Chapter 21

Adrian's POVWhen Claire's men brought Ethan and his mother to me, I could hardly recognize the woman standing in front of me as Karen. She wore dark clothes and no makeup. Fine lines creased the corners of her eyes, and gray streaked her temples, making her look like she was in her 60s or even her 70s. Ethan looked just as haggard, his youthful energy and vitality long gone.They'd been reduced to this in less than two years. Clearly, they'd been through a great deal.I had to admit, seeing them in such a state gave me a sense of satisfaction. Yet even as I savored that satisfaction, a deep sadness crept in.Claire and Vanessa had once treated Ethan so well. Vanessa had shown Karen such respect, too. Back then, I'd suffered one injustice after another because the two of them always defended Ethan and took his side. Yet after I left, they had quickly turned their anger on him and Karen instead.Their affections and resentments had always been so fickle.I admitted that I loathe

Chapter 22

Adrian's POVAfter that day, Claire stopped showing up, and I relished the peace and quiet. I spent most of my time preparing for the design competition and worked on my design drafts whenever I was free. After the second round, I submitted my design for the semifinals as well.Five days flew by, and I received word that I'd qualified for the finals. To celebrate, I invited Linda and a few of my colleagues over for dinner. While I was preparing food in the kitchen, Vanessa rang the doorbell. The moment I opened the door, she handed me a box. "I bought this from an upscale restaurant," she said. "They're all your favorite dishes—""I've told you before. I don't need any of this," I cut her off. "Stop wasting your time."Vanessa's smile faded. "Adrian, does that mean you will never forgive me, no matter what I do?""I'm moving on," I said. "I hope you can do the same."Vanessa fell silent for a moment before speaking again. "Are you going back next month for Mom's deat

Chapter 23

Adrian's POVI was already back in the country before Mom's death anniversary. On the day of the anniversary, Vanessa was waiting for me in the hotel lobby to take me to the cemetery.We parked outside the cemetery, then walked to Mom's grave together. Vanessa had brought a large bouquet of flowers, as though she were trying to make up for everything she'd missed two years ago.Mom's smile on the headstone was as warm and gentle as ever.The breeze stirred the loose strands of hair across my forehead. Holding my trophy, I chatted with Mom about this and that, telling her everything that had happened.Vanessa stood off to the side, silent throughout.When it was time to leave, I still couldn't stop my eyes from welling up with tears."Adrian," Vanessa began, her eyes red. "Will you never forgive Claire and me, no matter what we do?"I wiped away the tears before they could spill over. "I can forgive you both," I said evenly. "Just don't ever come into my life again."I woul

Chapter 24

Adrian's POVOnce I got back to work, I threw myself into it.After winning such a prestigious award, my salary increased considerably, and my workload grew heavier than before.On my second day back at work, Vanessa moved out of the apartment next door and returned to Jinton.The apartment remained vacant for a while.A year later, a young woman moved in. Her name was Yvette Langdon, and she was a cheerful, outgoing girl who came from the same hometown as me.As I got to know her better, I learned that she worked in the area too. Our companies weren't far apart, and we kept similar working hours, so we often ran into each other.A few months later, she made it clear that she admired me. I thought it over for two days before officially asking her to be my girlfriend.She was easy to get along with, and we had plenty in common. I genuinely enjoyed spending time with her.…Another two years passed. During Thanksgiving, I learned from Vanessa that Karen had passed away the pr

All Chapters of My Fiancée, My Sister, and the Pauper: Chapter 21 - Chapter 24

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24