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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.
03:29Will Young.
03:29My neighbor who had driven me to the hospital.
03:31Was incredibly helpful.
03:34He ran back and forth to take care of all the paperwork.
03:37Clara.
03:37Don't you want to give your husband a call?
03:40There's no need.
03:41I'm planning to file a divorce.
03:45Sorry.
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.
03:57He either seemed impatient or gave me an irritated glare.
04:01It felt like every time I tried to say anything.
04:04He acted like I was a bother.
04:06Questioning or doubting him.
04:08Just then.
04:09The 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.
04:19I immediately checked Ruby's social media.
04:22I'm feeling sick from the pregnancy.
04:24But there's nothing a new bag can't cure.
04:26Thanks for the gift Ash.
04:28I 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.
04:36You can give it to Ruby so she can clean her bag with it.
04:39That response set Ashton off immediately.
04:42And my phone rang with his incoming call.
04:45Can you stop being so petty and jealous?
04:47Ruby and I are soulmates.
04:48Not whatever trashy relationship you've convinced yourself of.
04:51If I really had something going on with Ruby.
04:53Do you think you'd be the one married to me enjoying the good life?
04:56Enjoying the good life?
04:58Ashton and I started dating.
05:00During my second year of college.
05:02When Ruby had just left.
05:04For her exchange program in Europe.
05:07Back then.
05:08Ashton's family barely got by.
05:10So I did not enjoy anything special.
05:12After we graduated.
05:14He started his own business.
05:16And while it might have looked glamorous from the outside.
05:19In reality.
05:20We had to pinch pennies.
05:22He was constantly stressed.
05:24Trying to cover the company's huge expenses.
05:27It was not until two years ago.
05:28That things finally turned around after a successful deal.
05:31However.
05:32By then.
05:33I had grown used to being frugal.
05:35I felt sorry for Ashton's struggles.
05:38So I never spent money carelessly.
05:41Meanwhile.
05:42I had to endure daily harassment from his mother.
05:44For not giving her a grandchild.
05:46How exactly had I enjoyed any of his success?
05:49Clara.
05:50Have some food.
05:51Will said as he walked back into the room.
05:54Holding the takeout he had just picked up.
05:56Who's there with you?
05:57Clara.
05:57Do you really think pulling some stunt like this.
06:00Will get a reaction out of me?
06:02Tell that man.
06:03To get out of my house.
06:04Right now.
06:05Don't think I'll tolerate having some random guy around.
06:08I could not listen anymore.
06:10So I told him I was in the hospital.
06:12Because I was not feeling well.
06:13I see what's going on.
06:15You're so childish.
06:16Ruby gets pregnant.
06:17So now you're faking a stomach ache.
06:19To get my attention.
06:19Huh?
06:20Let me guess.
06:21You're going to tell me you're pregnant too?
06:22What a joke.
06:23I've never seen anything more pathetic.
06:25Or disgusting.
06:26Ashton.
06:27I'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.
06:33And 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.
06:39Before he could finish.
06:41Almost immediately.
06:42A flurry of angry messages came flooding in.
06:46Predictably.
06:47It was all about how unreasonable I was.
06:49And making him upset for no reason.
06:51He warned me not to regret it.
06:52And not to come running back to him crying and begging for forgiveness.
06:56I simply tossed my phone aside.
06:58Picked up my food.
07:00And ate it.
07:01Two days later.
07:02Will came to pick me up.
07:04I told him it was too much trouble.
07:06And that I could just call a cab.
07:07But he just laughed and said it was no big deal.
07:10It was what neighbors were for.
07:12His kindness hit with a pang of sadness.
07:15Ashton rarely ever drove me anywhere.
07:17However.
07:18If Ruby called.
07:20No matter how far she was.
07:22He would pick her up.
07:25Ashton.
07:25Could you take me to the hospital?
07:27I'm not feeling well.
07:28You have a car don't you?
07:29Why don't you drive yourself?
07:31Ruby doesn't have a license.
07:32So 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?
07:38Are you going to take responsibility for that?
07:39Ashton rarely ever drove me anywhere.
07:42However.
07:43If Ruby called.
07:44No matter how far she was.
07:46I had just opened the car door to get into the passenger seat.
07:49When I felt a strong hand yank me back.
07:51You've got some nerve.
07:52What are you doing here?
07:53I came home.
07:54And the whole table was cover not made as food.
07:56What's the matter with you huh?
07:57Dad and you ask who at least were managed to wife some ball of ordi's.
07:59You can't even have a heizen.
08:00You can't anyone take a danza.
08:03I told you I was in the hospital.
08:05Didn't I?
08:06Yet.
08:07You showed no concern for your wife.
08:09A sick person.
08:09Just complaints that I didn't clean the house.
08:11You look perfectly fine to me.
08:13Quit pretending.
08:13Hearing Ashton's comment.
08:16Will stepped out of the car.
08:17Ready to speak up for me.
08:20However.
08:20I gave him a small shake of my head.
08:23Signaling him to go.
08:25What I did not expect.
08:27Though.
08:27Was that Ashton did not plan on taking me home to rest.
08:31Instead.
08:32He drove us straight to a pub.
08:38Ruby's hosting a party tonight to celebrate her pregnancy.
08:42She's been thinking about you a lot.
08:43She wants you to come and share in her happiness.
08:46Don't be ungrateful.
08:47I simply sneered and agreed.
08:50Anyway.
08:51It did not matter to me anymore.
08:53My heart was dead.
08:54I had contacted a divorce lawyer.
08:56And nothing Ruby did could hurt me now.
08:59After we arrived.
09:00Ruby showed up fashionably late.
09:02Perfectly dolled up.
09:03While I looked like a mess.
09:05Having spent days in the hospital.
09:06And not had a chance to clean up.
09:08In contrast.
09:09Ruby looked like a blooming flower.
09:11Perfectly put together.
09:12Everyone around her was fawning over her.
09:15Showering her with compliments.
09:17Our beautiful artist Ruby is always so forward thinking.
09:21Turning down all those suitors.
09:22Just 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.
09:31Who ask their husbands for money.
09:32All eyes in the room slowly drifted toward me.
09:35Some with mockery.
09:36Ruby laughed and ordered a round of drinks.
09:39Saying 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.
09:46It landed on Ruby first.
09:47She pouted playfully.
09:50Okay.
09:52I'll pick truth.
09:53Ruby.
09:54Since you're having a baby through IVF.
09:56Are you ever going to let the kid call Ashton dad?
09:59Ruby placed a hand on her belly.
10:01And flashed me a sly smile.
10:02Clara.
10:03I know this bothers you.
10:04And you've been upset with Ash lately.
10:06But 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.
10:29Especially in the past two years when Ashton's company began taking off.
10:33Ruby had stormed into my life.
10:36Constantly showing up around Ashton.
10:37At 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.
10:53So much that I had long since grown numb.
10:56I don't mind, in fact.
10:58In fact, if you want to go down to the courthouse right now and file for divorce, I have no
11:02objection.
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.
11:11Do 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.
11:19Look at Ruby.
11:20She'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.
11:28Does that make you 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.
12:01She'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?
12:16Ruby'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.
12:31Yet he was now furious because of some silly game.
12:34Clara didn't mean it.
12:35She 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.
12:43He popped open one of the bottles and tried to force it into my mouth.
12:46I want to look easier.
12:49Everyone'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,
13:19Ashton froze for a few seconds, then quickly knelt to wrap his arms around me.
13:26I tried to stand, but a wave of cold sweat broke out across my body, and my lips started trembling.
13:31At 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,
13:57forcing me to bite down hard to keep from screaming.
14:00In the end, Ashton yanked me to my feet, muttering that he would stay behind with Ruby and get a
14:06cab to take me home.
14:07Just as the door opened, I came face to face with Will.
14:10Hey, what are you doing at a pub of all places?
14:14Why 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.
14:23Y-you're pregnant? This isn't a joke, right? What kind of husband are you? How do you not know your
14:28wife 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 soaked in
14:44cold sweat.
14:45When the doctor finally told us that I had lost the pregnancy, my tears started pouring uncontrollably.
14:50Ashton went wild, grabbing the doctor and demanding a recheck, shouting at them to do something.
14:56We went through IVF three times. We worked so hard for this.
15:00The doctor's expression was grim, but he kept his composure.
15:03If you knew how difficult it was, why weren't you more careful? Taking a pregnant woman to a pub? That's
15:08no place for someone in her condition.
15:10That comment made Ashton's face flush red with shame, leaving him at a loss for words.
15:15Once the doctor left, he knelt beside my bed, taking my hand in his as he said,
15:20It'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.
15:33Ashton, there won't be another baby. I want a divorce.
15:35Ashton froze, looking completely at a loss for words.
15:39Don't say that. You're upset. I didn't know this was going to happen.
15:46Ashton, why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?
15:48I let out a bitter laugh. Did I not want to tell him?
15:52On our anniversary, he was at Ruby's ultrasound appointment.
15:56And when I was discharged from the hospital, he dragged me to a pub to celebrate Ruby's pregnancy.
16:02He never gave me a chance to tell him.
16:04The baby's gone. Maybe it's fate. Maybe even the universe wants us separated.
16:09I thought Ashton would agree right away. After all, he had always loved Ruby, his high school sweetheart.
16:17He used to worship her from afar, and now she was having his child.
16:21Was that not exactly what he wanted?
16:23Instead, Ashton stayed silent for a few seconds before stubbornly refusing.
16:28We've been married for six years. You don't stay that long if you don't love someone.
16:33Don't feel guilty. You should go ahead and be happy with Ruby.
16:36I 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.
16:42Please. I'm sorry. I've been neglecting you lately.
16:45But let's not talk about divorce right now. You're upset and not thinking straight.
16:48Then, he quickly changed the subject, saying he would get me something to eat.
16:53Half an hour later, he returned with a load of takeout.
16:56One 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.
17:05But the realization still stung.
17:07I'm not hungry.
17:08He frowned, telling me not to be difficult.
17:11You'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?
17:18It 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.
17:26When the door opened, and Will walked in with a thermos.
17:29Hey, I made some chicken soup for you. You should have it while it's hot.
17:34Will said as he set it down.
17:36He efficiently removed the lid and handed me a spoon, the comforting aroma of the soup filling the room.
17:41Ashton's expression darkened.
17:43Will noticed the food Ashton had brought and was visibly surprised.
17:47There are so many restaurants around the hospital with meals suitable for patients,
17:52yet you somehow managed to pick the worst one. Now that's impressive.
17:55I could see Ashton clenching his jaw, trying to hold back his temper.
18:00From now on, I'll cook for Clara myself. There's no need for you to get involved.
18:04I don't trust you with that. I took good care of her, got her discharged in perfect health,
18:09and less than a day later, she miscarried. You have zero credibility.
18:13Clara is my wife. Why are you being so attentive?
18:16Don't you understand how to keep your distance from a married woman?
18:19Well, 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
18:24it's crossing a boundary?
18:25Will's eyes widened in shock as he glanced over at Ashton.
18:29Ashton's face flushed red with frustration.
18:32Normally, he would have stormed out of the room by that point, but today,
18:35he 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.
18:44However, when he returned to the hospital, Ruby was there.
18:48What are you doing here?
18:49Clara is the one who's sick. Ruby, you've always been so understanding. Why don't you
18:52let this one slide and cut her some smack?
18:54Ruby's mouth hung open for a while, clearly not expecting that response.
18:58She struggled to maintain her smile as she reluctantly agreed,
19:02saying she would not take issue with a sick person.
19:04Once she was gone, I took my time eating the sandwich.
19:08Seeing me finally eat, Ashton's face lit up with happiness,
19:12and he excitedly mentioned making food for me again next time, which I did not respond to.
19:16After 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.
19:29The house, the car, and everything you've earned in the last two years.
19:32I don't want a penny of 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.
19:44He never believed he had done anything wrong.
19:47A divorce in paper can be printed a hundred times in a minute. Avoiding this won't help.
19:50Honey, if this really bothers you, I can write a guarantee or a will promise.
19:54I won't acknowledge Ruby's hiled or let them inherit any of my assets.
19:57That should make you better about that, right?
19:58I sighed deeply. Why could he not understand that while money and assets could be explicitly defined in writing,
20:05feelings could not simply be dismissed like that?
20:08How would it feel to watch a child grow up, seeing their likeness to him?
20:13After all, blood was thicker than water.
20:15How could he think it would not affect me?
20:18If I could still trust him, I would truly be the biggest fool in the world.
20:23Ashton, I don't care who you choose to love for ten years, who you want to have children with, or
20:27who gets to spend your money.
20:29I loved of you for eight years, even putting up with your complicated relationship with Ruby, thinking I wouldn't survive
20:34without you.
20:35But now I see clearly that you're not that important to me.
20:38The only reason I want a divorce is that my heart is dead. I no longer love you. It's that
20:42simple. Do you understand?
20:43As 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.
20:51Ashton, having realized something had changed, was genuinely rattled and confused.
20:57In the end, he made some excuse about needing to deal with work and fled.
21:02I could not understand his reaction as he had never valued what we had.
21:05Would it not just be better to divorce me and be with Ruby?
21:09Or did he enjoy having a devoted wife at home while pursuing his high school sweetheart?
21:13Did that make him feel accomplished?
21:16I packed my things and placed the new divorce papers on the table,
21:19leaving a note saying I intended to move out.
21:23Honestly, I had no idea where to go.
21:25My parents lived far away in our hometown.
21:28And after resigning, I gradually lost touch with my college friends and co-workers.
21:33Just when I was feeling lost, the elevator doors opened and out stepped 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 days 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 settled?
21:53I 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.
22:06However, Will suggested that I tried applying to his company, offering to put in a good word for me as
22:12a referral.
22:12Really? 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.
22:29I ignored him completely, and after being bothered one too many times, I decided to block him.
22:35The reason I had not deleted his contact was that I still needed to finalize our divorce.
22:40I had no idea how Ashton found out where I was working, but he switched tactics and began harassing me
22:46in a different way.
22:47Today, 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.
22:58No problem. They're for you, so you can do whatever you want with them.
23:03Flower bloom every year, and hope I'll, uh, I'll em again, a place I'm again.
23:08He even started posting on social media daily.
23:11What does six years of marriage mean? I enjoy the feeling of pursuing my wife all over again.
23:17A few times, he even waited for me outside the office building to pick me up after work.
23:21To avoid him, I had to hop into Will's car in the basement parking.
23:26As for the flowers, I ended up not throwing them away.
23:30Instead, I gave them to my co-workers.
23:33Clara, can you give me some advice on how to get men like that?
23:36You have a devoted handsome guy waiting downstairs while the chairman's son here drives you home.
23:41The chairman's son? Who?
23:42Will Young! He gave the order to hire you! How could you not know?
23:45Honestly, I had no idea about any of that.
23:49Thinking back, it made sense that Will, being so young,
23:52must come from a well-off family to live alone in a big house and have an apartment while in
23:57college.
23:57Still, I never connected the dots that he was the son of the company's chairman.
24:02Just as I was lost in thought, Will called me into his office.
24:06That 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,
24:14but he had also branched out into modern art.
24:17While the transactions in that new area were not as lucrative as those in the high-end market,
24:22he managed to carve out a niche and had done quite well.
24:25Coincidentally, several of Ruby's paintings were up for auction in that new category,
24:30with prices hovering around the $100,000 mark.
24:33However, I discovered a serious issue.
24:35Her work had plagiarized and combined the pieces from several lesser-known artists.
24:39That had previously gone unnoticed,
24:42but I was able to identify the problem using data analysis.
24:45Mr. 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.
24:54We need to take them down immediately.
24:55Will took my concerns seriously and immediately called the tech team for a thorough re-evaluation.
25:00If 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.
25:06This act of concealment is a violation.
25:09I nodded, realizing that the next steps were beyond my responsibility.
25:13Once we wrapped up the serious talk, Will's smile returned.
25:17I told you to call me by my first name.
25:19I don't know why, but hearing you call me Mr. Young feels so awkward.
25:24What should I call you then? Young Master?
25:27He scratched his nose, looking a bit embarrassed.
25:30I didn't mean to hide that.
25:31I was just worried you might avoid this company if you knew.
25:35I don't have that kind of ridiculous pride.
25:37What could be more important than making money?
25:40Once I got my salary and commission for the month, I would be able to pay him rent.
25:45However, 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
25:56because she stormed right over to my desk, fuming.
25:59Before she even said a word, tears started streaming down her face.
26:03Clara, why are you targeting me?
26:06You deliberately sabotaged me by getting my artwork removed.
26:10This is an abuse of power.
26:13Save your sob story.
26:15I'm not falling for it.
26:16I knew perfectly well that she was not putting on a show for me.
26:19She just wanted to win the sympathy of those around us.
26:23Sure enough, even though my co-workers did not know what was going on,
26:26they could not help but crowd around her, speaking softly and trying to comfort her.
26:31However, I was not in the mood to play nice.
26:34The plagiarism assessment was done by another department.
26:37I don't have that kind of influence to pull strings around here.
26:40Ruby was not backing down.
26:42She argued that there were only a few classic elements in art,
26:45and even if there were similarities, they were just borrowed from earlier painters' works.
26:50That's called omamage.
26:51You wouldn't understand since you're not an art major.
26:53Don't think I didn't know you were the one who complained first.
26:56The company just wants to keep the peace, so they're just letting you.
26:59What do you bully me?
27:00As she spoke, tears flowed down her cheeks, and her hand rested on her slightly rounded belly.
27:06Is it fair for a big company to bully a backgroundless artist?
27:09This is the age of the internet.
27:11If 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.
27:18Those words shifted the atmosphere.
27:20The people around us looked shocked.
27:22Ruby's eyes glinted with a sense of triumph as she glanced at me.
27:25But the next second, someone yanked her arm hard.
27:28Ashton must have come in somehow and was furious as he confronted her.
27:32What are you doing in Clara's company?
27:34Are you here to cause trouble for her?
27:36As 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.
27:43He must have told the receptionist that he was my husband,
27:46which was why he was allowed inside.
27:48Ruby seemed just as shocked to see him.
27:51After her surprise faded,
27:52anger took over as she repeated to Ashton how I had bullied her.
27:56Clara has always been jealous of how nice you are to me.
28:00She's just looking for a chance to get back at me.
28:03With all the curious eyes around us, Ashton looked a little embarrassed.
28:07What are you talking about?
28:08Clara isn't like that.
28:10Besides, can't we just see things as they are instead of taking a mere employee's word for it?
28:16Ruby stared at him in shock, as if she was seeing Ashton for the first time.
28:20Are you actually defending her?
28:22You don't believe me?
28:24I crossed my arms and watched the two of them argue, feeling a little surprised myself.
28:29Unlike before, Ashton was not blindly taking Ruby's side.
28:33If it were in the past, he would have been quick to scold me.
28:37Ruby, can you stop being so sensitive?
28:40If there's an issue, we can talk it out like adults.
28:43Charging 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.
28:56Ruby stumbled slightly as if she could not take it.
28:59Who's causing a scene at the office?
29:01I'm calling the police.
29:03At that moment, I turned my head to see while approaching.
29:06As he stood next to me with a stern expression,
29:09I realized how different he looked without his usual warm smile.
29:13His serious demeanor was pretty intimidating.
29:16Ruby stared at him for a long moment before it clicked.
29:19Aren't you the guy who took Clara to the hospital?
29:23So, you're working here with her now, huh?
29:27No wonder you're so arrogant.
29:30Clara, you're not even divorced yet,
29:33and here you are, cozying up to your male friend.
29:36Aren't you ashamed?
29:38The comment made everyone around look at Will and me differently.
29:41While they did not dare speak up,
29:43their 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?
29:52That child you lost?
29:53Was it his?
29:55Is that why you pretended to fall to get Ashton's sympathy and guilt?
29:59Smack!
30:00Ashton's hand landed hard on Ruby's face.
30:03The force of the slap was so strong that Ruby staggered,
30:06nearly falling backward before my colleague rushed to catch her.
30:09With her hand on her reddening cheek, Ruby lost it.
30:12How dare you hit me?
30:14Ashton, I'm pregnant with your child!
30:16Stop sayings that give people the wrong idea.
30:19All I did was help you through IVF.
30:21We never slept together.
30:22Stop trying to ruin my marriage.
30:24I watched the chaos unfold,
30:25and while it felt satisfying to see the drama play out,
30:28it also struck me as utterly tacky and ridiculous.
30:32I could not believe I had spent so many years caught up with those people.
30:35It 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.
30:46And by the way, I'm not interested in being misunderstood as some kind of cheating, scandalous woman.
30:52Miss Sload, if you have any issues with the company's decisions,
30:55feel free to take it to court or hire a lawyer.
30:57I'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.
31:04I was originally surprised by how quiet those two had been and not stirring up any trouble.
31:10I had even prepared myself for a long,
31:12drawn-out battle with them until I heard that Ashton's company was in trouble
31:16and he was busy dealing with the mess.
31:18Things did not seem to be going well for him, though.
31:21One day, Ruby went on a rampage, bombarding me with messages full of insults.
31:26She accused me of saying something to-
31:28Clara, dameless 50 fish shit.
31:31He took my painting room and house back.
31:33Clara.
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,
31:47maybe Ruby should think about getting Ashton to sign the divorce papers.
31:50After 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.
32:17I got you a gift.
32:18Do 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 nearby,
32:25finding it amusing.
32:26It looks like they don't want you joining me for dinner.
32:30Ashton's face fell, and the furrow in his brow deepened.
32:33His tone was a mix of frustration and fatigue as he said.
32:37Ruby, can you go one day without stirring up trouble?
32:39And what's the deal with bringing my mom into this?
32:42Ruby, who was heavily pregnant, at least eight months along, was not yelling or screaming this time.
32:48Instead, she was hiding behind my mother-in-law, silently crying.
32:53My mother-in-law wasted no time confronting Ashton and tried to lunge at me, but Ashton quickly held her
32:58back.
32:59What kind of witchcraft has this useless wit cast on you?
33:02Why are you defending her?
33:04Her voice was loud, and it was clear she had long resented me, wishing nothing more than for her son
33:09to kick me aside.
33:11I smirked, watching my mother-in-law throw a fit, feeling surprisingly relieved.
33:15In the past, whenever she insulted, belittled, or made things difficult for me, Ashton would always take her side,
33:23leaving me to endure her cruelty and back down.
33:26However, now that I did not care about Ashton anymore, I certainly did not care about that old hag.
33:31Mom, this is between Clara and me. You have no idea what you're talking about, so stay out of it,
33:36okay?
33:37Ashton snapped.
33:39My mother-in-law's face twisted no time, and she dramatically began crying.
33:44If 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.
33:56Ashton's face turned a mix of red and blue as he tried to pull his mother toward the car,
34:00but she was having none of it, flailing her arms and kicking her legs in protest.
34:05Ruby 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 just
34:14been standing.
34:15Thankfully, I had moved in time, or I could have been blamed for her fall given how chaotic everything was.
34:21Without me there to cushion her fall, Ruby hit the ground hard.
34:24Her face twisted in pain as she clutched her stomach, calling out in distress.
