Ex-Husband, You’ve Lost Me Forever

Five years ago, the government launched the Landmark Building Project.

As renowned architects, my parents became the project's lead designers.

However, on the day of the building's completion, it unexpectedly collapsed, claiming their lives in the process and tarnishing the Carpenter Family's reputation.

I cried and asked for help from my old friends and relatives, but was ruthlessly rejected.

In my moment of despair, my fiancé disregarded public opinion and took care of my parents' funeral arrangements, insisting on going through with the wedding.

But when I lost my 99th design competition and used my remaining money to buy him a bouquet of roses for our date, I overheard him talking with his friend.  

“Calvin, I’ve lost count of how many times Sylvia has been crushed in those competitions. She kept blaming herself, thinking she wasn’t good enough—never realizing you gave her designs to Tami beforehand.”

Calvin Weber’s voice was cold, emotionless. “It was the 99th time. What, do you pity her now?”

“No, but you’ve been married for five years and Tami is returning to the U.S. tomorrow. Have you ever thought about what will happen when Sylvia finds out?”

“Tami is no longer the same employee she used to be. She’s a renowned architect now. Company collaborations are normal,” he explained. “I married Sylvia, so I couldn’t be with Tami before. Now that I see her successful, everything I've done is worth it.” 

I tightly clenched the flowers in my hand, tears flowing uncontrollably.  

It turned out that what I thought was redemption was just Calvin's bargaining chip to make his first love, Tami Frost, successful.

He even married someone he didn't love for her sake.

In that case, Calvin, I’ll grant you your wish.  

——

“But…” Calvin cut him off sharply. “Even if I hadn’t married Sylvia, the Weber Family would never have accepted Tami. Since that's the case, the only thing I could do was help her rise, so she wouldn’t remain just another nameless employee.”

He sighed, voice lowering. “And Sylvia... marrying her was the only way I knew how to repay her kindness.”

Across from him, his friend spoke with barely contained frustration.

“You sent Tami so many proposals and she turned you down every time. Then she deliberately asked for Sylvia’s blueprints. She’s doing it on purpose, Calvin. She’s tearing your marriage apart from the inside.”

“And when the truth comes out,” he added, “Sylvia will never look at you the same again. You’re all she has… and you’ve made her carry this in silence.”

Calvin rose abruptly, downed the last of his wine.

“I know,” he said flatly. “But Tami has no one else. I can't leave her to suffer alone overseas. Once I get the blueprint this time, it’ll be the last. Just don’t bring this up again.”

“Staying silent won’t erase what you’ve done. Sylvia spent five years locked in that studio, painting until her fingers bled, while the thief who stole her work was celebrated. She’s human, Calvin. She bleeds too.”

With a loud crack, Calvin smashed the wine glass in his hand.

“Enough! It’s just five years—not a lifetime! If it ever comes to it, I’ll give her a trophy later and crown her Miss Carpenter again!”

His friend shook his head with a bitter smile.

“Why go this far? Sylvia’s talent never needed your protection. She deserved more than this. But fine. The Weber Family has its ways—I won’t say another word. Do as you wish.”

The voices inside gradually fell silent. I slid down the wall and fell to the ground.

Five years ago, my parents passed away suddenly and the Carpenter Family company was facing bankruptcy. I, who could only draw blueprints, was at a loss as to what to do.

It was Calvin who pulled me back from the rooftop and rushed me to get married, handling all the issues as the Carpenter Family’s son-in-law.