Deep Love, Sadly Short-Lived

1

At night, while I was trying out a new tea cocktail recipe, the doorbell rang.

I slipped on my slippers and went to answer it.

Linda Chancers, clearly drunk, bumped directly into me.

Behind her, there was a young and lively guy who smiled at me. "Mr. Leedon, Ms. Chancers had a bit too much to drink, so I offered to bring her back," he said.

He had a youthful energy and a friendly smile, without any hint of aggression. He had the kind of look that Linda always liked, like a cute puppy.

I gently pushed Linda back into his arms and told him, "There are new pyjamas in the bottom drawer of the wardrobe. You can pick the style you like."

After a pause, I added, "I'm a light sleeper, so please keep it down at night."

Melvin Jacobs probably didn't expect me to be so understanding when dealing with the man his wife had an affair with. He stared at me with wide eyes and stuttered, "Mr. L-Leedon, I won't be staying..."

He helped Linda onto the couch, being gentle and full of affection. Then, he smiled shyly at me and said, "Mr. Leedon, thank you for taking care of Ms. Chancers."

He stressed the word "thank you," sounding completely natural, as if he were the host.

I found it somewhat amusing.

The young man's attempts to assert his authority were a bit clumsy.

"When it comes to taking care of people, the nanny is more skillful," I said.

Melvin's expression changed, and he fell silent.

I didn't feel like saying more, so after he left, I returned to the kitchen.

"He's just a little brother, why are you so upset?" Linda's voice came from behind, and she didn't sound drunk at all.

She walked up to me, hugging me from behind.

"Don't worry, he won't pose a threat to your position," she said, trying to reassure me.

I calmly poured out the cocktail into a glass without saying a word. Linda always liked to talk about "position" in front of me, as if I should be grateful to her for the status of her husband, as if I should bow down to her.

But to be honest, I did care about that status.

Not because I loved her.

But because I cared about the convenience that status could bring me.

2

At the dinner table, Linda, smelling strongly of alcohol, came close to me.

"Melvin just graduated, and I'm thinking of having him as my assistant," she said.

I found this quite surprising.

Over the years, there had been a revolving door of men in her life, the longest-lasting ones lasting no more than three months.

Linda was naturally fickle, always chasing after something new.

She usually dreaded getting too attached, but she seemed willing to keep Melvin close.

It seemed she genuinely liked this young man.

I kept my gaze low and calmly asked, "Do you need me to arrange anything for him?"

Linda raised her eyelids to give me a teasing glance and remarked, "So generous? What if he’s trying to replace you as the Chancers' son-in-law?"

I responded with a neutral expression, "As long as you wish, it's fine with me."

"Lewis, don't be ridiculous. I'm not in the mood to coax you right now," Linda said in a lazy tone, her eyelids slightly drooping.

It was as if she was convinced that I was just jealous and making empty threats.

Seeing me remain silent, Linda slowly straightened up in her seat. "Are you serious?" She inquired.

I was somewhat puzzled. "Don't you want me to be obedient and reasonable?

"If he wants this position, I'll give it to him. What's wrong with that?" I inquired.

She suddenly knocked over the tea I had handed to her. She got angry all of a sudden. "Lewis Leedon, what's gotten into you?"

The tea spilled and pieces of porcelain went flying in all directions.

I paused and shifted my gaze from the scattered mess on the floor to her face.

"Is there something you're unhappy with?" I asked.

In the next moment, she firmly grasped my chin.

Linda looked down at me, every word seeming to be uttered through clenched teeth.

"Melvin won't affect your status, so don't be difficult. Lewis Leedon, continue to take on your role as the Chancers' son-in-law."

3

Linda stormed out, probably to find Melvin.

Not long after, she sent me a message:

"Take some time to reflect and then come apologize to me."

I stared at the shattered pieces of porcelain, lost in my thoughts, reminiscing about the past.

When we graduated from high school, Linda cautiously moved closer to me, just to be closer in our group photos.

We were separated by only a shoulder's width, yet I could feel the intense affection of a young girl back then, burning like fireworks.

The summer breeze carried a hint of the lingering daytime heat.

Being close to her, I could feel a warmth in my chest.

Even now, I still remembered it.

When I accepted her confession, the radiance and excitement in Linda's eyes were unforgettable.

She said she would be the perfect girlfriend in the world and would treat me well for a lifetime.

The sincere and fervent love of a young girl surrounded me, and I naturally believed it.

I never doubted her sincerity, but sincerity can change in an instant.

Once I started college, I ventured into entrepreneurship. I dedicated most of my time to my studies and business.

