On the day of our wedding, just after we got our marriage certificate, the company was exposed for tax fraud.
My fathers-in-law along with my mother-in-law dropped to their knees and pleaded with me. "Luke, Clara can’t go to prison! She’s a woman. If she gets a criminal record, her life will be ruined!"
"You two built this company together. Just say it was your decision. You’re a man, so even if you have a record, the Jameson Family won’t hold it against you. Please, save Clara!" they begged.
While gripping her hand with mine, Clara rebuked them, "Don't trouble Luke! He's all I have and I’ll respect whatever decision he makes!"
Tears welled in her eyes as she turned to me and made a vow, "If you’re willing to sacrifice for me, I swear I’ll never betray you for the rest of my life! If I ever break this promise, may I die a miserable death!"
With their coordinated pleas and her tearful oath, I took the fall and went to prison in Clara's place.
For ten years, I endured unimaginable torment behind bars.
The only thing that kept me going, the only reason I worked hard to "reform," was the thought of reuniting with Clara.
However, in the end, her so-called promise had long since been tossed away like garbage. Even if someone mentioned it was now considered a crime.
Back then, I had been willing to walk through fire for love. Now, I realized I was nothing more than a moth drawn to the flame, that would only be burned alive.
I forced down the bitterness in my throat and spoke. "Give them a sum of money and cut all ties. Otherwise, we divorce."
The moment I said it, the guilt-ridden, apologetic expressions on my in-laws' faces vanished. Their eyes turned cold.
"Absolutely not!" they yelled. "We finally have grandsons! What gives you, a disgraced ex-con, the right to kick them out?"
My eyes locked on Clara's
Ten years! I had held on to my obsession for ten years. So, I wanted to give her one last chance. Maybe even give me one.
It was obvious that she did not think how resolute I was because her face turned very gloomy.
Her brows furrowed tightly. "Luke, do you really have to do this? Today should’ve been the day we put the past behind us and started fresh, but you’re the one destroying our marriage!"