- 17 hours ago
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When Everything We Loved Fell Down #shortmax
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00:00On our 6th wedding anniversary, my husband screwed the girl he never got over.
00:05After hanging up the phone, I took a picture of the beautifully prepared dinner and the cake.
00:10I had baked the cake for our 6th anniversary.
00:13Then I sent the photo to my husband, Ashton Martinez.
00:16His reply came back quickly.
00:18Is it your birthday? I'm flying out so I can't make a home tonight. Just celebrate on your own.
00:23I chuckled bitterly and tossed the cake into the trash.
00:25Whether it was my birthday or our anniversary, it did not matter because Ashton never remembered those things.
00:32However, when it came to Ruby Lowe, he had an entire notebook dedicated to her.
00:37He had been keeping notes of her life since high school.
00:40I glanced at the pregnancy test results on the table and quietly put them away.
00:44I had planned to surprise Ashton with them over dinner tonight.
00:47But now, it seemed pointless.
00:50We had been married for 6 years without any kids.
00:52I had gone through 3 rounds of IVF.
00:55Each one more painful than the last.
00:57And they all failed.
00:59I had almost given up hope this time when, to my shock, I found out I was pregnant.
01:04Yet, before I could even be happy about it, I saw Ruby's post on social media.
01:10For all I knew, she might have done her IVF on the same day, using my husband's sperm, and here
01:16I was.
01:17The fool.
01:18Kept in the dark.
01:20Oblivious to everything.
01:21I pulled the food toward me, even though I had no appetite.
01:25For the sake of the baby, I forced myself to take a few bites.
01:29However, the moment the smell of the meaty steak hit me, I doubled over.
01:34Violently nauseous.
01:36The retching would not stop.
01:37And with each heave, the pain in my lower abdomen grew sharper.
01:42Suddenly, I felt a warm, wet sensation between my legs.
01:45Glancing down, I saw small spots of blood seeping through my pants.
01:50Panic gripped me.
01:52Could that be a sign of a miscarriage?
01:53No matter how disappointed I was in Ashton, the baby was something I had fought so hard for.
01:59I could not lose it now.
02:01I grabbed my phone and tried to head downstairs to drive myself to the hospital.
02:05But as soon as I opened the door, the pain in my abdomen became unbearable.
02:09My legs gave out, and I slid down the wall.
02:12I had been feeling unwell all morning and had spent most of the day at the hospital for tests.
02:17After that, I rushed back, convinced Ashton would come home to celebrate our anniversary.
02:22And spent all my energy preparing dinner and the cake,
02:25thinking maybe I could be having low blood sugar.
02:27I desperately reached for my phone to call 911.
02:30But my vision started to blur.
02:32I even felt too weak to press the buttons.
02:35Just then, I heard the sound of a door opening.
02:37My neighbor stepped out and, seeing my condition, rushed over in shock.
02:42What happened?
02:43He asked.
02:44Supporting me relief washed over me as I requested him to take me to the hospital.
02:48After the tests, the doctor confirmed that I was showing signs of a miscarriage.
02:52He prescribed a bunch of medications and spoke to me in a serious tone.
02:57You really need to take care of yourself.
02:59This pregnancy isn't stable yet, so you can't afford to be too stressed or overworked.
03:03He's not my husband.
03:06My husband's away.
03:08On a business trip.
03:10Make sure you share all this with your husband.
03:12He needs to start learning how to take care of a pregnant woman.
03:15I gave a bitter smile.
03:17Oh, I was sure Ashton was good at taking care of someone.
03:20It was just a pity it was not me.
03:23As I was told I needed to be hospitalized for a few days to stabilize my condition,
03:27Will Young, my neighbor who had driven me to the hospital, was incredibly helpful.
03:33He ran back and forth to take care of all the paperwork.
03:37Clara, don't you want to give your husband a call?
03:40There's no need.
03:41I'm planning to file a divorce.
03:44Sorry.
03:46I shouldn't have brought that up with you.
03:49Don't worry about it.
03:49His reaction made me think about Ashton.
03:52It had been a long time since Ashton treated me kindly.
03:56Whenever we talked, he either seemed impatient or gave me an irritated glare.
04:01It felt like every time I tried to say anything, he acted like I was a bother, questioning or doubting
04:07him.
04:08Just then, the buzz of my phone pulled me from my thoughts.
04:12It was a message from Ashton.
04:14I got you a birthday present.
04:15Are you happy now?
04:17When I noticed the brand logo on it, I immediately checked Ruby's social media.
04:22I'm feeling sick from the pregnancy, but there's nothing a new bag can't cure.
04:26Thanks for the gift, Ash.
04:27I sneered.
04:29It was probably too ugly for Ruby to keep, so Ashton re-gifted it to me like it was something
04:35special.
04:35I don't need it.
