Forver Mine

Season 01, Chapter 10

Season 01, Chapter 10

One morning, Chloé receives an unexpected visit from her lawyer, who brings troubling news. Ryan SATO, her husband whom she wants to divorce, refuses to sign the divorce papers and has decided to wage a legal battle against her. Chloé is in shock upon hearing the news.

Chloé: Ethan, I’m sorry to worry you with this, but there have been some very troubling developments. Ryan refuses to sign the divorce papers and has threatened to ruin my career and my life if I proceed with the divorce.

Ethan: What… Is he serious? How can he do that? What exactly does he plan to do? What does he gain from this?

Chloé: He has connections in the business world and seems ready to use his influence to destroy me. He wants me to give up the divorce in exchange for peace. He’s trying to scare me into stopping the proceedings.

Ethan: This is a very difficult situation. I’m here to support you, no matter what. We will find a solution together.

Chloé: I don’t know what to do for now. He has already started pressuring my clients and has threatened to compromise important projects. It’s as if he wants to bring everything down around me.

They discuss and weigh the pros and cons when Chloé decides not to be intimidated and consults her lawyer to develop a strategy. She also meets with a crisis management advisor to assess the best options to protect herself against Ryan’s attacks.

Chloé: I need your help to come up with a plan. I want to fight and not give in to his threats, but I need support and advice.

Lawyer: We need to act quickly. It is crucial to gather all possible evidence of his threats and intimidation attempts. We should also consider contacting the authorities if necessary.

Ethan: Mr. Lawyer, I know you know your job, but just to be sure, are you certain we can win by doing this? He does have more power than we do.

However, despite Chloé and her legal team’s efforts, Ryan continues to apply pressure. He intensifies his maneuvers to undermine Chloé’s career and shake her reputation. The difficulties escalate, and Chloé finds herself overwhelmed by the situation.

Chloé: Ethan, I feel completely helpless. I didn’t think it would go this far. It feels like he’s everywhere, trying to ruin everything.

Ethan: I know it’s hard, but you need to stay strong, Chloé. Don’t worry too much, we’ll find ways to handle this situation.

Chloé: Thank you, Ethan. Your presence and support are truly valuable to me. I don’t know what I would do without you.

I continued to support Chloé despite my own concerns. I patiently balanced my commitments, student life, and my role in supporting Chloé. Mia was also attentive and helped me manage this difficult situation even though she didn’t know about Chloé in my life. She often spent time at my place helping me set up the room or with other things.

Mia: Ethan, it’s going to be okay, alright? Your problems are mine too, don’t forget that. Soon I’ll find a job and help you with financial issues.

Ethan: Thanks, Mia. I appreciate it.

Mia: We’ll get through this together. For love. For our love, we’ll do everything.

Facing the situation, Chloé decides to strengthen her security measures and protect her interests. She intensifies the collection of evidence against Ryan and prepares for a prolonged legal battle. She also consults communication advisors to manage the media crisis.

Chloé: I’m going to fight, Ethan. Even if it’s hard, I don’t want to give in to his threats. I will do everything to preserve what I’ve built and protect my reputation.

Ethan: I believe in you, Chloé. Don’t give up. I know you’ll fight until the end, but I just want to say it.

After a year or even two of fighting, Chloé seems increasingly distant. I notice it but choose to ignore the signs, convincing myself it’s just the stress from the ongoing divorce proceedings and Ryan’s threats. However, one afternoon, after finishing my exams on campus, I join Chloé in her office to see how she’s doing, as she had given me time to focus on my exams despite how hard it was for me. When I arrive, I sense an unusual tension in the air. Chloé avoids my gaze as soon as I walk in and invites me to sit, but I can see in her eyes that she’s about to tell me something I’m not ready to hear.

Chloé takes a deep breath before speaking, her hands trembling slightly.

Chloé: Ethan… we need to talk. I… I can’t continue like this.

Ethan: What do you mean, Chloé? Do… do you mean stop seeing each other? Why?

Chloé: It’s too complicated, Ethan. Ryan… He’s more powerful than I thought. He’s… he’s found a way to threaten me. If I continue with the proceedings, he will destroy everything. My job, my reputation… my life. He’s made it clear that he won’t stop at anything to keep me under his control.

Ethan: Chloé, we can find a solution. We can… we can leave, start over somewhere else. You don’t have to stay trapped by him. I’m here for you, I will protect you, we’ll face this together.

Tears start to fall down Chloé’s cheeks as she gently takes my hand.

Chloé: Ethan, I love you, I love you so much. But I can’t let you sacrifice everything for me. You have your life ahead of you, a bright future. You don’t deserve to be entangled in my problems. Ryan has shown me that he’s willing to do anything, and I can’t put you in danger. I don’t want to.

I feel a lump form in my throat. I try to speak, but the words won’t come out. Tears fill my eyes as I look at Chloé, unable to understand why she is ready to give up on our love.

Ethan: Don’t do this, Chloé. Please, don’t do this. We can find a way, we can… we can face this together. I love you, I don’t want to lose you.

Chloé shakes her head softly, tears now freely streaming down her face.

Chloé: I’m sorry, Ethan. But I don’t see any other solution. It’s over… It’s better if you leave, build your life without me. You’ll find someone else, someone who can be with you without all this weight.

Suddenly, faced with the reality but unable to understand anything, I feel overwhelmed by emotion. I try to hold Chloé, but she gently pushes me away, standing up from her seat.

