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From Love to Ashes—My Ex-Lover's Regret
NovelShort
Completed
"I'd never touch that old woman. Who knows what kind of diseases she has?" "Wouldn't be surprised if she's been making money by sleeping with men all these years." "Cheap, stingy and petty. How could she compare to my precious Zelda? You're the only woman in my heart." For seven years, I sacrificed everything for Winston. I dropped out of school to support him, did all the hard labor and even drank until my stomach bled for his sake. Yet, he remained the clean and noble boy from the Carter Family. When he finally returned from studying abroad, I thought we could have a happy ending. Sadly, the heat of our moment was shattered by a phone call from his first love, Zelda. I've repaid the Carters' kindness if that was how it was. I could finally be Josie again. "Janice, I'm not marrying Winston. Give me three months to raise the money and I'll accept the closed-door training in Scotland."
Chapters (9)
第1章
"Josie, are you crazy? Are you really breaking up with Winston? You took care of him for seven years after his parents passed away. You even dropped out of school to work and support him. If you break up now, everything you've done will be for nothing."
Of course, Josie knew that. Nevertheless, she managed a sour smile as she recalled what she had heard the previous evening.
Last night, Winston had just returned from studying abroad. After three years apart, they had eagerly embraced in a hotel room. His strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her tightly into his chest. She hadn't been intimated for so long that even the slightest touch left her weak. "Winston, hurry up, I ... I can't take it anymore."
Sadly, Winston kissed her without moving forward. It wasn't until she clung to his neck in frustration that he sighed and pulled out something cold and metallic. "Josie, let's try something different. I am not in the mood today."
Consumed by desire, Josie didn't think much about it and nodded absentmindedly. Yet something about it felt off. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't reach that peak. Strangely, Winston also seemed distracted.
Then, suddenly, the sharp ring of a phone cut through the silence. Winston stiffened, immediately letting go of her and answering the call. The phone was close, so Josie could hear the sweet, delicate voice on the other end. "Winston, I just arrived at your parent's house. Don't worry, they like me a lot. Your mother even made a carrot cake, the ones you used to love as a kid."
Josie's heart dropped. The woman spoke in a foreign language but instantly recognized the voice. It was Zelda, the only daughter of the Lorraine Family, who had once caused Winston's parents' death and absconded with all their money. Because of her, Winston's family was ruined.
If Josie hadn't taken him in, he would have starved to death on the streets. She had given up everything for him—her education, her future. Josie worked tirelessly to pay for his schooling, working three jobs daily to fund his studies abroad. She drank until her stomach bled at business banquets and she never once complained.
Josie's mind went blank momentarily now and her body grew cold. Winston's parents weren't dead after all and they were living with Zelda, the daughter of their enemy.
"That's good. I just met that old woman. She won't agree to a breakup, so I'll have to marry her. Don't worry. The moment we get the marriage certificate, I'll head straight back to France. I won't touch her. You're the only one in my heart."
Zelda feigned panic. "Winston, am I interrupting? Will your fiancée be mad if she hears us talking?"
Winston remained calm. "She barely finished high school before dropping out. How could she understand French? A woman like her should be grateful I'm even willing to marry her. It's the least I can do to repay her for raising me."
They continued chatting, oblivious to the devastation in Josie's heart. Every word was another knife cutting deeper and deeper. In Winston's eyes, she was stingy, cheap, petty, not presentable and was only a few years older than him but acted like an old lady.
Each insult pierced Josie's heart like a needle, tearing at the wounds already numbed by her years of hard work. She had sacrificed everything to support Winston, forcing herself to live frugally and neglecting her appearance because she was too busy working. She had even dropped out of a high school for him, even though her grades were nearly as good as his. She had given up everything for Winston, which was how he repaid her.
Finally, Winston ended the call with one last sentence. "She's probably just desperate because she's getting older. She kept begging me to sleep with her. Honestly, who knows how many men she's been with while I was away? I'm scared I'll catch something if I touch her. So, Zelda, don't feel guilty. You're not a homewrecker."
When the call ended, Winston lingered momentarily before finally noticing how stiff Josie's body had become. He suppressed the smile creeping onto his face since the phone call and cleared his throat. "I forgot to submit an important document. My professor asked a classmate to get it from me, so we chatted for a bit. Do you want to continue?"
