A Love That Will Never Be

Misty Lawrence has an ex-boyfriend whom she can't forget—Zach Sterling. Carter Flanagan has always hoped that he would one day replace Zach's place in Misty's heart. In the eighth year of his and Misty's marriage, he accidentally breaks a bowl that Zach randomly bought. Misty screeches, "Get the hell out of here! I don't want to see you anymore!" That's when Carter realizes he'll never win when it comes to Zach, especially since the latter is dead. This time, he prepares a divorce agreement and leaves after signing it. It's Misty's turn to panic… Chapter 1 "Mr. Flanagan, the draft of the divorce agreement is ready. Shall I send it to you now?" In the dead silence of the study, Carter Flanagan paused before replying, "No. Keep it with you for now." He hung up and trudged out of the study. Misty Lawrence was putting on a facial mask outside. "Misty." Even when Carter was so close to getting a divorce, he still wished to have a talk with Misty and do what he could to save the marriage. After all, he had spent half of his life being in love with Misty. To his dismay, Misty turned around and asked, "Carter, why haven't you made dinner?" He reluctantly entered the kitchen and started cooking, but he was too distracted and accidentally got scalded when the hot oil from the pan splattered all over. He tried to dodge the hot oil, only to knock a bowl onto the ground. The sound of the bowl shattering echoed in the kitchen, causing his heart to drop. As expected, Misty barged into the kitchen the next moment. When she saw the pattern on the shattered bowl, her eyes widened in anger. She yelled at him, "I've never allowed you to use this bowl! Are you an idiot?" Following that, her eyes teared up. One would have thought a life was lost from her disproportionate response. Carter watched the scene unfold with conflicted feelings. The bowl wasn't even worth that much. It was only valuable to Misty because Zach had bought it for her. "I'm sorry." Lips pursed, he bent down to pick up the pieces, but Misty pushed him away. She hissed, "Get lost! I don't want you around for now." She pointed at the door without noticing the burn on Carter's hand. Carter could no longer contain his disappointment. Before he left, he stopped for a while and whispered, "Misty, it was just a bowl." The bowl, along with many items in the kitchen, was labeled with Zach's name. But Misty refused to accept reality. Carter's audacity shocked her as well. "What do you mean? Just a bowl?" Shocked and enraged, she snapped, "Don't you know Zach and I carefully selected and bought this bowl on the 23rd of August, 2015, when we traveled to a pottery town? Carter, did you do this on purpose?" Carter closed his eyes. He was overcome with a deep powerlessness. Every time, Misty would lose her temper and become hysterical when they breached the topic of Zach. Misty and Zach were childhood sweethearts. Not only were they close, but their families had agreed on an engagement. They were slated to get married as adults. On the other hand, Carter was just one of many admirers of Misty with a one-sided crush. But no one could see what was coming. Three days before Misty and Zach's wedding, he tragically lost his life in a car accident, leaving behind a grieving Misty. Had her parents not begged her to stay strong, she would have gone through her few attempts to take her life. After that incident, Misty met with Carter and begged the latter to help her up. It was a long time ago, but never had Carter forgotten the despair and pain in her eyes. She begged, "Help me forget Zach, will you?" To Carter, it felt like hitting the jackpot. On one hand, he grieved the loss of Zach's young life, but on the other hand, he was thrilled to be offered a chance to come into Misty's heart. Misty and Carter hosted a shotgun wedding. After they were married, Carter spent the following eight years trying to make Misty fall in love with him but to no avail. Carter smirked and said nothing more. Misty could remember the date on which Zach bought a random bowl, but she had forgotten about Carter's birthday—which was today. The burn on his hand spread to his heart. Soon, his heart became numb. He turned around and stared at Misty with an unusually calm expression. He announced, "Since we've been married for eight years now, I shall give our marriage eight more chances." If Misty put him before Zach even once, he would stay in this marriage. A frown crept onto her forehead. Confused, she wanted to ask him about the remark, but they