I’d been with my husband, Jason, from when he had nothing to when he made it big. Then, he turned around and latched onto some rich heiress. He said, "Tiffany Sterling is the only daughter of Sterling Corp’s chairman. She’s gorgeous and capable. That's the kind of woman who deserves me!" "You? A washed-up nobody from the sticks, no money, no connections. Wasting my life with you is pointless. Let's get a divorce." My mother-in-law, Sarah, finished her call, wrapped her old flip phone in a red plastic grocery bag, and asked me, "Are you sure about this?" "Yes," I nodded. Sarah nodded back. "Then let's do it! You give Jason the savings, let him use it for my care in old age. The rest is yours. From now on, don't call me Mom. Mia is my only daughter now." I was stunned by her decision. After all, Jason was her blood son. Jason was equally shocked. He met my gaze for a second, then immediately looked away in disgust. "Are you sure about this, Mom? You’re really disowning me?" I heard a faint trace of hope in Jason’s tone, which infuriated me. Now that he was climbing the social ladder, going from a country boy to a city slicker, it was one thing to look down on me, his cheap wife. But now he was even ready to abandon the mother who raised him? He was less than human. Sarah sighed deeply, having long seen through Jason’s petty thoughts. "It's my fault, son. I couldn't give you a privileged life, and I raised you to be vain and ungrateful!" "Miss Sterling is a city girl. I won't go over and cause you trouble. When she asks, just say you're an orphan. Wouldn't want to mess up your social climbing." Sarah shot Jason a cold glance, then grabbed my hand, rubbing it gently. "Mia here has a good heart. She wouldn't abandon me. I'll be secure living with her from now on." My eyes welled up. I knew Sarah was doing this for me. I had no parents; I was raised by the kindness of our community. After meeting Jason, I made him my whole world, giving up my friends back home to move with him to a strange city to build a life. I’d poured everything into our relationship, and in the end, I lost it all, while he walked away scott-free. A wave of sorrow washed over me. I’d felt so alone, but now, having Sarah to care for, I had to pull myself together. Jason lowered his head as if a sliver of conscience had pricked him, but he quickly looked up again, urging me, "It's still early. Let's go get the divorce papers now." He really couldn't wait. I looked down, my fingers twisting together, feeling a profound sense of helplessness. A pair of warm, strong hands enveloped mine. I looked up to see Sarah's unrestrained smile. "Let's go." Maybe it was just me, but it seemed like Sarah was happier about the divorce than I was. She held my hand throughout the entire process, even telling me where to sign when I was dazed. The moment I got the divorce certificate, it was like I’d just snapped back to reality. Suddenly, I wanted to cry. Ten years. How many ten-year periods does a person get in a lifetime? Jason grabbed his divorce certificate, cheerfully told us to move out by tomorrow, and then vanished. Sarah and I took a cab back. I was a bundle of nerves, but she seemed perfectly at ease. Once home, I pulled out the cheap, woven duffel bag hidden at the bottom of the closet and started stuffing my faded, worn-out clothes into it. Sarah saw this, snatched the clothes, and threw them into the trash can. "We're not taking these." She then pulled me out the door. When I saw the luxury RV parked at the curb, I froze. Sarah just smiled and said, "Hop in!" 2 After being pulled onto the RV, everything inside looked like it was trimmed with gold; it was breathtakingly extravagant. I nervously shifted my weight from one foot to the other, my faded old clothes making me feel completely out of place. Sarah, however, sighed and sat down with an air of reluctance. I opened my mouth to ask, but just then, a man who looked like a butler emerged pushing a cart. A mountain of items was presented to Sarah – designer clothes, bags, jewelry, and more. She picked them up, casually looked them over, and then put them down. "Madam, are these arrangements to your satisfaction?" Sarah glanced at him. "They're… adequate." My eyes nearly popped out of my head. I didn't know the exact prices, but I'd seen these brand logos on Jason's clothes. Socks from these brands cost hundreds of dollars! And this was just "adequate"? "Mom, this is..." Before I could finish, Sarah swept all those things onto the floor with a clatter. "Bring out the food." At her word, the butler