Fate Ends, Contract Breaks

Ben took the fall for me, a ten-year prison sentence.

Before he went in, he meticulously arranged everything that mattered to him: Sterling Corp, the empire he built from scratch, and the girl he cherished.

But for me, his wife of many years, all that was left was a yellowed contract.

You helped me ten years ago. Now Im serving your time. Were even, Clara.

I silently watched Ben through the glass. I searched for any flicker of emotion in his eyes, but all I found was cold indifference and a profound sense of relief. It hit me then, a cold, hard truth: he had never loved me.

Alright, I said, tearing the contract in two. Were even.

A week later, I received a call from the prison guard. Ben was dead. Hed encountered the man who almost assaulted me, that monster from my past. To stop him from ever getting out and harassing me, Ben had taken them both down.

I hung up, and a gust of cold wind hit me. I realized Id drifted into the middle of the highway. A massive truck barreled towards me. I was thrown, landing hard in a pool of my own blood.

When I woke up again, I was back. Back to before.

This time, I wouldn't let that contract trap him, or me.

I jolted awake, realizing Id fallen asleep in the car. Cold sweat slicked my forehead. I heard a rustling beside me. I turned, a little disoriented. It was Ben.

Calming myself, I realized we were on our way to the Humbert estate, for him to formally propose. In my previous life, I had used that contract to force him into marriage. But I wasnt satisfied. I insisted he make a proper proposal. That day, just as he sat down, he received a frantic, tearful call from Chloe. He left me without a second thought, abandoning me, which led to my grandfather having a stroke.

I took a deep breath, my throat dry. Pull over. No need to go.

The man beside me finally looked up, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. Now what? Playing hard to get? He sighed. Just settle down. Isnt this what you wanted?

I turned my head, my gaze dropping to his phone, which he hadn't quite put away. A long string of green message bubbles filled the screen, beneath a pink rabbit avatar. He was comforting her. The realization squeezed my heart, a bitter, self-mocking pang.

Im not playing hard to get, and Im not joking, I paused, my throat tightening. I just dont want it anymore.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, his expression a mix of exhaustion and exasperation. What is it you want then?

Just then, the rain began, blurring my view through the car window.

That contract? Lets scrap it. And we should get a divorce.

But before I could finish, Ben let out a derisive scoff, his eyes full of mockery. Scrap it? He stared at me. Clara Humbert, you say that so casually, it almost makes me forget you were the one who practically begged to be tied to me.

My face burned with shame. Back then, Sterling Corp was in crisis, on the brink of collapse. Id been pursuing him for a long time, so I leveraged the Humbert family's influence. "Sign this and be with me, and the Humbert family can help you through this crisis." I admitted I took advantage of his situation. But I was naive enough to believe I could make Ben fall in love with me.

I was wrong. Even after marriage, after kisses, after sharing the most intimate moments in bed, he still didn't love me. The memories stung, bringing tears to my eyes.

Yes, I did tie you down. I pulled out the contract I once treasured. With Bens eyes darkening, I tore it to pieces. I was wrong. The contract is void. You dont have to be trapped by me anymore.

Stop the car! Bens voice was cold.

The driver slammed on the brakes. I instinctively lurched forward, my fingers slamming hard against the seat in front, a sharp pain making me wince. Ben said nothing, just stared at the torn pieces of the contract beside him. An unreadable emotion flickered in his eyes.

Is it about Chloe? His voice was weary, then he seemed to understand, assuming I was being unreasonable, jealous. I told you, shes just my assistant. Nothing more.

Is that so? Just an assistant. Yet hed risk a public argument with me, just to protect her. Hed leave me sick and alone, flying to a neighboring city just to celebrate her birthday. I swallowed the surge of bitterness in my heart. Never mind.

Anyway, Ben, I think our relationship ends here.

He turned away, scoffing, clearly not taking my words seriously. Just then, his phone chimed, displaying the pink rabbit avatar.

Go, I said.

He instantly silenced his phone, a strange irritation in his voice. Can you stop pretending to be so magnanimous? He seemed to lose control, his frustration growing. Since you insist on playing the part, were not going today. Get out.

I glanced at the rain outside, then opened the car door. Ignoring his unspoken question, I stepped out and walked towards the Humbert estate, alone, without looking back.

Back home, my mother was shocked. What happened? Wheres Ben? Wasnt he supposed to come over today?

I took the ginger tea she offered. He wont be coming. I looked at her. Mom, doesnt the Humbert Group have an expatriate program? For the London branch, right? Ill go.

She seemed to realize something. But thats at least three years away.

I nodded lightly, checking my social media. Chloe had just posted a picture of a mans back. Yes, I said. The longer, the better.

The next day, I returned to the marital home Ben and I shared, intending to grab my documents. But when I opened the door, a womans figure stood there.

Ms. Humbert. Chloe's voice was timid, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her pristine white dress.

I paused, then casually grunted in acknowledgement, walking past her into the house. Ben emerged from the bedroom. Seeing me, a flicker of unease crossed his face.

Dont get the wrong idea, he quickly said. She nearly got harassed by her landlord last night, had nowhere else to go, so I brought her back.

I opened my mouth, then just nodded. I didnt even want to bother asking why he didnt just put her in a hotel, such a foolish, demeaning question. Alright, I understand. A woman alone isnt safe. I offered a hollow smile. She can stay as long as she needs.

He pressed his lips together, clearly annoyed despite getting the answer he wanted. Whats wrong with you? Why Why arent you causing a scene? I knew thats what he wanted to ask, because in the past, thats exactly what I would have done. Any little stir on his part, and I would have been a hysterical mess, torturing him and myself. Now, I refused to repeat that cycle.

You two talk, I said, heading towards the bedroom. Dont mind me. Ben frowned, his eyes deepening.