were interrupted by the doorbell. An expert had arrived to repair the broken bowl. Misty's attention instantly shifted. She hurried over to answer the door. Carter stared at her from behind. She had just wasted one chance. He thought, "Misty Lawrence, do you know I'm so close to giving up on you?" Chapter 2 Ever since Carter had considered a divorce, he had counted his assets and drafted a divorce agreement. After that, he started to work on the business dealings between their family businesses. Carter was the leader of the Flanagan Group, while Misty was the daughter of the Lawrence family, who ran the Lawrence Group. After their eight years of marriage, the two family businesses were tightly intertwined. If Carter asked for a divorce, it would negatively hurt the stock prices and the ongoing partnerships. Hence, he needed to be one step ahead and prepare to face any future risks. Besides, he also needed to inform Misty's parents about his plan. He wouldn't want both families to be blindsided. After Misty argued with Carter over that broken bowl, she brought the newly repaired bowl to her best friend's home. Meanwhile, Misty parents were in the dark about the situation until Carter knocked on their door. Misty's mom, Kathy Mendel, was shocked to hear that Carter was considering a divorce. "Carter, have you thought over it?" "I want to give my marriage one last try. If Misty and I still can't push through…" He flashed a heavy smile. "...That only shows we're not meant to be." Kathy, who was well aware of Misty's trauma, looked apologetic. She couldn't come up with any good advice and let out a deep sigh. "Gosh, Misty is such a…" After Carter left, Leslie Lawrence and Kathy called their daughter home. That was when Misty figured out the meaning behind Carter's "eight chances". Yet, she did not take it seriously. She even questioned incredulously, "Did Carter say he's thinking of divorce? That's impossible. He loves me too much to go through with it." Carter's love was like Misty's love for Zach; they would give up their lives for their lover. Therefore, she didn't think Carter would have the heart to give up on her. Anyway, Misty admitted she had crossed a line last time. It took her a while to realize it was Carter's birthday on that day. Feeling guilty, she ordered a mini cake online and made a lunch box in the kitchen. After picking out a necktie from a mall, she gathered all the gifts and showed up at the Flanagan Group office. Carter returned to his office from a meeting and found his wife, who had previously left home in a fit of anger, dozing off before the table out of boredom. When Misty heard the noises, she looked up, and her eyes lit up. "Darling, you're back!" She jogged over, held his hand, and blabbered, "I'm sorry, darling. I was too harsh on you that day. You know I always lose my cool over anything that's related to Zach." Tugging at his sleeve, she cooed, "I was wrong. Please forgive me." Whenever Misty begged for forgiveness, she would stare at him like a guilty child with rosy cheeks. His anger would subside whenever she gave him that look. Putting aside Misty's response to anything Zach-related, she was a dutiful wife to Carter. She'd cook for Carter, buy him gifts, accompany him on business trips, and occasionally plan small surprises for him. Carter was glad that Misty never hid their marriage even though she was still in love with Zach. That was the reason he decided to hang on for a little more after eight long years. Sighing, he pulled Misty closer. "I need a plus-one for a charity cocktail party next week. Will you go with me?" Eager to make him happy, she agreed to everything he asked of her. "Sounds good!" On the day of the charity cocktail party, Misty waited for the driver at home in her haute couture dress. Carter was still at work and would meet her at the entrance of the party venue later. At 5:00 pm, Misty received a call from an unknown number. "Misty, this is Zeke! I've landed in Weston City. Can you pick me up from the airport?" Shocked and excited to hear Zeke's name, she gasped, "Zeke, it's you! Just wait. I'll be there soon." She happily rushed to the airport, utterly forgetting about her promise to Carter. "Mr. Flanagan, Mrs. Flanagan has just picked up a man from the airport. They're headed to a hotel right now." Carter stood alone at the fringe of the party crowd and stared blankly at the photo his driver had just sent him. Misty, who had promised to meet him at the party, had stood him up. In the photo, she was hugging a young