But since that incident, my heart had never been the same, yet I harbored no regrets.
Later, when Whitman Group came to our school to recruit, she chose me, a choice that would weave our fates together.
In truth, I knew she had chosen me merely to settle an old debt.
To live up to her trust, I doubled my efforts.
Ostensibly, she was my employer.
In secret, she still addressed me as Frog, often requesting to be carried on my back, for she claimed that the day she was borne on my back was when she felt most secure.
Eventually, our relationship blossomed naturally.
Yet, the Whitman family disapproved. Jane threatened to take her own life, which led to our union.
The Whitman family's prized daughter marrying a humble boy was deemed a disgrace.
Thus, we had no grand wedding, merely a marriage certificate exchanged.
Even in public, I could not show affection for her because the Whitman family feared the loss of their face.
With my capabilities and accomplishments, I should have ascended to the position of design director long ago, but the Whitman family forbade it, keeping me as a mere clerk.
For Jane, I endured it all.
She felt guilty and professed that she was a formidable woman in public, but she was my wife at home.
I believed our happiness would endure forever.
It wasn't until three months ago that Josh returned.
Jane and I went to the airport to welcome him. Upon their reunion, Josh lifted Jane into the air, spinning her around.
They seemed like lovers reunited after a long separation.
Worried I might be jealous, Jane explained that they had grown up together and she viewed Josh as a younger brother.
Moreover, Josh was charming, constantly addressing me and even bringing me gifts.
I failed to see through his schemes then, so I didn't dwell on it.
Later, Josh joined the company. He knew nothing of design, yet he pleaded with Jane to make him the design director.
Jane clearly knew how much I coveted that position, yet she indulged Josh and granted his wish.
From then on, they appeared together in the company, flirting openly and scheming covertly.
No matter how uneasy it made me, as long as Jane explained, I believed her.
But when she wore a wedding dress and embraced Josh, she didn't rebuff when others chanted, "say yes." Should I endure this?
Of course not. I loved her, but I couldn't love her to the point of sacrificing my dignity.