I placed my trust in him and learned to “understand” his difficult predicament.

As a result, my family members mocked me behind my back. They said I had worked so hard to provide for this adulterous pair so that they could live a happy life together.

I used to fight back and shout at them, “My husband is just taking pity on Anna, so he’s just helping her out. I trust them!”

In return, Jonathan kept two households while keeping me in the dark.

I ended up becoming a laughingstock.

I raised my hand and slapped Jonathan across the face.

“How could you still have the nerve to say something like that?

“Jonathan, until the divorce is finalized, I don’t want to see you ever again!”

I pulled my luggage bag and headed toward the school dormitory.

There would be one more quota eligible for permanent position in the city.

The principal told me that if I could achieve the “Outstanding Teacher” award this year, I could fill the quota.

I woke up early in the morning and worked till late at night by participating in school activities, just for the position.

I took on any work that other teachers did not want to do.

After two months without a break, I worked myself into collapse.

When I woke up, I found myself lying on a bed in the clinic.

My parents sat beside me.

“Nancy, you’re a commander’s wife, yet you’re looking in your gift horse’s mouth. Why push yourself this hard?

“Look at you. You’re all skin and bones. It breaks my heart.”

Why were they here?

I pinched myself hard before I was sure it was not a dream.

My eyes reddened, and I sobbed. “Dad, Mom, I’m not throwing a tantrum. I want to divorce Jonathan for real.

“I’m fighting for the chance to return to the city. When I get it, I’ll take you with me.”

When one was sick, they became more fragile than usual.

At that moment, my heart grew tender enough to forgive my parents for helping Jonathan hide the truth from me.

I could let go of anything else as long as we were united.

But my mother looked troubled. She let out a sigh.

“Nancy, we came to discuss something with you today.

“You’ve lodged a report against Jonathan to his superior. As a result, he was penalized.

“Despite all this, Jonathan doesn’t blame you. He’s also aware that you’re trying to earn the quota to return to the city, and he happens to have one in his hands.”

My father quickly nodded.

“As long as you agree to take part in the ceremony to acknowledge Anna as part of our family, Jonathan will allow you to fill the quota.”

That tiny spark of hope in my heart was completely gone.

They were here for Anna’s sake again.

My parents wanted to acknowledge an outsider as their daughter.

They were worried about Anna’s reputation, hence they took the initiative to come to me.

I blinked and allowed tears to slide down my cheeks freely.

I exhaled weakly.

“Fine. I agree.”

My parents went all out for the ceremony in acknowledging Anna as their daughter.

Everyone in our family attended the ceremony.

Anna and Jonathan walked hand-in-hand, as if they were a perfect couple.

I, on the other hand, held a tray of food and stood by the side.

I watched as my parents gave their blessings to Anna.

My parents laughed and chatted happily with her as they gave her a luxurious gift.

How hilarious was that?

I had not seen them smiling so genuinely at me for a very long time.

Anna walked over to me and hugged me affectionately.

“Nancy, I’m your elder sister from now on.

“You need to treat me like a real one, you know?”

There was a subtle provocation in her gentle expression.

My body stiffened. I gripped the plate tightly. No sound came from my throat.

Just then, someone teased us.

“Anna, which one are you? Nancy’s sister-in-law or her elder sister?

“Or should I say you’re Jonathan’s first wife while she’s the second?”

Jonathan’s expression instantly darkened.

“Quiet!

“Nancy, Anna is your elder sister. I know you’re not used to it yet, but you should, at least, show her some respect.”

“Treat Anna as your elder sister now. Quick. If not, everyone will continue to gossip about her.”

My parents looked at me with pleading expressions. They urged me to acknowledge Anna as my elder sister.

Of course, they only thought of her.

If I acknowledged Anna as my elder sister, I would become everyone’s laughingstock instead.

When I remained silent, Anna stepped in to smooth things over.

“All right, everyone. Stop forcing Nancy.

“I’m a widow and an orphan. Now that I have Mom and Dad, I’ve nothing more to ask.”

Then, Anna leaned closer to me and whispered in my ear, “Your parents and husband are all mine now.

“Nancy, do you still think that your miscarriage two years ago was just an accident?

“Let me tell you the truth. Jonathan was worried that you’d take my job once you’re pregnant, so he had someone prescribe you the medicine that led to a miscarriage. It’s he who killed the child on his own.”

Clang!

My hands trembled so badly that I could not hold the plate steadily. As a result, it fell to the floor.

It was no wonder the way the doctor had looked at me so strangely back then.

I had blamed myself for that unborn child for two years.

I had nightmares night after night. I saw myself lying in a pool of blood.

Yet, the child’s father had colluded with Anna all along to scheme against me and guilt-trip me so that I could not interfere with their happy life!

The word “child” struck a nerve deep inside me.

I could not take it any longer.

I shoved Anna to the floor.

I raised my hand and was about to slap her. Before I could reach her face, a strong grip seized my wrist.

Slap!

Jonathan’s slap landed hard across my face.

“You’re a madwoman! Anna always keeps herself in check. She’s aware of her own behavior in front of you. What exactly has she offended you?

“It’s no wonder your parents dislike you. They’d rather acknowledge an outsider to be their daughter than spare another glance at you!

“People like you don’t deserve to be loved!”

Likewise, my parents shielded Anna and stared at me coldly.

I was in the middle of a daze. My mind was filled with nothing but the child.

A kind neighbor helped me to my feet and led me aside to rest.

After that farce, the ceremony went on as if nothing had happened.

My parents acted as if nothing had happened. They grinned from ear to ear and continued to chat with Anna.

I sat alone and pressed a cold towel against my face. Just then, a staff member from the school rushed over to my house entrance.

“Nancy, the school sent the word. They said they’ve confirmed you for the position.

“Pack your things and head to the station now! Hurry up! The bus from the city has already arrived to pick you up!”

After comforting Anna, Jonathan remembered Nancy’s disappointed expression.

He had never seen her this devastated before.

One of his subordinates said to him, “Ms. Nancy has put in a lot of effort to earn the military spouse quota. Even the superior believes she deserves the quota.”

Jonathan recalled Nancy falling to the floor. He belatedly realized he had gone too far.

Out of guilt, he relented.

“I’ve already settled this with Anna. It can’t be changed.

“But I can try to see if I can apply for an additional quota for her.”

After he submitted the application, his superior informed him, “Last month, Nancy said she had discussed things with you. She agreed to a divorce so that she could fill the quota.

“I already approved it. Didn’t you know?”