The next day, I went to the office. My family's business is in the hospitality industry, while Gu Yanshan's family runs a fashion design company.

To be closer to Gu Yanshan, I chose fashion design against my family's wishes.

After years of hard work, I finally secured a position at Gu's company as an acclaimed designer.

However, as soon as I arrived at the office, I noticed people giving me strange looks. Then, the director called me into his office.

Even though I didn't know what had happened, a sense of unease crept over me.

When the director saw me, he had a troubled expression.

"Tang Li, here's the situation. The higher-ups have decided that Bai Rui will be the one to compete this time, and your design drafts will be used by her."

This wasn't the first time something like this had happened.

Bai Rui, an assistant designer, joined the company three years ago. Gu Yanshan had helped her countless times, but each time it was at the expense of my achievements.

Initially, Gu Yanshan patiently explained to me, saying, "Honey, Rui Rui comes from a poor family.

I got involved in their relationship and owe her from when we broke up. Without good opportunities, someone of her background would remain poor forever."

I had indeed intervened back then. My mother-in-law used financial pressure to bring Gu Yanshan and me together.

At first, the two of them believed that love could conquer all, but as time went on, Bai Rui realized that love doesn't pay the bills, and she chose to leave.

I felt guilty toward Bai Rui, so I endured it the first few times.

But later, all the good projects and competition chances were given to Bai Rui, and my designs were handed over to her without my consent, often outright stolen.

Even the most patient person would eventually reach their limit. Despite my guilt, Gu Yanshan shouldn't have treated me this way, so I confronted him in his office.

At that moment, Bai Rui was timidly hiding behind Gu Yanshan, her pitiful appearance only arousing Gu Yanshan's protective instincts.

Faced with my questioning and outburst, Gu Yanshan dropped the pretense and confidently said, "Tang Li, you're in my company.

You should follow my arrangements. You've already achieved so much here. Rui Rui is different from you. Would it really hurt to give her a chance?"

Gu Yanshan always portrayed Bai Rui as the underdog, making me the villain if I didn't give in. But why should the designs I worked on tirelessly become someone else's stepping stone?

I had already repaid any debt I owed. That was the first time I defied Gu Yanshan, clinging to my designs to prevent them from falling into someone else's hands.

Gu Yanshan sneered, "Do you think you're the only one capable of designing? If I want, there are many talented designers out there ready to showcase their work!"

As expected, Gu Yanshan spent a fortune to hire top designers to assist Bai Rui, even staying up late with her to revise her work.

Perhaps it was then that I should have realized that for Gu Yanshan, Bai Rui's matters always took precedence.

Gu Yanshan was up to his old tricks again, and he didn't even care if I divorced him, using my misfortune to boost Bai Rui's success.

I looked at the director, understanding she was just an employee who had to follow orders from above.

Once, Gu Yanshan would personally come to me, but after tolerating him for so long, he felt he could send anyone to convey his wishes, and out of fear of losing him, I would always choose to compromise.

But this time, my entry into the competition was earned through my own merit. Facing numerous competitors, I networked tirelessly and charmed my way to seize the opportunity from other companies.

If I won first place, I would have the chance to go abroad and study under the most renowned designers.

Meanwhile, Bai Rui did nothing and simply sat there, with opportunities handed to her by Gu Yanshan.

Not only did I secure the competition spot, but I also worked tirelessly on the design drafts, sketching day and night. My room was overflowing with discarded paper, and I never gave up, even while dealing with pregnancy symptoms.

"You don't need to worry; I'll speak to Mr. Gu, " I told the director, who had no choice but to let me go to Gu Yanshan's office alone.

As soon as I reached the door, the secretary stopped me.

"Madam, Mr. Gu is... busy. Please come back later."

The secretary's nervous expression made it clear she was lying. I didn't care; these people were all in cahoots, covering for Gu Yanshan countless times.

From the office, Bai Rui's affected voice could be heard, "Ah Shan, am I really that stupid? I can't even manage such a small task. How can I compete?"

From Bai Rui's words, it seemed she already considered the competition spot hers.

While I was drinking myself to sleep on the street for that spot, Bai Rui was luxuriating in a bath at home.

While the organizers were giving me a hard time, Bai Rui was out shopping.

We can't choose our social class, but we can choose how hard we work. Since Bai Rui joined the company, she hadn't put in a day's worth of hard work, and nobody respected her.

I wasn't sure if Bai Rui was inherently shameless or if Gu Yanshan's enabling had become a habit for her. Standing outside the door, I felt nauseated.

The secretary looked at me awkwardly, perhaps afraid I'd explode right then, considering my husband was patiently accompanying a female employee during work hours.

But they didn't know that I was here to seek my own fairness. Regardless of Gu Yanshan and Bai Rui's actions, they no longer stirred any emotion within me.

I kicked the door open, and Gu Yanshan and Bai Rui stared at me in shock.

Once he recovered, Gu Yanshan shouted angrily, "Tang Li, have you lost your mind? This is a company, not a place for your tantrums!"

Gu Yanshan's gentle words were all reserved for Bai Rui, while towards me, he either glared coldly or hurled insults.

I was frustrated, wondering why I couldn't see clearly for those past six years, always hoping Gu Yanshan would treat me better, a hope that became an obsession.

When I finally decided to leave, I found myself thinking how foolish I had been—Gu Yanshan never loved me.

I let out a cold laugh.

