know you can't stand me; you'll never let this slide. I'm truly sorry. I'll make it right, paying your