man at the airport, whom Carter quickly recognized as Zach's younger brother, Zeke. This was about Zach again. Carter realized he could never win against Misty's dead lover. He would always be second to the people around Zach or anything remotely related to Zach. A bitter sensation spread through his body. Suddenly, he felt like a joke for still clinging to hopes about Misty. It was foolish of him to expect that she'd fall in love with him after eight years of futile attempts. Still, Carter wanted to stick to his promise of eight chances. With a vacant expression, he texted Misty, "There goes your second chance." Chapter 3 Misty came home at midnight that day. The house was brightly lit, but Carter was nowhere to be seen. She finally recalled the text he had sent. She mumbled, "Is he mad at me?" He would stay up and wait for her, no matter what time she came home. She kicked off her shoes and softly pushed the bedroom door open. Relief washed over her when she found him reading in bed. Then, she ran over and gave him a hug before apologizing, just like she had done many times before. "I'm sorry, darling. Zeke asked me to pick him up from the airport because he's back in the country. We had dinner with some friends to welcome him home. That's why I missed the cocktail party." She rubbed her face on his chest. "I hope I didn't bring you trouble." Carter had picked up on the scent of alcohol on Misty. He quietly pushed her away. "No." Misty's absence didn't really give him much trouble, except that he had to let another couple perform the opening dance on his behalf because his plus-one was missing. People had gossiped behind him because of the sudden switch. "About that text…" Misty was about to discuss it when she was cut off by her ringing phone. She immediately picked up when she saw the caller ID. "Hello? Zeke?" Zeke said something to her, and her face fell. "Wait for me. I'll be there right away." She scrambled to leave, but Carter grabbed her wrist with a frown. "Where are you going?" Misty was in a great hurry. "Zeke found some hidden cameras in his hotel room. I'm going to check out the situation." Although Carter was disappointed in his wife, he would never allow her to go out alone in the dead of the night for her safety. His tone took an icy turn. "Zeke should have contacted the police instead of you." "But he's Zach's younger brother. You've met him before! How can I just leave him be?" Misty retorted, making Carter look like the unreasonable one. He deliberated, but no words came out of his mouth, even though he was a master negotiator in business deals worth hundreds of millions. For Misty's safety, Carter drove her over to the hotel. During the car ride, he warned her, "Misty, you've lost your third chance." Misty totally ignored him. She fretted in the front passenger seat, urging him, "Carter, speed up." She had blatantly expressed her worry for another man in front of her husband without guilt. Carter, who had accepted the fact he would always come after Zach and anyone related to Zach, fell silent and focused on driving. Once they arrived at the hotel, Carter met Zeke, who bore a resemblance to Zach. The handsome young man with a strained expression was engaged in a tense discussion with the police. When Zeke spotted them, he approached them. "Hi, Misty." He turned to Carter, asking, "Who is this?" Misty explained absentmindedly, "Oh, he's my husband." She lifted her chin in the direction of the crowds at Zeke's room entrance. "What's going on?" Zeke smiled wryly. "I've called the police, but the hotel refused to take responsibility. They blamed me for setting up the hidden cameras and for blackmailing them." Misty's expression turned grim as she went up to argue with the authorities. Meanwhile, Carter stood there, watching his wife arguing and calling up lawyers to defend another man. He let out a depressed sigh. "I heard Misty has not once forgotten about Zach." Zeke, who stood beside him, suddenly muttered, "I look just like my brother. Do you think I stand a chance if I go after your woman?" Chapter 4 Zeke's bright eyes brimmed with confidence. In the past, Carter would have been triggered, but he was no longer the same man. He had since learned that a woman who could be easily wooed by others did not belong to you in the first place. He refused to spare Zeke one look in the face of Zeke's provocation. Zeke became furious. Snickering, Zeke added, "You'd better not cry when I take Misty from you." "Good luck," replied Carter dryly. Although Misty did not