Chapter 1

For three years of marriage, Jeanette Schafer had devoted herself completely to caring for Skyler Weisberg, who was confined to a wheelchair.

Yet, Skyler harbored nothing but contempt for her. He hated her touch so much that the last time she accidentally brushed against his legs, he locked her out of their home for 99 days.

The day finally came when Skyler's legs had healed enough for him to stand again. Yet, the first thing he did was to drive straight to the airport to pick up his first love.

Years of selfless devotion and tender care meant nothing compared to his 'the one that got away'.

Swallowing the heartbreak, Jeanette made a call. She whispered, "The contract is fulfilled. I'm filing for divorce."

Only after she walked away did Skyler realize what he had lost. But by then, it was already too late.

"Kimmy, my legs are healed! Please come back to me. I'll pick you up at the airport!"

Jeanette Schafer had been crying tears of joy just moments before, but looking at the familiar profile picture on Skyler Weisberg's phone, her smile froze.

She had always known Skyler did not love her. The only woman he had ever truly loved since the beginning was his first love, Kimberly Affleck.

Right after graduating from college three years ago, Skyler had chosen to stay behind and take over the family business, while Kimberly had flown overseas to chase her dreams.

They had chosen different paths, but Skyler had never truly let go of Kimberly. When news reached him that Kimberly had suddenly gotten married abroad, he could not accept the reality. He had raced to the airport in his car, determined to fly to Reaburg and stop the wedding at all costs.

However, Skyler crashed on the highway, leaving his legs permanently disabled and his dreams of chasing after Kimberly shattered. At the time, Jeanette was working as a resident doctor, assisting the chief surgeon in Skyler's complicated leg surgery.

After the operation, the once-proud golden boy could not accept his new reality as a disabled man. He became violent and angry, cursing and throwing tantrums whenever something upset him.

The hospital staff were all afraid to approach him, so they pushed forward Jeanette, who had the least experience.

Jeanette had a gentle, harmless girl-next-door face, which was naturally more approachable than others. Combined with her solid professional skills, patience, and careful attitude, she became the only person in the entire hospital who could get close to Skyler.

Later, when Skyler was discharged, his mother, Dorothea Ashbourne, came to see her. Dorothea offered her five million dollars, hoping she would marry Skyler and provide full-time care for him.

Jeanette was desperate for money to pay for her seriously ill mother's medical bills, so she agreed without hesitation. She quit her hospital job and spent three years pouring herself into Skyler's world.

When Skyler raged because of his injured legs, Jeanette willingly endured all his temper.

When his wounds hurt, Jeanette stayed up all night massaging them for him.

Every time he fell during rehabilitation, she immediately cushioned his fall with her own body. Everyone wondered why this young woman, who suddenly appeared, treated Skyler so well.

Only Jeanette knew that all four years of her college tuition had been paid for by Skyler's scholarship fund. He was the head of the campus philanthropy board, and she had been just another faceless name on his list of sponsored students.

The distance between them had always been so vast that Jeanette never dared to hope for more.

Yet, later, she accidentally encountered Skyler after his accident. She stayed by his side, willing to give him everything she had.

Jeanette used to think that if she continued like this year after year, Skyler would eventually see her worth. However, seeing him share the news of his recovery with Kimberly before anyone else, her heart finally gave out.

After three years of marriage, she seemed to have never entered his heart.

Every year, when Valentine's Day came around, Skyler disappeared without a word. No matter how desperately she searched or how long she waited, he never came home that day.

Eventually, she found out that Valentine's Day was his anniversary with Kimberly. Even though they were miles apart, he still marked the day, still bought her gifts, and still honored her memory like she had never left.

Skyler kept a study in the house, a room she was never allowed to enter. Once, she accidentally walked in while cleaning, and he locked her outside in the pouring rain for an entire night.

The room was filled with nothing but Kimberly's photos.

It was then that Jeanette finally understood that she could never truly move Skyler. Still, she had done her part.

His legs were healed, her task was complete.

While Skyler was still on the phone, happily sharing his recovery with Kimberly, Jeanette stepped into a quiet corner and made a call of her own.

She whispered, "Ma'am, Skyler can walk again. My part of the deal is finished. I'm filing for divorce."

Chapter 2

The Weisberg family threw a grand party to celebrate Skyler's recovery, and Jeanette had arrived at the hotel early in the morning to help Dorothea with the arrangements.

