All Chapters of I Paid His Tuition, He Took My Wife: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

8 Chapters

Chapter 1

"Esme?" I said, my voice hoarse. I could barely recognize it.The woman, who had been full of concern just a moment before, suddenly stiffened. Esme Lambert turned around. When her eyes met mine, surprise and panic flashed across her face. But she quickly regained her composure and tightened her grip on Theo Clark's arm.Theo lifted his head. There wasn't a trace of guilt in his expression. Instead, he feigned surprise. "Oliver? What are you doing here?"The registration slips in Daniel Colgan's hands dropped to the floor. He widened his eyes in fury. "Esme! Aren't you supposed to be in Nenton? Who the hell is this guy?"Esme ignored him and glanced at me, her voice indifferent. "Oliver, we're in a hospital. Don't make a scene."How impressive. Even in a situation like this, she remained so calm, acting as though she were completely in the right.Just three days ago, during a video call, Esme had stood at a desolate construction site overseas, complaining about the scorching heat

Chapter 2

Esme massaged her temples, impatience creeping into her voice. "Oliver, do you have to act out right now? Theo just finished his checkup. The doctor said he needs to rest and shouldn't get worked up. Just go home, okay? I'll explain everything to you later." With that, she walked straight past me, supporting Theo.As we brushed past each other, Theo turned his head and flashed me a triumphant smile. "Old man," he mouthed.I stood frozen in place. The searing pain in my wrist was nothing compared to my broken heart.I was in a trance when I got home. Looking at the traces of our years together, I felt nothing but irony. The coat I had personally chosen for her was still on the rack, and our fifth-anniversary photo was hanging on the wall.I lived like the perfect husband, yet I was anything but myself.At 11:00 pm, the electronic lock on the front door beeped. Esme walked in, carrying the unfamiliar scent of men's cologne. She paused when she saw me sitting on the couch, then w

Chapter 3

The division of our assets was an essential part of the divorce agreement. I had poured years of hard work into Esme's company, and there was no way I was going to walk away with nothing.The next day, I went to work as usual. Although I had moved into a more behind-the-scenes role, I was still a partner at the design firm. It had simply been a long time since I'd taken on a project personally.I had just sat down when the receptionist hurried in, looking rather flustered. "Mr. Moore, there's a Ms. Lambert and Mr. Clark here looking for you. They've specifically asked for you to design a home suitable for recuperation."My hand froze on the mouse, and a cold sneer rose from deep within me.Esme had really gone overboard.When I got to the reception area, Theo was perusing the design portfolio on the couch. Esme stood next to him, her hand idly resting on his shoulder.Theo looked up and said, "Hi, Oliver. Esme told me you're the best designer in town. We definitely want you to de

Chapter 4

Theo got hospitalized after his so-called leg injury flared up, and Esme blamed me for it.That afternoon, my mom, Anna Litt, called. "Oliver, did something happen between you and Esme? Why did she suddenly stop paying for your dad's medical bills?"My head buzzed. I felt anger surge through me.My dad, Josh Moore, had been receiving dialysis at a private hospital for his acute uremia. Esme used the company account to pay his medical expenses. It was one of the terms we agreed on when I gave her some of my shares.I dialed Esme's number right away. When she answered, her tone was smug. "Oliver, are you ready to admit you were wrong?""Esme, if you're upset with me, then take it out on me!" I snapped. "Why did you stop paying my dad's medical bills?"She chuckled. "Theo's leg injury has worsened because of you. He's currently at the hospital undergoing examinations. Consider your dad's medical expenses as compensation for what you did to Theo. Come to the hospital and apologize to

Chapter 5

Mom was rushed into the emergency room. Luckily, she received timely treatment and was eventually out of danger.I sat beside her bed, staring at her pale face, and sent a message to Gillian."Is the draft ready? I won't compromise when it comes to dividing our assets. I'll sue her if I have to."A moment later, Gillian replied, "You two have too many financial ties. Just give me three more days. I've already started gathering the evidence."…Three days later, I took the divorce agreement and went straight to Esme's company.I was involved in every aspect of the business, from choosing the location to designing the interior to landing the first customer and growing it to its present size.Yet now, the receptionist was trying to stop me from entering. "Mr. Moore, Ms. Lambert is in a meeting now. You can't go in.""I'm the co-founder of this company. How dare you stop me?" I pushed past her and walked straight to Esme's office, kicking the door open.Esme was sitting behind her

Chapter 6

Esme didn't sign, assuming that I was only giving hollow threats. That changed a week later at the company's annual banquet.As the co-founder, I was naturally invited.Esme hadn't expected me to attend, so when she saw me walk into the banquet hall, clad in a sharp black suit and looking completely at ease, a flash of admiration flickered in her eyes.Theo was there as well. His leg was still in a cast, and he was leaning on a crutch for support. A hint of jealousy appeared on his face as he and Esme approached me."Oliver, you're looking suave today," he said. "Esme said you weren't a fan of these events, so I thought you wouldn't show up."I took a sip of my wine, ignoring him.Esme's voice was tinged with warning. "Oliver, I have many important clients here today. Don't cause any trouble."I smirked. "Don't worry, Ms. Lambert. I came with the perfect gift for you."Halfway through the event, Esme took the stage to deliver a speech. She spoke eloquently, painting a picture o

Chapter 7

Esme finally thought of me after dealing with Theo. She started frantically trying to reach me by text and calls, and even came to the hospital to intercept me.One day, after accompanying Mom to a follow-up appointment, I saw Esme standing in the rain outside the hospital entrance. She had no umbrella and was drenched to the bone. Her usual impeccably styled hair was now clinging messily to the sides of her face, and her eyes were bloodshot.Esme's eyes lit up when she saw me. She stumbled toward me, trying to hug me.I took a step back, staring at her coldly.Her hands froze in midair, her voice raspy. "Oliver, I was wrong. I truly know I was wrong. Theo fooled me. I shouldn't have betrayed you or used your dad's treatment to threaten you."She pulled out a thoroughly soaked file folder and gave it to me. "This is the transfer agreement for 80% of the company's shares, along with the transfer documents for all properties and cars under my name. As long as you don't divorce me, I

Chapter 8

A glimmer of hope appeared on Esme's face. She quickly followed me.The late-night air was cold and biting as we stepped onto the hospital rooftop."Oliver, you're finally willing to talk to me again," Esme said, standing awkwardly in front of me. "Josh's condition has stabilized. The specialist said—""Esme," I cut in, retrieving a newly drafted divorce agreement from my briefcase and handing it to her. "Sign it. It's your last chance. If you don't, the court summons will be served at your company tomorrow."Esme's expression froze in an instant. She stared at the document blankly as the light in her eyes gradually dimmed. Her voice quivered when she spoke. "Why? I've already changed. I gave you everything, trying to make amends for my mistake. Why won't you forgive me?""Because some things can never be the same again once ruined," I replied. "Because devotion that comes too late is worthless." I looked at her, my voice as calm as if we were talking about the weather. "Every

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