Josie silently shook her head, picked up her clothes and numbly walked towards the bathroom. The water washed over the places Winston had touched and the earlier intimacy seemed like a joke. Josie couldn't hold back her tears, letting them flow freely.
By the time Josie had composed herself, Winston had already left without even giving her a chance to break up with him. So, Josie called her boss. "Janice, I'm not marrying Winston. Give me three months to raise the money and I'll accept the closed-door training in Scotland."
第2章
Janice was Josie's mentor and one of her few friends. Initially, Janice strongly recommended that Josie pursue further studies. Upon completion, she would join the new company in Scotland, with the potential to lead it if she excelled. However, Josie initially declined to focus on marrying Winston and building their life together.
Janice didn't push further after learning that Winston was her fiancé. It was also through Janice that she discovered Winston had been building his own company abroad and was now a rising star in the business world. "Listen to me. No matter what he does outside, just get married first. Love is fleeting, but money in hand is real security."
Josie blinked, holding back her tears. "I can earn money on my own. These past years, let's just call it repaying the debt I owed his uncle for supporting me back then. From now on, I should start living for myself."
After hanging up the call, she noticed a new friend request on social media. The profile picture was a photo of Zelda and Winston together. Josie took a deep breath and blocked the account. Shortly after, a barrage of messages came from Winston's account. There were photos of their wedding shoot overseas and snapshots of the ceremony itself.
"Blocking me won't work, you know. Winston's account is basically mine too. We grew up together. You won't be able to take advantage of a moment of weakness. Even if I made mistakes before, Winston will always forgive me."
Josie repeatedly looked through the photos of Winston's gentle eyes and his heartfelt smile when facing Zelda. She had supported him for seven years and dated him for four, but she had never seen him look so at ease.
She inhaled deeply before typing a single sentence. "Please tell Winston, I agree to break up." Then, she blocked this account, too.
Winston said Zelda wasn't a homewrecker, but they were already married. There was no point in talking to Winston anymore. It was time to end it. She didn't bother to ask why Winston's parents had abandoned him as a child, only to return to his life after so many years. After all, even Winston didn't care and had reconciled with them.
Her rented apartment was sparse, most of the belongings left over from Winston's school days. She had kept them all these years, taking them out to look at whenever she missed him. Now, there was no need to keep them. When she went downstairs to throw them out, Winston suddenly appeared. He frowned and asked flatly, "Have you found out?"
Josie met his gaze calmly and nodded. "Let's break up. I won't make a scene."
Winston sighed. "You know what Zelda is like. She's always been this way. I told you I'd give you a proper title. I won't go back on my word. Zelda has already been through so much. Can't you just let her vent her frustration?"
Josie repeated, "Let's break up."
Winston knocked everything from her hands to the floor with a loud bang. "Josie, don't push your luck. Do you really think acting like this will make me feel bad for you? Make me take your side? Look in the mirror. You're not a teenager anymore. When Zelda throws a tantrum, it's cute. When you do it, it's just pathetic."
Then, his gaze drifted to the scattered items on the ground. His old water cup and favorite magazines. His study materials include a diary.
Winston paused, then smiled at Josie. "Josie, you've been holding onto my things from seven years ago. Break up? You don't even believe it, do you?"
Josie didn't argue. After all, he could be so confident because she had spoiled him for so many years. If someone had told her before that she would be the one to initiate the breakup, even she wouldn't have believed it.
Winston gently placed a hand on her shoulder, speaking coaxingly. "Don't be stubborn. The photos Zelda sent were just from a drama club performance. We didn't actually get married. Just wait a little longer and I'll make it official with you."
Just as Winston reached for Josie's hand to go upstairs, his phone rang. Winston paused, his lips pressed into a thin curvy line. "Zelda took a long flight to see me. She doesn't know anyone here. I have to pick her up." After that, Winston answered the phone and left without hesitation.
第3章
Josie stared in Winston's left direction, momentarily lost in thought. Then, just like every time before, she started cleaning up the mess he left behind when he was in a bad mood. Only this time, she bid farewell to her seven years of devotion.
There was still a lot to do before she entered closed-off training. She didn't have time to wallow in emotions. The medical expenses for Winston's uncle alone would be huge in the coming months.
Seven years ago, an accident had turned Thomas Carter, the man who had once sponsored her education and brought her out of the mountains, into a vegetative state.
Josie had taken on the weight of his medical expenditures for all these years, as well as the living and school expenses of Winston, the only surviving member of the Carters. Now, she no longer had to care for Winston, but she couldn't abandon Thomas.
