I Bloom While You Wither

On the wedding day, my childhood sweetheart, Lorene Watts. refused to wear my wedding ring.

In front of everyone, she fled the hotel in her wedding dress and got into the BMW that Raquel Spence had been waiting for a long time.

My mother was so angry that her old illness relapsed on the spot. She was sent to the hospital but died after failed rescue efforts.

In the darkest moment of my life, only my other childhood sweetheart, Meghan Branford, was by my side.

She comforted me, encouraged me and helped me out of the trough of life.

She eventually married me.

After seven years of marriage, we had respected each other and loved each other very much. We were a model couple that everyone envies.

After Meghan became pregnant, I thought I was the happiest person in the world and I was about to become a father.

It was not until the eve of the Christmast that I accidentally saw the chat history between her and her best friend on her mobile phone.

“Meghan, if Lucas knew that the child was Raquel's, he would be so sad. Don't forget that he was hurt once by you and Lorene seven years ago.”

Meghan replied with a nonchalant smile, “Don't worry, he will never know. After I give birth to the baby, I will completely cut off my relationship with Raquel and love Lucas well for the rest of my life, considering it as compensation to him.”

I was shaking all over and tears were streaming down my face.

It turned out that the seven years of love and affection between us was all a lie.

Like Lorene, Meghan did not love me at all, but Raquel.

“Since you don't love me, then I will withdraw alone and help you,” I muttered in silence.

——

When I was putting the phone back in its place, Meghan came out of the bathroom.

I laid in bed and pretended to watch TV.

A fragrant breeze blew in front of me.

Meghan looked at me lovingly and stroked my chest with her smooth little hands.

“Lucas, these days have been hard for you, right?”

The voice was ambiguous and just as her beautiful red lips were pressing against me, I pushed her away.

Meghan's face was filled with confusion before asking me, “Lucas, what's wrong with you?”

This was the first time in all these years of marriage that I rejected her advances, so she was surprised.

I replied calmly, “I just don't want to hurt the baby in your belly.”

Meghan's expression eased a little after hearing my explanation. Then, she tried to calm me down, “Don’t worry, I’ve asked the doctor and he said the fetus is basically stable now, just don't move too violently.”

After saying that she moved closer, her face blushing seductively. There was tenderness in her eyes.

If it were the old me, I would have fallen in love and could not extricate myself.

But at that time, my whole body felt like it was sunk in cold sea water and I could not feel any warmth from my lover.

How could I not?

Meghan was my wife, but she was pregnant with another man's child.

When I thought of this, my heart ached.

In the end, I pushed her away for the second time and said, “Forget it. I'm too tired today and not in the mood.”

Meghan did not continue to force it and nodded, “Okay, since maybe you were too busy at work during the day, so let's rest early.”

She turned off the TV and the lights, then laid down and put her arms around my waist.

This was her favorite position, so she fell asleep in no time.

But my thoughts were all over the place and I could not sleep all night.

Late at night, after Meghan fell into a deep sleep, I quietly got up and went to the study and opened her laptop.

This was the first time in seven years of marriage I did it.

It did not take me long to find the deliberately hidden folder.

When I clicked on it, I saw it was filled with photos, at least thousands of them.

Tokyo, Paris, Turkey, etc.

Under different backgrounds, Raquel and Meghan embraced each other sweetly. Both of them had happy smiles on their faces.

I scrolled down and found the last photo. The date showed that it was three days ago, in an obstetrics and gynecology hospital in City H.

Raquel put his face on Meghan's slightly bulging belly and cried with joy.

The slogan on the wall behind him was very eyecatching. It said, [Congratulations, you're going to be a father soon!]

Looking at the photos, my heart sank into the abyss.

That day, Meghan mentioned she was heading to City H to meet a client. Concerned for her wellbeing, especially since she was still pregnant, I offered to accompany her.

But she refused with a smile, saying that the client was a woman with a strange personality and did not like dealing with strange men.

‘If I go, the business will probably fail.’ That was what I thought at that time.

So, I believed her reason.

Only then did I realize that she was not going to meet any female client, but had made an appointment with Raquel for a pregnancy test.

I closed my laptop and walked out of the study to smoke all night on the balcony.

