Chapter 11
Three years later, I was invited to present my research at the Mexico Academic Symposium.
“Ms. Barber, the live interview is about to begin,” my assistant reminded me in a rush.
I adjusted my black professional suit, my name badge reading: *Ms. Barber – Professor, Princeton University*.
The woman in the mirror looked determined -no trace left of the one who once loved so foolishly.
A message popped up on my phone.
It was from Rolf: *I’m here. Just give me five minutes.*
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I scoffed, blocked his number, and deleted the message. Time had proven that some people didn’t deserve forgiveness.
As I introduced the results of the Ushuaia research at the press conference, a commotion stirred in the audience.
Rolf stumbled onto the stage, reeking of alcohol and visibly worn down.
“Clary… I’ve been looking for you for three years…” His voice was hoarse, his eyes red–rimmed.
The security guards moved forward, but I raised a hand. “Let him speak.”
I crossed my arms, giving him a sidelong glance.
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“I’m sorry… I’ve been searching for you all these years…” Rolf staggered, trying to come closer.
I took a step back. “Looking for me? Or looking for your lost conscience?”
He froze.
“Allow me to take this opportunity to introduce Mr. Oliver.” I turned to the camera. “Three years ago, he not only abandoned his fiancée during a tsunami but also conspired with his mistress to accuse me of academic fraud.”
Rolf became agitated, clutching my wrist. “I’m innocent–I swear it…”
“Faye… she deceived me… not only had she used me to complete her research, but she was already married to a professor in the
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UK…” His voice broke as he buried his face in his hands.
“I see,” I replied with a cold smile. “So, you’re not here to repent–you’re just upset that you were deceived too?”
“No, it’s not that! I only found out after Faye was deported that she had orchestrated everything… she…”
“Enough.” Stuart strode onto the stage, stepping between us.
“Stuart!” Rolf rose to his feet in rage. “You’re the one who drove us apart-”
Before he could finish, Stuart’s fist
connected with Rolf’s nose, sending him
crashing to the floor.
Seeing Stuart, Rolf’s face contorted with
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shock, his eyes widening. As the guards carried him away, his gaze caught on mine and Stuart’s clasped hands. His face twisted with a bitter smile, his eyes hollow with despair.
After the press conference, Stuart and I enjoyed the gentle flow of the Colorado River.
“Do you regret marrying me?” Stuart asked.
I leaned into his embrace. “Not a chance. You’re my greatest partner, and the man I love most in this world.”
After our marriage, Stuart and I saw rapid success in our careers.
One day, as I was preparing a new project for my students, my phone suddenly lit up with a barrage of news alerts.
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*Former university professor Rolf arrested on major smuggling charges*
*Renowned university exposed as hub for smuggling endangered marine species*
It turned out that after being expelled from the university, Rolf had used his academic reputation to operate illegal dealings. He’d set up a new lab training program, claiming to mentor students while secretly selling rare marine species to underground labs worldwide.
The very creatures he once swore to protect had become tools for his profit.
According to the investigation, Rolf had used his old connections to establish an extensive trafficking network. Ironically, most of his clients were illicit pharmaceutical
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companies.
“Before his arrest, Rolf tried to destroy the evidence but ended up trapped in the lab,” Stuart said over the phone.
“He’s now in critical condition.”
In the end, the toxic chemicals he used left him with severe nerve damage. The doctors. said he’d spend the rest of his life bedridden, fully conscious yet tormented by relentless pain.
As for Faye, her downfall was its own kind of irony.
After returning to the UK, her husband -a professor at MIT Medical School- discovered her trail of infidelity. It turned out that during her time in America, she had entangled herself not only with Rolf but with
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several influential figures in the academic world.
“Ms. Barber, take a look at this,” the assistant handed me an international news article.
After being publicly exposed by her husband, Faye’s reputation shattered beyond repair. The academic status she traded her dignity for collapsed in an instant.
The report revealed that after being dismissed from MIT, she suffered a
mental breakdown and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
In the hospital, she would scream hysterically, “I’m better than her… I’m better than Clarissa…”
Was there sympathy? Perhaps a little.
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“Mom!” My son leapt into Stuart’s arms. “My environmental drawing won a prize!”
I lifted him up, gazing at his innocent smile. This was the true treasure.
After the presentation, the room erupted in applause.
Stuart sat in the front row, his gaze soft and full of warmth.
This man gave me a simple yet profound love.
The night breeze by the Colorado River was gentle. Our son ran ahead, chasing after little pigeons.
Over the years, I’ve finally understood:
Happiness isn’t about defeating anyone,
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It’s about keeping your purity in the muck,
And becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be.
END
Book 5: He Swapped Our Baby With His Lover’s Stillborn
In order to make up for his first love, my husband swapped my child with her stillborn.
He comforted me with a pitiful face, “We’ll have children again in the future.”
I was devastated, on the brink of depression, nearly driven to suicide.
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Until by chance, I stumbled upon a photo on his phone–his first love holding my child.
I confronted him with the picture, only to be met with his cold rebuke.
“We’ll have another children, but Luna can’t. Can’t you show a little compassion?”
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