04:36You can give it to Ruby so she can clean her bag with it.
04:39That response set Ashton off immediately, and my phone rang with his incoming call.
04:44Can you stop being so petty and jealous?
04:47Ruby and I are soulmates, not whatever trashy relationship you've convinced yourself of.
04:51If I really had something going on with Ruby, do you think you'd be the one married to me, enjoying
04:55the good life?
04:58Ashton and I started dating during my second year of college, when Ruby had just left for her exchange program
05:06in Europe.
05:07Back then, Ashton's family barely got by, so I did not enjoy anything special.
05:12After we graduated, he started his own business, and while it might have looked glamorous from the outside, in reality,
05:19we had to pinch pennies.
05:21He was constantly stressed, trying to cover the company's huge expenses.
05:26It was not until two years ago that things finally turned around after a successful deal.
05:31However, by then, I had grown used to being frugal.
05:35I felt sorry for Ashton's struggles, so I never spent money carelessly.
05:40Meanwhile, I had to endure daily harassment from his mother for not giving her a grandchild.
05:46How exactly had I enjoyed any of his success?
05:49Clara, have some food.
05:50Will said as he walked back into the room, holding the takeout he had just picked up.
05:56Who's there with you?
05:57Clara, do you really think pulling some stunt like this will get a reaction out of me?
06:01Tell that man to get out of my house, right now!
06:05Don't think I'll tolerate having some random guy around.
06:07I could not listen anymore, so I told him I was in the hospital because I was not feeling well.
06:13I see what's going on.
06:14You're so childish.
06:16Ruby gets pregnant, so now you're faking a stomachache to get my attention, huh?
06:19Let me guess, you're going to tell me you're pregnant too?
06:22What a joke.
06:23I've never seen anything more pathetic or disgusting.
06:26Ashton, I'm not trying to force you to come back.
06:28I hope you and Ruby are having a great time.
06:31I have people looking after me here, and honestly, things are going just fine without you.
06:35It's actually a lot easier.
06:36It was the first time I hung up on Ashton before he could finish.
06:40Almost immediately, a flurry of angry messages came flooding in.
06:45Predictably.
06:46It was all about how unreasonable I was and making him upset for no reason.
06:50He warned me not to regret it and not to come running back to him crying and begging for forgiveness.
06:55I simply tossed my phone aside, picked up my food, and ate it.
07:00Two days later, Will came to pick me up.
07:03I told him it was too much trouble and that I could just call a cab, but he just laughed
07:08and said it was no big deal, it was what neighbors were for.
07:11His kindness hit with a pang of sadness.
07:14Ashton rarely ever drove me anywhere.
07:17However, if Ruby called, no matter how far she was, he would pick her up.
07:23Uh, Ashton, could you take me to the hospital? I'm not feeling well.
07:27You have a car, don't you? Why don't you drive yourself?
07:30Ruby doesn't have a license, so of course I have to go and pick her up.
07:34Ugh!
07:35What if something happens to her while she's taking a cab? Are you gonna take responsibility for that?
07:39Ashton rarely ever drove me anywhere.
07:42However, if Ruby called, no matter how far she was, I had just opened the car door to get into
07:48the passenger seat when I felt a strong hand yank me back.
07:51You've got some nerve.
07:52What are you doing here?
07:53I came home, and the whole table was cover not made as food.
07:55What's the matter with you, huh? Dad and you asked who at least were managed to wipe some balavorties.
07:58You can't even have a heizen. You can't even take a danza.
08:03I told you I was in the hospital, didn't I?
08:06Yet, you showed no concern for your wife, a sick person, just complaints that I didn't clean the house?
08:11You look perfectly fine to me. Quit pretending.
08:13Hearing Ashton's comment, Will stepped out of the car, ready to speak up for me.
08:19However, I gave him a small shake of my head, signaling him to go.
08:24What I did not expect, though, was that Ashton did not plan on taking me home to rest.
08:30Instead, he drove us straight to a pub.
08:37Ruby's hosting a party tonight to celebrate her pregnancy.
08:41She's been thinking about you a lot.
08:43She wants you to come and share in her happiness. Don't be ungrateful.
08:47I simply sneered and agreed.
08:49Anyway, it did not matter to me anymore.
08:52My heart was dead.
08:54I had contacted a divorce lawyer, and nothing Ruby did could hurt me now.
08:58After we arrived, Ruby showed up fashionably late, perfectly dolled up,
09:02while I looked like a mess, having spent days in the hospital and not had a chance to clean up.
09:07In contrast, Ruby looked like a blooming flower, perfectly put together.
09:12Everyone around her was fawning over her, showering her with compliments.
09:17Our beautiful artist, Ruby, is always so forward-thinking,
09:20turning down all those suitors just to become a single mom on her own terms.
09:24Well, Ruby's rich and independent.
