Chapter <b>7 </b>
Behind him, he heard the sound of a ss shattering.]]
“Bastards! You’re all liars! None of you like me!“]]
Followed by the sound of hysterical sobbing.
Ss’s irritation grew. He couldn’t understand how Reba could have so many tears. No matter what happened, the moment he expressed an opinion, the waterworks would start instantly.[<i>] </i>
In his memory, Charlotte had never cried. Even when they were living in a basement, eating instant noodles every day, he would alwayse home to her bright, happy smile.[]
On his birthday, even if all they had were two packets of instant ramen<b>, </b>she would manage to shape them into something resembling a cake, stick matches in it for Candles, make a wish, and then share it with him, each bite tasting sweet and delicious.
Ssy on the cot in hisb, chain–smoking all night. The wedding was in a week, and for the first time, he felt a sense of dread.
In the morning, Reba called to talk about looking at wedding dresses. Ss made an excuse about being busy and put it off.
THIT
The next day, an out–of–town monitoring assignment came up at the institute. Without a second thought, Ss volunteered.<i>]</i><i>] </i>
Three dayster, when Ss returned and turned on his phone, he was greeted by 99+ missed calls and a screen full of messages from Reba.[]
With a sigh, Ss opened the most recent one.]]
“Ss<b>, </b>why aren’t you answering my calls? Are you dumping me<b>? </b>If you don’t want me anymore, then I don’t want to live.”
“My life has been miserable anyway. Just let me die with my baby. Death will solve everything.”
Afraid she might actually do something rash, Ss quickly texted back.
“Reba, I was on an assignment assisting a partnerb. Allmunications were blocked. I just got out, I’m on my way back now.”
After sending the message, Ss rushed back to Chicago. He didn’t get a reply from Reba the entire anxiety began to gnaw at him<b>, </b>fearing that she might have actually done something.
way,
and a sense of
After running six red lights, he finally made it home just before dark.[]
Both maids <b>we’re </b>there. Ss grabbed one of them.[]
“Where’s Miss Brown? Why didn’t you go with her when she went out?“]
The maid exined,[]
“Sir, Miss Brown said she was meeting a friend to talk today and told us not toe<b>. </b>I think she mentioned a ce called “The
Gilded Leaf Teahouse“?“]]
Without even stopping for a drink of water, Ss turned and sped off towards the teahouse.[]
Instead of calling Reba, Ss went from room to room, searching. Finally, from the veryst room, he heard the sound of her lightughter.
Ss yanked the door open. Their eyes met, and for a moment, he froze.]
After a moment of silence, Reba stood up, smiled, and pulled Ss into the room.]
“Ss, you’re here! I was just about to head back and tell you, I have a huge surprise for you.“[]
Ss’s heart tightened. Looking at Mr. Davis sitting across from them, a bad feeling began to rise in his gut.]
He swallowed hard and followed Reba, sitting down cross–legged.[]
“Whatever the surprise is, you can tell me here. Mr. Davis isn’t a stranger.“]]
Reba triumphantly pped a contract down on the table in front of Ss.[]
“I made ten million dors for you today! Impressive, right?“[]
“Now you can never scold me for spending too much money again. I can earn money too, big money.“]]
Ss’s hand trembled as he picked up the contract. It was an agreement selling himself to Mr. Davis. The contract clearly stated that for the next two years, all of Ss’s personal patents would belong to the Davis Group.
And if he were to breach the contract, the penalty would be ten times the contract amount.
Ss couldn’t take it anymore. He grabbed the contract and ripped it to shreds.
“This is insane! Who gave you the right to sign away my patents? I’m a government researcher! This is illegal!“]
Mr. Davis chuckled, calmly taking a sip of his tea.]]
“Dr. Duncan, no need to get so worked up. If you think the money’s not enough, we can renegotiate. No need for the righteous act. I’m well aware of your coboration with Starlight Industries.”
124
Ss’s face darkened. With a subtle nce from Mr. Davis<b>, </b>Reba quickly wrapped her arms around Ss and began to plead. “Ss, I’ve already epted a four–million–dor advance from Mr. Davis. <b>If </b>you don’t agree, he’ll have me sent to prison.“]
agree,
“Ss, working with Starlight is still working, what’s the difference with Mr. Davis<b>? </b><b>He </b>said if you he’ll pay for our entire wedding! And when the baby is born, he’ll give us a huge gift.“]
Listening to Reba’s incessant pleading, Ss felt a murderous rage towards the ugly woman before him.]
For two years, not only would he be unable to focus <b>on </b>his nuclear research, but he could even be fired from the National Research Institute for getting involved inmercial dealings.
Reba pleaded until her throat was dry. Seeing that Ss was unmoved, she immediately threw a tantrum.]
<b>“</b>If you don’t agree, then I don’t want to live! It’s better to die now than to be aughingstock raising my son in prison!“]]
She shoved Ss away and made a move as if to storm out the door.
In that moment, Ss felt nothing but a profound exhaustion. He didn’t even move.[]
Reba got to the doorway and saw that Ss hadn’t rushed after her like he usually did. She stood there awkwardly, her face flushing with anger.]]
Seeing the awkward tension<b>, </b>Mr. Davis quickly stood up and pulled Reba back.
“Alright<b>, </b>alright<b>, </b>no need to be so hasty. Dr. Duncan needs time to consider.“]]
He pushed Reba in front of Ss, then stood up to take his leave.]
Ss didn’t say a word. With a face like stone, he also stood up and drove home.[]
Back at the vi, Reba was still stomping her feet angrily.]
“Since none of you can see how hard I’m trying, I might as well just die! I’m just a worthless, unlucky person anyway!“]
As Reba was putting on her dramatic performance, Ss, who had been silent until now, suddenly uttered a shocking statement.
“Then go ahead and die. And take that bastard child with you!“]