He recalled the early days when he felt a genuine fondness for his wife from their arranged marriage. After all, she was everything one could dream of: stunningly beautiful, incredibly wealthy, and brilliantly intelligent. Her skin had a glow that seemed almost ethereal, and her mind was as sharp as a tack. Her academic credentials were impressive, and her ability to make money was something he could only aspire to. Not to mention, she was a knockout.

He did love her, but her dazzling presence eclipsed all his achievements. Beside her, he always felt like he was invisible, just a background character while she was the star of the show.

As time went on, he started to feel like a shadow. Rumors buzzed around him, questioning his worthiness to be with her, comparing him to a weed among her bouquet of flowers, which only fueled his insecurity.

This insecurity twisted his emotions, leading him into a deep depression. He grew distant and cold towards her.

Eventually, he veered off course. He found solace in someone new-a nightclub singer who wasn't particularly educated or striking, but she worshipped him. That was all he needed.noveldrama

He wanted to show the world that he preferred a kind and nurturing partner over someone whose brilliance outshined his own.

What he didn't grasp was how profoundly his radiant wife loved him. His betrayal crushed her. She chose to take her life, a tragic tribute to their lost love.

Yet, he was still very much alive.

Her death was a punishment far harsher than any law could impose. He became a pariah, scorned and ridiculed by everyone.

Through it all, only his new love remained steadfast.

Determined to prove his love for the nightclub singer was genuine and his first marriage a misstep, he defiantly married her. He played the role of the devoted lover his entire life. In the end, he won the world's forgiveness.

People began to see him differently: Love transcends social boundaries. Maybe the Rowland heiress was too strong-willed for him, not the right fit after all. But was that really the truth?

Only he knew the fiery passion he felt when he kissed his first wife, and how, with his current wife, he had to feign affection, while physically, his body betrayed his lack of feelings.

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The villa gates opened, and the guard stepped out.

Seeing Mason and his family, the guard's tone was indifferent, "Here to see the master? He doesn't entertain guests at home. You should head back." Mason decided to switch tactics, "What if I told you we're here to see Ms. Nathalie today?"

The guard was taken aback.

Despite Mason's slyness, the guard replied coolly, "Hold on, I'll check."

Benjamin, quick-tempered, was immediately angered by the guard's attitude, "Who do you think you are, making my grandfather wait?"

The guard's eyes glinted with a hint

of menace, "Benjamin, remember fortunes rise and fall. Watch

me

you might end up worse off, let, "¿

one day."

With that, the guard turned on his heel and left.

Benjamin fumed, his eyes blazing with anger.

"That guy's full of himself!"

Mr. Mason admonished him, "He's got every reason to be."

Benjamin was puzzled until Mason's icy words hit him, "If the Rowland family goes under, even the dogs at Maple Company would have more dignity than you."

Benjamin shivered, almost collapsing, then quietly hoped to meet the person inside.