09:27She can raise a kid by herself.
09:28She's unlike those stay-at-home wives who ask their husbands for money.
09:32All eyes in the room slowly drifted toward me, some with mockery.
09:35Ruby laughed and ordered a round of drinks, saying it was her treat for the night.
09:40But someone then suggested we play truth or dare to liven up the mood.
09:44When the bottle spun, it landed on Ruby first.
09:47She pouted playfully.
09:49Okay.
09:51I'll pick truth.
09:52Ruby, since you're having a baby through IVF, are you ever going to let the kid call Ashton dad?
09:58Ruby placed a hand on her belly and flashed me a sly smile.
10:02Clara, I know this bothers you, and you've been upset with Ash lately, but don't worry.
10:07I would never come between the two of you.
10:09After all, you know, if I wanted to marry Ash, you wouldn't have stood a chance.
10:15But if you can't have kids, I'll make sure my son takes care of Ash and you when we're older.
10:21I wouldn't want you to end up all alone.
10:24Everyone around the table praised Ruby for being kind and considerate, but I felt nothing.
10:29Especially in the past two years when Ashton's company began taking off.
10:33Ruby had stormed into my life, constantly showing up around Ashton.
10:37At first, I was so shocked, angry, and jealous that I would get upset and argue with Ashton.
10:43However, time and time again, Ashton had chosen her over me.
10:47He told me I was being unreasonable and petty.
10:50He had even accused me of slandering them, so much that I had long since grown numb.
10:55I don't mind, in fact. In fact, if you want to go down to the courthouse right now and file
11:00for divorce, I have no objection.
11:02Ashton's face immediately darkened, and he snapped, warning me to stop saying things to upset him.
11:08You shouldn't flatter yourself so much. Do you really think you're that important to me?
11:12There was a flash of panic in Ashton's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
11:17Alright, enough with the attitude. Look at Ruby. She's considerate, understanding, and always thinking about you.
11:23I know I haven't been around much lately, but I'll be home for the next few days. Does that make
11:27you happy?
11:28Sensing the tension in the room, someone suggested we move on to the next round of the game.
11:33This time, the bottle landed on me.
11:36Just as I was about to choose truth, Ruby chimed in before I could.
11:40I chose truth last time, so let's mix things up and go with Adair this time.
11:45I gave her a cold stare, watching her stir up trouble, but I did not care anymore.
11:50My dare was to kiss the first guy I saw when I walked out the door.
11:54Without hesitation, Ashton shoved three bottles of alcohol in front of me.
11:59She's not doing that dare. She'll just take a penalty and drink these instead.
12:03Everyone laughed, agreeing with him.
12:06After all, kissing another guy while your husband was sitting right there was not exactly appropriate.
12:11Still, I stood up.
12:13Why should I back down?
12:15Ruby's the one who suggested I do it, and I'm not one to chicken out.
12:18Clara, are you trying to fight me on purpose tonight?
12:22I could not understand it.
12:24He did not seem to mind giving Ruby his sperm for her IVF, telling me not to make a big
12:29deal out of it.
12:30Yet he was now furious because of some silly game.
12:33Clara didn't mean it.
12:34She might just not like me, which is why she doesn't want to drink.
12:38As soon as she said that, Ashton's temper worsened.
12:42He popped open one of the bottles and tried to force it into my mouth.
12:46I want to make it easier.
12:48Everyone's trying to make this easier on you, but you just have to ruin the mood, don't you?
12:52I tried to pull away, waving my hands to get him to stop.
12:57However, in my haste, I tripped on something behind me and fell hard onto the cold marble floor of the
13:02private room.
13:03A sharp pain shot through my abdomen, and I cradled my stomach, screaming in agony.
13:08Ashton's face showed a flicker of concern as he reached out to help me, but he said dismissively,
13:19Ashton froze for a few seconds, then quickly knelt to wrap his arms around me.
13:23How did you start bleeding just from a fall?
13:25I tried to stand, but a wave of cold sweat broke out across my body, and my lips started trembling.
13:31Call an ambulance! Get me to the hospital!
13:34At that moment, Ruby pushed through the small crowd that had gathered around us, commenting,
13:39Come on, stop making such a big deal. Isn't this just your period?
13:42She said I was overreacting and suggested I go home to rest if I was not feeling well.
13:47Ashton looked disappointed.
13:50So, you're not pregnant again!
13:52I wanted to explain, but an intense pain ripped through my lower abdomen,
13:56forcing me to bite down hard to keep from screaming.
13:59In the end, Ashton yanked me to my feet, muttering that he would stay behind with Ruby and get a
14:05cab to take me home.
14:06Just as the door opened, I came face to face with Will.
14:10Hey, what are you doing at a pub of all places?
14:13Why are you bleeding again? Didn't the doctor warn you to be careful with the pregnancy?
