All Chapters of For the Ten Years I Wasted: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

10 Chapters

Chapter 1

It was the photo we took at the bridal shop last week.Vicky Yeager was helping me fix my veil while chatting with me nonstop. In the mirror, she was smiling even more brightly than I was, as if she were the one getting married."Zoe Evans, you're so beautiful. Josh Clark is really the luckiest guy." Her voice choked suddenly.Josh stood not far away, looking down at his phone. When he heard his name, he looked up and gave us a gentle smile.Somehow, I found a hint of reluctance in that smile."You're exaggerating." I held Vicky's hand. "If it weren't for you insisting on bringing me here to try on wedding dresses, I might have just bought a random one.""How can that be?" Vicky widened her eyes. "My dearest baby's once-in-a-lifetime wedding has to be perfect!"She turned to look at Josh. "Don't you think so?"Josh put down his phone and walked over, naturally placing his arms around my shoulders. "How could it not be? Zoe looks stunning in whatever she wears, but this dress is

Chapter 2

I had discovered this account purely by chance.I was playing with my phone when the system automatically recommended people nearby. The profile picture was of an anime character that I really liked. Curiosity drove me to click on it.At the time, the account only had slightly over 3,000 followers, and the latest post was published three days ago.It was a photo of an office desk in the middle of the night, with the caption: [While working overtime late into the night, he said he would accompany me and starve together. Eventually, he still ordered two takeout meals. This fool.]I subconsciously scrolled down.[He said I was eating too little recently and insisted on giving me some of the beef from his pasta. I said I disliked meat, and he laughed and called me a child at heart.][Looking at the stars on the mountain top, he said he really wished time could stop at this moment. I felt the same way too.][I caught a cold, and he took a day off to take care of me. Even though he co

Chapter 3

I stumbled into the bathroom and repeatedly rinsed my face with cold water, but I still could not calm down.My wedding would be held tomorrow. The invitations had been sent out, the hotel had been booked, and the wedding dress was hanging in the closet; everything was ready.I trembled as I tried to call Josh's number. Once, twice, thrice... No one answered.I stood there for a long time, stunned. Somehow, I called Vicky's number. It gave me the same busy tone; My heart almost sank right away.I could not understand it. When they were having fun together without telling me, did they ever feel a shred of guilt toward me? Or were they just enjoying the thrill and excitement of the affair?I knew Vicky was a travel blogger. She was used to filming wherever she went, and traces of her influence could be found on various platforms. I also knew that people who ran social media always had countless sub-accounts.I searched the hotel name and looked through the attached IP. Finally, I f

Chapter 4

On Vicky's birthday, I gave her the limited edition handbag that she had been longing for.The next day, she happened to meet Josh while carrying it and took a selfie in the coffee shop, accidentally capturing him in the photo. She took a photo of the three of us watching a movie, but they were holding hands under the armrest.On the day Josh proposed to me, Vicky updated a long post, expressing her pain and dissatisfaction.She wrote: [I need an answer tonight. If he loves me, he shouldn't miss this opportunity.]She did it. That night, Josh kissed her and did not reject her.They agreed to have a wild trip before their wedding, so Josh told me that he would be on a business trip for a week.My stomach felt like it was being turned upside down. What overtime work? What social engagements? It turned out that they were all excuses for their dates.During those seven days, Vicky uploaded countless videos. She said she wanted to cover all of Josh's memories with me and fill his fut

Chapter 5

There was an eerie silence on the other end of the line. I could imagine their expressions — panic, confusion, and perhaps a hint of embarrassment after being exposed."Zoe, let me explain..." Josh's urgent voice came through.I simply hung up the phone and turned it off.The sky outside had already brightened up. This should have been the most beautiful day of my life.I stood up and began packing my luggage.The toothbrushes were placed side by side in the bathroom, the couple's mugs were on the coffee table in the living room, and his tie and my dress were still hanging together in the closet. Every detail pierced my heart like needles.I booked the earliest flight to Gardeenia as soon as possible. It was where the newly established branch of the company was. My manager, Gary Marshall, had asked me before if I wanted to expand the business there, but I had refused because of my wedding preparations. Now, it was just the right time.Before leaving, I took one last look at the