Out on the balcony, the two women stood side by side, their expressions unreadable as they looked at one another.

After a long pause, Dorothea finally let out a sigh. "Jeanette, do you really want a divorce? You’ve taken care of Skye for three years. Now that he’s healed, he’ll definitely appreciate everything you’ve done. You two should try to make this marriage work."

"Kimberly is coming back."

It took only that one sentence, and Dorothea’s face changed. Her shock was quickly replaced by worry, and then helplessness.

"Well then… I’ll respect your decision," Dorothea replied, quietly giving up.

Jeanette felt a cold wave rise in her chest. Just moments ago, Dorothea had still been trying to persuade her to stay, but she gave up the second Kimberly’s name was mentioned without a fight.

It seemed that they all knew how important Kimberly was to Skyler. Despite caring for him devotedly for three years, she was nothing more than a caregiver in his heart.

"Jeanette, what are your plans after the divorce? Since your mother passed away, you've been all alone. You've taken care of Skye for three years, and I've always seen you as my own daughter. If you need any help, tell me—don't be shy."

Jeanette's eyes became teary, touched by the sudden maternal warmth.

Dorothea was right. Three years ago, Jeanette took the five million dollars from her, believing she could use it to cure her mother’s illness. Unexpectedly, her mother’s condition worsened beyond saving three months later.

Her mother was gone, but she had taken Dorothea’s money. So, she stayed in the Weisberg residence and continued caring for Skyler.

Now, it was finally time to start living for herself.

After a few moments of thought, Jeanette replied, "Ma'am, I want to go abroad for a PhD. I was trained in medicine, and it’s time I return to it."

"Don't worry about that. I'll definitely arrange everything for you."

Jeanette looked at Dorothea gratefully, while also reminding her, "Ma'am, I'll discuss the divorce with Skye myself, so I won't trouble you with it."

Dorothea nodded, looking at Jeanette with more pity in her eyes. With Kimberly back, he knew that Skyler would happily agree when Jeanette mentioned divorce.

There was not much left for Dorothea to do.

It was a shame, really. Jeanette was a good girl, but clearly, she was never meant to be part of the Weisberg family.

Soon, the venue filled with guests. Dorothea brought Jeanette out to greet everyone together.

But as the event start time approached, the guest of honor, Skyler, still had not appeared.

Dorothea waved over her daughter, Isadora Weisberg. "Isadora, didn't I ask you to pick up Skye? Where is he?"

Isadora smiled mysteriously. "Mom, don't worry. Skye will be here soon, and I guarantee he'll give you a surprise!"

After speaking, Isadora turned to Jeanette with a smug look and whispered, "Well, country girl, your good days are over!"

She had always looked down on Jeanette, believing she had approached Skyler for money by any means necessary. Over the years, she had bullied Jeanette both openly and behind the scenes.

The ballroom doors opened, and Skyler appeared in everyone's sight wearing a black designer suit. Beside him, Kimberly appeared in a stunning wine-red gown, her arm gracefully linked with his.

"Is that Kimberly Affleck? Mr. Weisberg's first love?" someone in the crowd asked.

"Of course it is. When has Mr. Weisberg ever looked at anyone else like that?"

"He’s been devoted to her for years. He got into that accident rushing to stop her wedding, and now that he’s back on his feet, she’s the first person he brings back."

"Exactly! It's just a pity that some people don't know their place and won't let go of the Weisberg family!"

Discussions erupted everywhere, and people looked at Jeanette with mockery and ridicule.

Isadora chuckled. "Speechless, huh? Kimmy is gorgeous, isn’t she? Now you get it, right? You don’t win a man’s heart just by being a good little caregiver. Kimmy's back, and it's time for you to pack up your sad little bags and leave."

Jeanette stood frozen under the ballroom’s spotlight, feeling as though every stare was a dagger stabbing straight through her.

Yes, she really did not belong here. Everyone treated her like a caregiver or servant, and no one had ever truly acknowledged or respected her.

She should have left long ago.

Chapter 3

Skyler led Kimberly through the crowd and stopped in front of Dorothea. His voice was full of excitement."Mom, Kimmy's back."

Dorothea frowned, her gaze sharp as it landed on Kimberly. "You're already married. Why did you suddenly come back?"

