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685words
He stared at me, face deathly pale: "Eleanor..."
"I... I'm so sorry!"
"I was a complete bastard, I did everything wrong. But don't listen to Chloe's nonsense! You were neverher stand-in, not for a second! I fell for you the moment I saw you because of that captivating quality you possess!"
"You're gentle and kind, yet there's this fiercely independent spirit underneath – I adored that contradiction, that's why I pursued you for years..."
"I was wrong, I truly know it now. I don't expect your forgiveness, I only beg you, give me a chance to make it right, please?"
He stared at me intently, his eyes filled with raw pain.
I was done listening to his words, true or false.
"I don't need it."
"Chloe's gone. If you're lonely, find someone else."
"Whether it's Chloe Two, Chloe Three, or Chloe Four, take your pick. Just don't bother me. Play however you like; I won't stop you."
I curled my lip: "There is absolutely no chance for us anymore. But for the sake of Cunningham Group's stability, in public and in private, I will continue to play the part of your 'devoted wife'."
Alexander clenched his fists, his eyes brimming with regret and agony. But seeing the disdain and finality in mine, he finally nodded.
He hunched over, looking utterly defeated, and shuffled out of the CEO office.
Afterwards, the news of Alexander being stripped of power and our marriage irrevocably broken spread.
But the public backlash against me was almost non-existent. Instead, people praised my capability, my formidable skill at such a young age.
My story – rising from an ordinary background to become the renowned, powerful CEO of Cunningham Group – was nothing short of legendary.
Compared to me, Alexander looked like a complete failure.
Born with every advantage, yet unable to control the urges below his belt, led astray by women, focused only on pleasure and unable to safeguard his own inheritance.
Alexander was mortified: "Eleanor, how could I possibly look at anyone else when my heart belongs only to you?"
"And if I amplayed by a woman, it could only ever be you!"
He was genuinely remorseful now.
He realized that apart from me, every woman he met afterward was either after his money, his looks, or even using him to get close to me.
Not a single one genuinely loved him.
He recalled the sweet, intimate days before Chloe appeared, when my eyes held only him, when I gave myself wholly to his wellbeing.
His regret was profound.
Remembering how he'd once demanded I apologize to Chloe, he even dispatched people abroad to track her down.
He forced Chloe to kneel before me and apologize, demanding she take all the blame.
That she shouldn't have destroyed our relationship.
I found the whole charade utterly juvenile and pathetic.
Ignoring Chloe's venomous, seething glare, I said nothing. I didn't even glance at her before instructing the butler to escort her out.
As for Alexander? I couldn't be bothered.
Whether he loved me, felt guilty, or hoped for reconciliation.
I didn't care.
I didn't need love to survive.
Besides, life held far more valuable pursuits than romance – things truly worthy of my effort and concern.
Many, many years later.
Under my leadership, Cunningham Group reached unprecedented heights.
The boy I'd adopted from a Cunningham cousin, Cameron Cunningham, had grown into a capable young man.
I relinquished my responsibilities.
I began traveling the world, seeking new meaning for my life.
Alexander, however, had ruined his health through years of depression, self-pity, and reckless living.
He died of kidney failure.
Before he passed, he clutched my hand and said: "Forgive me. Let's meet again in the next life. I promise I'll never fail you again!"
He looked at me, eyes full of desperate hope. But even as his final breath escaped, the light fading completely from his gaze.
I never uttered the words he longed to hear.
Because I had no desire to see him again, in this life or beyond the grave.