As the sky began to turn pale, the decision was finally made.

I did not want this seemingly happy marriage anymore.

‘Meghan, I don’t want it either,’ I muttered in a low voice.

After getting up, Meghan reminded me while she was dressing up, “Lucas, don't forget that today is the Christmast.

“My parents spent a long time preparing for this reunion dinner tonight. So, please don't be late.”

I sat on the sofa, not saying a word.

Before leaving, she kissed my forehead.

“I'm going back to the company to take care of some things. You can come over in the afternoon and we can go home together.

“Also, I have prepared a surprise for you, remember to check it.”

After Meghan left, I started packing my luggage.

At noon, the surprise she prepared arrived.

A latest Patek Philippe men's watch and a luxurious customized lunch at a fivestar hotel.

“My man should be pampered by me.”

This was the sentence Meghan has said most often in the seven years of marriage.

Looking at the men's watch lying quietly in the exquisite box, my heart began to feel sore and swollen.

I looked up at the huge wedding photo on the wall.

In the photo, Meghan was nestled in my arms, her face full of happiness.

But deep in her eyes, there was always a lingering melancholy.

In the past, I mistakenly thought that this was the feeling of being a married woman.

I only then realize if it was actually the sadness of not being able to marry the man she loved the most.

I tried to calm down and called a lawyer friend to ask him to prepare a divorce agreement.

I originally booked a flight to a foreign country that day, but ended up changing it to tomorrow.

Because I promised Meghan that I would accompany her back to her parents' home tonight to celebrate the Christmast.

My mother taught me that one should never go back on one's word.

When I thought of my mother, my heart felt like it was being twisted by an invisible hand and it ached dully.

My father died in a car accident when I was still a child. But my mother did not abandon me and raised me alone.

No matter how hard and tiring her life was, she never thought of remarrying.

Because she promised that she would only love my father in this life and would never change her mind.

In the afternoon, I came to Bradford Group.

As soon as I entered the door, I heard familiar whispers around me, “Mr. Mcknight is here to visit President Bradford again.”

“They are really in love.”

“Of course. The media once voted Mr. Mcknight and President Bradford as one of the ten most enviable couples in Harlette.”

“Mr. Mcknight and President Bradford have been childhood sweethearts, so they have been in a good relationship for seven years after their marriage.”

“President Bradford is pregnant. Mr. Mcknight must be worried about his wife and children. He will definitely visit her countless times in the future.”

“They are a perfect match and their baby will surely be very beautiful.”

“Then the family of three will have a truly happy life.”

“Alas, we are all men, why don't we have such a good life as President Bradford?”

“Look at the watch on his hand. It's the latest Patek Philippe, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

“It must be President Bradford's work. I heard that she gives her husband a watch every year.”

“Mr. Mcknight must have saved the Milky Way in his previous life, so he was able to marry such an outstanding woman like President Bradford.”

“In fact, Mr. Mcknight's family background is also very good. His mother was a famous strong woman in Harlette when she was alive.”

“It's a pity that she died young. I heard that she was angered to death. Otherwise, the richest woman in Harlette would definitely have to be replaced.”

I stopped outside the president's office.

Meghan's dissatisfied voice came from inside, “I clearly ordered two watches, one regular edition and one limited edition.

“The regular edition has already been delivered, but you told me I have to wait for the limited edition?

“Do you guys do business like this?”

“No need to explain too much. If the watch is not delivered within an hour, I will file a complaint to your President!”

It turned out that Meghan bought two watches.

After standing outside the door for a few minutes, I pushed it open and walked in.

When she saw me, Meghan, who had been frowning, immediately smiled. “Lucas, you are here!”

“Wait a moment, I'll be there soon as I finish processing these documents,” she said it was still early and there was no rush.

Then I sat on the sofa, looked at my phone and waited silently.

Meghan was very serious and beautiful at work.

In a trance, I felt that she had some similarities with my mother.

In fact, it was not surprising at all, because both of them are strong women who were influential in the business world.

After half an hour, my phone suddenly received a reminder message.

I clicked on it and saw that it was Raquel who updated his Instagram.

Four photos, all closeups of him wearing a watch.

“This is the best birthday present I’ve ever received. People say the new year is better than the old year, I say you are better than everything!”

