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