After Her Husband Died, His Secret was Revealed

The fashion design competition that made Margaret a rising star hasn’t even begun yet.Both Margaret and I studied fashion design,though we were in different classes.Originally,my dream was to become a fashion designer and create my own brand,but after Richard’s persuasion,I gave it all up to be a full-time housewife.Abandoning my dream all started with this competition.

Richard held my application form in his hand and said,"Grace,this competition is really important to Margaret.You’ll have other chances in the future,but let’s skip this one for now."He said the exact same thing in my past life.I stared at the handsome man in front of me.I could still vividly remember how I cried uncontrollably when his ashes were buried in the ground.

Now,here he was,standing right in front of me,yet I didn’t dare to move closer to him.

I don’t know how and why I got here…is this a dream?But everything feels real…

I must have been sent back from the past…

“I’m going to enter this competition.If I miss it,I might never get another chance.”My refusal surprised him.I had always given in to his requests,so this was the first time I went against his wishes.

Richard’s voice turned cold as he replied,“The Yarnell Enterprises is one of the sponsors of this competition.You’re my wife,and if you win,it could raise suspicions of favoritism,damaging the company’s reputation.”

In the past,I would have foolishly believed his words.But now,I understood he was just afraid I would overshadow Margaret.After this competition,Margaret would shine,receiving sponsorship from several companies led by the Yarnell Enterprises to study abroad and gradually become an internationally renowned designer.Meanwhile,I would be stuck raising her child,tangled in household chores.After Margaret's illness,I would be entirely focused on the child,with no chance to fulfill my dreams.

To refine a design,I could spend forty-eight hours straight in the studio.When I wanted to incorporate a small wax dye detail into my work,I ventured into other places to learn from a master craftsman,brushing off the countless sweats.

Richard knew how passionate I was about design.Yet,despite that,he still insisted I step aside for Margaret.He always said he treated Margaret like a sister and couldn’t bear to see her suffer due to her family's bankruptcy,so he wanted to help her out.But whose dream doesn't face struggles and hardships along the way?

I thought about Richard's words and nodded,“You’re right.”

He sighed in relief,a satisfied expression crossing his face.

After a moment,I continued,“But as your wife,I really shouldn’t participate,so…let’s get a divorce.”

This marriage that trapped Richard also confined me.Saying it out loud felt like a weight lifting off my chest.

Richard's expression froze.After a long pause,he responded,“Grace,marriage isn’t a joke.Even to avoid suspicion,you can’t just throw around the word‘divorce’casually.”

I replied,“It’s not casual;I’ve thought long hard about it.”

A severed rope can never be tied back together.Ever since I learned of his feelings for Margaret,I had already marked the end of our marriage in my heart.

Richard placed the application form on the table,leaving with,“Do what you want with the competition.But don’t keep mentioning divorce.Dad won’t be happy if he hears you.”

He cared about Margaret’s feelings,concerned about Dad's mood,but never once considered mine.

This was for the best;it would save me from softening my resolve.

The day before the application deadline,I submitted my form and design drafts,successfully passing the preliminary selection.

In the following days,I didn’t see Richard at all.He sent his secretary to tell me he was on a short business trip.Richard usually informed me a week in advance before leaving;he would never disappear without a word.This time felt different.

But I was too busy preparing the materials for the competition to pry further.I had the driver take me to the fabric market,but as soon as I got out of the car,I heard a familiar voice.

Margaret timidly asked,“Richard,will Grace be upset if you’re here with me?”

Richard’s warm voice replied,“I’m here to support you.Don’t overthink it.Just focus on the competition;I’ve got everything covered.”

“Grace is so talented;with her in the design competition,winning is a sure thing.I’m going to let you down,Richard.”

Margaret’s soft voice was painful to hear.

Then there was a rustling sound of fabric brushing against fabric.

Curious,I peeked around the corner and saw Richard holding Margaret close,whispering sweetly,“Don’t worry;you’ll be the champion.This win means the world to you;for Grace,it’s nothing.”

My steps froze,and it felt like something inside me shattered.

No wonder Richard could so easily give everything to Margaret;in his eyes,anything she desired was inconsequential to me.

The championship,the child,love—all of it was the same.

I stepped back,their embrace a painful sight.

Richard only gave me routine hugs before bed.He never showed affection in the daytime or in front of others.I used to think he was sensitive and insecure about that aspect,which is why I never dared to ask for too much.

But in front of Margaret,he was a completely different person.

I swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat,reflecting on their earlier conversation.Why was Richard so sure Margaret would win the championship?Was there something going on that I didn’t know about?

I returned to the car and had the driver take me to the company.Secretary Emma hurried over as soon as she saw me,“Why are you here,Mrs.Parker?Mr.Parker is still on his business trip.”

Her face showed a hint of guilt,but I had no intention of calling her out on it.

I nodded and smiled.“Yes,I know.I’m here to see Mr.Lewis,not Richard.”

Secretary Emma visibly relaxed,guiding me to Mr.Lewis's office.

Mr.Lewis was lounging at his desk,flipping through a fashion magazine.

Richard had once told me that the company had hired Mr.Lewis as a design director for a hefty salary due to his keen market insights,though he could be a bit arrogant.

Today,it was clear he fit that description.

I knocked on the office door,and Mr.Lewis glanced up.

Emma had already introduced me,but he seemed uninterested,giving me a quick look before returning to his magazine.

I stepped inside,sitting down across from him,“I wanted to ask you something,Mr.Lewis.”

He lazily replied,“What is it?”

I said,“Isn’t the Yarnell Enterprises sponsoring the fashion design competition?Aren’t you one of the judges?”

Mr.Lewis raised an eyebrow,“Yes,but what does that have to do with you,Mrs.Parker?”

“Did Richard ask you to ensure Margaret wins?”

At my question,Mr.Lewis set down the magazine,neither confirming nor denying my accusation.

A chill ran through me.

Before visiting Mr.Lewis,I hadn’t dared to jump to conclusions.After all,everyone has their pride.

I couldn’t believe he would go so far for Margaret.

He had previously urged me to drop out of the competition,citing the need to maintain fairness.I let out a self-deprecating laugh and continued,“I hope you won’t give her any favors;I want to ensure a fair competition.”

Mr.Lewis looked surprised,saying,“I work for the Yarnell Enterprises,and Richard is my boss.Why would I take orders from you?”