“I look forward to working with you, Mr. Hampton.”
His wedding budget was enormous, so the company gave this project top priority. My supervisors insisted I do my best to fulfill his requests and even paused several of my other projects so I could focus solely on him.
This arrangement gave Jared the perfect excuse to stick by my side. He came to the office daily, staying until the end of the workday.
Each time, I could only respond with a polite smile and give minimal responses.
He flipped through my past proposals and tutted disapprovingly. “You don’t have to work so hard, Vanessa.”
He stepped closer, reaching for my hand but hesitated when he saw the disgust in my eyes.
“You never have to work again! I’ve already fulfilled what you asked for!”
I frowned. What I asked for? What could he possibly… Regina’s child!
A shudder ran through me, fear creeping up my spine.
Mistaking my fear for excitement, Jared continued eagerly. “Regina’s child is gone! So you can forgive me now!
1/3
+25 BONUS
Chapter 9
“You can continue being Mrs. Hampton! You don’t have to…‘
I grabbed his collar and cut him off fiercely. “What did you do?!”
He looked down grimly.
“Wasn’t this what you wanted?” he asked meekly. “You said you’d forgive me if I aborted the child. You can’t go back on your word…”
I stared at him in shock, unable to form words.
The parcel I’d received that morning flashed through my mind, and my stomach churned.
I grabbed my bag and walked out of the office, needing to get away from this terrifying man.
But the moment I stepped outside, Regina rushed toward me, a knife in her hand.
“Go to Hell, Vanessa!” she screamed, her face twisted with rage. “Pay for my son’s death!”
Jared shoved me forward without hesitation, using me as a shield.
“D–Don’t kill me! She’s the one who told me to do it!‘
Before Regina could reach me, one of my colleagues rushed over and tackled her to the ground, prying the knife from her hand.
Once the police arrived and took Regina away, Jared exhaled with relief. His cowardly eyes darted around as he mumbled, “I didn’t mean it, Vanessa.”
I ignored him and turned to look at Regina calmly. Her bloodshot eyes were filled with hatred as she
cursed me.
“You killed my son, Vanessa! You’re going to Hell!”
I replied evenly, “It wasn’t me.”
Somehow, my words pacified her. Her shouting quieted.
I turned back to Jared. “See you in court tomorrow.”
The distant look in my eyes seemed to pull at his heart After a moment, he nodded. “Alright.”
We flew back to River City overnight to finalize our divorce.
As I stared at the certificate, I felt my shoulders relax for the first time in years.
It took half a year, but I could finally smile at Jared genuinely.
He looked at me, dazed.
“I won’t give up on us, Vanessa,” he said softly. “I’ll always be right behind you until you forgive me.”
I smiled without a care. “I don’t think you’ll get the chance.”
Before he could react, a few policemen approached.
2/3
Chapter 9
“Mr. Hampton, you’re under arrest for tax evasion. Ple
Jared’s eyes widened in panic as he shouted my name, goodbye.
As the police took Regina away earlier, she had shoved Jared’s crimes.
I exited the court hall and watched the police car drive
“Goodbye, Jared. I hope I never see you again.”
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Chapter 9
+25 BONUS
“Mr. Hampton, you’re under arrest for tax evasion. Please come with us.”
Jared’s eyes widened in panic as he shouted my name, begging me to save him. All I did was wave goodbye.
As the police took Regina away earlier, she had shoved a USB into my hand. It contained evidence of Jared’s crimes.
I exited the court hall and watched the police car drive off with Jared inside.
“Goodbye, Jared. I hope I never see you again.”
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