love him, she wouldn't fall in love with the young and rash Zeke either. She only cared about Zach. Zeke had only enjoyed Misty's attention because he was Zach's little brother. Carter helped Misty take care of the incident at the hotel and found new accommodations for Zeke before calling it a day. An idea occurred to Misty when they headed home in Carter's car. She turned to Carter, asking, "Darling, Zeke is holding an art exhibition in two days. Do you think you could show him some support?" Carter almost laughed at the absurdity of Misty's behavior. He could not wrap his head around her outrageous and entitled request. Not only was she going out on a limb for another man, but she had to drag her husband into it as well. Chuckling, he felt a heavy weight on his chest. He whispered, "Misty, I'm not that kind." She blinked in confusion. "But Zeke is Zach's younger brother…" "And that's why I can't take it!" Carter stepped on the brakes without warning and pulled over. His eyes were colored with rage underneath the dim streetlights. Why would Misty unabashedly show off her love to another man in front of him? Misty couldn't speak. She knew he was angry. A stifling silence filled the space. Carter had wanted to engage Misty in a heart-to-heart talk, but he finally realized there wasn't a need for it. Carter started the car and drove home in disappointment. … Carter and Misty gave each other the silent treatment in the next few days. Misty understood that she had pissed Carter off, but at the same time, she felt wronged. Didn't Carter know that she had never gotten over Zach? Why did he have to compete against a dead man? Besides, she was nice to Carter in their daily life. Feeling indignant, she ignored Carter, who did the same to her. He often hid in the study without a word when he got home. She poured all her attention and energy into setting up Zeke's art exhibition. "Misty, won't you anger Carter? You basically spent all your time helping me out," asked Zeke worriedly when they were at the art gallery. Misty pouted. "Nah." She assumed Carter's anger would subside in the next few days. Carter had always made up with her within three days whenever they fought. But she failed to notice they had now gone five days without speaking. "Mr. Flanagan, these are a few PR plans we drafted in the event of your divorce. Please have a look." Carter opened the file before him in his office. Before he could start, his assistant barged into the room, announcing, "Mr. Flanagan, a fire broke out in the building where Mrs. Flanagan attended the art exhibition!" Carter's expression crumpled. "What did you just say?" When he hurried to the scene, he saw smoke billowing out of the building. The left side of the building was up in flames. It was a chaotic situation. Carter worriedly looked for Misty in the escaping crowds, but he could not find her anyway. He spotted the disheveled-looking Zeke and grabbed him. "Where's Misty?" Zeke averted his gaze. "Misty is still on the 4th floor." Carter's heart sank when he learned that Misty was trapped. Without thinking, he ran into the building and into the fire. Fighting against the flow of the crowd, he finally located Misty, who was attempting to take a painting with her. His presence came as a surprise to Misty. "Carter, why are you here?" "Let's go." He grabbed her. "The fire is gonna spread to this floor very soon. Hurry up." To his dismay, Misty shook off his hand and ran further into the art gallery. "No! Zach's final painting is in there! I'll lose it forever if I don't save it!" Carter shut his eyes. He arrived at a decision after seeing Misty running into the smoke without hesitation. He went ahead to stop her. Then, he offered, "I'll get that painting." When he passed her by, he said to her, "Misty, this is the fourth chance." Alas, no one heard him in the commotion. Chapter 5 Zach's paintings were displayed at the center of the exhibition, where a huge fire had broken out. Carter wet his shirt with some water before dashing into the area and grabbing that painting. Before he could leave, a huge glass display case toppled over and hit him. The excruciating pain caused him to drop the painting. He let out a muffled groan and fell onto his knees. The next second, a figure sprinted past him and picked up the painting from the ground. Misty, after making sure that the painting was unharmed, looked visibly relieved. Only then did she turn around to check on her husband. "Carter, you alright?" Carter did not reply. He wondered if the thick smoke or the pain had caused his eyes to tear up. Dodging her touch, he scrambled up from the floor. "I'm fine. Hold onto that painting." She listened and guarded the painting in her arms. A sarcastic look flashed across Carter's eyes as he helped her out of the fire. Blood trickled from his wounds, leaving behind menacing traces. Carter had no idea when he had fainted. When he stirred awake, he found himself in the hospital. Misty sat by his bed tearfully. When she noticed he had woken up, she threw herself at him. She worriedly asked, "Darling, how do you feel? You lost so much blood that I nearly thought you were going to die!" While speaking, she started to cry. "I'm sorry. I got you into this mess." Carter did not know what else he could say. He felt tired to the bones. Misty was genuinely concerned for him and reflecting on her actions, yet she had never put him before Zach. Her love for Zach was fiery, while he could only be the victim of her passionate love for another man. If given a choice to change the past, he would certainly not marry Misty. Misty mistook Carter's lack of response as a lack of energy. She tucked him in and whispered, "Darling, rest up. I'll check on Zeke now. He's hurt too." "This is your fifth chance." His eyes fluttered open. Misty stopped in her tracks. Her eyes met his calm gaze. Moments later, she finally retracted her steps. "I won't visit him then. I'll stay by your side." However, once she confirmed that Carter had fallen into a deep sleep, she quietly took her bag and sneaked out of his room. At the same time, Carter, who she had thought to be fast asleep, opened his eyes slowly. He had been seriously injured and had to undergo surgery for a fracture in the back of his shoulder blade. Because of the surgery, he had to be hospitalized for a month. During his hospital stay, Misty divided her time between their home and the hospital. But at the hospital, she spent most of her time in Zeke's room with the excuse that no one was there to take care of him. Utterly heartbroken, Carter felt his heart go numb. He said nothing more and focused on his recovery. … 20 days later, accompanied by his assistant Taylor Upton, Carter visited the cemetery in his wheelchair for his parents' death anniversary. In the past, Misty would visit his parents' graves on their death anniversary. To his disappointment, Misty was nowhere to be seen, even after he waited the whole day at the cemetery. He mumbled to his parents, "Dad, Mom, I'm afraid I'm going back to being alone." He wiped away the dust on their framed photos with a sad smile. "But I think it's great to live alone." At least, he wouldn't have to suffer from heartbreak if he was alone. When Carter wrapped up everything and was about to leave, Misty showed up late with a bunch of fresh lilies in her arms. "Carter, I'm so sorry! Zeke suddenly ran a high fever. I fussed over him for a while and almost forgot that it was your parents' death anniversary. Why didn't you remind me?" "Are you Zeke's doctor?" Carter cut her off in a flat tone. "Or are you his family? What's your relationship to him?" Misty tried to argue, "But he's…" He stopped her again. "Are you trying to tell me he's Zach's little brother?" Misty nodded after some hesitation. Carter stared squarely at her. "But I dislike Zach or anything related to him." He thought, 'Do you really think I should be understanding of you on all matters related to Zach?' He warned her, "Misty Lawrence, you've just wasted your sixth chance." Ever since Carter seriously considered a divorce, Misty had wasted six out of the eight chances he offered her. The alarming speed at which she put Zach before him made him snicker. He had all the reason to believe that their divorce would arrive sooner than expected. Chapter 6 Terrified, Misty stared at the dejected Carter. Her eyes widened in disbelief as though she had seen his true colors. Between sobs, she wailed, "Carter Flanagan, that's too much!" Carter remained silent. After he said all there was to say, he stared at his feet quietly. He had kept his thoughts to himself for a long time, and it felt cathartic to say them aloud today. He even flashed an out-of-place smile filled with bitterness. Crying, Misty left the cemetery. She arrived home having cried her heart out. She complained, "Yeah, I might have forgotten about my in-laws' death anniversary, but I hurried to the cemetery when I remembered! Am I the only one who's in the wrong here? How about Carter? He should have reminded me and waited for me!" Misty had never expected Carter to confront her at the cemetery. She felt humiliated. He had never treated her in that way in the past. Of course, she knew very well that Carter disliked Zach, but he would never act petty over Zach, not to mention lose his temper. However, Carter seemed to have changed lately. He often fought with her about anything related to Zach. This was Carter's second time raising his voice at her. She argued, "There's nothing between me and Zeke! Why is Carter always fighting with a dead man? As if I wasn't nice enough to him!" She sobbed uncontrollably until her eyes became swollen. Leslie and Kathy, who were listening to her rant, were hesitant to speak. They wanted to tell their daughter off for not remembering a date as important as her in-laws' death anniversary, but Misty was in no mood to listen—she was too consumed by her grievances. Looking at her state, her parents had no choice but to call Carter, even though they knew Misty was in the wrong. "Carter, do you want to join us for dinner? I made your favorite soup. Misty is here too. Do you want to drive her home after dinner?" Kathy prodded cautiously. After a pause, Carter rejected the invitation, "Mom, I'm getting discharged this afternoon. There's a lot of work waiting for me back in my office. I can't make it." Misty's face paled when he refused to join dinner. She angrily tossed away the pillow in her arms and growled, "Fine! Do not ever set foot into my house again!" When Misty was busy throwing a tantrum, Kathy realized that Carter must have lost his patience after eight long years. He might be seriously considering giving up on Misty, but Misty seemed oblivious to the fact. … After hanging up, Carter placed the bunch of lilies from Misty in front of his parents' headstones—the flowers that she had left behind when she stormed away. Misty's crying in the background of his call with Kathy distracted him a little. He had never made Misty cry this badly, but Misty was not the only one who got her heart broken. He, too, had feelings. Wearing a smirk, he left the cemetery in his wheelchair. That afternoon, Taylor handed a report to him. "Mr. Flanagan, your discharge has been processed." He grunted. "Okay. Let's go." When he was ready to leave, he heard a sardonic voice from before him. "Are you leaving the hospital now? Why don't you stay a few more days?" Carter looked up and met Zeke's blatantly provocative eyes. Standing a few steps away from him, Zeke said smilingly, "I heard it was your parents' death anniversary today. I'm sorry that Misty forgot about it because she was too busy fussing over me. She didn't hold up your visit, did she?" Carter's expression crumpled when Zeke made fun of the important day. Taylor, who served as both Carter's bodyguard and assistant, stepped forward and grabbed Zeke by the shoulder. Still, Carter, ever the gentleman, suppressed his anger. He addressed Zeke coldly, "You should really work on yourself instead of wasting your time on me. Do you have anything to show apart from that face you share with Zach?" Compared to Zach, Zeke was truly a good-for-nothing. His business acumen and painting skills paled in comparison to Zach's. He had to make use of Zach's fame to market his own art exhibition. Losers hated it when people called them out. Zeke's face darkened, but soon, he put on an evil smile. He questioned Carter with hostility, "What about you? You might have come from a reputable family, and you have all the money and status you could ask for, but have you won Misty's love?" "As for me," Zeke pointed at his own face. "All I need is a face that looks like Zach." Suddenly, Zeke saw something from the corner of his eye and threw himself at Carter, leaving the sullen-looking Carter with no time to respond. Taylor, who was on his guard, reflexively landed a kick on Zeke. The kick threw Zeke backward. At the same time, Misty's furious voice filled the air. "Carter, what are you doing?" Chapter 7 Despite feeling mad at Carter, Misty still showed up at the hospital on the day he was discharged after some inner debate. Never had she thought she would witness Carter instructing his bodyguard to beat Zeke up. She tossed away the roses she brought and helped Zeke up. Snapping her head around, she hissed at Carter, "Carter Flanagan, you're unbelievable!" It had been a long time since someone had pulled such a wretched move against Carter. He couldn't be bothered to defend himself. All he said was, "Call the police if you like." Zeke's expression shifted a little. He hurriedly