3
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you trying to climb into the company’s upper ranks to seize power?”
I was left speechless, thinking she had her reasons.
But on the day Jasper returned, she sent dozens of luxury cars to the airport, the cannon salute was deafening.
That night, Jasper parachuted into the company, appointed as Vice President.
I realized then, love or lack thereof, the difference was obvious.
Given this, there’s no need to continue this ridiculous marriage.
I submitted my resignation.
Stepping out of the company, I expected to feel heavy–hearted, but I only felt relief,
For years, like a bird with clipped wings, I’ve been trapped in a cage, oppressed.
Now, I see freedom ahead.
I visited my daughter’s grave, placed her favorite toys by her small tombstone.
Stayed with her until nightfall, then dragged my tired body home.
To my surprise, opening the door, Adeline was unexpectedly home waiting.
“Do you know what time it is? I thought you’d learned to stay out all night.”
On the couch, Adeline frowned, arms crossed, displeased.
Her expression was a signal for me to comfort her.
But I found it odd that while Jasper’s minor injuries would keep her by his side, she wasn’t with him at the hospital today.
Not my concern, so I didn’t ask. I calmly asked:
“What’s up?”
23:17 Thu, Feb 27
My cold tone made Adeline’s face stiffen.
No matter what happened before, I always greeted her with a smile. But since she returned from her trip, I’ve been different. No arguments, no fuss, even my gaze lost
warmth.
This made her uneasy, quickly saying:
“Are you still mad about me going with Jasper? I told you, it was just to relax.”
“Didn’t our daughter always say she wanted to go to the beach? Once I’m less busy, I’ll take you and her, okay?”
“Is something the matter?”
Adeline’s expression shifted, caught off guard by the icy tone.
In the past, no matter what happened, I always greeted her with a smile. But ever since she returned from her trip, I’ve changed. I no longer argue or make a fuss, and even my gaze towards her has grown cold.
This unsettled her, prompting her to say hurriedly, “Are you still upset about me going out with Jasper? I told you, it was just a break to clear my mind.”
“Our daughter has always wanted to go to the beach, right? Once things settle down, I’ll take you both. How about that?”
Her attempt at reconciliation felt more like a condescending gesture. To her, my daughter and I were like pets–amusing when she was in a good mood, and pushed aside when she
wasn’t.
Suddenly, Adeline seemed to remember something and looked at me curiously.
“Wait, where’s our daughter? I haven’t seen her since I got back.”
“Did you send her to your mom?”
I stared at her in disbelief. She had been back for two days and was only now asking
about our daughter?
2318 Thu, Feb 27
It was clear she didn’t truly care about our daughter or this family.
Before I could respond, Jasper emerged from the bathroom wearing my bathrobe.
零62%會
in:
Seeing me, Jasper was unfazed and acted as if he owned the place, warmly inviting me
“Declan, come on in, make yourself comfortable.”
I was momentarily speechless, looking questioningly at Adeline on the sofa.
“Why is he here?”
Sensing my expression, Adeline awkwardly explained, “Jasper hasn’t been well, so I brought him here to look after him. Don’t overthink it.”
I suddenly understood. No wonder Adeline was home tonight–it was all for Jasper.
She seemed relieved, adding, “It’s a good thing you sent our daughter to your mom’s beforehand. Otherwise, it would’ve been inconvenient with so many people here.”
I found it ironic. She hadn’t even noticed our daughter’s absence, her mind solely occupied with Jasper.
Jasper feigned remorse, saying, “It’s all my fault for disrupting your married life, Declan. I’m just here temporarily. You aren’t upset, right?”
But his eyes were filled with smugness and a challenge.
Adeline, anxious to avoid conflict, quickly interjected, “Declan, don’t worry. Jasper and I agreed he’d sleep on the sofa. He won’t disturb us.”
But the next moment, I saw pity in her eyes for him.
How could she bear to let Jasper sleep on a cold sofa? If I hadn’t come back suddenly, she would have cradled him in her arms.
2319 Thu, Feb 27
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Thinking of this, I said, “Since his back is bad he shouldn’t sleep on the sofa. He should sleep in the master bedroom.”
Jasper’s face lit up with delight at my words.
“Really? Declan, you’re so generous.”
Adeline also breathed a sigh of relief.
“Declan, I’m glad you see it this way. I was worried you’d be jealous of Jasper and make a
scene.”
She thought I had matured and wouldn’t argue over such trivial matters.
I was leaving anyway, so why should it matter to me where he stays?
As Adeline joyfully led Jasper into the master bedroom, I quietly packed my bags, ready to stay at a hotel.
But as I reached the door, Adeline emerged from the bedroom and stopped me.
“Declan, it’s late. Where are you going?”
I smiled faintly.
“To give you and Jasper some space, of course.”
Upon hearing this, Adeline’s expression turned grim, and she gritted her teeth.
“What do you mean by that, Declan?”
“I already explained. It’s because of Jasper’s back pain that I brought him here temporarily. You’re the one who agreed to let him stay in the master bedroom. What are you doing now?”
“Don’t you have any sympathy?”
Her words were endless, but I found them amusing.
23.18
Thu, Feb 27
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I used to argue with her about Jasper, and she’d call me immature and unreasonable. Now that I was mature and didn’t argue, she was unhappy again.
Jasper pretended to sob.
“I knew Declan was still mad at me. It’s all my fault. I should just suffer on the street.”
His poor acting fooled Adeline, who then shielded Jasper.
“Jasper, you’re staying here today. I’d like to see who dares to kick you out!”
Crossing her arms, she coldly said to me:
“You’ve grown bold. Go ahead, leave if you dare!”
She assumed I loved her too much to really leave.
But from the moment our daughter died, my love for her vanished. I would never forgive
her.
I chuckled coldly, grabbed my suitcase, and left.
Adeline stared at my back in disbelief, unable to comprehend.
It wasn’t until I got in the elevator that I heard her shout,
“Go on! If you leave, don’t come back!”
But she didn’t realize I truly wouldn’t return. She had lost me forever.
At the hotel, I slept peacefully.
The next morning, I woke up to dozens of missed calls–all from Adeline.
The last call was half an hour ago.
I was surprised she hadn’t slept all night.
She used to tell me to be more tolerant and not argue with Jasper When did she become
23:18 Thu, Feb 27
When I opened the door, Adeline sat tiredly in a chair.
Seeing me, her eyes immediately welled up.
“Just because I let Jasper stay with us, you’re leaving and quitting your job?”
- 4.