Chapter 6

During my second week at Gardeenia, I officially took over the new project. Work was much busier than I had imagined. I worked late into the night almost every day. It was good, as I did not have time to think about those annoying things.Josh finally flew to Gardeenia and waited for me downstairs at the company. His beard was unkempt, his eyes were sunken, and he was no longer high-spirited like usual. "Zoe, let's talk." He grabbed my wrist, his voice hoarse.I withdrew my hand. "Let’s go to my place. It's inconvenient here."I led him back to my rented apartment.As soon as we entered, he knelt on the ground. "I know I was wrong, Zoe." He grabbed the corner of my shirt, like a child who had done something wrong, "I drank too much that night. Vicky... She... It was only that one time.""One time? Josh, do you think I'm stupid?" I asked softly in reply.I took out my phone and opened Vicky's sub-account to show him one by one. From their first private meeting to every subsequent

Chapter 7

After Josh left, my life was peaceful again.Work gradually got on track, and I gradually adapted to my job at Gardeenia. I would sometimes think of the past, but I no longer felt heartbroken; all I felt was numbness.Vicky never contacted me, which was within my expectations. Someone as proud as she was would never admit her mistakes.One day, I received a call from an unfamiliar number."Is this Ms. Zoe Evans? We're from Gardeenia's police department." The other person's tone sounded serious.My heart skipped a beat. "Yes, I'm Zoe Evans. What's the matter?" "Mr. Josh Clark was targeted in what we suspect is an intentional injury case. He's currently in the hospital and specifically requested to see you."I froze, thinking, 'Intentional injury? Josh?'Although I had no feelings for him anymore, I still went to the hospital.In the ward, Josh had a bandage on his head and a cast on his left arm, looking disheveled. "Zoe..." He saw me, and his eyes lit up for a moment. "You'

Chapter 8

I uploaded all the sorted-out evidence online. Josh and my engagement photos, graduation group photos, and a photo of the three of us together.The timeline was clear, so the truth was revealed. Public opinion reversed instantly.Vicky, who was once the tragic heroine willing to sacrifice for love, turned into the despised homewrecker. All her endorsements were withdrawn, and her collaborations were all terminated.Josh was also dismissed by the company due to his personal conduct.I heard that they were both having a hard time, but this was no longer relevant to me.My work at Gardeenia went smoothly, and the new project achieved good results. My company promoted me and gave me a raise. I also started learning new skills and making new friends.My life gradually filled with new things. Occasionally, I still thought of the past, but I was no longer sad; only nostalgic. It turned out that time could heal everything.Half a year later, I received a call from Vicky's mother, Amy Fr

Chapter 9

After New Year's Day, I officially took over the management of the Gardeenia branch. Life was busy but fulfilling.Gabriel was a great colleague — professional, meticulous, yet humorous.We got along very well. Occasionally, we would have meals together, talking about work and also about life.He never asked about my past, and I rarely mentioned it either. This just-right distance was comfortable.One day in March, I received a call from Josh. It was the first time he had contacted me in over six months."Zoe, I'm getting married," he said.I paused for a moment. "Congratulations.""To Vicky," Josh added."Okay."There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line. "Is there nothing else you want to say?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible anticipation. I thought for a moment and replied, "I wish you both happiness."It was a genuine blessing.Since they had chosen each other, they should live a good life together rather than torment others

Chapter 10

When summer arrived, I bought a house in Gardeenia. It was not big, but very cozy. The decoration was done according to my preferences — simple yet comfortable.Gabriel came to help on moving day. He gave me a painting, depicting the night view of Gardeenia. He said, "Welcome to your new life."I smiled and accepted it. "Thank you."We cooked together, ate, and chatted. It was natural, like we were old friends.I said, "When I first came to Gardeenia, I was lost. I didn't know what the future would be like.""What about now?" He asked."Now, I feel everything is great."He smiled. "That's good."After dinner, we sat on the balcony and watched the stars. The night sky in Gardeenia was clear, and the stars were exceptionally bright.Gabriel whispered, "Zoe, I know what you've been through."I turned to look at him."I don't care about your past and just want to be a part of your future." His eyes were exceptionally gentle under the starlight.My heart fluttered slightly. "Gab

SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP