Chapter 3

That was the first time Derek ever mentioned breaking up with me.

And the last.

That night, I booked a flight, turned off my phone, and disappeared for an entire month.

Until one day, in the morning mist of the mountains, I saw him—red-eyed and disheveled.

He had come for me, but he didn't say a word.

He just quietly set up a tent beside the little cabin I was renting and made it his home.

Before dawn, he'd already chopped wood and fetched water for me.

When I went out to sketch, he followed at a distance, never saying anything.

...

Everything he did was so unlike the proud man I knew.

Eventually, even the other young travelers staying in the village started teasing me, telling me to forgive him.

Forgive him? I wasn't that naive.

But when I saw Derek crying and begging for my forgiveness after getting drunk—everything changed.

It was the first time I'd ever seen him cry.

He swore he had no feelings for Vivian beyond friendship and promised to keep his distance from her.

He apologized over and over, begging me not to really leave him.

Rekindling a flame is easy. I forgave him quickly.

And said yes when he proposed.

But I never expected my parents' opposition to be so fierce.

They had already arranged a match for me—someone from a wealthy family. They refused to let me marry beneath my status.

In the end, my father threw a document at me in a rage, threatening to disown me if I didn't break off the engagement.

I cried for a whole month. Then, out of spite, I signed it.

We had a small wedding. We couldn't afford much—even my dress was rented.

My parents weren't there. Derek noticed something was wrong.

That night, he pinned me down and took me over and over without saying a word.

Until the very end, when he bit my ear and whispered: "Emma, stop being foolish for my sake."

I didn't understand back then.

Later, I realized what he meant.

He didn't think it was worth it.

I didn't need to betray my parents for him.

And he didn't need my unwavering devotion that badly.

"We're here." The driver's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

The car stopped outside the courtyard of a well-known private restaurant.

As soon as I stepped out, I heard Professor Williams's voice at the entrance.

"Is Emma here?"

I adjusted my expression and walked in with a smile. "Professor Williams, I'm sorry I'm late."

Professor Williams had silver hair at her temples but walked with steady steps—a sharp, spirited old woman.

"I was just asking Derek why he didn't bring you when he drove over."

I smiled and explained, "I've been staying on the east side of town lately. It was faster to take a cab."

Professor Williams didn't say anything, just squeezed my hand a little tighter, then led me to sit beside her.

Once everyone had exchanged greetings and given their gifts, the atmosphere grew lively.

After a few drinks, someone joked: "Out of all of us, Derek's got the best luck. He was the golden boy at school, made a fortune in business, and even married a sweet, wealthy heiress."

Someone pointed at Vivian and laughed:

"And he's got a beauty helping him with his career too!"

Vivian laughed in response:

"Derek's my boss—basically my sugar daddy. Of course I help him!"

"But really, Emma's the luckiest one. She's a real trophy wife now."

Others at the table chimed in agreement.

I kept my head down and continued eating, saying nothing.

Professor Williams set down her fork gently.

"That's not quite fair. Back in the day, Emma sold all her designer bags and worked three part-time jobs just to help Derek stay in school."

The room went silent. Someone laughed awkwardly to smooth things over: "You're right, Professor. We didn't know about all that. We misunderstood Emma."

But Vivian scoffed:

"Well, if Derek hadn't saved Emma back then, she wouldn't even be here today."