Despite my busy schedule, I always made sure to plan exciting surprises for our dates. The emotional value I brought to our relationship never waned.

However, Linda remained unsatisfied.

She wanted me to spend more time traveling and going on adventures with her.

To make the 10 years of hardship in studying worthwhile, I couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

We began to argue frequently, and it persisted until the shop I had built from the ground up declared bankruptcy due to fierce competition.

On that day, Linda accompanied me to close the business.

Throughout the journey, she seemed unusually excited.

"I’ve told you numerous times, stop bothering yourself with this. After graduation, just settle down as the Chancers' son-in-law," she said.

She wanted me to be obedient without independent thoughts, much like the traditional role of a stay-at-home “wife”, where she would hold the ultimate authority.

"I have no need for reflection," I replied.

Linda seemed to have been waiting for my response all along.

Almost instantly after sending the message, she replied, "Lewis Leedon, I'll wait for you to come and beg me."

4

Our wedding anniversary was approaching at the end of the month, and we had already decided to celebrate it with a dinner party.

But this wasn't just any ordinary party.

Prominent business figures would be in attendance and this would be a crucial opportunity for the Chancers Corporation.

In the past couple of years, rapid advancements in technology had posed a significant challenge to leading companies.

Among them, the Chancers Corporation had been slow to innovate and felt the impact the most.

I had been working tirelessly with my team to create a new product, eagerly awaiting its official launch at the party.

This was the best chance for the Chancers Corporation to secure investments and support.

At this critical juncture, there was no room for surprises, whether internally at Chancers or from the investors.

I repeatedly stressed to Linda that her presence was crucial.

We needed to ensure not only the new product's commercial value but also send a message to potential partners, showing the harmony between the CEO of Chancers and her husband.

This was the only way to prevent any scandals that might affect the stock market.

However, Linda seemed to regard it as just another event, something she could attend or skip at will.

So when Melvin pretended to be ill and begged her to accompany him, she didn't hesitate.

I also knew very well that she had another reason for agreeing – to teach me a lesson for the unhappiness I had caused her that day.

Numbly, I stared at the countless unanswered calls on my phone.

The business partner beside me had a visibly unpleasant expression, and mocking glances from the people around us were directed at me.

Just then, a message popped up.

"Lewis, Linda is here with me."

The next moment, a photo appeared on the party's big screen.

The two individuals in the photo looked intimately close.

Linda leaned on Melvin's shoulder, the lipstick looking patchy, and her cheeks flushed.

Just one photo.

That single photo shattered the illusion of harmony and success that we had worked so hard to create.

No one would bet on a company that could fail at any moment.

The surrounding discussions grew louder, and the noise became overwhelming.

I felt a buzzing in my head, unable to make out any distinct voices. The overhead lights were blinding, the clinking of glasses and laughter echoed around me.

There was a moment when I couldn't distinguish between dream and reality.

It wasn't until later, when the night grew deeper and the stars began to twinkle, that people started to disperse one by one.

5

Late into the night, a heavy rainstorm poured down.

When Linda arrived at the hotel, the party had already ended.

I sat there amidst the mess, looking expressionless.

"Lewis," she said softly.

I slowly raised my head, my eyes devoid of any emotion.

"Now, are you satisfied?

"Things went wrong, and all the team's hard work went to waste…

"Ms. Chancers, are you happy with this lesson?" I asked.

Linda's face turned pale, and her voice trembled. "Lewis, I didn't know this party was so important. I just wanted you to admit your mistake, especially after what happened that day."

Her voice grew quieter until it disappeared entirely.

I stared at the wine glass by my feet.

The remaining red wine reflected the colors of the dim overhead lights, making my head spin.

"Linda," I said.

Gradually, my emotions calmed down, replaced by deep exhaustion.

"For nine years, you've been reckless for nine years but I’ve never thought of leaving you.

“I always believed you were just a child at heart.

“But today, you've humiliated me. All my efforts for you were in vain."

I removed my wedding ring and placed it in Linda's hand. "Linda, let's get a divorce."

Upon hearing this, Linda started to laugh.

"So, this was your ultimate goal?

“That's why I was wondering, it's just a product launch, and yet you're so upset about it.

“It turns out, you only wanted to threaten me into changing for you."

Raised in a wealthy family and pampered, sometimes it's funny how foolish one can be.

"Lewis Leedon, you'll always be the son-in-law of the Chancers family, so take your seat," Linda urged impatiently, her breath tickling my ear.

"A small drama is fine, but don't overdo it, you wouldn't want to be disliked," she continued.

"Melvin can't threaten your position," she added confidently.