Kimberly's lips trembled, and tears immediately rolled down her cheeks. "Ma'am, everything that happened before was my fault. I'm sorry."

Skyler's heart ached the moment he saw her cry. He pulled her into his arms without hesitation. "Mom, Kimmy's divorced now. Her ex-husband was abusive, a complete monster! Everything that happened in the past is over. I don't care about that anymore, and neither should you."

Dorothea had always known how much Skyler cared for Kimberly, but being scolded by him in front of so many people still made her feel humiliated. She turned and left without another word.

Then, Skyler's and Kimberly's eyes turned to Jeanette.

Skyler did not seem to feel the need to explain anything to her. He simply said, "Kimmy just got back and doesn't have a place to stay. Go home and get the room ready."

That usual commanding tone caught Jeanette off guard. She blurted out, "Ms. Affleck is moving into our home?"

Skyler raised a brow like it was obvious. "Of course. Where else would she go?"

Isadora let out a snort of laughter from the side. "Did you hear that? 'Our home'? She really thinks she's the lady of the Weisberg residence."

Laughter rippled around them, and Jeanette felt an overwhelming sense of isolation.

Three years ago, after the accident, Skyler spiraled and drank himself into oblivion day after day. When his house accidentally caught fire, Jeanette ran in without hesitation, carrying him out through the smoke and flames.

However, she was hit in the head by a falling light fixture and spent a month in the hospital. When she woke up, Skyler had been sitting at her bedside. He had asked her to marry him.

He bought this house as their marital home, promising it would be their future together. But now, as soon as Kimberly returned, she was moving directly into her marital home.

While Jeanette stood there in stunned silence, Kimberly gave Skyler a pitiful look. She mumbled, "Skye, does Ms. Schafer not want me in your house? If it makes her uncomfortable, I can just stay at a hotel. I don't want to cause trouble."

"Absolutely not. Hotels are full of strangers. It's not safe!" Skyler responded firmly, then turned to Jeanette with a stern look. "Nettie, she's only staying for a while. Don't be so petty."

Jeanette suddenly smiled. "You're right. I'm being petty. I'll head home now and tidy things up. You two enjoy yourselves."

She turned without waiting for a response, walking out of the ballroom filled with mocking laughter and cruel stares.

It was just a house, nothing worth clinging to. After all, sooner or later, it would belong to Kimberly anyway.

Back at the now quiet, empty house, Jeanette packed up the sunlit bedroom she had lived in for three years. She had always lived frugally, and Skyler had never once bought her anything.

So, even after all that time, her belongings barely filled a single suitcase. It was almost a relief since it was easier to walk away when you were not carrying much.

Just as she finished packing, her phone buzzed. Someone had uploaded a video to social media.

It was a clip from the party, and Skyler and Kimberly stood by the champagne tower, sipping from each other's glasses. They gazed at each other lovingly, looking like a perfect couple made for each other.

In the background, someone shouted, "Kiss! Kiss!"

Jeanette quickly turned it off, unable to watch anymore.

Not long after, Skyler and Kimberly returned home, both reeking of alcohol. When Skyler saw that Jeanette had already given up her bedroom for Kimberly, he looked pleased.

Once Kimberly went upstairs to shower, Skyler did something rare.

He actually sat beside Jeanette and even reached out to pat her head. "Nettie, I knew you'd understand. You always do."

Jeanette leaned away, just out of his reach. His hand froze awkwardly in mid-air, and his eyes darkened slightly. He muttered, "I told you already. Kimmy's just staying here for a bit."

"It's fine. Ms. Affleck can stay as long as she wants," Jeanette replied as she handed him a pile of documents.

"My former hospital is requesting some medical equipment. Can you take a look? Maybe Weisberg Corp could help with a donation?"

Skyler took the folder, laughing under his breath. "So, is this the price for letting Kimmy move in?"

Jeanette did not respond. Her eyes remained on the folder, nerves quietly building.

Skyler did not even read it. He signed everything without a glance, thinking it was her way of bargaining for some compensation for Kimberly moving into the marital home.

Naturally, he did not notice the divorce papers at the bottom of the pile.

Back in her room, Jeannette pulled out the signed papers and stared at his name at the bottom, not knowing how to feel.

Maybe she should cry because her three years of love and loyalty still led to nothing, or she could laugh because, for the first time in three years, she was finally walking away and starting over.

Love Was Never Enough

Chapter 1
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