"I've stood my ground and made my point clear repeatedly, despite being told not to. You want others to reap the rewards without effort? Sorry, I don't have that kind of generosity. I'm here to resign; the opportunities I earned won't be handed over to anyone else!"

I said, tossing my resignation letter in Gu Yanshan's face.

Gu Yanshan paused briefly, then sneered.

"Have you forgotten how humble you were when you first joined the company? Yesterday you wanted a divorce, today you want to resign. Let me tell you, the Gu family isn't a marketplace where you can come and go as you please. You can't leave, and don't even think about divorcing!"

My contributions to the company were undeniable. If Bai Rui hadn't interfered, my reputation would have been renowned nationwide. I sacrificed countless chances to shine, all to please Gu Yanshan and make up for Bai Rui.

I looked at Gu Yanshan, my eyes devoid of any light, then glanced at Bai Rui—a pretty face with no substance who only knew how to hide behind men and play the victim. I wanted to see how much money Gu Yanshan would need to prop her up without me."I've submitted my resignation, and I'll leave when I please.

As for the divorce agreement, it doesn't matter if you don't sign it. We can separate for two years, and then I'll file for divorce. Gu Yanshan, I've done my best and have a clear conscience. Maybe you should ask yourself what you've given me over these six years?"

Eager to defend herself, Bai Rui stepped forward, crying, "Please don't fight over me.

Ms. Tang Li, you must have misunderstood my relationship with Mr. Gu. I just... I just want to work hard so others won't look down on me."

Every time the ex cries, the current partner loses. I suffered so much because of this in the past.

I must admit, Bai Rui's tearful act had bewitched me for years.

Gu Yanshan didn't even get angry; he simply went over to comfort Bai Rui, gently reassuring her, "Rui Rui, it's not your fault. Tang Li is being unreasonable. Don't cry; it's tearing me apart."

Those words made me feel sick. I stepped forward, and Gu Yanshan instinctively shielded Bai Rui, who shot me a provocative glance when Gu Yanshan wasn't looking.

I watched coldly and said indifferently, "You think too highly of yourself.Our argument is just because someone is blind to the truth.

You, such trash, don't pose a threat to me. If you're worried about being looked down upon, work hard to improve yourself instead of clinging to others. Sure, your tactics may get you far quickly, but remember, the higher you rise, the bigger the fall. These tricks might deceive foolish men, but what woman in the company respects you?"

With that, I took the application form from Gu Yanshan's desk.

The organizer had sent it directly to the company, and someone would send it to Gu Yanshan. I was merely taking what was rightfully mine.

Gu Yanshan grabbed my wrist tightly.

"Tang Li, what gives you the right? What gives you the courage to take what's meant for Rui Rui and to resign or divorce?"

My wrist burned from his grip, but it couldn't compare to the anger I felt inside. "I have the right because it's mine. What skill does Bai Rui possess?Without my efforts, would your company have such rare opportunities?

And as for resigning, you know the reason well. Regarding the divorce, your precious pet caused the loss of my child. I'm not magnanimous enough to forgive that. Dogs aren't people, and since you raised it, are you not human either?"

Hearing the word "miscarriage, " Gu Yanshan froze, his grip loosening. I took the chance to free my hand and slapped him hard across the face.

His face turned to the side from the impact, and I felt a chill.

"This slap is my payback for your shamelessness. While I was undergoing surgery at the hospital, you were comforting your dog and your precious Bai Rui. Gu Yanshan, we're done. If you don't want your disgraceful behavior to become public, try dragging out the divorce agreement!"

With those words, I turned and left, glancing at their reflections in the glass—both looking worse than ever.

Bai Rui tried to comfort Gu Yanshan, but he pushed her away when she reached out to check the mark on his face.

"Don't touch me!" he snapped.

Bai Rui seemed startled, frozen in place.

I didn't want to watch their farce any longer, so I quickened my pace and left the company.

That evening, the hospital called me, saying Gu Yanshan had requested my medical report. They asked if I consented, and I simply replied, "Let him."

Since I'd already spoken the truth, I wasn't afraid of Gu Yanshan investigating.

The sad thing is, after six years together, Gu Yanshan didn't trust me at all. I didn't know if he was looking at the report to give up or to prove I was lying, easing his conscience.

After a long time, Gu Yanshan called. I didn't want to answer, but I thought if he agreed to the divorce, it would save me a lot of trouble.

"A Li, why didn't you tell me about the pregnancy? I was wrong. Please don't be angry. Can I bring you home?"

I frowned; this wasn't the answer I was hoping for. Even though Gu Yanshan rarely softened his tone, sounding somewhat defeated and hoarse, in the past, I would have felt sorry for him.

But once your heart is dead, nothing matters anymore.

I replied coldly, "I'm not here to listen to your remorse. If you want to discuss divorce, I have plenty of time. But if you want to talk about feelings, I'm sorry, that's the last thing we have to discuss."

I hung up the call. Next week, I would be competing overseas, and I had no time for Gu Yanshan's nonsense.

To prevent further harassment, I sent him a message: [Let's set a date for the divorce. If it's anything else, please don't trouble yourself.]

Then I blocked his contact.

I didn't expect to see Gu Yanshan waiting at the airport when I arrived. His back seemed less straight than before, more like he carried the weight of a ghost.

I pretended not to see him and walked past, but Gu Yanshan quickly grabbed my arm.

"A Li, I was wrong. I've sent Duoduo away. Please, come back."