14:17He shouted loud enough that everyone around us, including Ashton, stopped dead in their tracks.
14:22Y-you're pregnant? This isn't a joke, right? What kind of husband are you? How do you not know your
14:27wife is pregnant?
14:29Ashton panicked, insisting I had not told him anything.
14:33Will yelled back,
14:34What are you waiting for? Get her to the hospital, now!
14:37Everything became a blur of chaos after that. By the time we arrived at the hospital, I was soaked in
14:43cold sweat.
14:44When the doctor finally told us that I had lost the pregnancy, my tears started pouring uncontrollably.
14:49Ashton went wild, grabbing the doctor and demanding a recheck, shouting at them to do something.
14:55We went through IVF three times. We worked so hard for this.
14:59The doctor's expression was grim, but he kept his composure.
15:03If you knew how difficult it was, why weren't you more careful?
15:06Taking a pregnant woman to a pub? That's no place for someone in her condition.
15:09That comment made Ashton's face flush red with shame, leaving him at a loss for words.
15:14Once the doctor left, he knelt beside my bed, taking my hand in his as he said,
15:19It's okay. It's going to be okay. You just need to rest. We can try for another baby.
15:27I pulled my hand away, barely holding back the overwhelming grief of losing our child.
15:31Ashton, there won't be another baby. I want a divorce.
15:34Ashton froze, looking completely at a loss for words.
15:38Don't say that. You're upset. I didn't know this was going to happen.
15:45Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?
15:47I let out a bitter laugh. Did I not want to tell him?
15:51On our anniversary, he was at Ruby's ultrasound appointment.
15:55And when I was discharged from the hospital, he dragged me to a pub to celebrate Ruby's pregnancy.
16:01He never gave me a chance to tell him.
16:03The baby's gone. Maybe it's fate. Maybe even the universe wants us separated.
16:09I thought Ashton would agree right away.
16:11After all, he had always loved Ruby, his high school sweetheart.
16:15He used to worship her from afar, and now she was having his child.
16:20Was that not exactly what he wanted?
16:23Instead, Ashton stayed silent for a few seconds before stubbornly refusing.
16:27We've been married for six years.
16:30You don't stay that long if you don't love someone.
16:32Don't feel guilty. You should go ahead and be happy with Ruby.
16:35I won't make a scene or say anything harsh.
16:38And your friends who worship you and Ruby won't have any gossip to spread.
16:41Please. I'm sorry. I've been neglecting you lately.
16:44But let's not talk about divorce right now. You're upset and not thinking straight.
16:47Then, he quickly changed the subject, saying he would get me something to eat.
16:52Half an hour later, he returned with a load of takeout.
16:55One glance and I could see it was greasy barbecued meat, dishes loaded with jalapenos.
17:01I had always known he had never bothered to remember my preferences, but the realization still stung.
17:06I'm not hungry.
17:07He frowned, telling me not to be difficult.
17:11You've got that little notebook where you keep all of Ruby's favorite things, but do you even know I can't
17:16eat eggplant?
17:17It makes my tongue go numb, and my lips swell up.
17:20Ashton's face flushed red again, and he quickly offered to get something else.
17:25When the door opened, and Will walked in with a thermos.
17:28Hey, I made some chicken soup for you. You should have it while it's hot.
17:33Will said as he set it down.
17:35He efficiently removed the lid and handed me a spoon, the comforting aroma of the soup filling the room.
17:41Ashton's expression darkened.
17:42Will noticed the food Ashton had brought and was visibly surprised.
17:46There are so many restaurants around the hospital with meals suitable for patients,
17:51yet you somehow managed to pick the worst one. Now that's impressive.
17:54I could see Ashton clenching his jaw, trying to hold back his temper.
17:59From now on, I'll cook for Clara myself. There's no need for you to get involved.
18:02I don't trust you with that. I took good care of her, got her discharged in perfect health,
18:07and less than a day later, she miscarried. You have zero credibility.
18:12Clara is my wife. Why are you being so attentive?
18:15Don't you understand how to keep your distance from a married woman?
18:18Well, you're one to talk. Who's more out of line than you helping someone else have a baby through IVF
18:22and not even rising its crossing a boundary?
18:24Will's eyes widened in shock as he glanced over at Ashton.
18:28Ashton's face flushed red with frustration. Normally, he would have stormed out of the room
18:33by that point, but today, he just sat there, silently seething and glaring at Will until
18:37he eventually left. The next day, true to his word, Ashton went home and cooked.
18:43However, when he returned to the hospital, Ruby was there.
18:47What are you doing here? Clara's the one who's sick.
18:49Ruby, you've always been so understanding. Why don't you let this one slide and cut her some smack?
18:53Ruby's mouth hung open for a while, clearly not expecting that response.
