Chapter 10
The scene felt all too familiar.
It reminded me of when the Valentines went bankrupt, and Joy had begged for help in the same way.
She stood outside the Laurent mansion, tears streaming down her face.
She thought Felix would help her because of their past relationship.
But Felix didnโt even show his face.
Only his mother came out, dismissing Joy with a few sharp words.
Each word cut like a knife, severing all ties between them.
Later, Joy met me through an arranged introduction.
On our wedding night, she held my hand and cried.
She said, "Ryan, theyโre my parents. I canโt abandon them."
She said, "Now that weโre married, weโre family. Please help them, wonโt you?"
For years, I worked myself to the bone.
I scrimped and saved to pay off the Valentinesโ debts.
I pulled them out of the abyss.
But they forgot all about it in no time.
Joy always said it was Felixโs mother who made the decision, not Felix himself.
The Valentines often lamented that if it werenโt for their misfortune, Joy would have been Mrs. Laurent by now.
And now theyโre trying the same old trick?
Expecting me to be their fool again?
I yanked my hand away from Joy.
"Weโre divorced," I said firmly.
Seeing her stunned expression, I spoke slowly and clearly, "Iโm doing well now. Your familyโs problems are no longer my concern."
"Thereโs no reason for an ex-husband to pay off his former in-lawsโ debts."
Tears instantly welled up in Joyโs eyes.
She lunged forward and grabbed my arm.
"Honey, I know I was wrong," she pleaded.
"I only filed for divorce out of anger. I thought youโd come and comfort meโฆ"
She trembled as she cried, "You hated me seeing Felix, didnโt you? I promise Iโll never see him again."
"Iโve long since lost any feelings for him. I hate him now."
Suddenly, she dropped to her knees.
"I didnโt know how to appreciate you before, but Iโll change."
"Please give me another chance. Letโs remarry, okay?"
I pulled my hand back and took a step away.
"Now you want to come back?" I said coldly.
"Too bad. I donโt love you anymore."