13
Ashley Hayes and her daughter, Sarah Thompson, received their due punishment for defamation, slander, and inciting cyberbullyi- ng. But my peaceful life, once disturbed, could never truly return. People around me, now aware of Julian Vance’s connection to me, couldn’t help but gossip. To quiet their wagging tongues, I made a brief explanation. I simply said it was a personality clash,
and we had divorced years ago.
“But I still think he loves you very much,” someone would say. “Thanks to Mr. Vance’s public clarification, he truly sounded like a
Prince Charming.”
“And you still have a son as a bond. A remarriage isn’t impossible, right?”
I just smiled. “I could have clarified it myself without him. I’m not mute, after all.” My voice hardened slightly. “And love isn’t seen that way.” I paused. “As for remarriage, there’s no need.” Only I knew how agonizing that marriage had been.
Despite my clear statements, well–meaning people around me still tried to set Julian and me up. The university invited him to spe- ak at the anniversary celebration. His figure also appeared at the business dinner after academic conferences. Julian even establi- shed a scholarship at the university in my name. He donated a new library and a building.
The media, never ones to miss a dramatic story, reported on this “middle–aged CEO pursuing his ex–wife” saga. Countless netizens clamored online: [GET BACK TOGETHER, GET BACK TOGETHER!] [Indeed, true romantics are only born into wealthy families.] [Next life, I want a man like that.] The Vance family’s stock soared. A few clear–headed netizens sharply commented: [Wait, isn’t this highly publicized courtship really about love?] [He’s completely disregarding Professor Martin’s feelings!) These comments were met with widespread ridicule. [Eat something good, that’s how passionate love should be! Anyway, I support Mr. Vance pursuing his
ex–wife!] [Just jealous because you can’t find a man like that yourself.]
The world was a noisy, chaotic place. Julian Vance, encouraged by public opinion, staged a grand declaration of love. I couldn’t
understand him. I had already made myself perfectly clear. Yet he continued to do such annoying things.
Someone with inside knowledge secretly disclosed that Julian Vance had cancer, and that’s why he wanted to make amends for
what he owed me. When I saw that comment, I froze. Julian Vance had cancer? Well, poetic justice truly was a bitch.