18:57She struggled to maintain her smile as she reluctantly agreed, saying she would not take
19:02issue with a sick person. Once she was gone, I took my time eating the sandwich.
19:07Seeing me finally eat, Ashton's face lit up with happiness, and he excitedly mentioned
19:12making food for me again next time, which I did not respond to. After a few days of rest and
19:17feeling
19:18better, I got discharged from the hospital. The first thing I did when I got home was throw the
19:22printed divorce papers right in Ashton's face.
19:27Sign it. The house, the car, and everything you've earned in the last two years. I don't want a penny
19:32of it.
19:34Are you seriously divorcing me just because I helped Ruby with the IVF process?
19:38Faced with Ashton's aggressive questioning, I was beyond the mood to argue. He never believed he had
19:44done anything wrong. A divorce in paper can be printed a hundred times in a minute. Avoiding this
19:48won't help. Honey, if this really bothers you, I can write a guarantee or a will promise I won't
19:53acknowledge Ruby's Hiled or let them inherit any of my assets. That should make you better about that,
19:57right? I sighed deeply. Why could he not understand that while money and assets could be explicitly
20:03defined in writing? Feelings could not simply be dismissed like that? How would it feel to watch
20:08a child grow up, seeing their likeness to him? After all, blood was thicker than water. How could
20:15he think it would not affect me? If I could still trust him, I would truly be the biggest fool
20:21in the
20:21world. Ashton, I don't care who you choose to love for ten years, who you want to have children with,
20:26or who gets to spend your money. I loved of you for eight years, even putting up with your
20:30complicated relationship with Ruby, thinking I wouldn't survive without you. But now I see
20:35clearly that you're not that important to me. The only reason I want a divorce is that my heart
20:39is dead. I no longer love you. It's that simple. Do you understand? As I spoke, I remained calm and
20:44rational. I was not begging or crying like I used to, nor was I losing my mind with jealousy. Ashton,
20:51having realized something had changed, was genuinely rattled and confused. In the end,
20:57he made some excuse about needing to deal with work and fled. I could not understand his reaction
21:02as he had never valued what we had. Would it not just be better to divorce me and be with
21:07Ruby?
21:08Or did he enjoy having a devoted wife at home while pursuing his high school sweetheart?
21:12Did that make him feel accomplished? I packed my things and placed the new divorce papers on the
21:18table, leaving a note saying I intended to move out. Honestly, I had no idea where to go.
21:24My parents lived far away in our hometown. And after resigning, I gradually lost touch with my
21:30college friends and co-workers. Just when I was feeling lost, the elevator doors opened and
21:35out stepped Will.
21:36Clara, why are you dragging a suitcase with you?
21:38I hesitated for a moment but decided to share everything that had happened over the past few
21:42days with him.
21:43I have a small apartment available. If you don't mind, you can stay there for a while.
21:47Really? That would be great. I can pay rent at market price, but can I have a few months to
21:51get
21:51settled? I need to find a new job. I might not have enough cash on hand right now.
21:55Don't be so formal with me. By the way, Clara, do you have any plans for job hunting?
21:59I shook my head. After being away from the workforce for two years, I felt uncertain. However,
22:05Will suggested that I tried applying to his company, offering to put in a good word for me as a
22:10referral.
22:11Really? Will, thank you so much. If I get hired, dinner is on me.
22:18The interview turned out surprisingly smooth, and just a week later, I officially started working.
22:24In the meantime, Ashton had been relentlessly calling and messaging me.
22:28I ignored him completely, and after being bothered one too many times, I decided to block him.
22:34The reason I had not deleted his contact was that I still needed to finalize our divorce.
22:39I had no idea how Ashton found out where I was working, but he switched tactics and began
22:44harassing me in a different way. Today, yet another bouquet of flowers and a fancy afternoon
22:50tea were delivered to my desk. I told Ashton I would just throw those things in the trash and
22:54suggested he not waste his money or effort. No problem. They're for you, so you can do whatever
23:01you want with them. Flower bloom every year, and hope I'll, uh, I'll em again, a place I'm again.
23:06He even started posting on social media daily. What does six years of marriage mean? I enjoy
23:13the feeling of pursuing my wife all over again. A few times, he even waited for me outside the
23:18office building to pick me up after work. To avoid him, I had to hop into Will's car in the
23:24basement parking. As for the flowers, I ended up not throwing them away. Instead, I gave them to my
23:30coworkers. Clara, can you give me some advice on how to get men like that? You have a devoted,
23:36handsome guy waiting downstairs while the chairman's son here drives you home. The chairman's son?