said, "There's no need to call the police." Turning to Misty, he explained, "Misty, I'm sure Carter did not do that on purpose. Look, I'm fine." Despite that, he inhaled sharply as he pressed a hand on his waist. When Misty wasn't looking, he shot a daring look at Carter as though telling him, "Say, will she trust me or you?" Misty looked upset. She glared at Carter before helping Zeke up with a forced smile. "Zeke, I'll take you to the doctor." "Thanks, Misty." Before Zeke left with Misty, he shot Carter an unnoticeable, victorious look. Carter ignored him. No amount of petty actions by Zeke could beat the hurt Misty had inflicted on him with her callous words. If she hadn't trusted Zeke, Zeke wouldn't have been able to pull off his foolish trick. At the end of the day, in matters related to Zach, Misty would take Zach's side unconditionally—even if the man was just Zach's younger brother. Frozen on the spot, Carter looked away from Misty, who was holding Zeke. His gaze fell on the roses scattered across the ground. The petals trembled on the stem when a gust of wind traveled through, looking as fragile as his marriage to Misty. He mouthed, "Misty, this is the seventh chance." Following that incident, their relationship dipped to a new low. Misty refused to come home because she was upset, and Carter spent nights in his office. In his one month of hospitalization, he had missed a lot of work. He had to work overtime for days to catch up. Even if his marriage was a mess, life needed to go on. Suddenly, he received a WhatsApp message from Zeke. Zeke texted him a photo he had taken with Misty but quickly removed the message. After that, Carter noticed that Zeke had updated his Instagram story. Zeke had posted a photo of himself in bed and being fed soup by Misty. The caption read, "Misty, thank you for taking care of me when I'm sick." Carter stared at the jarring photo without emotions. At this point, he knew that Misty only had eyes for Zach. She couldn't care for other men, including Carter. However, his assumption was proven wrong soon after. … After weeks of working overtime, Carter finally completed his work and went to the hospital for a follow-up checkup. "Your post-surgery recovery went well. Remember to do your physio daily from today," the doctor reminded him. Keeping the advice in mind, Carter finally decided to head home. After all, he could not sleep and eat at his office any longer. Besides, it was easier to keep up his physiotherapy activities at home because he had all the equipment. The scene that greeted him when he got home was beyond shocking. Misty, whom he hadn't seen in a while, was making out with another man. Upon hearing the noises, Misty and the man sluggishly turned their attention to the door. She looked dazed and in love. Slowly, she collected herself. All color drained from her face. Shoving Zeke away in shock, she stared at Carter helplessly. "Darling…" Carter turned around to leave. Panicking, she ran after him and caught his arm. "Darling, hear me out." Carter stood still, his expression frosty. "Okay. Go ahead." Looking pale, she muttered, "I mistook Zeke for Zach. That was why…" After Carter took in a deep breath, he laughed at her ridiculous excuse. Pointing at Zeke, he snapped, "Does that mean you would kiss and sleep with Zach if he were the one standing before you today? Misty Lawrence, do you understand that you're a married woman?" Her flinching gaze made Carter realize he was absolutely wrong about Zeke. Zeke was right—all he needed was a resemblance to Zach. Never had Carter felt so defeated. He put a hand on his chest. He thought he had gone numb from all the pain, but why did it still hurt? He no longer wanted to spend even a second at the "home" he shared with Misty. Prying her fingers away, he marched out of the place. To his dismay, Zeke stood in his path with guilt in his sensual eyes. "Carter, I'm really sorry. I dressed up to look like Zach to tempt Misty because I was in love with her. It's all my fault. Please do not blame her; she has nothing to do with this." What an incredulous remark! Carter's gaze landed on Misty, who stood behind Zeke with a mortified expression. Smirking, he questioned, "Are you that easily confused just because Zeke looks like Zach?" He pointed at Zeke in an accusatory manner. "Zeke is a shameless man with ulterior motives—a mere clown and a poor imitation of his brother. If you mistook him for Zach, that only proves you never truly loved Zach." Glaring at Misty, he pressed on. "Or did you mistake