Many comments quickly popped up below.

“Isn't this the new Patek Philippe?”

“Oh my god, this is a limited edition worth over 37 million!”

“I’m so envious.”

“No need to guess, I know who sent it.”

“I won't say anything more. I just wish lovers will finally get married.”

I kept scrolling down but could not find Meghan's comment.

Looking up, she was still focused on her work, with her phone quietly placed aside.

I realized that when Raquel posted this message on Instagram, he had most likely blocked her.

I looked bitter.

As far as I could remember, that day was the first time I saw Meghan so angry.

Just for a watch.

Finally, Meghan finished her work and drove back to her parents' home with me.

On the way, I closed my eyes and took a nap.

Meghan's cell phone suddenly rang.

She turned her head and looked at me, thinking that I was asleep and then she pressed the answer button with confidence.

“Meghan, thank you for giving me such a valuable watch.”

The sound coming from the Bluetooth headset was very low, but I was close enough to hear it clearly.

Meghan's lips curled up.

“It's only about 30 million, not that expensive. As long as you like it, I can buy you anything.”

Raquel was very touched and said, “Over the years, you have given me so many gifts. And each time it's more valuable than the last.

“I feel very uneasy. If Lucas knew about this, he would definitely be unhappy. I don't want you and your husband to have conflicts because of me.”

Meghan smiled calmly, “Don't worry, he won't know. And I bought him a watch, too, though not as valuable as yours.”

Raquel suddenly lowered his voice, “Meghan, can you spend the night with me?”

Meghan hesitated for a few seconds before she replied apologetically, “I'm sorry, Raquel. Today is the Christmast’s Eve. I promised my parents that I would bring Lucas with me to celebrate with them.”

“Okay, then I wish you a Merry Christmast.”

There was a deep sense of desolation in Raquel's voice, which immediately made Meghan's eyes look more distressed.

She comforted him softly, “Raquel, I promise you that I will definitely celebrate your birthday with you next year.

“And our daughter will be with you when the time comes.”

Seeing Meghan's happy expression as she stroked her belly, my eyes became sore and my eyebrows twitched involuntarily.

Suddenly, Raquel's exclamation was heard through the headphones, as well as the sound of a heavy object falling to the ground.

Meghan looked anxious. “Raquel, what's wrong with you?”

“I accidentally fell in the snow and got hurt.”

“Is it serious?” Meghan asked in worry.

“No... it's not serious.”

“Tell me the location and I'll be there right away!”

Raquel pretended to refuse, “No need, Meghan, I can take a taxi to the hospital myself. Your Christmast cannot be delayed because of my little matter.”

Meghan frowned and said in an unquestionable tone, “Tell me the location!”

After getting a satisfactory answer, she hung up the phone, pulled over to the side of the road and woke me up.

“Lucas, my secretary just called and said there's an urgent meeting to be held. Sorry, I have to go back.

“Can you take a taxi yourself? Or should I ask the driver to pick you up?”

I looked out the window and it was pitch black everywhere, with heavy snow falling from the sky.

This place was far away from the city and that day was the Christmast. Not to mention taking a taxi, there was not even a bus to be seen.

I did not want to agree, but I was forced to do it.

Meghan stepped on the accelerator and the car sped away, hasty and decisive.

Because she was worried about Raquel, she did not even bother to explain more.

I took out my mobile phone and found that the signal was very weak and the taxi app could not be opened at all.

With no other options, I could only tighten my clothes and walk forward in the wind and snow, taking one deep step and one shallow step.

More than two hours later, shivering with cold, I finally arrived outside the Bradford Family villa.

Through the fence, I saw that the lights were on inside and laughter could be heard from time to time.

A servant noticed me and immediately opened the door. “Sir, why are you here so late?”

I did not explain, but asked, “Where's Meghan? Has she arrived yet?”

“The young lady arrived a long time ago, with Mr. Spence,” The servant spoke carefully, afraid of irritating me.

He knew about an old incident many years ago, when Raquel snatched Lorene away at the wedding and my mother was angered to death. It caused an uproar in Harlette at that time.

I looked bitter.

Even a servant knew the taboo, but Meghan did not care about my feelings at all.