respectfully served us what looked like a royal banquet. My jaw dropped. I looked at Sarah, bewildered. She just picked up a piece of steak and put it in my mouth. "Eat first. We'll talk after you've eaten." As I gently chewed, rich juices exploded in my mouth. The meat was tender yet had a satisfying, slightly gelatinous texture from the connective tissue, deeply savory and smooth. It was delicious, yet tears streamed down my face. This was the first time I'd ever eaten anything so good. Back when Jason and I were starting our business, surviving on plain instant ramen was a regular occurrence. Later, when the company started doing well, he’d curb my spending, citing cost-saving measures. To date, the best meal he’d ever taken me out for was from a cheap street food stall. Ten years of devotion, worth only a greasy takeout meal. Thinking about it, the beef suddenly felt scalding hot, making my tears fall even faster. Seeing me cry, Sarah frowned and scolded the butler, "What did you prepare? It's so bad it made her cry." The butler scratched his head, looking completely innocent. "Mia, don't cry. If it’s bad, we won’t eat it." I shook my head, wiping my tears. "Mom, it's delicious. Thank you for preparing such amazing food for me." I’d cried into my food before, but this time, it was with a feeling of overwhelming happiness. Looking at the empty plates on the table, I let out a small burp and smiled awkwardly at Sarah. "Mom, I'm sorry, I ate too much..." But if I didn't eat my fill this time, I didn't know if I'd ever get another chance to taste such delicacies. Sarah picked up a napkin and gently wiped my mouth. "It's okay. Eat as much as you want." "You don't need to hold back in front of Mom." "Come on, next stop." I asked, puzzled, "Next stop? What do you mean?" "You'll find out tonight. Just trust Mom and let me take care of you." Just then, the RV stopped. A line of people stood at the entrance of a high-end spa. When they saw Sarah and me, they all bowed in unison. "Good afternoon, Madam!" "Mom, this is..." The questions were piling up in my mind: the luxury RV, the butler, this spa. Who exactly was my mother-in-law? I knew Sarah worked with a dance troupe that toured nationally. When she was busy, she was completely elusive; when she was free, she’d spend half a month lounging at home, not moving a muscle. But even that couldn’t explain this level of spending, could it? Sarah didn't answer my question, instead leading me to the most luxurious private suite on the top floor. I was attended to, my clothes were changed, and I was gently pressed onto a bed. Facial cleansing, exfoliation, a mask – the whole process was meticulously orchestrated. Cold instruments glided over my face, removing impurities and then infusing new, beneficial serums. My dull, heavy skin began to feel light and firm. I savored the sensation, realizing this is what it felt like to be pampered. After the beauty treatment, a mirror was held up in front of me. The person in it had skin like porcelain and delicate features, like someone who had stepped out of an oil painting. She was so unfamiliar that I gasped. This didn't look like me, but it truly was... I took the mirror and stared for a long time before I got used to this "me." Just then, my phone rang. It was Jason. 3 "Are you dead? I've called you so many times, and you don't pick up!" His angry roar pierced my eardrums, startling me so much I sat bolt upright. The mirror slipped from my hand and shattered on the floor, reflecting countless images of me. I felt dazed, as if I’d been jolted from a dream back to reality. "I... I was at a spa..." "A spa?" "Is this how you waste my hard-earned money? You leech, living off me for every little thing, a complete dead weight! I must have been blind to marry such a useless woman." "Other women are considerate and supportive, they care about their husbands. You? You’d practically give my money away! You shameless money pit, all you know how to do is spend, spend, spend!" The cells on my face suddenly felt heavy, suffocating. Guilt washed over me, making my face flush. I’d only spent a little more money today than usual. The silence on the phone stretched time, a common pressure tactic Jason used. After a long pause, he continued, "Transfer five million over. Tiffany saw a bag she likes." His tone softened, as if offering me an olive branch. But I didn't scramble to grab it like I used to. Instead, I laughed. Previously, when I wanted to spend ten bucks on a new grocery bag, he’d reamed me out. And now, a five-million-dollar bag for