Chapter 9 

As soon as they left, William took us back to the office. 

I spotted a steaming lunchbox on his desk the moment we walked in. 

The woman explained, 

“I took the day off, so I brought lunch for Will.” 

“I heard someone say there was a fight going on right when I got here, so I came to check it 

out.” 

“Didn’t expect to walk into that mess.” 

I looked down, guilt washing over me. 

“I’m sorry… this is all my fault. I dragged William into it.” 

William waved it off, not the least bit bothered. 

Instead, he looked at me with concern. 

“Emily, are you okay?” 

“Why didn’t you tell me what was going on between you and Mr. Montgomery?” 

“Listen, forget about the project.” 

“I’ll handle your resignation myself.” 

My eyes welled up and the tears just fell. 

“Thank you, William.” 

Margaret pulled me into a hug and gently wiped my tears. 

“Sweetheart, if you’re hurting, talk to me.” 

Chapter 9 

“Will and I’ve got your back.” 

In her arms, I felt the kind of warmth I hadn’t known in years–like being held by a mother. 

With a hoarse voice, I finally told them what happened at the wedding. 

“That’s insane!” 

William slammed the desk, visibly more pissed off than when Chloe accused him earlier. 

“Alexander’s really that kind of guy? You’re quitting.” 

“No question. I’ll quit with you!” 

“Screw that company. I’m done!” 

Margaret shot him a look to calm down. 

“Emily, where are you staying now?” 

Isniffled. 

“A hotel… I guess I’ll look for an apartment once I officially leave.” 

She brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, clearly feeling sorry for me. 

“If you don’t mind, why don’t you stay with us for a while?” 

“Our son moved out ages ago. We’ve got plenty of room.” 

I hesitated, just about to politely decline, but then William added- 

“She’s right. Just move in with us.” 

“To be honest, I’ve always seen you as a daughter.” 

Their sincerity reminded me of my own parents–who forced me to apologize to Alexander. 

My eyes got teary again. I nodded. 

Chapter 9 

“Okay.” 

It wasn’t until I moved in with them that I found out Margaret worked for the city government–she was in charge of public infrastructure. 

No wonder I’d never seen her before; she was always swamped with work. 

This was her first day off in forever–hence, the lunch drop–off. 

Over dinner, William casually mentioned he’d already submitted his resignation. 

“With that punk Alexander around, the place is only gonna get worse.” 

“I’d rather retire early and enjoy life.” 

“Margaret and I are fine financially.” 

“Retirement’s looking good.” 

Margaret rolled her eyes and flicked his forehead–like she’d dealt with his laid–back 

attitude a million times before. 

I quit too. 

Because of my miscarriage, Margaret insisted I take my time to recover instead of jumping 

right back into work. 

I agreed–figured it’d give me a chance to heal and keep Will company, too. 

I knew they meant well. 

And at their home, I experienced something I never had before–real family warmth. 

Six months later, Alexander finally agreed to the divorce. 

Apparently, Mrs. Montgomery threatened to kill herself if he didn’t marry Chloe. 

So he caved. 

But by then, he’d already seen through Chloe’s facade and couldn’t even stand being near 

her 

She couldn’t handle the cold shoulder, so she went full drama queen in the Montgomery house every single day. 

They became a walking disaster of a couple. 

The Montgomery empire took a huge hit too. 

Margaret launched a full investigation into their affiliated companies. 

She uncovered a bunch of shady, illegal operations. 

A ton of projects had to be shut down. 

They lost millions. 

She told me this while calmly stirring soup on the stove–like it was just another day. 

But I knew she was telling me for a reason. 

Oh, and one more thing. 

I blocked my parents. 

4 

A month ago, during the fall harvest festival, I officially asked Will and Margaret if I could call them Dad and Mom. 

And just like that, I became their daughter. 

That driver was right. 

Life will hit you hard. 

Again and again 

You’ll feel crushed, disappointed, and hopeless. 

But no matter how dark it gets, 

95.69% 

Tina Foam Hai. NAU ÎÊ MU Time to Shine 

Chapter 9 

You’ve got to believe- 

There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.