Inside the room, I found my ID and passport, packing them into my bag. I left nothing else. My wedding ring, along with the signed divorce papers, remained in the drawer. As I turned to leave, Chloe, who had silently entered, startled me.

Are you playing reverse psychology? she asked, her soft demeanor replaced by a steely glint in her eyes. Its a very clever tactic.

I scoffed. Whether Im retreating or advancing, youre still not exactly in a flattering light, I said, stepping closer. Her face paled slightly as I sneered, Chloe, if youre going to be the other woman, at least have the decency to keep it discreet.

You! Chloes eyes reddened, but she quickly composed herself. She tugged down the strap of her white dress, revealing faint red marks. A smug look spread across her face. Ms. Humbert, guess which bed we shared last night?

My gaze fixated on the marks for a moment, a fleeting sense of disorientation. My fingers instinctively clenched. After a beat, I reached out and pulled her dress strap back up, covering the marks. My voice was dripping with contempt. If you want to act like a cheap tart, no ones stopping you.

Chloe's eyes widened in disbelief. Are you out of your mind with anger?

I turned to leave, ignoring her. But as I brushed past, Chloe suddenly grabbed my wrist. She handed me a photo C a child. What about this? Can you still be indifferent?

I glanced at the picture, and my steps froze. The child was the spitting image of Ben. It was his child I looked up. Chloe had already retrieved her phone. Hes a year and two months old. She stared at me, her voice cutting. Ms. Humbert, just step aside. The bond and affection between Ben and me can never be broken.

My eyes dropped, a sharp pain in my heart. By my calculations, Chloes pregnancy coincided exactly with the time I lost my own child

When I first became pregnant, I was overjoyed, anticipating the babys arrival more than anyone. But I wasnt made of stone. I could feel Ben wasnt particularly happy. Yet, back then, I deluded myself, pretending not to notice.

The night it happened, Ben and I had just finished an event and were supposed to go home together. But midway, he received a phone call. It was the first time I'd seen him so panicked and worried. Clara, theres a problem at the office, he said, pulling the car over, his voice urgent. Can you take a cab home, please?

I didn't want to hold him back, so I obediently got out. On my way home, as I passed through an alley, a dark figure suddenly appeared, clamping a hand over my mouth and nose, dragging me deeper into the shadows! My eyes widened in terror. I instinctively protected my belly, screaming and struggling with all my might. My hand brushed against my phone, and in a panic, I dialed Ben's number, terrified.

Ben

As soon as he answered, Bens voice was impatient. Im busy right now, well talk later. A harsh click, and he hung up, cold and dismissive.

The man had me pinned to the ground, tearing at my clothes. Thankfully, a few college students happened to walk by. He cursed and, before fleeing, delivered a vicious kick to my stomach. A searing pain shot through me. I stared in horror at the blood gushing out, crying in despair and humiliation. Then, I blacked out.

When I woke up, Ben was by my side. His voice was hoarse. The baby we couldnt save him.

Why did you hang up? I asked him, tears streaming down my face. But Ben remained silent.

I had something important to do.

Thinking of my unborn child, my eyes involuntarily welled up, my heart throbbing with a dull ache. Chloe, seeing my distress, wore a triumphant smirk.

That night, I was the one who called him away. The second before your call, we were kissing.

I looked up sharply, the tiny sparks of hope in my eyes extinguished. What did you say? I had always believed Ben genuinely had an emergency that night. It turned out I lowered my gaze, a bitter smile twisting my lips, a laugh that was both ironic and mournful. Then I closed my eyes.

In Chloes horrified gaze, I grabbed her by the hair and slammed her head against the wall. Bang! Chloe shrieked, clearly not expecting me to resort to physical violence. She struggled, crying out in pain. Let me go!

Hearing the commotion, Ben rushed in, gasping at the sight. He quickly pulled us apart. He shoved me hard, shielding the red-eyed woman behind him.

Clara Humbert! Are you out of your mind?! His face was dark with fury. I knew it! You were just pretending to be magnanimous, and now youre actually resorting to violence!

I stumbled, my lower back hitting the corner of the dressing table, the sharp pain draining the color from my lips. Ben frowned at my distress, instinctively moving to help, but then forcibly stopped himself.

Ben, my voice was hoarse, struggling to suppress the rising bitterness. Where were you the night I miscarried?

His pupils constricted. He instinctively glanced at Chloe behind him, who looked slightly guilty. A flicker of panic crossed his face. That night, she and I were together, but we were just

It doesnt matter anymore. I softly cut him off, closing my eyes to hide the redness. Just the thought of my baby dying while they were in the throes of passion made me sick to my stomach! I choked out, Ben, it was my mistake to force you into this marriage. My voice was barely a whisper. From now on, lets just leave it be.

With that, I turned to leave. But as I brushed past, the pale-faced man grabbed my hand. His voice was low and firm. What do you mean, you were wrong? What do you mean, leave it be? Clara Humbert, you explain yourself!

I was stiff for a moment, then slowly turned around. The redness in my eyes made Ben falter. Clara

I slowly pried his hand open, my voice hoarse as I said each word. The contract is void. Were getting a divorce.

Bens pupils trembled. He instinctively blocked my path, his throat working. Clara Humbert, I dont believe youd so easily talk about divorce. You were the one who begged me back then, dont you forget!

My body stiffened. I distinctly remembered the shock and annoyance in his eyes the day I slapped that contract in front of him. Clara Humbert, whats the point of forcing it? But I had merely smiled indifferently. Whether a forced melon is sweet or not, well find out later. Ben, I believe it will be sweet.

Now I gave a bitter twist of my lips. It was my folly. Just consider me insane.

Then I turned and shut the door with a bang.