Chapter 3

"Was it you who forgot or me?" Janice's gaze was calm. Simon didn't feel sorry at all for slapping her. He was even picking on her now. Back then, she had always been obedient to him. After getting off work, she would always act like a sweet and caring partner. She worked hard to run the company. No matter how late it was, she would pick him up after business meetings. She had done all this not only because of the bond they built after going through thick and thin for years together but also because of Simon's father, Hugh Fitzgerald. The Smith family owed it to the Fitzgerald family. When Janice's mother passed away, Janice and Jacob had gone to their mother's tomb up the hill. Jacob had been so sad that he tripped and fell off the hill when they were on their way down. Hugh had run down to help him without hesitation. However, Hugh had been too exhausted when he climbed up. He had fallen off the hill and died. Since then, Simon's mother, Helena Mullins, would cuss at Janice whenever she saw her. She thought her family wouldn't have to suffer so much if Hugh hadn't tried to save Jacob. Perhaps it was out of guilt or gratitude that Janice had been putting up with Simon's horrible attitude all these years. She wouldn't argue with Simon about where to keep the money she had made. In the end, Simon took her as a pushover because of how obedient she had been. He had never seen Janice's true colors. In reality, both of them could hold the reins, and she was never meant to be controlled by anyone. "You even have the nerve to speak to me in this manner now." Simon laughed as he sized her up. Then, he asked softly, "Is it because you know the boss?" Janice avoided his hand. She looked slightly reluctant. "Weren't you busy taking care of Amelia? There should be someone out there who cares about me." Simon fell silent for a long while. "You're resenting me." "I—" "Simon, why are you still talking to this jinx? Wasn't it enough for you to cause someone's death? Will you only be happy to see our family fall apart? "You owe it to us, so you have to listen to everything my son says! Do you think your brother would still be alive and attending college if not for my husband?" Helena's harsh voice came from outside the ward. She brought Sarah Fitzgerald, her daughter, who had just divorced, too. Sarah had always disliked Janice, too. "Considering the occasion today, anyone with sense would know to talk about things at home. But you just had to argue with my brother in front of all the bosses. Why is it that our family will always be unfortunate whenever we meet you?" The Fitzgerald family had always thought Janice had no background and only had all these achievements now because of Simon. They thought Janice knew a bit about crocheting and used the excuse of repaying Simon to pester him. If not, Simon wouldn't have had his eyes on her. On the other hand, Amelia's family drove fancy cars and lived in a villa when others only had bicycles 30 years ago. Although Amelia's parents were gone, they still had the connections. People would help Simon in his career for the sake of Amelia. Helena naturally preferred Amelia. In fact, when Simon was young, Helena had always hoped to form a connection with the Burnett family. Now that this had happened, Helena couldn't wait for Simon to break up with a jinx like Janice, who would only hold him back. Simon furrowed his brows and turned around to look at his mother and sister. "Can you stop talking about the past? Dad saved Jacob on his own accord. "No one wanted that to happen. Also, don't meddle with our business. Go home." Simon was domineering and arrogant, yet he was also smart. His smartness was his weapon, and as lethal as it was to others, lethal was it to himself, too—he was too sensitive sometimes and would easily become skeptical. Helena was afraid that Simon was mad, so she quickly left the ward with Sarah. Simon turned around and said, "Don't contact Prosper Stitch Group on your own next time." Janice squeezed the name card in her hand. He bent down and continued, "Can you do that? I said I'd marry you. You have my words. You'll be Mrs. Fitzgerald, and I'll handle the business meetings with the bosses." Janice closed her eyes without saying a word. Outside the ward, Amelia, who came to look for Simon, gritted her teeth. She was surprised to hear that Simon wanted to marry Janice. Amelia felt regret when she thought of how Simon, whom she had once looked down on, had become the owner of Refined Threads Co., which was on par with Prosper Stitch Group. Now that her family had fallen apart and there wasn't any income, she wouldn't have much money left after a few years. So not only did she want Simon to pay for her treatment, but she also wanted him all to herself. She was used to living a good life. She would never go back to another day of working like a robot. Then, as if she had thought of something, Amelia left in a hurry. … When they returned to the villa, Janice went inside the house first. She wasn't in a good mood. "Ms. Smith?" "I'm fine. Go ahead with your work." She sat in the living room and raised her head to look at the villa. Simon and Janice did not live together. He always had to go on business trips, so his house was closer to the airport. The house that she lived in was bought half a year ago. She had paid half of the cost, and this would be their future home. Then, Simon came in. As soon as he sat down, he said, "Janice, I have something to tell you. Amy—" Janice cut him off. "Where is my evening gown?" "I'm sorry, Janice. I suddenly felt sick after you were sent to the hospital. It was such a critical situation when I arrived at the hospital, so the doctor tore the gown." Amelia placed the paper bag down. Janice could clearly see the evening gown, which had been torn into three pieces. Janice's mother had worked very hard to complete the gown for her before she passed away. This wasn't like any other ordinary thing. At that moment, as though sensing their emotions, the air surrounding them became tense. Janice stared at the torn evening gown and asked Simon. No one seemed to sense anything wrong with her. "Why is she here?" "I want to talk to you about this. Amy is germaphobic. She isn't used to staying in the hospital. My house is further from the hospital and office, so she wishes to stay here for some time." Janice wondered if he was just informing her. Her gaze was still fixed on the evening gown. Without saying a word, she grabbed the gown and went upstairs. The study was split into two: half of the items were stationery, and the other half were tools for sewing and crocheting. She remained silent and sat next to the working table. Then, she started sewing the evening gown with her trembling hands. Tears filled her eyes, but she tried her best to hold them back. The thread was extremely fine, as one thread would be split into more than a hundred finer threads. It was also extremely light. The seamstresses had to control their breathing when sewing with this thread, as even a soft sigh could blow the threads out of shape. Besides, they also couldn't use the thread during the summer, as the sweat from their palms would distort its form. It would be worse if tears fell on it. However, Janice's tears streamed down uncontrollably in the end. She tossed the tools aside and grabbed the side of the table. Even her arms were shaking. For the past ten years, she hadn't broken down, even when she had to raise her brother, support him in college, and work around the clock to complete her work. Nonetheless, she felt like she was breaking apart because of Simon's actions.