Very few people in the industry knew this. Before marrying Lucian, I had indeed tried to run away from the marriage.
But just as I arrived at the airport, my mother sent someone to drag me back.
My mother, a career-driven woman, co-managed the prestigious Kingsley Corporation with my father. Ruthless in the business world, yet at home, she was a traditional woman who had been betrayed by her husband and had to compromise for her daughter.
Though my father cheated, they both agreed not to divorce, claiming it was for the sake of giving me a complete family.
I can't say they didn't love me.
But they were also the ones who fought endlessly during my childhood and adolescence.
Each time, I would curl up in a corner of my room, hugging my doll, listening to their hysterical shouting, smashing everything in the house, only for them to reconcile without a word.
Growing up in such a stifling atmosphere, I felt guilty for holding my mother back while inevitably developing a rebellious yet cowardly character.
Rebellious and cowardly.
After I ran away from the wedding, my father originally planned for Olivia to marry Lucian instead—after all, she was also his daughter, and Lucian's family never specified which daughter they wanted.
Once my mother found me, a few tears from her, and I quickly relented.
"Are you planning to let that woman make a mockery of us?"
"Lucian is such a good match."
"He has good character, a good family background, and he doesn't chase after other women. Olivia getting married doesn't have to be about marrying the person you love."
"When you reach my age, you'll understand—feelings fade, men change, but only benefits last."
Outside the airport, snow began to fall heavily. I let out a long breath, which quickly turned into white mist. In the fog, I heard my trembling voice, "So, if I marry him, you'll be happy, right?"
"Mom, this is the last time I'm compromising with you."
Unfortunately, in my past life, I did as she wished, trying to be a good wife, doing everything to please Lucian. But Lucian never appreciated it.
Until Olivia came into the picture.
He made countless exceptions for her.
When Olivia encountered trouble on set, Lucian was the first to rush to her side. Every time Olivia won an award, Lucian could be seen cheering her on from the crowd.
Our marriage was never publicly acknowledged, even though we already had a child. The child was just a means to solidify the interests of both families.
It wasn't until the internet exploded with fans shipping Lucian and Olivia as the perfect couple that I started to realize. Perhaps, from the very beginning, Lucian had wanted to marry Olivia.
How ironic.
I was too timid to ask a single question. I hurriedly filed for divorce.
I didn't want to sacrifice my life for the child and end up like my mother.
I didn't want my child to grow up in a dysfunctional family, developing a twisted personality. I'd rather they resent me.
Just like how, countless times, I saw my mother crying alone, and I regretted not allowing her to be heartless and leave me. If she had done that, she wouldn't have been bound by me and would have lived a much better life.
I was lost in these dark thoughts when Lucian's secretary waved at me from a distance, wearing a big smile.
"Miss Ferguson, Lucian is inviting you to dinner."
I was still trapped in the depression of my past life, my eyes red, my voice sharp, "I won't go, unless he personally asks me."
