He Betrays Me, So I Take Revenge

Chapter 4

At the same time, after listening to the recording, Samantha forced a weak smile.

Archer had once said that the bracelet stayed with him as long as he lived.

But now he found it embarrassing, claiming he had long stopped wanting to wear it.

Through her tear-filled eyes, Samantha felt her stomach churn and clung to a tree trunk as she vomited, as if she were vomiting out all the love from these years.

The night deepened...

Samantha and Archer fell into a cold war.

It lasted until their anniversary, when Samantha saw Archer holding a bouquet.

"Babe..." Archer called her softly, his gaze cautious.

Samantha turned away coldly, only to be pulled into a tight embrace from behind.

She snapped, "Let go!"

Archer said, "No! I'll never let you go in this lifetime!"

She fought weakly, but when he held firm, she gave in.

"I'm sorry, baby. There were too many people that day, and she's the boss's daughter. I couldn't embarrass her in front of everyone. I'm at a critical point in my career, with several people competing for the manager position. I can't afford any mistakes! I shouldn't have said those hurtful things. It's my fault."

He continued, "But I'm doing this for our future. Can you understand?"

Archer's voice broke. "Babe, please don't ignore me. I... I'm terrified..."

Samantha's heart skipped a beat as she met Archer's tear-filled eyes.

She finally noticed the dark circles under his eyes, as if he hadn't slept properly in ages.

Samantha remained silent, but her heart softened a little.

She remembered their early days, when fights were common.

Once, she'd blurted out a breakup, terrifying Archer into taking a 10-hour overnight train to her dormitory.

Seeing him shivering from cold and heartbreak, she never said breakup again.

"Look! I've fixed it!"

Archer lifted his sleeve, revealing the bracelet, its cracks glaringly obvious.

After a long silence, Samantha finally sighed. "No next time."

Archer pulled her into an eager embrace. "There won't be! I'll never hurt you again!"

*****

That night, by candlelight, Archer's sharp features softened by the tenderness in his gaze.

The apartment bloomed with roses, their shared memories framed across the walls.

Samantha's heart clenched, aching with something she couldn't place.

She had no idea how long he'd spent setting this up.

"Babe," Archer murmured hoarsely, "Thank you for forgiving me and loving me. Being with you is the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Eyes stinging, Samantha buried her face in his chest.

His warm breath brushed her neck, his lips at her ear making her shiver.

As their passion grew, Archer skillfully held her waist, his rough hand slipping beneath the hem of her clothes to caress her soft skin.

The moment his warm lips touched her skin, his phone rang.

Seeing Archer's brow furrow deeply, Samantha felt her heart grow heavy.

"Sweetheart, there's an issue with the company project. I need to go now. Why don't you go to bed first?" he said.

In the dim light, Samantha saw the conflicted expression on Archer's face.

"This project is tied to my promotion. Once I get it, I'll get us a bigger place, alright?"

Archer waited for her to say "okay", but Samantha remained silent.

This time, she didn't try to stop him. She just wanted to see what choice he'd make on his own.

The door closed.

On her phone was a message from Jessica: I tripped and fell. Can you take me to the hospital?

Accompanying it was a photo of her sitting on the floor in a low-cut camisole dress, her face pretending to be delicate and distressed.

Archer had replied to Jessica with just one word: Okay.

Jessica texted Samantha: I heard today's your anniversary, but he still chose me. This makes it the third time.