She had promised Janice three months. So, she had to gather the money before then. Josie calmly threw out four boxes of things belonging to Winston from the past seven years. After packing her belongings, she got ready for a business meeting.
Her business partner, this time, was a notorious playboy and the meeting place was a bar. Before she even stepped inside, she heard a familiar voice. "George, hurry up and take a picture of me and Winston!"
A man's indulgent voice followed. "What? Aren't my pictures good enough?"
Zelda playfully pouted and lightly punched him. "That was a selfie. I need one taken by you to post on my social media."
Josie paused for only a second before politely knocking on the door. The room fell silent. Every gaze turned toward her.
"Well, well, isn't this Winston's long-time girlfriend? Four years together and still not broken up. How enviable." George raised an eyebrow, his tone mocking. Laughter erupted around the room.
Winston's face darkened, shifting from pale to red. He grabbed Josie and dragged her outside. "Why are you here? Didn't I tell you not to bother me when I'm meeting with friends?"
Josie freed her hand, maintaining a professional smile as she handed George a drink. "Mr. George, nice to meet you. I'm Josie Yaeger from Clarion Biotech. I'd like to discuss a business collaboration with you."
George gave Josie a meaningful look before turning his attention to Zelda, leaning against the sofa in a strapless dress. "Oh, so you're here for business? I thought you were just jealous of Zelda and came to cause trouble for Winston."
Right on cue, Zelda let a few tears slip down her cheeks. "Please don't be mad, my sister-in-law. I was just joking yesterday. Who knew you'd take it seriously. Our group always jokes around like this. You wouldn't know since you never join our gatherings."
Josie froze momentarily before instinctively asking, "You … have these gatherings often?"
"Of course! Winston and I come back here once a month. If we don't, won't our bond fade?" Zelda leaned over and clung to Winston's arm, looking smugly at Josie.
A cold smile tugged at Josie's lips and the cracks in her already broken heart widened. So, that's how it was. Their bond had already faded long ago.
Winston had told her he was too busy with his studies abroad and they barely saw each other or even spoke on the phone for three years. He came to this place less than two kilometers away from her every month but was too lazy to send her a message.
Winston didn't notice the abnormality of her expression but felt extremely embarrassed. "Don't call her sister-in-law!" It would be a disgrace to take out such an older woman. It felt like a public slap in the face to call her sister-in-law.
Winston's face was burning. He interrupted the conversation of several people coldly. He handed over a glass of 60-degree liquor as if he had never met Josie. "So, you're here for a business deal, huh? Showing up this late, how insincere."
He leaned close to her ear, his voice low and gritted with resentment. "I already promised to marry you. Yet, you still had to come here and stake your claim. This is the price you pay for being so shameless."
After that, he poured several more glasses and lined them up. "Either drink them all, or get the hell out."
第4章
Josie looked at Winston and the cups of vodka in front of her, but the more immature face emerged in her mind. Four years ago, Josie was humiliated by others at social events like today. It was her first time drinking so much hard liquor and she drank until she vomited blood to secure the deal.
Winston, who had no one else to depend on, cried as he took her to the hospital. He called her foolish and asked why she let people push her around like that. Because she had no money to be hospitalized, she ignored the doctor's advice, took medicine and returned home.
That night, they lay together on a cramped bed, relying on each other to get through life. It was also the first time Winston kissed her. He had said, "Josie, when I grow up and make something of myself, I'll never let you suffer like this again. I won't let anyone bully you."
Winston fashioned a ring from the corner of an exam paper, placed it on her finger and promised to marry her in style one day, declaring to the world that they would be together forever. Winston indeed had grown up and become successful, as he said.
Yet, he had also become one of those who bullied her. Like a shadowy rat in a sewer, their relationship couldn't bear the light of day.
Josie concentrated on picking up a glass of wine and drank it without hesitation. She drank mechanically, one after another as if she had been polished into an unfeeling machine over the years. At this point, even blood could be swallowed along with the alcohol.
She finished the last glass, placed the empty cup in front of George and forced a smile despite the overwhelming nausea threatening to overtake her. "Mr. George, it's getting late. Let's get down to business."
George crossed his arms and looked at her with newfound admiration. "What a ruthless woman. No need to look at the contract. I'll sign it directly."
