Chapter 1
Not even three years after remarrying, Grover brought the mistress who wrecked his marriage the first time back into his home again.
In the living room, Hazel hid behind Grover, glancing nervously at Clarissa, her face a mix of anxiety and caution.
"Mrs. Porter, I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't be here bothering you, but I really have nowhere else to go," Hazel said.
Grover shielded Hazel, his gaze uneasy but resolute.
"Clarissa, I'm sorry for bringing Hazel here without telling you first. But I saw her working as an escort girl at a KTV. I owe her dad, and I couldn't leave her there," Grover said.
Clarissa stared at the two of them, saying nothing.
But memories of the past came flooding back, like a tidal wave crashing over her mind.
She and Grover used to be the most loving couple in the world.
But because of Hazel, everything fell apart.
Hazel's father was Grover's mentor. Three years ago, a serious illness took Hazel's father's life. He was Hazel's only family in the world.
Moved by pity, Grover brought Hazel, who was ten years younger than him, into his home.
Clarissa gave Hazel everything, treated her like family, only to walk in and see Grover and Hazel tangled together on her bed.
Grover's betrayal made Clarissa lose all hope. She wanted a divorce, but Grover wouldn't agree.
At the same time, overwhelmed by guilt, Hazel tried to end her life by slitting her wrists. She almost didn't make it.
In the end, Grover chose Hazel over Clarissa.
Grover officially divorced Clarissa, but less than half a year later, Grover came seeking her out again.
He dropped to the floor in front of her, crying his heart out.
He confessed that what he felt for Hazel was never love, just sympathy.
He insisted Clarissa was the only one he ever truly loved, and without her, he couldn't live.
Later, he nearly got himself killed in a car accident while trying to save her.
At that moment, Clarissa finally relented and agreed to marry him again.
After they remarried, Grover went above and beyond for her.
If Clarissa wasn't feeling well, he'd cancel all his classes and lectures and stay up all night to take care of her.
Knowing how much Clarissa loved chicken soup, he'd spend the whole day in the kitchen and perfect his chicken soup in order to get a praise from her.
Clarissa was always cold, but loved kicking off the covers at night, so he'd cradle her feet in his arms the whole night.
Afraid Clarissa might leave him again, Grover even wrote a guarantee letter by hand and stuck it up in the living room as a constant reminder to himself.
During the three years since they remarried, Clarissa never once regretted her decision to divorce him.
But now, she did.
"Clarissa?" Grover called out.
Grover tried calling out to her, his voice uncertain, when she stayed silent.
Hazel burst into tears and turned to leave.
"Professor Porter, I know I shouldn't have come. I'll leave right away. I won't make things difficult for you," Hazel said.
Grover reached out to stop her. "You don't have the money for rent, and your landlord kicked you out. It's so late. You have nowhere else to go. Why don't you just stay here tonight?"
Then he turned to Clarissa.
"Just for tonight. As soon as morning comes, I'll take her away. Clarissa, I promise I have no feelings for her. Once she's gone tomorrow, I'll never see her again," Grover said.
Clarissa had always trusted his promises before.
But this time, it left her feeling utterly sick. It was as if she had just eaten a fly.
The promise note was still hanging on the wall. After three years, the handwriting was as clear as ever.
It read: [To my wife Clarissa Porter, I write this pledge as proof. From today on, I, Grover Porter, swear I will never betray you again.
[I'll be a loyal husband and love and respect you. I will never see Hazel again. If I break this, may everyone despise me, and even heaven forsake me."
Looking at the promise note and remembering everything they'd been through as a couple, Clarissa finally gave in and nodded.
"Alright, Grover. Don't forget your promise. I want her gone by tomorrow morning, or I'm filing for divorce," Clarissa said.