Rachel poured out all the hurt she had been holding inside to her mother. By the time she was finished, she was crying uncontrollably.

As she sat before the grave, she gently traced her hand over the cold stone—as if doing so would make her feel like her mother was still with her, just in a different way.

“Mom, I wish you were still here. At least I’d have someone to talk to. You’d be on my side, wouldn’t you? I don’t understand. He used to love me so much… How did it turn into this? Can love really change?”

At this point, Rachel didn’t even want to think about Samantha, or that William had seen her as nothing more than a stand-in. But it didn’t matter anymore. The love between them had deteriorated so much, it was now unbearable.

After Rachel finally let out all her emotions, she realized that an hour and a half had passed. William, who had promised to be here soon, still hadn’t shown up. To be honest, she didn’t expect much from him anymore. Whether he came or not didn’t matter.

She was about to get up and leave when her phone buzzed. It was a message from Cecilia.

[I gave the money to the person who helped you before. She says thank you.]

Rachel replied, [No problem. We were the ones who caused trouble for her.]

Rachel knew that anyone who could get close to Tyler had to be a high-level professional. Tyler’s investigation would surely shake up their careers; whether they would be able to stay in the industry was uncertain now. Asking someone for help in this way was like cutting off part of their future.

On her way back, Rachel happened to see that Samantha had posted something on social media. Curiosity got the better of her, and she clicked on the post.

There was a photo of a pot of chicken soup being boiled, followed by a second photo of someone sitting across from a table, drinking from a bowl. Though the person’s face wasn’t visible, Rachel recognized the hand.

It was William’s.

Samantha had added a caption to the post.

[I hope to make breakfast for the one I love every morning. He really enjoys it.]

The third picture showed Samantha pointing at William’s bowl.

Rachel remained calm, but veins popped up on the back of her hand.

So, they couldn’t even wait for the last few days? Was William already planning to let Samantha take the cake?

Rachel didn’t have the time to make him chicken soup this morning, so he called Samantha to the house to make it for him. She didn’t even need to imagine it–she could already picture the scene in her mind.

Samantha, in Rachel’s apron and slippers, standing in the very spot Rachel had stood so many times before, happily making chicken soup for William. He would be standing behind Samantha, his arms wrapped around her waist, their faces pressed close together.

Those moments had been Rachel’s and William’s–memories Rachel could still see clearly, but now, there was someone else by his side.

The happiness was still there, but it wasn’t hers anymore.

Chapter 32

Rachel picked up her phone. After a moment of hesitation, she dialed William’s number. When he picked up, Samantha’s voice quickly answered, “William, do you like how this dress looks on me? I think all of Rachel’s dresses are so beautiful.”

“Didn’t I buy you plenty of dresses before?” William replied.

“I know, but I think Rachel’s are prettier. Hers are new, but she hasn’t even worn them yet.” Samantha’s words were loaded with meaning.

“Be good, okay? If you really like it, I’ll buy you new ones. But if you take Rachel’s, what do I tell her when she asks?”

“Well, can I try it on? You can buy me one like it later.”

“Okay, but be careful. When you’re done, put it back where you found it.”