Chapter 7
Once the waiting period was over and I had the divorce certificate in hand, I was finally and completely free from Austin.
When I got back home, there was none of the scolding I’d braced myself for. Instead, Mom, Dad, and my little sister made it clear to everyone that my past was off–limits–no one was allowed to bring it up again.
Mom took my hand, her voice gentle. “Eloise, we’re just glad you’re home. Your dad and I missed you so much. From now on, we’ll take care of you.”
I leaned into Mom’s arms, feeling a comfort I hadn’t known in years.
Back in my old room, everything was exactly as I’d left it, as if I’d never
gone away.
My heart finally settled, and I felt a peace I hadn’t felt in ages.
Mom and Dad were both business powerhouses. When I was a child, their careers were just taking off–they worked overtime, attended endless networking events, and traveled all over the country for business. They were rarely home.
Once their company stabilized, my little sister was born, and most of their attention and affection went to her.
They started pushing me to study business management and learn the ways of the world.
All I wanted was their love and companionship, but all I got was strict discipline and cold, hard cash. So I ran away.
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I longed for a happy family, and when Austin showed up, I fell for him -hard.
I poured everything I had into helping him build his startup, then
stepped back once the man
behind the scenes.
it big, playing the role of the perfect wife
I thought my devotion would be rewarded, but all it did was feed his ambition and give him license to hurt me without remorse.
It wasn’t until I was battered and broken that I finally woke up.
Marriage isn’t the same as love. You can’t earn love just by giving–it always flows toward those who don’t need it.
You have to love yourself first, or you’ll lose yourself in marriage.
Just as I was about to drift off to sleep, there was a knock at the door. Mom and Dad came in and sat beside me.
Before I could say a word, they started to apologize.
“Eloise, we’re so sorry. We let you down. We weren’t there for you when you were little, missed out on your childhood, and after you got married, we didn’t stand behind you. That’s why you suffered–it’s all our fault…
“From now on, we won’t force you to study business. Whatever you want to do, we’ll support you.”
Mom’s eyes were brimming with tears as she hugged me tight.
“Sweetheart, I’m so sorry. Whatever you want to do, I’ll support you. I’ll always be here for you.
“After you left, I thought about you every single day. I couldn’t sleep,
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just hoping you’d come home.”
Looking at my parents, I saw how much they’d aged. The fierceness of their youth was gone, replaced by a gentle steadiness that only comes with time.
I shook my head and smiled. “Mom, Dad, I want to join the Moreau Group. I want to learn how to run the company.”
They were both surprised, exchanging a look before smiling with relief and pride. They told me to get some rest and quietly left the room.
I was grateful to have a safety net–my family would always be my strongest support.
Suddenly, the WhatsApp notification chimed a video message.
The scene was a bar, the background thumping with deafening DJ music, but Austin’s drunken voice cut through the noise.
“I’m finally free! Screw marriage, it feels amazing not having anyone tell me what to do. Tonight, we’re drinking till we drop!”
Everyone around him cheered.
“Exactly! Eloise was never good enough for Austin.”
“Austin and Kayla are a match made in heaven. No one else even comes close.”
“It’s a great day–let’s not mention Eloise, that bad–luck charm.”
Austin was silent for a few seconds, said nothing, and kept drinking.
Their voices, their laughter, and Austin’s silence echoed in my mind.
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Turns out all my sacrifices were just wishful thinking; to him, marriage was nothing but a burden.
Just then, the video was deleted, followed by a new message- obviously timed for me to see.
“Sorry, Eloise, I sent this to the wrong person. You’re not mad, right?
“Don’t be upset. From now on, Austin has me. You don’t need to worry about him.”
I felt nothing at all. I blocked her, and then blocked Austin and everyone in his circle–clean and simple.
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Chapter 8
