I’m just so heartbroken that not only did I fail to help you, but I’ve made things even worse. Rebecca’s even angrier now. I’m so sorry.” The look of heartache on Vance’s face was practically overflowing. He turned to Rebecca with a furrowed brow. ” Did you hear that? She is much more sensible and mature compared to you. ” From where she stood, Rebecca caught the smug smile flashing across Catherine’s face. But it vanished in an instant ; by the time Vance looked down at her, Catherine had resumed her expression of profound grievance.
Rebecca couldn’t help but admire such skillful acting. Crossing her arms, she scoffed, ” Yeah, she’s more suited to be Mrs. Bradford. Didn’t I already offer to step aside? Why don’t you just agree to it? ” Her words struck a nerve, igniting Vance’s anger. ” Do you really think I wouldn’t dare? Don’t you know why I haven’t agreed?”
“Vance, no, ” Catherine sobbed. ” You’re making me feel like my return to the country was all a mistake. Please don’t be mad at Rebecca. Don’t talk about divorcing her, okay? ” Vance patted her shoulder, taking a deep breath.” Cathy went to the supermarket to buy groceries and gathered everyone here just to try and get along with you, to sincerely make friends. Think about the things you’ve said. Do you really think it’s appropriate to speak to a young woman like that? She’s still single and has to get married someday. By splashing this kind of dirty water on her, how is she supposed to face people in the future?”
“It’s okay, Vance, ” Catherine interjected immediately. ” I don’t mind, really. No matter what Rebecca says about me, it’s fine. I just don’t want her to misunderstand you and us.
I don’t want you two to fight because of me, especially not in front of all the shareholders. ” Her meaning couldn’t have been more obvious – or more manipulative. The men across from Rebecca already wore expressions of outright contempt. Clearly, they all believed she was insensible, unreasonable, and disrespectful to her husband. She didn’t deserve Vance. Unable to hold back, Aiden spoke again. ” Fortunately, we’re all close friends here, so family scandals stay in the family. Otherwise, this would be massively embarrassing.
Some people might not care about Vance’s reputation, but the rest of us certainly do. “
Rebecca never disliked Aiden. She couldn’t resist mocking him, ” So, you all know this is a shameful matter? You know it’s embarrassing? Of course, it is, but who should be the one feeling the shame?”
“What did you say? ” Aiden growled. ” Oh, the one coveting someone else’s husband – that’s the embarrassing one, ” Rebecca snorted, unfazed. ” The one who’s obsessed with someone other than their own spouse – that’s who should feel ashamed.
As for who that is, no need to volunteer yourselves. ” Her words hit too close to home, and Vance roared, ” Rebecca! “
“You need to know your limits when it comes to jealousy. This is too much! ” Vance barked, his patience reaching its breaking point. ” I’m not jealous, ” Rebecca said earnestly, holding his gaze. ” From the start, all I’ve said is…”
“Enough! ” Vance interrupted her sharply. Aiden, the ever – loyal lackey, shielded Catherine. ” Since we’re not welcome here, let’s just go eat somewhere else. ” Vance stood motionless, his pride wounded in front of his old flame and his friends. His gaze remained fixed on Rebecca as he demanded, ” Apologize to Catherine and everyone.
We’re not unreasonable people here. A simple apology, and everything will be forgotten.”
“We? ” That was the word Rebecca had grown to despise in recent days. It drew a clear line between them. Their paths didn’t align, and there was no need for them to sit together and pretend otherwise. She shook her head. ” No.”
“Fine! Don’t regret this! ” Vance snapped, turning to leave with his group in a grand, almost theatrical exit. Rebecca stood in place, surveying the room – once a home she had believed Vance had put effort into creating for them.
Now, every inch seemed etched with Catherine’s name. With a forceful sweep, she knocked over the floor lamp beside her. It crashed to the ground, glass shattering everywhere. ” Madam! ” Nancy exclaimed in alarm, rushing over to steady her, fearing she might step on the shards. Rebecca pushed Nancy aside and moved to the rows of dolls. She had never had a particular fondness for Venetian dolls, but she had once been touched by Vance’s thoughtfulness in collecting them. Now, their grinning faces seemed to mock her.
With another fierce sweep, she sent all the dolls tumbling to the floor. Next, the dining table, the carpet, the windows… all fell victim to her anger. Nancy was terrified as Rebecca’s eyes scanned for more targets to destroy. She dashed forward and held Rebecca tightly. ” Madam, don’t act on impulse, ” she pleaded. ” Even if you smash everything, it won’t change a thing. Mr. Bradford will just think you’re being unreasonable. ” Rebecca struggled in Nancy’s arms, but her strength ebbed away. She went limp, and waves of pain surged over her. She didn’t want this.
She didn’t want to feel sad or hurt anymore. But this sadness and pain weren’t mere emotions ; they were physical reactions, beyond her control. She could tell herself, ” Rebecca, don’t cry. Then she could make herself stop crying. But when she told herself not to hurt, her body refused to listen. Nancy stroked her back firmly. ” Don’t hold it in. Cry it out, and you’ll feel better. ” Rebecca didn’t cry, having run out of tears. She murmured, ” I’m sorry for the trouble. Please clean floor. As for these dolls… ” She paused, thinking for a moment.
“Call a delivery service and have them sent to Vance’s office.”
“Alright, I’ll take care of it, ” Nancy replied, supporting her weight with effort. up the Rebecca straightened up with difficulty. ” And make me some beef with broccoli and half a corn cob. That’s all I need. ” Instead of asking why she only wanted such a small meal, Nancy just watched as she limped back to the bedroom. Pain didn’t scare Rebecca. From a young age, dance training meant enduring countless injuries and sweating through endless practices. Hadn’t that all hurt?After the car accident, every step she took during rehabilitation felt like walking through thorns. Hadn’t that hurt?
Rebecca was always tough, pushing forward through the pain. That evening. Vance didn’t return home, but she hadn’t planned on waiting for him. Instead, she meticulously attended to her own affairs, and before bed, she received a message from Lauren inviting her to watch a performance the next evening. If someone had invited her to a show just a few days ago, she might have seen it as an affront. Not now. She immediately agreed, arranging to have dinner with Lauren first before heading to the dance drama.
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