After Nine Rejections, I Stopped Waiting

Chapter 1

My fingers gripped the phone screen so tightly it hurt, the grid of nine photos stark and painfully clear.

It was a welcome party for my younger classmate Amara Coleman's stray cat, the decorations exquisite and warm.

There sat Jacob Jenkins, relaxed, with a custom-made cat cake placed beside him.

And my biological father was sitting right by his side.

The three of them sat together, chatting and laughing in perfect harmony.

I stood in the lobby of the private hospital, holding a nourishing soup I had personally made, my fingertips icy cold.

It was our third wedding anniversary. I had tried to book an appointment nine times, yet each time his staff turned me down.

He always said surgeries were piling up, his calendar was fully booked, and that he couldn't be in two places at once.

It turned out that all the time he claimed was occupied had never been for his patients at all.

His assistant was still trying to persuade me in a low voice.

"Mrs. Jenkins, please don't make things difficult for us. We have no authority to change Dr. Jenkins's schedule."

I withdrew my gaze, forcing down the sour ache in my throat.

Holding the food container, I turned around and walked out.

The evening wind blew against my face, bone-chillingly cold.

I had always been clear-headed and strong, never one to hesitate or drag my feet.

The crushing, throbbing pain in my chest at this moment couldn't fool me.

I loved Jacob. I had loved him for many years.

That deep love was etched into my bones, which was why his betrayal chilled me to the heart.

I didn't go home. I drove straight to the high-end restaurant where the party was being held.

Laughter came out of the room.

I heard my father's voice first.

"Jacob, don't always be so cold to Camila. Her personality is too strong; the more coldly professional you are with her, the more she'll fight you. Amara is gentle and sensible, much more considerate than Camila. Only you could tolerate Camila's forceful temper."

Immediately after came Amara's soft, sweet agreement.

"Mr. Perry, don't say that. Camila just loves Dr. Jenkins too much—that's why she always wants to cling to him. Unlike me, I don't dare disturb Dr. Jenkins's official business."

A note of indulgent amusement colored Jacob's low voice.

"You're so sweet."

Those three words stabbed into my heart like a sharp knife.

I pushed open the door.

The laughter in the room stopped abruptly.

The three of them turned their heads simultaneously, each wearing a different expression.

Guilt flashed across Jacob's eyes, along with a trace of displeasure at being caught.

I stood in the doorway holding the insulated thermos, my gaze fixed directly on Jacob.

"Dr. Jenkins, congratulations. Your schedule finally has an opening. It's just a pity that your priorities never seem to extend to me, your wife."

Amara was the first to stand up, her eyes instantly reddening.

She quickly walked up to me and reached out to grab my arm.

"Camila, don't get it wrong. It's not what you think. Today was just a chance encounter."

I sidestepped to avoid her touch, my eyes cold.

"A chance encounter? My husband has canceled on me nine times for our anniversary to make a special trip here for your cat's welcome party. Is that a chance encounter? My own father is sitting right there beside him, speaking up for you. Is that also a chance encounter?"

Amara's eyes grew even redder.

She lowered her head, looking wronged, her voice choked.

"Camila, I know you're angry, but I really didn't mean anything by it. I've always envied you. You come from a prestigious family, you're capable, and you have an excellent husband like Dr. Jenkins. He was just passing by and kept me company for a bit."

Playing the victim perfectly cast me as the bully.

My father immediately stood up to defend Amara, his tone sharp and accusatory.

"Camila! Have you made enough of a scene? Amara is the daughter of your late mentor. She's gentle and kind by nature, and you watched her grow up. Why are you being so snide?

"Isn't it just an anniversary ritual? Anniversaries come every year. Jacob didn't accompany you this time, but he can next time. Can't you be more understanding?"

Watching my own father side with an outsider, my heart gave a sudden, painful clench.

This was the person closest to me, yet at the moment of my betrayal, he was the first to call me snide.