After Ten Years of Betrayal, I Embraced His Rival

Facing the chaos around me, I wiped away my tears with resolve and started packing my things quietly. In this new chapter of my life, I wouldn't let anyone threaten my existence any longer.

Paul Garcia and I were high school classmates, and I secretly liked him for four years. In our sophomore year of college, we got engaged after I nearly lost my life saving him from drowning. In my previous life, I knew he truly had feelings for Romina Martin, yet she remained indifferent to him.

I thought that after marriage, he'd eventually realize which kind of woman deserved his love, given his smarts. But I was wrong—devastatingly wrong—and that mistake cost me dearly in my past life.

That evening, Collins Stone, a wealthy woman who was close to me, gave me a call.

"Della, who exactly is this Romina? She's such a schemer, don't you think?"

"She started spreading rumors as soon as she arrived, saying you and Paul were already divorced. She even claimed you purposely pushed Paul into the river to force him into marrying you."

"A bunch of media outlets picked it up today. Check it out; it's trending everywhere."

I replied calmly, "I've seen it already. Let it be."

"Della, don't let it get to you. We've already given her a piece of our minds. You should have seen it—after each of us just said one thing, she burst into tears, and Paul looked like he was ready to tear us apart. They're truly disgusting."

I couldn't help but laugh, "Thanks, sis. Please thank the other ladies for me too. It's true, I have divorced Paul."

"What? Oh my, did you really let her snatch him away? No way, I need to talk to my husband about reconsidering any business with Paul."

In the past, I worked hard to enter those elite circles for Paul's company. That kind of circle isn’t something Romina can just stroll into. Enduring a few insults today was already giving them face.

Not long after I hung up, Paul and Romina returned.

I stepped out of the bedroom, intending to inform them of my decision to move out.

But before I could speak, Paul kicked me hard in the stomach.

"Did you do it on purpose? Did you ask those women to insult Romina deliberately? You're shameless!"

He put all his strength into that kick, leaving me curled up on the floor, drenched in cold sweat from the pain.

Romina's eyes were red and swollen from crying. She threw herself into Paul's arms again.

"I'm sorry, brother. Sister-in-law can't stand me. Maybe I should just leave."

"The one who should leave is her! Della Ortiz, I found out tonight that you deliberately pushed me into the river!"

"I never imagined you'd be so ruthless! Get out! I don't want to see you again!"

I bit through the pain in my abdomen and struggled to meet his gaze.

"Paul Garcia, you are truly foolish. Do you honestly think if I had pushed you into the river on purpose, I would risk my own life to save you? You saw those critical condition notices time and again—who fakes it with their life on the line?"

"Someone did push you that day, but just like you, I was also pushed in!"

With that, I went upstairs and quickly moved my few belongings to the mansion's entrance.