him for Zach because Zach, just like his brother, was a shameless man with ill intentions?" Misty reacted with a slap to Carter's face. Carter's face turned sideways from the impact as the sound reverberated in the hall. He tasted blood in his mouth. The panic in Misty's eyes had been replaced with bridling resentment. In an icy tone, she hissed at him, "Never speak of Zach in that way!" From her reaction, it felt like she might fight him with her life if he insulted Zach one more time. He closed his eyes. The searing pain on his cheek was merely a fraction of the pain shooting through his heart. He announced with a heavy heart, "Misty, this is your eighth chance." Chapter 8 'This is your last chance,' Carter thought. A wave of unease swept over Misty, as though she was losing something important for good. But the fleeting panic was quickly replaced by a surge of anger. Trembling with rage, she lost all sense of reason. By now, she had forgotten what Carter meant by the eight chances, or perhaps, she didn't care at all. "Carter, apologize to Zach!" Misty demanded coldly, her reddened eyes blazing. Even at this moment, all she could think of was Zach. Carter tasted blood in his mouth. He forced a faint smile and teared up. Finally, he blurted out the words that he had kept hidden for a long time, "Misty, let's get a divorce." Misty froze for a brief moment. Then, in her fury, she made a decision she would regret for the rest of her life. "Fine, let's get a divorce!" No one—not even her husband—had the right to insult Zach Sterling. Carter wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. From the moment he brought up divorce, it felt as if all his negative emotions had been sucked away. He pulled a divorce agreement from his bag, his face devoid of expression. "Sign this," he said to Misty. Misty didn't pause for a moment to think over the reason Carter had prepared the divorce papers in advance. Without hesitation, she signed her name, her handwriting sharp, angry strokes. Then, she left him coldly. Carter didn't go after her. He stood there, watching the distance between them grow. Zeke didn't immediately run after Misty. Instead, he leaned toward Carter, his voice low. "You were easier to defeat than I had imagined," Zeke taunted. Carter met his gaze and snapped, "Get lost." The cold fury in Carter's eyes made Zeke step back. Zeke later fled in panic. Carter, however, stood motionless in the garden for a long time. After what felt like an eternity, he finally stepped into the living room. He found a cigarette in a drawer and lit it. As the smoke rose in the air, his tears began to fall. He had deliberately provoked Misty about Zach, hoping to see if she would keep her emotions under control even a little for the sake of their fragile marriage. The result was clear. Zach was like a spell that was cast over Misty—one Carter could never break. When the cigarette burned out, Carter began packing his belongings in silence. He decided to leave the house to Misty. There was no point in keeping his things there anymore. Still, eight years was a long time. The home he had carefully built bore traces of his life everywhere. It took him a long time to sort and pack everything. Finally, his hand rested on an old, faded metal keychain—the very first gift Misty had given him. Back then, Carter's parents had just passed away in a car accident. Once a carefree soul, he had been plunged into darkness, orphaned and alone. His relatives eyed his inheritance, his classmates turned on him, and his old friends harassed him. In the darkest days of his life, Misty had reached out to him. "Hey, Carter," she had said with a radiant smile on a sunny day. "If no one else wants to be your friend, I'll be your friend. From now on, I've got your back." She scratched her head bashfully when he stared at her. Upon second thought, she unhooked the keychain from her backpack and handed it to him with a dimpled grin. "Here. This is a friendship gift," she said. At that moment, the seed of love took root in Carter's heart. He had treasured that gift for many years. Now, staring at the keychain for what felt like an eternity, Carter finally placed it into a box. Sealing the box felt like he was storing away the love he had harbored for Misty over the past decade. When everything was packed, Carter took one last look at the home they had shared for eight years. Without hesitation, he turned and walked away, his steps steady and firm. His figure shrunk with each step as he gradually faded into the horizon.