Josie smiled readily. "Mr. George is indeed decisive. Clarion will not disappoint." The smile softened her stern features, making her somewhat radiant.
As George signed the contract, he glanced at Winston with a grin. "Winston, you sure have good taste, but you're a bit heartless. If you're not careful, your future wife might just run away one day and you'll have nowhere to cry."
Winston frowned. Even though Josie's actions had earned him some face, he didn't feel as pleased as expected. Just as he was about to say something to assert his absolute claim over her, Josie swayed, coughed up blood and collapsed.
Winston was shocked and was about to take it but was preempted by George, who was closer. "What are you doing? Send her to the hospital! What if she dies?"
The room was in chaos. Winston is furious when he looks at Josie, who George was holding. He was about to rush over to grab Josie, but Zelda screamed in fear. "I got cut by a shard of glass! It hurts!"
Winston hurriedly took Zelda's arm, noticing a small cut on her fair skin. Blood was seeping out. He looked at her anxiously. "Is it serious? I'll take you to the hospital."
Zelda's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she looked at him pitifully. "I'm fine. You should check on Josie first."
Winston clenched his fists as the scene from earlier replayed in his mind. His voice turned cold. "She's already past her prime, yet she still knows how to seduce people. I told you before, that her private life is a mess. And now, seeing it for myself, I know I was right. A woman like that isn't worth my concern."
He thought of how he had forced Josie to drink, how George had joked about her running away and suddenly, a deep sense of unease crept into his heart. Would Josie really leave him?
第5章
"Zelda, your injuries aren't too serious. Take care of them yourself for now." In the end, guilt won over. Winston left her behind and strode out to chase. He ignored Zelda's loud cries behind him.
Winston subconsciously exhaled a sigh of relief when he arrived at the hospital and didn't see George in the ward. Of course, George had such high standards. How could someone like Josie ever catch his eye?
He walked quietly to the hospital bed. Josie's face was completely drained of color, so fragile that she looked like she could shatter at the slightest touch.
He unconsciously grasped her hand, but Josie frowned when he touched her as if she was in a nightmare. Winston gently kissed the corner of her lips and murmured, "It's my fault. I never thought you'd be so proud that you'd actually drink all of it. As long as you behave, I'll give you a grand wedding."
Josie slept until noon the next day. When she saw Winston for the first time, she was still a little dazed and didn't know what year it was. She dreamed of her first meeting with Winston. At the age of 15, Thomas led her into the castle-like house.
Winston was at the center of a crowd of kids his age, admired and respected like a prince. Too bad he didn't greet her like a gentleman in a fairy tale when he saw her. Instead, he frowned in disgust and snapped at Thomas, "Uncle, why did you bring this wild girl home? The second she stepped inside, the air in this house started to feel cheap."
Thomas gently squeezed her hand in reassurance. "That's just how Winston talks. Don't be scared, he actually has a soft heart. If you spend more time with him, he'll accept you eventually."
Josie believed him. Before the Carters’ downfall, her repeated attempts to approach and please Winston were met with cold shoulders and insults. It wasn't until Winston fell from grace and they both landed in the mud that he showed her some resemblance of kindness.
As a minor, Josie had taken on the burden of the Carters. She arranged the funerals for their parents, sold off their remaining belongings, rented an apartment and switched schools. She carried everything on her small shoulders. Only then did Winston start treating her with a little kindness.
At that time, she thought that what Thomas had said was true and that Winston would accept her. It just took a little more effort. Now, it seemed that no matter how much she paid, Winston would never truly see her. In his heart, Josie will always be cheap.
Winston was not just a prince but a king who only cared about power. The only truly gentle and gentlemanly prince was his uncle, Thomas.
Josie lowered her gaze, refusing to look at him anymore. Instead, she shifted the conversation to work. "The contract is still intact, right? Do you know when Mr. George will be available to finalize the details?"
Although her businesslike demeanor annoyed Winston a little, he could not express his displeasure due to her frail condition. He could only patiently continue to coax her. "Don't think about work for now. Just rest."
Josie pursed her lips. "I can't. I need to make money." Otherwise, Thomas would be in danger during her six months of isolated study.
Winston thought she was worried about his tuition fees and his heart warmed again. He took out a bank card, handing it to her. "Don't worry about money. I said I'd take responsibility and won't let you worry about these things again. There's $300000 in this card. As long as you're not so stubborn and insist on going against Zelda, I won't make things difficult for you."
