Chapter 8
1 finally realized–it was Tessa calling.
Before I could respond, she continued: “My entire life, I’ve never been able to measure up to you. No matter how hard I tried, your name was always ahead of mine. Even my parents constantly talked about you–how excellent you were, how hardworking.“]
“I accepted that I couldn’t compete with you. Then as adults, you beat me to marrying the man I loved. But I gave him a child. I was willing to be his secret woman for his sake, devoted myself to raising our son.”
“But even after your divorce, he still won’t marry me. Am I really destined to always be second to you?”
This confused me.]
I’d received the signed divorce papers a while back–why wouldn’t he marry Tessa?
“Wait a minute.“]
I’d changed my phone number, and Tessa was only able to call me because I’d texted her from this number before.] Ipulled
out my old phone.
Nathan had sent me countless messages–first begging for forgiveness, hoping we could go back to how things were, followed by drunk selfies. But the recent ones had turned bitter.
“You’ll regret leaving me, Claire.”
“I’m getting married soon. Too late for regrets now.”
I almost laughed out loud reading them.]]
“So, Nathan’s getting married again? But not to you, right?“]
Tessa didn’t answer directly, but her prolonged silence confirmed it.]
I burst out laughing.
“You should actually be grateful. You gave him everything, and he didn’t even glance your way. It shows he doesn’t know how to appreciate what he has. That kind of man is worthless.”
“You’re smart and ambitious. You can thrive on your own–much better than clinging to his side, surviving on scraps of affection.“]
Our relationship had never been good, but we’d known each other for years, and I was still her son’s teacher.
I used to think she and Nathan truly loved each other, which is why I was willing to use her to get my freedom.]
But now I could see Nathan wasn’t someone worth committing to. I couldn’t push Tessa into that hell.
“Raising a child alone isn’t easy. As your son’s former teacher, or maybe as your classmate of many years, I’m sending you $50,000. I hope you and Aiden have a good life. Stop comparing yourself to others–you’re impressive in your own right.”
After a long pause, a weak, tearful “thank you” came from the other end.
After hanging up, I felt an unprecedented sense of peace.[]
Maybe it was because my guilt over using Tessa had finally dissolved, or maybe it was something else entirely.[]
Either way, it was time to start living the life I’d always wanted.]
Tessa ended up doing quite well for herself. While raising her son, she started her own business, which has grown significantly.[]
Nathan, on the other hand, wasn’t so lucky.
Someone anonymously leaked his affair and secret child to the press.[]
Normally, this wouldn’t be a big deal for a CEO, but his new wife’s family had serious influence and wanted to destroy him. Word is, his company is on the verge of bankruptcy, and lawyers are busy sorting out their divorce settlement.
I wonder what an interesting scene it would be if we ever crossed paths again.[]
As for me—I twist the engagement ring on my finger–Jake couldn’t resist my relentless pursuit and finally surrendered to us being together.
