While Alexander was away, I took some old art books from the bottom of a box in the study and laid them out on the balcony to air out.
“Olivia, why are there so many art books?” Sophia asked.
“These are all your brother–in–law’s. He loves this stuff. But since I have zero interest, he doesn’t look at them much anymore.”
As I arranged the books, I casually continued, “Oh right, didn’t you study art before? I wish I had learned with you back then. Then I could discuss these things with your brother–in–law.”
Sophia flipped through an art book, lost in thought.
Sure enough, a few days later I saw some oil paintings on the coffee table in the living room.
Alexander picked up one of the paintings and examined it closely. “You’ve studied art?” he asked Sophia.
Sophia tucked her hair behind her ear and sat down next to Alexander. “I studied a bit before. I’ve just been painting for fun lately since I’ve been bored”
Because of the art, they started interacting more. Alexander wasn’t as cold towards her as before.
1:20 PM
<
Sophia often brought her paintings to discuss with Alexander. I just sat quietly nearby, not joining in.
Sometimes they even closed the door to talk in the study. They didn’t tell me what they discussed, and I didn’t ask.
Of course I had to stay silent. I needed to discreetly create opportunities for Sophia.
I saw all of Sophia’s attempts at seduction, but she still wasn’t bold enough. I needed to administer a stronger dose of medicine.
I photoshopped a fake medical report saying I was infertile.
1 had told Sophia multiple times how much Alexander loved children, and that I had been trying to get pregnant but nothing was happening.
From the moment I wanted a divorce, I had secretly been taking birth control pills. I couldn’t let my child be born into this kind of family, with a father who was practically insane.
I deliberately acted out a scene in front of her, then hid the report in a drawer in our bedroom.
That evening when I got home, I opened the drawer. The top document was straight, but I had purposely left it slightly crooked earlier.
I smiled to myself. Good, Sophia had seen it.
After that, she truly became bolder, seemingly not caring if I noticed. I continued to play dumb.
Under my guidance, Sophia became more and more like that woman. Most importantly, they shared many of the same interests.
Sometimes Alexander would space out while looking at Sophia. I knew he was seeing that woman’s shadow in her.
I made up an excuse about a last–minute business trip and hurriedly packed a suitcase to leave.
Alexander would drink heavily that day. I didn’t know before, but now I knew it was the anniversary of that woman’s death.
Sophia, I’ve given you the opportunity. I hope you don’t disappoint me.
14
I succeeded.
A month later, Alexander and I went to get our divorce certificate. When I took the red booklet from the clerk, my tears fell on it one by one. Others thought I was heartbroken, but only I knew how long I had waited for this day.
–
As compensation, Alexander left me the house. It was worth millions – I naturally had no reason to refuse.
Sophia’s family was waiting outside. When we came out, Sophia had the air of a victor. “Olivia, now that you’re divorced, I hope you won’t have any further contact with my husband.”
That suited me just fine.
When my aunt found out the house was mine again, she angrily came at me to hit me. “You ungrateful brat! You stole our house, and now you’re stealing your sister’s too!”
Alexander blocked her. “You’d better behave yourselves. If my career is ruined, you won’t get anything good out of this.”
Sophia grabbed Alexander’s arm. “Don’t worry, my parents absolutely won’t hurt you. Let’s go get our marriage license first.”
“We’ll talk about that later, Alexander said, shaking off Sophia’s arm and walking away.
I watched this scene with amusement. “Thank you, Sophia.” Thank you for jumping into this fire pit for me.
Ignoring Sophia’s dumbfounded expression, I left.
I listed both houses for sale online. Because I priced them below market value, they sold quickly.
Luunitly at the numbers in my bank account, I knew my future would be full of sunshine.
I brought sunflowers to visit my parents‘ graves, telling them I was doing well now.
I chose a city with eternal spring to settle down in. Just before going to the airport, I sent all the copied Instagram content to Sophia.
Whether Sophia was content being a replacement, or the two of them ended up at each other’s throats, it had nothing to do with me anymore.
I decided to embrace a brilliant life, with no mountains to block me, no seas to stop me.
15
Three months later.
I had just walked into my office when I saw my coworkers in a heated discussion.
“What are you all talking about?” I asked.
“A mistress and a university professor, my coworker glanced at me quizzically. “Don’t you know? It’s all over social media.”
Confused, I opened Twitter to see Sophia’s real–name report trending.
In the video, she tearfully denounced Alexander.
Apparently, they had gotten into a physical fight in the faculty housing, causing her to lose the 7–month–old baby. She would never be able to have children again.
The incident of her being carried out on a stretcher had caused quite a stir on campus, despite the school’s efforts to s
The first thing Sophia did upon waking up in the hospital was call the police, followed by posting the video exposé.
Bringing everything into the light of day.
suppress it.
The situation escalated. Alexander was stripped of all his positions at the university and banned from teaching for life. He was also charged with intentional injury.
Sophia portrayed herself as a woman who had been tricked into marriage and tragically lost her child.
But soon students from the university came forward, accusing her of being a homewrecker.
I became the sympathetic ex–wife in the eyes of many internet users. They spoke out for me online, demanding justice.
They called it karma.
I closed my phone and looked out the window.
The sky was blue. The sun was warm.
