Chapter 3

3.

“Silas, I know this feels unfair to you. After all, you’ve dedicated years to this factory.”

I was laid off.

A coworker whispered to me that a relative of the supervisor was taking over the spot.

“I think his name is Ian Cole.”

Later, when I went to collect my final severance pay, I overheard the plant manager chatting with someone in the hallway.

That was when I learned Maren had bribed the manager to secure Ian a comfortable desk job.

The plant didn't have any vacant positions.

The manager had laid it out plainly for her.

Yet Maren had casually replied, “Then just replace Silas Porter.”

I never imagined she would go to such lengths for Ian Cole, nor did I ever think she could be so heartless toward me.

I didn't storm off to confront Maren right away.

I took my final month of wages, paid off a portion of my mother’s surgery debt, and covered the hospital stay for the past few days.

I was left with barely enough for basic meals.

When I walked into the hospital ward, Maren was sitting beside my mother’s bed.

All these years, she had never shown genuine respect for my mother.

During the most critical days after Mom’s surgery, Maren hadn't even shown her face.

“You’re here! Why are you just standing at the door?”

My mother smiled warmly and waved me over.

Maren glanced back at me without saying a word.

When I quietly announced that I had lost my job, her hand holding the soup spoon trembled violently.

Guilt was written all over her face.

Panic flashed across my mother’s features.

“Did you get fired because you took too much time off to look after me? It’s all my fault...”

I shook my head to reassure her.

Before I could explain, Maren quickly cut in to change the subject.

“Mom, the doctor said you shouldn't get upset.”

“Besides, we still have my income.”

“Honey, don't stress over the job. I’m here for you, no matter what!”

What a joke.

The only reason I lost my job was because of her.

I used to believe that if I treated someone with all my heart, they would return the favor.

I had been utterly naive.

I stared at the woman I had once loved with everything in me.

For the first time, I felt like a complete fool.

Everyone in town used to envy me for marrying such a stunning wife.

I had thought she was the sweetest, most beautiful woman alive.

Even though she couldn't cook, she would help chop vegetables.

She might have been a bit high-maintenance, but she always checked in on me.

I had genuinely believed we would grow old together in peaceful contentment.

It turned out to be nothing more than my own delusion.

With a cold face, I walked out to fetch hot water for my mother.

Maren rushed out right behind me.

She desperately tried to start conversations with me.

I ignored every single word.

Only when she asked if I was upset about losing my job did I cast a freezing glance at her.

“Don't you already know why I lost my job?”

She stepped in front of me, blocking the hallway, and started babbling about how she would provide for me.

“Silas, you can always find another job.”

“Even if you can’t, I will never look down on you.”

She reached out to grab my hand.

If I hadn't already uncovered the ugly truth, her tender, teary-eyed facade might have fooled me again.

“Maren,” I pulled my hand away with disgust, laying everything on the table. “I don't care if you help Ian Cole. I could even make excuses for you spending my hard-earned money on lavish gifts for him. But... using my money to buy him a position, having him steal my job―don't you think you’ve gone too far?”

Maren’s face drained of color, shock spreading through her eyes.

“How... how did you find out?”

I sneered and pushed past her.

“There are no secrets in a small town.”

Panic seized Maren completely.

She ran after me, stammering explanations.

“No, Silas... let me explain...”

“Maren,” I cut her off, my voice devoid of any emotion. “I don't care what you have to say anymore.”

I truly didn't care.

Even if her eyes were brimming with tears, even if she looked shattered and wronged.