Tiffany? He didn’t hesitate. It was pretty funny, actually. During my silence, Jason started yelling again, "Speak up! Are you mute?" Just as I was about to open my mouth, Sarah snatched the phone from me and snapped, "Chasing a woman and you still need to get money from your ex-wife? Does that Tiffany girl know you're such a shameless moocher?" "You and Mia are divorced. The savings are her personal property. Is this how you ask for help?" "Get lost, and don't call again." Sarah hung up, then turned and hugged me tenderly. "Mia, sweetie, don't cry. He's not good enough for you." "Congratulations on your freedom. On to the next stop!" I laughed through my tears, my mood lifting under Sarah's comfort as she led me to the next destination. Dressed in a custom-made evening gown, my hair and makeup perfectly done, I stood before a floor-length mirror, staring for a long time. Sarah then took me to the seaside and onto a yacht. A party was in full swing on board. Upbeat dance music filled the air, with a dance floor in the center. Waiters carrying trays of drinks weaved through the crowd. Everyone here exuded wealth and status. I clutched Sarah's hand tightly, so nervous I nearly tripped over my own feet. I wanted to hide in a corner, but Sarah led me through the crowd and onto a stage. The music stopped abruptly. The dancers paused, all turning to look at us. Just then, a group of handsome young men, each with a different style, emerged from somewhere. Every one of them had legs for days and chiseled features like statues. Any one of them could have been a A-list celebrity. I recognized most of their faces from TV; they were either industry tycoons or heirs to fortunes. Now, they stood before me in the flesh, striking subtle poses. Their well-fitted clothes encased muscular physiques while perfectly outlining their forms. Sensing my gaze, one of them even theatrically ripped open his shirt, inviting me to look my fill. I blushed instantly and quickly averted my eyes. Sarah, however, remained calm, even looking slightly unimpressed. The next second, they all bowed in unison, addressing Sarah as "Auntie." "Good evening, Auntie Ray!" They called Sarah... Auntie Ray? My jaw dropped in astonishment. What exactly did Sarah do? How could she command such respect from major players across various industries?! 4 But no matter how much I asked, Sarah would just wave her hand dismissively, looking unwilling to elaborate, and then pulled me in front of her. "This was all a bit rushed. Their looks are just… average." Sarah looked at me apologetically. "For now, just let them keep you company and have some fun." "If they dare to upset you, just tell Mom." Average looks? Just let them? I understood each word Sarah said, but strung together, they made no sense. Before I could react, I was surrounded by them, each vying to dance with me, feed me snacks, or give me a massage. I wanted to refuse, but they pleaded with me not to make things difficult for them, so I had no choice but to accept. Their behavior grew bolder; they even started doing a striptease around me. Their hot skin made my face burn. I stood there, flustered and surrounded, not knowing where to look. This extravagant lifestyle continued for over half a month. One day, I was sunbathing on the deck and idly scrolled through my social media, where I saw Jason's latest post. It was a picture of him and Tiffany having a candlelit dinner, a new designer bag prominently displayed on the table. The caption read: "Happy wife, happy life, and a prosperous future." Even before Jason and I divorced, he used to post pictures of Tiffany. He never bothered to block me because he knew my protests were futile. Previously, I would have been heartbroken. Now, I just liked the post and scrolled on, feeling fabulous. I never expected Jason’s message to pop up the next second. "Five million is just pocket money for me. Did you really think I couldn't afford it without you?" I rolled my eyes. He really knew how to jump to conclusions. Before I could reply, Jason’s second message came through: "Alright, you're just jealous, aren't you? Don't worry, I'll toss you one of my wife's cast-offs later, as charity." I ignored his barking and put my phone aside. Messages from Jason kept flooding in on my phone. I opened my mouth and pointed, "Ah!" The next second, a handsome young man happily ran over and popped a grape into my mouth. "Here, beautiful, this one's sweet. Let me feed you!" After eating the grape, I was playfully tackled by the young stud. He looked innocent, but he was incredibly