I once believed Asher and I would grow old together, until Lila returned, Buddy died at my feet, and I realized I meant nothing to him. My project was taken, my reputation crushed, and even my mothers last keepsake was desecrated. In that moment, I finally understood his love had never been mine.
When the confidential space program reached out to me, I signed the ten-year anonymity agreement and ended our farcical marriage. And only when he stood in an empty home, with every trace of me gone, did he finally understand that he had destroyed the only love that had ever been steadfastly his.
Staring at the NDA in my hand, I signed my name without hesitation. Professor, Im willing to join the Aquila Advanced Propulsion Program. He studied me with a hint of regret. You understand this mission is classified. Once you join, youll be stationed at the Redwater Desert Research Facility. Ten years of anonymity. No contact with the outside world. No one will be able to find you.
Arent you getting married? You should at least discuss this with your fianc.
Thinking of Ashers cold, resolute expression, I gave a faint, bitter smile and shook my head. Theres no need.
The professor fell silent for a moment, then nodded. Very well. Prepare yourself. We depart in seven days.
It was raining when I left his office, and I walked home through the downpour. Unsurprisingly, Asher still hadnt returned.
Lila had taken Buddythe dog Id raised since childhood. When I tried to talk to Asher, he blamed me instead and disappeared for three days. I slipped the ring off my finger and tossed it into the drawer. Asher had made it for me by hand, a symbol of lifelong love, meant never to be removedeven in death.
I used to believe we would grow old together. But everything changed the moment Lila came back from overseas. Asher forgot my birthday, ignored my feelings, and I became the most invisible person in the house.
I was about to change out of my soaked clothes when the doorbell rang. Opening it, I saw Lila standing there, malice flickering in her eyes as she kicked something toward me. This mutt wouldnt listen and ran into a car.
I stared in disbelief at Buddys small body, fur matted with mud and blood. A sharp, unbearable pain twisted my chest, and tears blurred my vision. Lila only shrugged with a mocking smile. Its just a dog. Do you have to cry like someone in your family died?
My restraint snapped. I shoved her.
She screamed dramatically, collapsing into Ashers arms as he rushed over. Tears filled her eyes instantly. Asher, the dog ran out on his own I never meant for this to happen. Why is she blaming me?
Before I could speak, she looked even more aggrieved. Im sorry, Cora I know you loved him
Touching Buddys still-warm body, my voice trembled with grief. Whats the use of saying sorry!
Lila wilted pitifully into Ashers chest. I even brought the dogs body back for her, and she speaks to me like this
Ashers face hardened with irritation. Its just an animal. Its deadso what? My grandmother left you so much money. You can buy as many dogs as you want.
With his protection, Lila cried even harder, soaking a dark patch on Ashers shirt. As if that werent enough, he continued, Cora, when did you become so petty and unreasonable?
Animal.
The word echoed in my head like a blow.
He knew what Buddy meant to me. Buddy was the last gift my mother left me before she died. Asher had once promisedat my mothers bedsidethat he would take care of both me and Buddy.
Yet now, for Lila, he dismissed Buddy as nothing.
His heart had already drifted far away.
Exhaustion washed over me. I didnt want to fight anymore. Thinking of the decision I had made earlier that day, I felt a strange sense of relief.
Asher gently stroked Lilas back and shot me a glare. Are you satisfied now? Then he tipped her chin up tenderly. Its raining. Ill drive you home.
Lila nestled into his arms and cast me a smug, triumphant smirk from where he couldnt see.
Watching him leave without a backward glance, I felt the last of my illusions crumble. The Asher who once claimed he fell for me at first sight had never truly loved me. I had been a stand-in during his loneliness, and Lila was the one he really wanted. Now that the rightful owner had returned, Ithe substitutewas expected to step aside.
But it no longer mattered.
I tucked the ring and the unsigned prenuptial agreement back into the drawer.
Asher would never know that the agreement his grandmother forced him to give megranting me half his assetswas never notarized. And I had never signed it.
After cremating Buddy, I buried him beside my mothers grave. On the third morning, the Professor sent me the precise departure time. I replied with a simple okay, then went straight to HR and submitted my resignation. They must have disliked me for a long time, because everything was processed without hesitation.
The moment I stepped out, their whispers drifted through the door.
She really resigned. Well, shes basically the CEOs wifeAshers grandma left her half the property.
Wife? Its not even official. I heard she quit because Asher handed her project to Miss Daphne.
That project was practically finished. Giving it to Daphne now is just handing her the credit.
Please, Daphne is Ashers true love.
I could not blame them for thinking so. The instant Daphne returned, Asher made her General Manager. Even if she had known nothing, he would have handed the project to her personally. He had me work overtime revising her proposals and entertaining her clients. Even when I landed in the hospital with a bleeding stomach, he told me I owed it to Daphne.
Their mocking laughter barely touched me. My only wish was for the next few days to pass quickly. Everything was arranged; all that remained was to pack.
When I arrived home with my boxes, Asher and Daphne were at the dining table, laughing as they fed each other. My hand trembled at the sight. Once, I had accidentally used Ashers cup, and he hired a dozen cleaners to sanitize the entire housewarning me never to touch anything he used.
So he never had a cleanliness obsession. He simply despised intimacy with me.
Daphne noticed me first. Leaning coyly against Ashers arm, she murmured, Asher, if you give Coras seat to me, wont she be upset?
Asher sneered. Im the companys CEO. I dont need her approval.
But she hasnt been home for days.
Shes waiting for me to coax her. Dont mind her.
