With

Chapter 101

Calla smiled bitterly. “Maybe I’m the third party between them.”

Always thinking of Calla’s well–being, Alicia tried, “Hey, if he doesn’t love you, there’s no need for you to dwell on it. But if you’re going to divorce, make sure to fight for your legal rights and your child’s.

“Get more money from him. Otherwise, your life will be hard to live with the child.”

Calla remained silent, only feeling heartbroken at the moment. Alicia stayed with her until nightfall. By the time Calla returned to Emerald Bay, the lights were already lit.

Seeing Calla return, Jasmine hurried over. “Mrs. Garland, you’re back. Where have you been all day? I called you so many times, but you never answered. I was worried sick!”

“Oh, I went out shopping with a friend. My phone ran out of battery.” Calla brushed it off.

“By the way, Mr. Garland called from overseas this afternoon,” Jasmine mentioned.

As Calla started to climb the stairs, she paused mid–way but didn’t turn around. She asked, “What did he

say?”

“He asked if you were home, where you’d gone, and told me to take good care of you. Mrs. Garland, you’re a lucky woman. Mr. Garland may seem aloof and indifferent on the surface, but he is a caring man. He cares deeply for you!” Jasmine said with a smile.

Hearing this, Calla couldn’t help but curl her lips in a bitter smile. She thought to herself that there was no way he cared about her. He was only worried about the baby she was carrying.

“I’m tired. I’m going upstairs to rest,” Calla said before heading upstairs.

As she was about to enter the bedroom, Calla’s eyes caught sight of the study next door. She hesitated for a moment, then walked toward the study.

Upon entering the room, Calla glanced around.

Then, she began rummaging through the bookshelves, drawers, and display cabinets. If Sophie truly held great importance in Mercer’s heart, there had to be some trace of her left behind.

After a while, Calla suddenly discovered a photo in a poetry book. Her hand froze for a moment before. she picked it up.

The picture was taken before a vast blue ocean and a clear sky littered by white clouds.

A young girl with short hair stood with her arms outstretched, radiating youthful energy. Her skin was fair and rosy, and her smile was bright and beautiful.

Her features closely resembled Calla’s own.

Calla’s hand trembled, and the photo slipped from her fingers, drifting to the floor.

She slumped into a chair, feeling defeated.

She noticed a line of text on the photo’s pristine back. Taken on the 22nd birthday. Forever yours,

Sophie had been telling the truth. She and Mercer shared a deep, profound love that had never ended.

Merc.”

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+25 BONUS

Chapter 101

The girlfriend Mercer couldn’t let go of was indeed Sophie.

Calla realized she was merely an accidental presence in Mercer’s life. He only wanted to give the child she carried a legitimate status. Their marriage had never been about love. That was an undeniable fact.

Slowly, Calla stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the lights outside.

A single tear slipped from the corner of her eye as she made a firm decision.

Since he had never belonged to her and never would, it was best to let go now. If she got used to having him in her life, she feared it would only bring more heartache.

Perhaps she couldn’t sever her love immediately. But she resolved to bury this love deep in her heart. Speaking of it would only be a joke, adding unnecessary sorrow to her life.