I Disappeared Before He Could Lie Again
For love, I followed Harrison, the underboss of the Moretti family, from halfway across the world.
But for five whole years, my permanent residency application had gone nowhere.
Several key steps required Harrison's personal involvement, but he always claimed he was too swamped with family business to find the time.
Yet Cathy, my so-called stepsister, who was living on our estate, got her residency in just two short weeks.
I only found out through the servants' gossip that Harrison had personally stepped in, pressuring a top immigration lawyer to rush it through.
With my hopes completely shattered, I told him I wanted to go home.
Harrison, a man who was always so proud, panicked.
He pulled me into a fierce embrace, kissing my hair. "Aurora, you're my wife. Getting your permanent residency is just a matter of time."
"But Cathy is different. She has no family to protect her. Without legal status, she could be deported at any moment."
"Just do it for me. Stay. Okay?"
Once again, I gave in to his tender words.
Until today. I went to the immigration office alone to check on my file. The clerk stared at the screen, her face a mask of confusion.
"Ma'am, the system clearly states that Mr. Harrison Moretti's legal spouse is... a Ms. Cathy."
"Did you perhaps fill out your form incorrectly?"
My world froze.
So, the five years of waiting had all been a lie. I wasn't just denied permanent residency; my very marriage was a fraud.
I didn't go back to the estate. I went straight to the airport and flew home.
Before I boarded, the last message from him read: "Stop throwing a tantrum. Come home."
But Harrison, we didn't have a home anymore.