34:29Seeing the blood pooling between her legs, Ashton and his mother finally forgot their argument and hurriedly lifted her into
34:36the car to rush her to the hospital.
34:38Watching the car speed away, the weight on my chest seemed to lift all at once.
34:42Maybe it was the relief of finally getting away from that toxic group of people, and it felt like the
34:47best birthday gift I could have ever received.
34:49As 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.
35:02As I stepped out of the courthouse, he 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 this
35:13divorce?
35:13I told him that although I had known about the new neighbor who had moved in, it was not until
35:18the day I went to the hospital with signs of a miscarriage that I had actually spoken to Will.
35:23And you, Ashton? Can you really say that your relationship with Ruby has been nothing but pure? No crossing of
35:30boundaries or hidden feelings over the years?
35:32Ashton opened his mouth, but I cut him off before he could say anything.
35:35You don't need to answer. I already know the truth. Stop lying to yourself.
35:41Ruby was clever. She had never bothered with Ashton, the backup guy who always simped for her, until he found
35:47success in his career.
35:49And that was when she returned to him again.
35:51Still, she kept him captivated by never sleeping with him directly, letting him believe she was always just out of
35:57reach, independent, and above all.
35:59I must say, her strategy was impressive, but it was a shame.
36:04After her artwork was pulled due to plagiarism and her studio was taken down, Ruby started to panic.
36:10The more desperately she tried to hold on to Ashton, the more he took her for granted.
36:15It mirrored exactly how he had treated me.
36:18Ashton, 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.
36:24Ashton stood there for what felt like an eternity, fading from view in the rearview mirror and out of my
36:30life.
36:31A year later, I found out I was pregnant and was at the hospital for a checkup, not expecting to
36:36run into Ashton again.
36:37He looked terrible, his face pale and unshaven, with stubble covering his jaw.
36:42His wrinkled shirt had several bloodstains on it as he followed closely behind a gurney.
36:47I barely glanced at him as we passed each other, but I caught a glimpse of Ruby lying on the
36:52gurney,
36:52covered in blood and moaning in pain.
36:54Even though I did not care about them anymore, I could not help but feel curious about the situation.
37:00I 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.
37:14The person eagerly spilled the tea without me needing to ask for details.
37:18Apparently, Ashton's company had gone bankrupt.
37:21As someone used to a luxury lifestyle, Ruby could not handle living a normal life anymore,
37:26so she decided to file for divorce.
37:28When Ashton and his mother tried to fight for custody of the child,
37:32Ruby shot back that the kid was not even Ashton's to begin with.
37:36Ruby sure is something else.
37:38She pretends to be all innocent and pure, but in private, she's wild.
37:42No one even knows the baby's real father, and now she's trying to drag Ashton into this mess.
37:47It all clicked for me. No wonder Ruby deliberately fell that time.
37:51I initially thought she was trying to frame me, but now it made sense,
37:55she needed to create the illusion of a premature birth because the baby was almost full term.
38:00I rubbed my slightly rounded belly, filled with mixed emotions.
38:04I 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,
38:12so how could Ruby manage to get pregnant so easily?
38:15It turned out that the baby was not even Ashton's.
38:19That woman is ruthless.
38:21I mean, after all the support Ashton had given her and her child,
38:25how could she talk about him like that?
38:27The stress gave Ashton's mom a stroke, and when he finally snapped,
38:31well, let's just say her face won't ever look the same again.
38:35Honestly, 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.
38:42Will peeled an apple and brought it to me, casually taking my phone out of my hands.
38:46The doctor said you shouldn't be on your phone too much, it's not good for you or the baby.
38:50I did not know if it was because of the miscarriage I had gone through,
38:53but he had been extra cautious about everything,
38:56almost like he was afraid something could go wrong again.
38:59Instead of arguing, I opened my mouth to accept the piece of fruit he was feeding me.
39:04With the cool breeze sweeping in from the balcony, everything felt perfectly in place.
39:08You
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