Linda picked up the ring and helped me put it back on.

But even now, she thought I was just making a fuss.

I took the ring off again, twirled it in the air for a moment, and then let it drop to the ground with a crisp sound.

"It's not a game of cat and mouse like you think," I said, looking up at her.

"Linda, let's get a divorce."

6

The argument that day ended on a sour note, with Linda refusing to agree to a divorce.

I packed my things and moved out of the villa.

When I returned to the company later, I sensed that something was amiss.

People passing by were sneaking glances at me, hesitant to speak up.

It wasn't until I reached the office door that I realized my belongings had been thrown out, scattered all over the floor.

I wore a cold expression and asked, "What's going on here?"

Melvin emerged from my office, pushing the door open casually.

He glanced at the mess on the floor and chuckled, "Lewis, Ms. Chancers said you've been fired."

I was stunned. "What's the reason?"

Melvin leaned against the door frame and smirked, "Because you messed up the product launch, Lewis."

His casual tone struck me like a thunderbolt.

I instinctively replied, "That's not my fault."

Melvin seemed to enjoy my reaction.

He walked over and turned the nameplate on the desk, which now prominently displayed, "General Manager, Melvin."

"Sorry, Lewis, but Linda insisted I replace you," he said softly, with a hint of mockery in his smile.

He stepped closer and whispered, "In the eyes of both Chancers Corporation and Linda, you no longer have a place."

7

I turned to look at the others in the company.

They had unpleasant expressions, but no one spoke up.

Just then, Linda walked over.

I stared at her with a blank expression and asked, "Linda, what's going on here?"

Linda replied casually, "I'm doing this for your own good."

"You made a big mistake, so it's best for you to stay at home and reflect.

"Melvin will take over your position."

Her relaxed tone left me in disbelief. "He's just an intern! What makes him qualified to take my place?"

Linda crossed her arms and sneered, "Lewis, don't underestimate others, and don't forget that your success today is largely because you're my husband."

It suddenly struck me that Linda was trying to force me to comply.

She wanted me to realize that without her, I was nothing.

Linda looked me up and down and said, "Just admit your mistake, and everything can still be yours."

"You're really concerned about your status, aren't you? I know it, or else you wouldn't have worked so hard," she added.

I stared at Linda in bewilderment.

So, that was her belief.

She thought I was after power.

When Linda's mother brought me into Chancers Corporation, it was mainly to support Linda.

After our marriage, Linda was all about living a luxurious life – buying designer bags and getting cosmetic treatments – completely neglecting the company's business.

I had no choice but to carry the weight of Chancers on my shoulders.

When the company's finances were in trouble, I found myself standing at clients' doorsteps, pleading and negotiating with them.

I spent day and night networking and soliciting investments.

Those were challenging times, and only I knew how difficult they were.

Unable to hold back tears, I took a step back and told her, "Linda, marrying you was a huge mistake."

Her face changed slightly, then turned angry. "Marrying me was a blessing you earned from your past life. Without me, you wouldn't have had the chance to enjoy all this."

Melvin leaned against Linda and smirked, "Lewis Leedon, who do you think you are?"

He looked at me with disdain. "You're only enjoying everything you have because of Ms. Chancers."

I stood there, staring at the man before me, dumbfounded.

After a while, I chuckled and said, "Linda, don't forget to sign the divorce agreement."

8

After leaving the company, I received calls from many of the core management team members I had nurtured.

They were all calling to express their support for me and their anger at the situation.

I turned off my phone and walked around without any specific destination in mind.

As I walked, I suddenly heard people around me screaming in fear.

Before I could react, I was hit by a car that had gone out of control.

Pain quickly spread throughout my body, and I felt a warm sensation on my forehead and other areas.

Then, everything went dark, and I lost consciousness.

...

When I was being taken into the operating room, the doctor advised me to contact my family to come to the hospital.

Despite the intense pain that had nearly numbed my body, I managed to call Linda.

I spoke with a steady voice, although it trembled slightly. "Linda, I've been in a car accident, and I'm at the hospital now. The doctor says I need a family member here with me. Can you come?"

Upon hearing this, Linda responded with a cold laugh. "Lewis Leedon, if you regret your actions, just apologize sincerely. Don't create unnecessary drama."

I quietly ended the call and informed the doctor that I was an orphan with no family to contact. I instructed the doctor to proceed with the operation since there was no one coming.

After that, I lay on the hospital bed, and a tear rolled down my cheek.

The marriage that I had put so much effort into maintaining had now come to an end.

Before slipping into unconsciousness, I sent a text message: "The documents are ready, proceed."