Josie happily accepted the card. $300000 was just enough for half a year's medical expenses. She could go to Scotland for her studies ahead of schedule.
第6章
Winston's initial warmth, spurred by her accident and hospitalization, immediately faded as she saw the unmistakable joy on Josie's face. As expected, no matter how much someone from a small, rural place tried to change, they couldn't shake off their inherent pettiness.
Three hundred thousand dollars. Winston wouldn't even consider giving Zelda a gift at that price, yet Josie acted like she had won the lottery. Winston's expression grew cold. "Zelda cut her hand. I'm going to check on her."
Josie ignored him. Instead, she transferred the money to the hospital and called Janice. "Winston lent me $300000. I'll pay him back when the project is done. I'm ready to join the team and start learning anytime."
Janice rescheduled her start date for a week later in consideration of her health. After two days in the hospital, Josie returned to her cramped, run-down rental apartment to continue packing. She probably wouldn't be coming back to this city again.
Five days before her departure, she booked a flight. Winston saw a picture of the flight details in Janice's social media feed and immediately called her. "Why are you going Scotland?"
"Just a trip," Josie responded, not wanting to cause more trouble.
Winston paused for a moment before letting out a cold sneer. "I thought you were supposed to be some bigshot career woman. Even Mr. George seemed to think highly of you, but look at you now. Didn't take long for your true colors to show. Does it feel good spending money you didn't earn?"
Josie didn't respond. She knew arguing with people like Winston would only make him more convinced he was right. Besides, she would be returning the money eventually. It didn't matter when he found out.
Winston was enraged by her indifference. He uttered a harsh threat before finally hanging up. "Josie, you better hurry up and try to please me. I might still marry you out of our years of relationship. Otherwise, you won't get a single cent!"
Four days before her departure, Josie went to the office to finalize her resignation and then met with her landlord to terminate her lease. When Winston arrived and saw the empty apartment, he froze momentarily. Then, he curled his lips into a mocking smirk. "What, are you so sure I'll marry you? Can't wait to move into the Carters' house, huh? Zelda's birthday is tomorrow and my parents will be there too. If you really want to marry into the Carters, you should think about how to impress them."
Josie scowled in disdain for the first time as he thought of the heartless couple who left the young Winston and the gravely ill uncle. They even pretend to be dead, then flee abroad. "They left so decisively back then, leaving behind a mess. Now that everything's settled, they want to come back?"
If they had been able to disappear for so many years, they would have surely been involved in that accident back then. They weren't dead, but Thomas had spent seven years bedridden. What had he done to deserve that? Winston could afford to forget because he had been spared a lot of hardship during those years under her care, but Josie couldn't.
Winston's face turned grim and he slapped Josie hard. "Josie! Is that how you talk to my parents? Just because I give you some face, you really think you're the savior of the Carters? The money you gave me over the past seven years isn't even a drop in the bucket compared to the Carters' wealth."
A bright red mark formed on her cheek as she stared at the man before her, now completely unrecognizable. The child who clung to her like a stray puppy, terrified of being left again, slowly faded from her recollection.
All that remained was the tall man coldly looking down at her, saying in an unquestionable tone, "No parent would ever not love their child. They must have had their own reasons. The love they give me will be far greater than what you've given me all these years! You have to come to Zelda's birthday party tomorrow. Otherwise, not only will the marriage be off the table, but you'll have to return the thirty thousand dollars!"
第7章
So, on the third day before leaving, Josie wore a washed-out shirt and jeans and went to the Carters, which had become luxurious and noble again.
Winston did not give her an invitation. As soon as she got outside the door, Josie was stopped by the staff. As a last resort, Josie could only call Winston. After a dozen calls went unanswered, she realized she had been blocked.
Meanwhile, Winston was swirling his wine glass, projecting his phone screen onto a large screen. Young men from the capital were laughing at the constantly ringing call interface.
"I bet she'll keep calling, up to 30 times!"
"No way, she's not that dumb. She'll probably switch numbers. I say she'll give up after trying five different ones!"
Zelda smiled. "A smart woman would have left by now. Only someone as shameless and pathetic as her would keep clinging to Winston."
Winston smirked. "She wouldn't dare leave. If she did, she'd lose the $300000."
He was right. Josie couldn't leave on a whim, but she didn't insist on calling. She asked the staff to pass on a message. Then, she sat on the curb outside and quietly flipped through the study materials sent by Janice. Winston clearly wanted to give her a hard time. There was no point in calling anymore.