23:40Who? Will Young! He gave the order to hire you! How could you not know? Honestly, I had no idea
23:46about any of that. Thinking back, it made sense that Will, being so young, must come from a well-off
23:52family to live alone in a big house and have an apartment while in college. Still, I never connected
23:58the dots that he was the son of the company's chairman. Just as I was lost in thought, Will called
24:03me into his office. That snapped me back to reality, reminding me I had something important
24:08to report. Will's family business specialized in trading high-end antiques and treasures,
24:13but he had also branched out into modern art. While the transactions in that new area were not
24:18as lucrative as those in the high-end market, he managed to carve out a niche and had done quite
24:23well.
24:24Coincidentally, several of Ruby's paintings were up for auction in that new category,
24:28with prices hovering around the 100,000 mark. However, I discovered a serious issue. Her work
24:35had plagiarized and combined the pieces from several lesser-known artists. That had previously
24:39gone unnoticed, but I was able to identify the problem using data analysis. Mr. Young, if these
24:45works are recognized as plagiarized by other professionals, it could severely damage our
24:49company's reputation and result in significant losses. We need to take them down immediately.
24:54Will took my concerns seriously and immediately called the tech team for a thorough reevaluation.
24:59If what you're saying is simply taking them down isn't enough, we'll demand that the artist pays
25:03damages for breach of contract. This act of concealment is a violation. I nodded, realizing that the next
25:09steps were beyond my responsibility. Once we wrapped up the serious talk, Will's smile returned.
25:15I told you to call me by my first name. I don't know why, but hearing you call me Mr.
25:20Young feels so
25:21awkward. What should I call you then? Young master? He scratched his nose, looking a bit embarrassed.
25:28I didn't mean to hide that. I was just worried you might avoid this company if you knew.
25:33I don't have that kind of ridiculous pride. What could be more important than making money?
25:39Once I got my salary and commission for the month, I would be able to pay him rent. However, just
25:45a few
25:45days later, Ruby burst into the office unexpectedly, causing a scene. She must have used her connection
25:51as one of the company's collaborating artists to get in because she stormed right over to my desk,
25:56fuming. Before she even said a word, tears started streaming down her face.
26:02Clara, why are you targeting me? You deliberately sabotaged me by getting my artwork removed. This is an
26:10abuse of power. Save your sob story. I'm not falling for it. I knew perfectly well that she was not
26:17putting on a show for me. She just wanted to win the sympathy of those around us. Sure enough, even
26:22though my co-workers did not know what was going on, they could not help but crowd around her,
26:27speaking softly and trying to comfort her. However, I was not in the mood to play nice.
26:33The plagiarism assessment was done by another department. I don't have that kind of influence to pull
26:37strings around here. Ruby was not backing down. She argued that there were only a few classic
26:42elements in art, and even if there were similarities, they were just borrowed from earlier painters'
26:48works. That's called omamage. You wouldn't understand since you're not an art major. Don't
26:52think I didn't know you were the one who complained first. The company just wants to keep the peace,
26:56so they're just the letting you, what do you bully me? As she spoke, tears flowed down her cheeks,
27:02and her hand rested on her slightly rounded belly. Is it fair for a big company to bully a
27:06backgroundless artist? This is the age of the internet. If you don't apologize, compensate me,
27:11and put my artwork back up, I'll expose you online for how you're treating a single woman!
27:16Those words shifted the atmosphere. The people around us looked shocked. Ruby's eyes glinted with
27:21a sense of triumph as she glanced at me, but the next second, someone yanked her arm hard. Ashton
27:27must have come in somehow and was furious as he confronted her. What are you doing in Clara's company?
27:32Are you here to cause trouble for her? As I thought about it, it became clear that Ashton
27:37was downstairs at the office again, putting on that dramatic act of his when he saw Ruby. He must
27:42have told the receptionist that he was my husband, which was why he was allowed inside. Ruby seemed
27:47just as shocked to see him. After her surprise faded, anger took over as she repeated to Ashton how I
27:53had
27:53bullied her. Clara has always been jealous of how nice you are to me. She's just looking for a chance
28:00to get back at me. With all the curious eyes around us, Ashton looked a little embarrassed.
28:05What are you talking about? Clara isn't like that. Besides, can't we just see things as they are
28:12instead of taking a mere employee's word for it? Ruby stared at him in shock, as if she was seeing
28:17Ashton for the first time. Are you actually defending her? You don't believe me? I crossed
28:23my arms and watched the two of them argue, feeling a little surprised myself. Unlike before, Ashton was
28:30not blindly taking Ruby's side. If it were in the past, he would have been quick to scold me.
28:36Ruby, can you stop being so sensitive? If there's an issue we can talk it out like adults. Charging in
28:42here acting like a crazy person is just embarrassing. His words felt eerily familiar, sensitive,
28:48overthinking, jealous, nitpicking, causing trouble. Those were the very things Ashton used to accuse
28:54me of. Ruby stumbled slightly as if she could not take it. Who's causing a scene at the office?
28:59I'm calling the police. At that moment, I turned my head to see while approaching. As he stood next to
29:06me with a stern expression, I realized how different he looked without his usual warm smile.
