Chapter 16: Repaying a Favor with Minimal Effort

Eric raised an eyebrow and teased, “This is the first time I’ve seen someone apologize and thank me at the same time. You’re quite contradictory.” He studied me for a moment, and the playful smile on his lips faded. He put on a more serious expression and continued, “Jeremiah isn’t the right man for you. Staying with him will bring you nothing but suffering. Haven’t you thought about leaving him?”

I smiled faintly and replied, “I’m going to get a divorce.”

Eric seemed surprised. His eyes flickered with an emotion I couldn’t quite decipher. Then, as if relieved, he said, “I can always play along if you need help. If they think we’re together, it’ll make it easier for you to get rid of him.”

I shook my head and declined the offer, saying, “There’s no need. I’ll handle it myself.” Eric had helped me multiple times. The request a while ago was made on the spur of the moment and in desperation. I shouldn’t drag him into my mess with Jeremiah. Plus, he wasn’t married. If I ruined his reputation and harmed his love life in any way, I’d be at fault.

Eric watched me and sighed somewhat regretfully. Just as I felt puzzled, he got up. “Come to me if you ever need anything. We’re neighbors now, and it’s only natural for us to help each other.”

I nodded and watched him leave. I hadn’t had much interaction with Eric in my past life. I had thought him sharp-tongued and indifferent, but now, I realized he was genuinely kind.

I was exhausted after all the commotion that night, so I had a quick meal, took a shower, and went to bed.

I woke up the next morning to find myself and Eric making headlines. News reports claimed I was having an affair with Eric and called him out for meeting a married woman late at night. There were posts reporting his homewrecking behavior. Attached were blurry and suggestive photos of me leaving Eric’s house last night. The photos could send anyone’s imagination running wild.

Within a few hours, the internet was in an uproar. Even the share price of Flint Group took a hit. It didn’t take much guessing to figure out who was behind this. I could handle being insulted; many internet trolls were trying to shift the public view. I’d just ignore the malicious comments and vulgar accusations.

Chapter 17: Repaying a Favor with Minimal Effort

But I hadn’t expected Eric to be dragged into the mess. Guilt gnawed at me, and I called him. His calm, steady voice came through the phone. “I’ll take care of it, so you don’t have to worry. Handling something like this is child’s play for me.” Even in a situation like this, he was in the mood to joke.

I sighed softly and apologized, “I’m sorry again for the trouble.”

Eric chuckled. “Just treat me to a meal. How about that?”

I laughed. “Deal.”

After hanging up, I wondered if repaying Eric for his favors was getting a little too easy. The situation escalated so quickly that my parents found out before Eric could wipe out the news. They called me home at once.

My mother, Emelda York, pulled me onto the couch to sit beside her. She seemed visibly anxious. “Jae, what’s going on? How did you end up getting involved with Eric?”

My father, Timothy Brown, had a grave frown on his face. “Jae, I believe you wouldn’t act recklessly. Tell us everything so that we can help you.”

Holding Mom’s warm hands, I fell into a daze. Memories of how Jeremiah and Elsa had tragically killed my parents in my past life were vivid in my mind. I couldn’t help feeling overwhelmed now that they were alive and well before me.

As I snapped out of my thoughts, I reached out and hugged them tightly. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I choked with sobs. “Dad, Mom, I’ve missed you so much.”

Chapter 18: Terminating the Partnership