Josie sat in the cold wind for two hours until the evening banquet was about to begin and then Winston finally arrived. His brows furrowed at the sight of her outfit. "I told you to wear a gown. Even if $300000 isn't enough to buy a nice one, you could've at least rented something decent."
Josie looked at him calmly. "Are you done playing? Can I leave now?"
Winston had won his bet and gained face in front of everyone. Now, he had a little more patience. He put his arm around Josie's shoulder, leaning on her with a touch of drunkenness. "Josie, don't be angry. I came to find you, didn't I? They wanted me to bring you in after dark. I came out early because I felt sorry for you."
Josie looked at him with disappointment. "Winston, do you find it amusing to play with people like this?"
Winston chuckled softly in her ear, his hot breath spreading across her neck. "Other people can't even play this kind of game. Only I can. Because I know, no matter what, Josie, you won't leave me. I'll take you to change and then you can meet my parents. Once they approve, we'll get our marriage certificate. After that, you'll move into the Carters' residence with me."
Marriage certificate? Josie curled her lips into a mocking smile. She might have fallen for his fake tenderness if she didn't understand French. Alas, Winston would only do what he said on the phone that day. The marriage certificate would belong to her, but the wedding, blessings, family, life and everything would belong to Zelda.
When the paperwork was done, Winston and Zelda would fly abroad to start their real life together. What about her? She'd be left behind, clutching a meaningless red booklet and an empty promise, stuck handling the Carters’ affairs in this city.
Josie felt a wave of bitterness in her heart, but she still nodded obediently on the surface. "Okay."
Only three days left until she could leave. Exposing everything now would cause unnecessary trouble. She was exhausted. She didn't have the energy for any more of this.
第8章
It was the first time Josie was formally appearing in public. Although Winston looked down on her, he couldn't let her embarrass the Carters. For that reason, he had prepared an extravagant gown for her.
Now, as he looked at Josie standing before him in a dark red mermaid dress, her figure curvaceous and her expression as cold as an ice queen, he was momentarily stunned. Winston snapped a photo and sent it to their group chat. "Gotta hand it to Wallace's latest design. Even an 'old woman' like Josie can look good in it.
Soon, his phone started buzzing with notifications. He didn't go to see it but took Josie's hand and went to the banquet hall with her.
All eyes were on them as they walked in. Some were envious, some were surprised and some were even jealous. Winston's mood lifted considerably. However, his expression stiffened when someone asked which prominent family the lady belonged to. "She's not from our circle."
Before he could finish, a sharp, playful voice chimed in from the side. "A lady? Don't flatter her! She's just a country bumpkin."
Zelda, dressed in a delicate pastel pink princess gown, walked over gracefully, exuding elegance and nobility. The people around her joined in, scanning Josie with mocking eyes and clicking their tongues in disapproval.
"Zelda, even you're giving her too much credit. She's not just from the countryside, she came straight out of the deep mountains!"
"She doesn't even have to worry about getting kidnapped. The moment she steps off the car, she knows this place better than the traffickers themselves!"
Thinking about Winston's shared photo in the group chat and the compliments that followed, Zelda clenched her teeth and looked down at Josie with condescension. "Did you really think that putting on a designer gown would turn you into a peacock?"
Soft snickers echoed around them, the initial admiration for Josie replaced by ridicule. Winston's face darkened, his expression shifting between embarrassment and anger. He frowned and scolded in a low voice, "Zelda."
Zelda pouted in displeasure, then quickly latched onto Winston's arm, pushing Josie aside. "Winston, I was just joking with her. She's not even mad—why are you?"
She turned her head and smiled sweetly at Josie. "Josie, your life has really improved since being with Winston. It's my birthday today and you didn't even get me a gift."
Winston's face darkened. "Josie, I told you it was Zelda's birthday. How could you come empty-handed?"
If she could, Josie would have walked away right then and there to end this farce. "You only told me at nine o'clock last night. I didn't have time—"
"Enough." Winston cut her off coldly. "That's no excuse. Apologize to Zelda."
Her body was still weak from the effects of drinking the other night. Standing so long on an empty stomach made her stomach ache, but she knew they wouldn't let this go easily. As expected, Zelda smiled sweetly. "We all know about Josie's financial situation, so we won't make things hard for her."