29:11His serious demeanor was pretty intimidating. Ruby stared at him for a long moment before it
29:17clicked. Aren't you the guy who took Clara to the hospital? So you're working here with her now,
29:24huh? No wonder you're so arrogant. Clara, you're not even divorced yet, and here you are,
29:33cozying up to your male friend. Aren't you ashamed? The comment made everyone around
29:37look at Will and me differently. While they did not dare speak up, their eyes were locked in a
29:42frenzy of judgment. Ruby then glanced mockingly at my belly and said with malicious intent,
29:47You two must have been hooking up for a while now, huh? That child you lost? Was it his?
29:53Is that why you pretended to fall to get Ashton's sympathy and guilt?
29:57Smack! Ashton's hand landed hard on Ruby's face. The force of the slap was so strong that Ruby staggered,
30:04nearly falling backward before my colleague rushed to catch her. With her hand on her reddening cheek,
30:09Ruby lost it. How dare you hit me? Ashton, I'm pregnant with your child!
30:15Stop sayings that give people the wrong idea! All I did was help you through IVF! We never slept
30:20together! Stop trying to ruin my marriage! I watched the chaos unfold, and while it felt
30:25satisfying to see the drama play out, it also struck me as utterly tacky and ridiculous. I could
30:31not believe I had spent so many years caught up with those people. It was utterly foolish of me to
30:36let them make me feel hurt and upset over their antics. Ashton, if you've got nothing better to do,
30:41just sign the divorce papers already. Dragging this out is pointless. And by the way, I'm not
30:46interested in being misunderstood as some kind of cheating, scandalous woman. Ms. Sload, if you have
30:51any issues with the company's decisions, feel free to take it to court or hire a lawyer. I'll be ready
30:56to face you head on. After Ashton and Ruby were kicked out of the company by Will's security,
31:01they went quiet for several months. I was originally surprised by how quiet those two had been and not
31:06stirring up any trouble. I had even prepared myself for a long, drawn-out battle with them
31:12until I heard that Ashton's company was in trouble and he was busy dealing with the mess. Things did
31:17not seem to be going well for him, though. One day, Ruby went on a rampage, bombarding me with
31:23messages full of insults. She accused me of saying something to Ashton.
31:27Clara, shameless 50 fish shit. He took my painting room and house back. Clara.
31:32Instead, I immediately took a screenshot of her messages and posted it on social media.
31:38Is the independent studio that Ruby keeps bragging about bought by my husband? Instead of wasting
31:43time messaging me, maybe Ruby should think about getting Ashton to sign the divorce papers.
31:49After posting it, I put my phone away and wrapped up for the day. It was my birthday,
31:54and Will had made a reservation at a restaurant to celebrate. As I stepped out of the building,
31:59I unexpectedly ran into Ashton, whom I had not seen in months. He looked noticeably thinner,
32:05with dark circles under his eyes that spoke of sleepless nights. Even when I pretended not to
32:10notice him, he flashed a smile my way. I raised an eyebrow at the sight of Ruby and my mother
32:21-in-law
32:21storming out of a taxi nearby, finding it amusing. It looks like they don't want you joining me for
32:26me for dinner. Ashton's face fell, and the furrow in his brow deepened. His tone was a mix of
32:32frustration and fatigue as he said. Ruby, can you go one day without stirring up trouble?
32:37And what's the deal with bringing my mom into this? Ruby, who was heavily pregnant at least eight
32:43months along, was not yelling or screaming this time. Instead, she was hiding behind my mother-in-law,
32:50silently crying. My mother-in-law wasted no time confronting Ashton and tried to lunge at me,
32:55but Ashton quickly held her back. What kind of witchcraft has this useless
32:59wit cast on you? Why are you defending her? Her voice was loud, and it was clear she had long
33:05resented me,
33:05wishing nothing more than for her son to kick me aside. I smirked, watching my mother-in-law
33:11throw a fit, feeling surprisingly relieved. In the past, whenever she insulted, belittled,
33:17or made things difficult for me, Ashton would always take her side, leaving me to endure her
33:22cruelty and back down. However, now that I did not care about Ashton anymore, I certainly did not care
33:28about that old hag. Mom, this is between Clara and me. You have no idea what you're talking about,
33:34so stay out of it, okay? The business district where the company was located was bustling,
33:49and with it being peak hours, plenty of people gathered to watch the spectacle unfold. Ashton's
33:55face turned a mix of red and blue as he tried to pull his mother toward the car, but she
33:59was having
33:59none of it, flailing her arms and kicking her legs in protest. Ruby rushed over to help, and I
34:05instinctively took a few steps back. Suddenly, I heard Ruby let out a yelp, and she stumbled
34:10backward right into the spot where I had just been standing. Thankfully, I had moved in time,
34:15or I could have been blamed for her fall given how chaotic everything was. Without me there to cushion
34:20her fall, Ruby hit the ground hard. Her face twisted in pain as she clutched her stomach,
34:26calling out in distress. Seeing the blood pooling between her legs, Ashton and his mother finally
34:32forgot their argument and hurriedly lifted her into the car to rush her to the hospital. Watching the
34:37car speed away, the weight on my chest seemed to lift all at once. Maybe it was the relief of
34:42finally getting away from that toxic group of people, and it felt like the best birthday gift
34:46I could have ever received. As expected, Ruby gave birth prematurely to a son. Thankfully,
34:52the baby was healthy and had not been affected too much by everything. Ashton, too, finally agreed to
34:59sign the divorce papers. As I stepped out of the courthouse, he called out to me, his face filled
35:05with frustration. Clara, were you already cheating on me with Will? Is that why you're so determined to
35:10force me into this divorce? I told him that although I had known about the new neighbor who had moved
35:15in,
35:15it was not until the day I went to the hospital with signs of a miscarriage that I had actually
35:20spoken to
35:20Will. And you, Ashton, can you really say that your relationship with Ruby has been nothing but pure?