When they came to the living room, Raquel was sitting on the sofa, talking and laughing closely with Meghan.

As soon as they saw me, they immediately distanced themselves from each other.

“Lucas, why are you so late? I was so worried. Why is your phone always turned off when the driver calls you?”

I said calmly, “The battery is out.”

In weather of more than ten degrees below zero, the battery of a mobile phone could not last long outdoors.

“I'm sorry Lucas, it's all my fault.”

Seeing me covered in snow, Meghan looked guilty, took my hand and sat on the sofa.

My fatherinlaw and motherinlaw also came over to ask about my wellbeing and complained to their daughter, asking how they could leave me alone on the street.

This made Raquel, who was standing by, felt indescribably embarrassed.

I turned my head to look at him, only to find some bruises on his forehead.

I had been freezing in the snow for more than two hours and half of my leg was numb.

The dinner was very sumptuous and included all my favorite dishes.

It could be seen that my fatherinlaw and motherinlaw really put a lot of effort into entertaining me as their soninlaw.

At the dining table, Meghan stayed beside me the whole time.

The family was lively discussing what to name our future baby.

I did not remember the taste of the dishes, nor the outcome of the discussions.

All I remember was the crazy jealousy in Raquel's eyes.

After dinner, I rested alone in the guest room.

Raquel suddenly rushed in and kicked me hard on my injured leg.

I rolled on the ground in pain, but he had a ferocious look on his face.

“Lucas, there’s something I must make clear today. The baby Meghan is carrying isn’t yours—it’s mine. So, you have no right to decide the child’s name!

“You pathetic cripple, you useless bastard! Eight years ago, I took away the woman you loved most and you didn’t even have the guts to fight back. To this day, you’re still nothing but trash.

“Lorene was mine, Meghan is mine too and you? You’ll always just be a joke.

“Oh, and one more thing… Eight years ago, your mother didn’t have to die. After she was brought to the hospital, someone pulled a few strings to switch out one of her lifesaving drugs.”

When I heard this, I felt like I was struck by lightning and my whole body trembled.

“Who is the person?”

My mother’s death was an eternal pain in my heart.

When I struggled to get up and was about to ask more questions, Raquel suddenly grabbed the fruit knife on the coffee table and stabbed it into his shoulder.

I was stunned, not understanding why he would hurt himself.

Amidst the shrill screams, Meghan pushed the door open and walked in.

Raquel covered his wound and cried, “Lucas, don't do it! Don't hurt me. I didn't mean to take Lorene away. Please forgive me.”

Blood flowed down between his fingers, staining the brand new, expensive men's watch on his wrist red.

Meghan came in anger and she raised her hand to slap me hard.

“Lucas, do you know what you are doing? Are you crazy?!

“Raquel saw that you were not feeling well, so I came to ask about your condition out of kindness.

“But you resorted to a knifestab attack because of something that happened a few years ago?”

The way my fatherinlaw and motherinlaw looked at me also changed.

They probably never dreamed that I, who was always gentle and polite, would do such a thing.

Raquel said hypocritically, “Meghan, don't blame Lucas. If you want to blame someone, blame me. I shouldn't have called you and I shouldn't have fallen down.

“It was me who caused Lucas to walk so far on a snowy night. And eight years ago, it was me who destroyed his marriage. I am guilty and I deserve this knife.”

Meghan was so distressed that she shed tears and said, “No, Raquel, you are not guilty. Lorene ran away from her marriage because she didn't love Lucas at all. It has nothing to do with you!

“And last time, I volunteered to pick you up. You should not blame yourself for it.”

I did not hear a word she said. My eyes were red as I stared at Raquel. I just wanted to know the answer, who killed my mother?

Under the protection of Meghan, he casted a provocative look.

I wanted to rush over like crazy, but was stopped by my fatherinlaw and motherinlaw.

Meghan could not stand it anymore, so she called the servants and kicked me out of the villa.

“Lucas, if it weren't for the fact that we've been married for many years, I would have called the police long ago.

“So please, go home and calm down. If it happens again, we will get divorced!”

The moment the villa door closed, I was heartbroken and turned away without hesitation.

My figure was completely hidden in the darkness of the wind and snow.