I Loved You Once. Never Again

A pause fell between them.

“You know I can’t,” he said coolly. “My family will only hand over the company if I stay with her. It’s written in my father’s will.”

He sighed, almost impatient. “You know my situation. Reba is the one who changed me into who I am today. That’s why my parents insisted I marry her.”

My breath stopped. I covered my mouth, disbelief crashing over me.

So that was it.

All those years, every vow and carefully crafted affection was only a payment for inheritance. For wealth that only came as long as he stayed married to me.

It was too cruel.

Too cruel, Sheldon Carter!

And as if that truth hadn’t already torn me apart, he reached out and brushed Stacey’s cheek, coaxing, “Hey, I barely touch her anymore. Isn’t that proof of how much you mean to me?”

“…Fine.”

But Stacey wasn’t satisfied. She wanted more than affection.

She wanted the title—Mrs., not mistress.

Tears streamed down her face.

Since Lizzie’s birth, my intimacy with Sheldon had faded into almost nothing.

I once believed he was protecting my fragile body after childbirth.

Now I understood.

He had already satisfied his lust elsewhere—and no longer needed to pretend with me.

I left, coming back to the auction hall.

Just as I entered, my phone vibrated. Another message from Stacey.

A photo appeared—the two of them naked in the bathroom. Then the words followed. [Guess what your husband just did? It’s only a pendant. Take it if you want. His heart and everything else belongs to me now.]

I didn’t block Stacey. Not yet.

Stacey still had a role to play.

Not long after, Sheldon handed me the pendant. “I’ve paid for it, I hope you’ll treasure it.”

“I brought it also.” He gave milk for Lizzie and Diego.

“Thanks, Dad,” both of them thanked him as if they were siblings.

Sheldon was a little surprised, but seeing that I didn't react, only focused on my treasure, he didn't confirm anything and simply stroked the two children's heads.

After all, it was true that Diego was his son. There was nothing more I needed to compromise on.

I brushed the pendant.

Once, I believed this marriage would last ever after. But now I knew, not all men were devoted to one woman for life, most were like Sheldon.

Perhaps my heart had finally exceeded its limit.

The moment we returned to the Manor, I collapsed with a raging fever.

Heat scorched my skin through the night.

Sheldon panicked, scooped me into his arms, and rushed me to the hospital.

When I woke, a nurse stood by my bed, handing me a cup of water.

She said with relief, “Finally you’re awake. You’ve burned with fever for three days and nights. Mr. Sheldon and your daughter never left your side.”

I sighed softly.

“I don’t know what weighs on your heart. If I had a husband and child guarding me like this, I would be glowing with joy.”

After urging me to let go of my worries, she quietly left.

Not long after, Stacey entered.

She smiled gently and placed a hand on her abdomen. "I've just checked my pregnancy, and the doctor said it's twins. Perhaps I can finally grant Sheldon's wish as soon as possible."

"Imagine how happy Sheldon would be to be surrounded by the many children he desires, and that will only happen if he's with me."

"So, be considerate, Reba."

I reached for my bag and pulled out the divorce papers, handing them to her.

“Then make him sign this,” I said calmly. “I will be glad if you submit it to the court too for me. If you succeed, your wish will come true.”

Her eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

I nodded.

At least this way, everything would finally be simple.

Just as Stacey reached for the papers, I pulled them back.

“One more condition,” I said quietly. “My birthday is tomorrow, and I know you must be aware of what Sheldon has prepared for me that night.”

“If you can lure him away from me tomorrow night, I’ll leave from your sight forever.”

Stacey blinked. “Are you serious? You won’t tell Sheldon?”

“I don’t lie,” I replied. And I meant it.

This wouldn’t be a simple divorce. It would be my disappearance from his world—forever.

“…Okay.”

Not long after, Sheldon and Lizzie returned from their meal.

“What are you doing here?” Sheldon asked.

"Oh, I'm doing a health check-up here, then..." Stacey smiled calmly. “I heard Reba was awake after her health check, so I came to visit.”

She added softly, “I also need your signature as a sponsor to claim insurance.”

Sheldon saw the pregnancy book in Stacey’s hand and panicked at once, signing without hesitation before turning to me. “Are you feeling better?”

Stacey smiled, satisfied, and left straight for the court.

I hadn’t expected it to be so easy.

After Stacey was gone, the room grew quiet.

Sheldon reached out to brush a loose strand of hair from my forehead, I lifted my hand and lightly touched his wrist.

Just barely, but enough.

“I’m sweaty,” I murmured, eyes lowered. “I feel unpleasant.”

He froze, startled—then softened.

He gathered my cool hands in his.

“How could you ever be unpleasant?” he said gently. “You always carry the scent I love. I could never grow tired of you.”

He kissed my hand.

Lizzie squealed, covering her eyes. “Ewww, so mushy!”

Then I wriggled closer, wrapping my arms around me. “Then I’ll keep Mommy warm too!”

Beyond the glass wall, people passing by slowed their steps.

They saw a flawless picture. A gentleman husband, a lovely wife, and a bright, laughing child.

Eyes filled with envy.

No one knew this perfect family was already breaking apart.

But the illusion shattered the moment Sheldon’s phone chimed.