35:27No crossing of boundaries or hidden feelings over the years? Ashton opened his mouth, but I cut him
35:32off before he could say anything. You don't need to answer. I already know the truth. Stop lying to yourself.
35:39Ruby was clever. She had never bothered with Ashton, the backup guy who always simped for her,
35:44until he found success in his career. And that was when she returned to him again. Still, she kept him
35:51captivated by never sleeping with him directly, letting him believe she was always just out of
35:55reach, independent, and above all. I must say, her strategy was impressive, but it was a shame.
36:02After her artwork was pulled due to plagiarism and her studio was taken down, Ruby started to panic.
36:08The more desperately she tried to hold on to Ashton, the more he took her for granted.
36:13It mirrored exactly how he had treated me. Ashton, I owe you nothing, but you should
36:18feel guilty for what you did to me. With that, I waved to Will to pull the car over. Ashton
36:23stood
36:24there for what felt like an eternity, fading from view in the rearview mirror and out of my life.
36:29A year later, I found out I was pregnant and was at the hospital for a checkup,
36:33not expecting to run into Ashton again. He looked terrible, his face pale and unshaven,
36:38with stubble covering his jaw. His wrinkled shirt had several bloodstains on it as he followed
36:43closely behind a gurney. I barely glanced at him as we passed each other, but I caught a glimpse of
36:49Ruby lying on the gurney, covered in blood and moaning in pain. Even though I did not care about
36:54them anymore, I could not help but feel curious about the situation. I discreetly asked around for
37:00information, and the news I uncovered was shocking. Ruby and Ashton had divorced again,
37:05but this time, it was not a clean break like it was with me. You won't believe it,
37:09but Ruby's kid isn't even Ashton's. The person eagerly spilled the tea without me needing to ask
37:15for details. Apparently, Ashton's company had gone bankrupt. As someone used to a luxury lifestyle,
37:22Ruby could not handle living a normal life anymore, so she decided to file for divorce. When Ashton and
37:27his mother tried to fight for custody of the child, Ruby shot back that the kid was not even Ashton's
37:33to
37:33begin with. Ruby sure is something else. She pretends to be all innocent and pure, but in
37:38private, she's wild. No one even knows the baby's real father, and now she's trying to drag Ashton into
37:44this mess. It all clicked for me. No wonder Ruby deliberately fell that time. I initially thought she
37:51was trying to frame me, but now it made sense. She needed to create the illusion of a premature birth
37:56because the baby was almost full-term. I rubbed my slightly rounded belly, filled with mixed emotions.
38:02I had always suspected that Ashton's genes were not up to par. I had faced multiple failed IVF
38:07attempts, and even the last one had been fraught with issues, so how could Ruby manage to get pregnant
38:12so easily? It turned out that the baby was not even Ashton's. That woman is ruthless. I mean,
38:20after all the support Ashton had given her and her child, how could she talk about him like that?
38:25The stress gave Ashton's mom a stroke, and when he finally snapped, well, let's just say her face
38:31won't ever look the same again. Honestly, it's like two dogs fighting each other. The drama is so
38:37juicy that our family chat's been talking about it for days. Well, peeled an apple and brought it to me,
38:42casually taking my phone out of my hands. The doctor said you shouldn't be on your phone too much. It's
38:47not
38:47good for you or the baby. I did not know if it was because of the miscarriage I had gone
38:51through,
38:51but he had been extra cautious about everything, almost like he was afraid something could go wrong
38:56again. Instead of arguing, I opened my mouth to accept the piece of fruit he was feeding me.
39:01With the cool breeze sweeping in from the balcony, everything felt perfectly in place.
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