I scrambled to my feet, snatching the papers from his hand in a panic.

"I can pack it myself. Don't mess up my things."

My strong reaction seemed to startle Julian. He just stared at me.

"You're resigning?"

I opened my mouth, unsure how to explain, but then Julian suddenly smiled.

"That’s perfect. If you resign, a full-time teaching position opens up, right?"

"If Bella can get a permanent position, a stable job, I'll be able to rest easier."

The words I was about to say died in my throat. I gave him one last, long look, then left the office without even bothering to pick up the rest of my things from the floor.

After submitting my resignation, I unexpectedly ran into him waiting for me by the school gate, holding the box.

When he saw me, Julian pressed his lips together and handed it to me.

"Your things."

My expression softened for a moment, and I was about to thank him when he continued:

"Could you write a letter of recommendation for Bella? It would improve her chances of getting the full-time position."

A gust of wind blew past, and it felt like sand had gotten into my eyes.

I rubbed my stinging eyes and said quietly:

"Fine."

I would consider it payment for our years of marriage.

Getting the answer he wanted, Julian’s lips curved into a smile. Then, as if remembering something, he asked:

"What about you? Have you found a new job yet?"

I turned my head away and gave a casual excuse.

"I'm going back to my hometown. I'll be a teacher at another school there."

Julian nodded, looking relieved.

He set the box down and pulled me into his arms.

"Ella, marrying you was the best thing that ever happened to me."

"Once things calm down, I promise I'll go back with you and raise a glass to your father at his grave."

I leaned against his chest, my heart constricting with a sharp pain.

It's too late. Everything is too late.

Julian was about to say more when Isabella walked over.

"Julian, I'm not feeling well. Can we go home now?"

I glanced at her rosy cheeks and took a step back, pulling myself out of Julian's embrace.

Just as I expected, he let go of me without hesitation, his face full of concern as he turned to Bella.

"I'll take Bella home first. We can talk later."

Julian wrapped his arm around Isabella, treating her as if she were a priceless treasure.

I didn't try to stop them. I calmly bent down, picked up the box, and as I walked past a trash can, I tossed it in without a second thought.

Anything Julian had touched, I no longer wanted.

On my last day, I cooked a lavish dinner to say goodbye to his men.

As I brought the last dish out from the kitchen, I heard them cheering and teasing.

"Boss, how about a toast with Miss Bella? Show us some love!"

"Yeah, come on, one drink!"

Isabella, sitting next to Julian, blushed.

"Don't be ridiculous. Julian has a wife."

Someone snorted.

"Others might not know, but we do. If Miss Bella hadn't married someone else back then, who do you think would be sitting next to the boss right now?"

"Besides, his wife isn't even here."

The dish in my hands was piping hot, but I felt a chill colder than ice.

I remembered how these same men used to respectfully call me "Ma'am," and a wave of disgust washed over me.

Julian slammed his glass down with a bit too much force and was about to say something, his face dark.

Just then, I cleared my throat and walked out, placing the dish on the table.

"Dinner is served."

I smiled and was about to take my seat.

But Julian's eyes landed on the food, and his brow furrowed in disapproval.

"Why did you make so many dishes Bella doesn't like?"

Isabella waved her hand dismissively, her voice soft.

"It's alright, it's alright. I can just have some salad."

"Ma'am... didn't mean any harm."

She said that, but her eyes were already red and misty.

Julian immediately stood up, his annoyance now obvious.

"I'll take you out to a restaurant."

"Wait."