Triumph glinted in Daphnes eyes as she curled into his embrace.
I said nothing and headed upstairs. Only then did Asher seem to truly see me. Guilt flickered across his face before he slammed his fork down and barked, Stop right there!
I ignored him, but he rushed over and grabbed my arm. Cora, whats your problem? Do you even remember you have a home? He reached for my box, but I turned away. No need. Go back to your work.
Impatience flashed across his expressionuntil Daphne called sweetly, Asher, I want another fried egg. Can you make one for me?
Sure. He left immediately.
I tried to continue upstairs, but Daphne stepped in front of me.
What do you want? I asked.
Her gentle facade vanished, replaced with naked jealousy. You heard him. Asher only cares about me. If his grandmother hadnt forced him, he never wouldve married you. Dont think the property she left you is actually yours. She smirked. Hand over the agreement. One word from me and hell throw you out.
She paused, then covered her mouth with a theatrical laugh. Oh, I forgot. Your whole family is dead. No wonder you cling to Asher like a stray no one wants.
Her voice dripped with contempt. I could endure insults toward myself, but not toward my family. My blood iced over.
Daphne, I snapped, say one more word and youll regret it.
Cora! Whats wrong with you?! Ashers voice cut in as he hurried over, clearly worried I might harm Daphne.
I stopped short. Daphne arched a browand gave me a subtle push.
My foot slipped. I fell down the stairs, pain shooting through me the moment I hit the ground.
Cora! Asher dropped everything and rushed to me.
Daphne leaned toward him, tears trembling. Asher, I didnt mean to Im so sorry. I shouldnt have caused trouble.
Her panic looked impeccably sincere, and Asher softened instantly.
He glanced down at me. Are you alright? Do you need a hospital? Daphne didnt do it on purpose. Dont blame her.
I shook my head, bitterness rising as my gaze fell on the scattered items beside me.
The resignation letter and confidential documents lay right on top.
Chapter 3
I ignored the throbbing pain in my body and quickly bent down to gather the scattered documents.
Ill do it. Asher crouched beside me, immediately picking up the resignation letter with a deep frown.
My breath caught. I prayed he wouldnt notice the confidential files.
Fortunately, his focus stayed on the resignation letter, giving me just enough time to slip the confidential documents beneath the rest of my belongings.
You resigned? His voice was sharp with disbelief.
Yes. I shoved everything into the box without looking up.
He sounded irritated. Why didnt you say something earlier? When I asked you to hand over the project, you refused. What made you suddenly give in?
Maybe it was my pallor, or maybe he sensed something elseeither way, his tone softened.
Quitting is good. Saves me the trouble. Grandma already left you so much moneyyou should be satisfied.
You should focus on being Mrs. Asher and stop competing with Daphne. Shes kind and doesnt understand your scheming.
I bit down hard on my lip, holding back the sharp sting in my eyes, nodding while my chest tightened painfully.
I tried to stand. Pain shot up my spine. He reached to steady me.
Cora, walk Daphne through the project. Shell struggle with the investors otherwise.
Shes not like youshe cant charm people into giving her property.
Not wanting to waste another second, I nodded. Alright.
Asher seemed pleased with my obedience. He even smiled.
Thats better. Im sorry for neglecting you lately. Once Daphne fully takes over your work, Ill make it up to you.
After Grandmas mourning period, well get married. Itll give her peace.
My nails dug into my palms. He had no idea those days would never come.
In the days that followed, I quietly packed, drafted a full proposal for Daphne, and visited his grandmothers grave to tell her my decision. She was the only one who had ever chosen me sincerely. She wouldnt want me to stay and suffer.
On my last day in the house, Asher stayed home, which made me uneasy. I looked for an opportunity to slip out.
Unexpectedly, he opened a storage box and took out an old telescope.
Daphne wants to stargaze. Ill take her camping tonight.
Alright. Relief washed over me. If he left early, I could avoid a confrontation.
He added, Theres a Charity Gala tonight. Prepare a dress for Daphne.
By then, I would be long gone.
Daphne appeared at his side, gripping his arm with practiced fragility.
How can Cora get me a dress? Last time she gave me the wrong proposal and the investors scolded me
Asher, its fine. Ill wear anything. I dont want to trouble her
Tears fell on cue.
Asher immediately glared at me.
Cora, if you dont want to help, just say so. How could you do something like that? Youve disappointed me.
I didnt want unnecessary drama on my last day.
Im sorry. My mistake. It wont happen again.
Then to Asher, Dont worry. Ill prepare the dress.
A flicker of guilt crossed his face. After a moment, he murmured,
Cora Ill get you a new puppy tomorrow, just like your last one.
Before my mentor arrived, I ironed Daphnes dress, placed the engagement ringthe one that supposedly meant the only oneand the prenup agreement neatly on the table.
With my suitcase in hand, I walked downstairs.
The Professor glanced at my blank expression and sighed.
Since youre leaving, work hard and achieve something big out there.
Okay.
I got into the car. Ashers villa grew smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror until it disappeared completely.
Early the next morning, slightly drunk, Asher returned with Daphne.
The house was dark and silent. His irritation rose instantly.
No matter how late he came home, I had always waited up for him.
Cora! Come out and make some hangover soup.
Silence.
He switched on the lights. The ring and prenup lay neatly on the table.
He frozethen abruptly shouted,
Cora! Who allowed you to take off the ring?!
Chapter 4
But the empty house offered him nothingonly layer upon layer of silence.
Asher stood in the middle of the living room, stunned, a strange tremor spreading through his chest before he even realized what it meant.
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