energetic. After the cruise ended, Sarah said she’d introduce me to a job. Given my recent experiences, I’d already braced myself, but when I saw the words "Global Conglomerate" on the building, I still couldn't control my expression. A global conglomerate… A corporation that had dominated various industries worldwide in just five years, known for being a powerhouse that could pull any string! Sarah actually had connections with this conglomerate? As I stood there, stunned, I turned and saw Jason and Tiffany. When Jason saw me, the astonishment in his eyes was undeniable. It made sense. The old me was plain and frumpy, as thin and malnourished as a monkey. The new me had skin that glowed, wore a designer suit with my hair in a high ponytail – enough to blind his sorry eyes. Jason stared for a long moment. Tiffany stomped hard on his foot, and he snapped back to reality with a wince. Tiffany shot me a jealous glance, then put on airs and ignored me. After recovering, Jason asked me, "What are you doing here?" I smiled faintly. "We're divorced, yet you're still so concerned about me. Aren't you afraid your current wife will misunderstand?" Jason almost lost his composure, his eyes darting around. Then, he lifted his chin proudly. "I'm just kindly reminding you, this is a global conglomerate. Not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can walk in." He wrapped his arm around Tiffany's waist, clearly trying to provoke me. "There are standards for getting into a global conglomerate. I'm here to discuss a partnership, all thanks to my dear wife pulling strings for me." "Unlike some people who overestimate themselves and just end up making a fool of themselves." Sarah seemed oblivious to his snide remarks, slapping her thigh. "Well, what a coincidence! We're also here to discuss a partnership. The chairman of this company said he values our Mia's abilities and wants to make her a general manager!" Hearing this, Tiffany glanced at me as if she’d heard the world's biggest joke, struggling to suppress her laughter. Jason, however, laughed out loud without restraint, then pointed a finger at me. "Mia Evans, I thought our separation would make you realize your mistakes. I didn't expect you to still be a lost cause." "Initially, I was moved by your simple appearance, but later I discovered you're an arrogant and conceited person." "Take my advice: be down-to-earth and work hard. Fantasizing about landing a sugar daddy here will get you chewed up and spat out." His numerous interpretations and readings of me didn't constitute a millionth of who I was; instead, they laid him bare. An ungrateful hypocrite. He had probably long forgotten that I graduated from a top university and that I was the one who had built up his company. He reaped the benefits and took all the credit. If we were talking about arrogance, who would dare claim second place if he was first? Just then, someone in the crowd suddenly shouted, "The Chairman is here! Make way!" Turning to look, the disorderly crowd parted to either side. A middle-aged man in a custom-tailored black suit walked towards us, his expression stern. He looked in our direction, his pace quickening, appearing somewhat flustered. I withdrew my gaze and looked at Sarah beside me, only then noticing that her face had darkened during Jason and Tiffany’s tirade. Jason, however, thought the Chairman was coming for them and became even more smug. Tiffany crossed her arms. "Chairman Harrison is here. Weren't you going to apply for the general manager position? Why are you just standing there?" "Such an act. No wonder Jason said you're two-faced and couldn't live with you." I listened to her words without reacting. What I was really like, how I was doing – I didn't owe them any explanation. I just didn't expect Jason to suddenly push Sarah and me to the ground. My palms and knees scraped, and Sarah sucked in a sharp breath, her brow furrowed in pain. Jason straightened his clothes, looking down at me condescendingly. "Good dogs don't block the way. Don't stand between me and my meeting with the Chairman." The two of them swaggered past us, bowing to the approaching Mr. Harrison. "Chairman Harrison, you really didn't have to come down to greet me personally. I can make my own way up..." However, Chairman Harrison didn't even glance at him. With a solemn expression, he bowed slightly, as if meeting a very important person, and extended his hand to Sarah: "Chairman Lei, we've been eagerly awaiting your arrival! Please, come in!"
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