Chapter 2

2

The door wasn’t fully closed; Mark was in the room, and soon their playful noises and amorous kissing filled the air.

The pitying glances from others sent a chill down my spine.

I struggled to my feet, trying to ignore the sounds, but they only grew louder.

It wasn't until Sarah's mother arrived that I snapped out of it.

Sarah's mother quickly saw my injured leg and her face turned ashen.

Her gaze swept towards the half-open door; she was about to confront Sarah.

I stopped her.

“Mom, I admit defeat in the three-year bet.”

“You were right. I’m not capable of handling everything.”

“Once the contract is terminated, I'll leave and never return.”

Even the usually strong Sarah's mother couldn't help but feel sympathy at my words.

Her voice softened slightly as she tried to persuade me.

“Are you sure? The five-year period isn't over yet. If you give up now, you'll lose everything.”

“Think it over. I'll give you a week to decide. Come back and sign the termination agreement when you've made up your mind.”

I remained silent.

Sarah's mother was right. To marry Sarah, I'd humbled myself and begged for a long time.

In the end, I even gave the inheritance from my parents to the Miller family.

Sarah finally realized someone was outside. She and Mark quickly got dressed.

Her face froze when she saw her mother.

“Mom, what are you doing here?”

Mark stood obediently beside Sarah, also calling Sarah's mother "Mom."

Sarah's mother sneered, her eyes falling on Sarah.

“Where have you put Tom? After all, he grew up with you. Do you have any respect for his parents?”

Sarah's already pale face flushed crimson. She glared fiercely at me.

“Mom, he must have told you to come. I knew he was up to no good!”

“Tom, I never thought you could be so shameless. It was you who begged me to marry you, I never said I liked you. You restricted my freedom to marry!”

She forcefully held Mark's hand, lifting her chin and speaking loudly.

“Anyway, I'm pregnant now. If you want to stay, you better wear that green hat!”

Sarah's outrageous words angered her mother, causing her chest to heave.

She slapped Sarah hard across the face.

“You’ll regret this!”

This was the first time in all these years that Sarah's mother had spoken up for me. Before, she only cared about the inheritance my parents left behind, and never interfered in my relationship with Sarah.

Mark, seeing Sarah being slapped, felt sorry for her and quickly shielded her.

“Auntie, I know you look down on me now, but one day you’ll understand my true feelings for Sarah!”

Sarah's mother laughed sarcastically.

“Your true feelings? Are they worth more than Tom's? You're just spending our family's money!”

Mark was humiliated and lowered his head.

After Sarah's mother left, Sarah took out her anger on me.

“Don't think that my mom will support you. I’ll never look at you again; give it up!”

“Mark, let's go. I feel sick staying here.”