“It’s not your just acting out,” said, looking up Andrew with tenderness I had never been recipient of. “Valerie, you don’t have to comfort me. as smart as Jeffrey, and I’m always so careless. it weren’t for me, run left you stomach pain while searched for him. ” attempt to soothe Andrew didn’t back down. he leaned role, eyes slightly reddened and voice softened, painting himself as the epitome of innocence. looked like the most person on earth, and Valerie’s heart melted instantly. Her delicate fingers against his cheek, her voice full sympathy. “Alright, be sad. not your fault. ” the two them being affectionate, felt sharp pain in heart, as if a thorn had lodged itself deep within. But I forced myself to go, realizing foolishly fragile still was. Valerie had never hesitated her relationship with him in front of me, even going so far as to bring him our home, letting him wear my and sleep in our bed. A few sweet to him were nothing comparison. A wary smile crossed my as I felt my heart harden. I stepped aside, to leave. could, Valerie grabbed my wrist. how are going keep this up? Don’t luck–my is limited!” She at me, her patience thin if I was the one being unreasonable. “Valerie, divorced. You need to tolerate me any I replied, a deep sense of exhaustion washing over me. didn’t to argue anymore. things to do. I’m leaving. ” I wrenched my from grip, my tone calm, though I could see that my composure Valerie by surprise. Her eyes widened shock before narrowing with renewed fury. “Jeffrey, I warned you not to test my limits. The Page is finished. Crushing you be as crushing an ant!” Her eyes blazed with rage as she hissed the words, voice filled with venom. Her outburst barely registered me. All I could think was leaving and finding somewhere quiet. It started to walk away, not even sparing her another glance. But that only pushed Valerie further. She suddenly shoved me against her slim but strong fingers closing around throat. “Jeffrey, what do you want? If you keep pushing me, won’t show you mercy!” Her and dangerous. For split second, I thought might actually kill me. Given current status, her easily cover it up if she did. The me might death at hands. It have spared me from witnessing her with someone from the agony of her, trapped in a existence where every effort was in vain. now, I only wanted live my remaining three months in peace, not anyone else, but for myself. I took a deep breath, all my strength to break free from her grasp. However, matter how I tried, her hand remained firmly around neck, unyielding. For first time, I just how Valerie truly was. After our marriage, my parents‘ objections and used Group’s working capital to rescue the Lindberg family business from the brink collapse. This decision strained the finances, and it long before we going downhill. the reality of our situation set in, Valerie’s true nature began to surface. She gentle, caring woman I had married; she became distant, me from getting close to her. She hired two skilled bodyguards who followed her everywhere. And sufficient, she took up kickboxing and trained diligently for years. watched her every her intentions all too well. The pain of it was overwhelming, but I never touched her again. Her arts never had a chance to be tested. “You’ve always freedom, haven’t you? I’ve signed divorce papers. ” My voice came out gasping for breath as the in my lungs slowly squeezed out. “We married. Just me go, and let yourself go too,” I pleaded. I freedom,” Valerie hissed. “But forced to you and my life. You will never ever! Even if we divorce, with my family’s power, you’ll never be out of my grasp. ” Her words dripped with hatred, and grip on my until her knuckles turned white, as if she wished my neck. A wave of bitter over me. Yes, I had the marriage, but she the one who had come to me, begging for my help to save her family. I had given her a choice: agree to Page Group’s acquisition Lindberg Group, making it a subsidiary under while keeping all old or I would invest a significant sum to ensure the success project, but she would have to me. She chose marriage. As a businessman, investing Page Group’s working capital into Lindberg Group was high–risk move. Naturally, I expected a return. To me, Valerie was most satisfying return that investment. Even I didn’t see actions wrong, she despised me for it. “Marriage was your choice. didn’t force you. Valerie, don’t you think has gone too far?” I as the suffocating pressure grew unbearable, and my blurred as my mind teetered on the edge consciousness. Nevertheless, forced stay to keep my eyes open and fix them on Valerie, face twisted with hatred. For ten years, I had never defended myself, enduring her and resentment in silence, that one day she would realize the truth and return to my side. But could no longer bear to leave world by accusations. I to my name, even it meant dying hands. “Shut It’s all your All your fault!” Valerie’s fury reached a fever her wild and vicious, like a feral animal driven mad. Her clenched so I they might break, and she squeezed my throat with all might. Chapter 3 My neck felt like it was about to snap. I to but no air. a taste filled my mouth. I felt something and thick up throat, spilling out from my lips. Spin to Claim Your Reward!