She then picked up a glass of wine and held it out. "Since you're such a good drinker, why don't you down this as an apology? Then I'll forgive you."
Josie knew she couldn't avoid this, so she swallowed her discomfort and accepted the glass. However, she sensed something was wrong as soon as she drank it. With her tolerance, one glass of wine shouldn't have made her feel this dizzy. Moreover, a strange heat was spreading through her body.
She tried to grab Winston's arm to tell him, but he coldly pushed her away. "Zelda drank too much and isn't feeling well. I'll take her upstairs to rest. You can look around."
Josie's vision blurred quickly and she saw double. She stumbled and tried to walk out of the crowd but was hugged by a pair of hands that came out of nowhere.
Meanwhile, Zelda stood obediently by Winston's side, saying to his parents, "Josie also came to celebrate my birthday. Let's go find her later, okay? She'll be so surprised to see you two!"
第9章
The woman's opulent dress was half off, exposing her shoulders in the dark hotel room. George swirled the wine in his glass before slowly pouring the red liquid onto her body. It trickled down her pale skin and disappeared into the deep red fabric of her dress, making her appear even more alluring.
Josie bit her tongue, trying to force herself to maintain a sliver of clarity, but to little avail. George leaned in, his tongue sliding over her collarbone like a snake. Meanwhile, his other hand held up his phone, capturing the scandalous moment on camera.
Then, after glancing at a message on his phone, George adjusted Josie's position, making her sit on top of him before he slowly lay down beneath her. When Zelda led Winston's parents in, they saw Josie straddling George's scene.
On the other hand, George looked aside in humiliation and refused to look at her. Mrs. Carter pointed at the lewd scene before her in disbelief, her eyes rolling back as she was about to faint. Later, the scene descended into chaos.
***
When Josie woke up again, she found herself in the hospital once more. The first person she saw was once again Winston, but unlike last time, there was no tenderness in his eyes. The moment he saw her open her eyes, he swung his hand and slapped her hard across the face. "Josie! I brought you to meet my parents and this is how you do it?"
Josie struggled to sit up, her voice hoarse as she said, "Since I'm in the hospital, you should know I was drugged."
Slap! Another slap landed on her face, splitting her lip.
Winston's face was dark with fury. "That is not an excuse for what you did! You were drugged and instead of coming to me, you went to George? Looks like I wasn't wrong about you after all. You're just a greedy, shameless woman who chases after money and pleasure!"
She wanted to say that she had tried to find him, but he had chosen to take care of Zelda instead. Josie also knew that even if she said it, Winston would only believe what he wanted to believe. So, Josie remained silent.
Her silence only fueled his rage. His voice was ice-cold as he spoke again. "Tomorrow at 3 PM, meet me at the City Hall to get our marriage certificate. After that, I'll owe you nothing. Once we're married, I'll leave for France with my parents. You can figure out your own life from there."
The cracks in Josie's already shattered heart deepened further. This incident had given Winston the perfect excuse. Before this, he was probably still struggling to find a way to get rid of her.
Was he more furious or more relieved now? She didn't know and she no longer cared to find out.
The day before their supposed wedding, Josie spent her time in the hospital. During that time, Janice visited her, bringing along documents for a new company and agreements she needed to sign before starting her closed training.
The nursing home also called, informing her that Thomas's condition had improved significantly and there were signs that he might wake up soon. If everything went well, he could regain consciousness within half a month. At the latest, it wouldn't take more than six months.
A flicker of hope reignited in Josie's desolate heart. Maybe her uncle would be back by the time she finished her training.
She packed everything she owned and grabbed a taxi to the airport, holding onto that hope. On the way, she received a message from Winston. He told her that Zelda was devastated because her birthday party had been ruined, so their wedding certificate appointment would be postponed for three days.
Josie took a deep breath and with that, any last bit of hesitation she had disappeared completely. Without a second thought, she blocked and deleted Winston's contacts from all her social media accounts and boarded her flight without looking back.
***
Three days later, outside the City Hall. Winston sat in his car, increasingly irritated as his third call to Josie went unanswered. In a fit of rage, he slammed his phone onto the dashboard. "Damn it! Where the hell is Josie Yaeger? She's already half an hour late!"
He turned to his assistant. "Go to her house and bring her here!"
The assistant hesitated, his voice shaking as he looked at the latest message on his phone. "S-Sir. Miss Yaeger … she's already gone."