Ethan: I don’t want someone else, Chloé. I want you… It’s you that I love.

Chloé: I love you too, Ethan…

Ethan: No! You don’t love me enough. If you loved me enough, you wouldn’t tell me this so lightly. You would fight for…

Chloé: Why am I crying if it’s not true? I love you! Ethan. But it’s impossible. I can’t keep hurting you like this. Please, leave before I lose the courage to say goodbye.

I feel my world collapsing around me. I try one last time to reason with her, but seeing the decision in her eyes, I realize it’s futile. Broken, I stand up slowly, tears blurring my vision.

Ethan: I will always love you, Chloé. Always.

With one last look of pain, I leave the office, my tears flowing freely. Every step away from her feels like tearing veins from my heart. Once outside, I collapse against a wall, finally letting despair consume me.

The following days are a true hell for me. I spend sleepless nights, unable to think of anything but Chloé, of what I’ve lost. I drown myself in work and studies, desperately trying to forget the pain, but nothing seems to work. The idea that Ryan managed to separate us eats away at me from within, and the love I have for Chloé only deepens the wound.

Later, I accept an opportunity to study abroad, hoping that distance will help me heal. But even as I leave, I know that a part of my heart will remain forever broken, marked by the love I’ve lost. And the other part will be dark and hardened.

On the eve of my departure, Ryan SATO has organized a grand party to celebrate his 5 years of marriage with Chloé. The event is extravagant, with lavish decorations and prestigious guests. Chloé is present, despite the lingering tensions, and I received an unexpected invitation. Ryan personally invited me.

I arrive at the party, dressed in a suit, but I can’t help but sense a slight tension in the air. Ryan notices me as soon as I arrive, and though the event is supposed to be festive, the atmosphere between us is tense.

Chloé: Ethan! Come here. What are you doing here? Why are you… Ryan shouldn’t see you.

Ethan: Does it bother you that I’m here? Where I’m supposed to be? As far as I know, you’re married, aren’t you?

Chloé: Ethan, I’m not joking.

Ethan: Oh Mr. SATO, you’ve arrived just in time. I was just about to wish your very dear and pleasant wife the best wishes and many more years of marriage… right before I make my exit.

Ryan: (addressing Ethan with a cold smile) Ethan, I’m glad you could come. I hope you have a good time. But let me give you a small piece of advice.

Ethan: (calmly) What do you mean, Ryan?

Ryan: You’re here at my invitation, but know that I don’t appreciate you being so close to my wife. I strongly advise you to keep your distance. If you continue to see her, I won’t hesitate to take measures to keep you out of her life.

Ethan: I don’t know what you’re talking about. But lend me a pen so I can take note. Because, you see, I don’t see a person who wouldn’t be drawn to such beauty.

Ryan: I see your game. But know that I’m aware of your little affair. In the future… no, I’ve understood that threats are useless with you.

Ryan makes this declaration in front of several guests, creating an awkward scene. The other guests, realizing the tension, watch with curiosity.

Ethan: I’m not here to cause problems. I respect Chloé and have no intention of causing trouble. But I don’t appreciate your threats.

Ryan: (with a threatening expression) Then listen carefully. Chloé is my wife, and I intend to protect her. If you persist, there will be consequences.

The party continues with speeches and toasts, but the atmosphere for me is ruined. Later in the evening, Ryan announces a surprise.

Ryan: (on the microphone, addressing everyone) Before we continue celebrating, I have an important announcement to make. Ethan, I wanted to let you know that I understand you have plans for your future. I think it would be a good idea for you to focus fully on your studies. Therefore, I’m offering you an opportunity to finish your studies abroad in a calmer environment, away from all this commotion.

I was still holding the champagne flute when he made the announcement. Surprised by the offer, I gripped the flute tightly, afraid of dropping it. Ryan offered me a scholarship program abroad, all under the pretext of allowing me to focus on my studies. It was an opportunity I had considered, but I’ve just come to realize it’s all Ryan SATO’s doing.

Ethan: (to Chloé, privately) Ryan has made me an offer to study abroad. I’m both surprised and puzzled, but I think it might be what I need right now.

Chloé: (visibly concerned) Ethan, I’m sorry for this whole situation. I didn’t know he would go so far as to do this. But if it’s what you need to move forward, then maybe it’s a good thing. I’ll support your decision.

Ethan: (sincerely) Thank you, Chloé. I just want you to know that I never intended to cause any trouble. I hope everything goes well for you too.

The next day, I prepare my things to leave for abroad. Without a sad farewell to anyone, but with regrets.

The academic program is demanding but exciting. I specialize in my field of choice, using my knowledge to excel in my courses. I actively participate in research projects, collaborate with international students, and attend seminars and conferences. I dedicate myself fully, and my concentration and hard work quickly establish my reputation among my peers.

My daily life consists of my classes, studies, and personal projects. I spend my days in libraries and classrooms, and my evenings working on projects or attending conferences. Outside of studies, I enjoy the local culture, exploring the surroundings, and engaging in activities like cycling, hiking, and cooking.

Inspired by my academic experience and especially by the country’s great icons, I start developing my own start-up ideas. I’m interested in emerging technologies and innovation, so the drive was stronger for me. I spend a lot of time crafting a business plan, seeking investors, and building a professional network. My efforts pay off when I manage to launch my first tech start-up. The company focuses on developing innovative solutions for contemporary challenges in my field of expertise.

The company I founded experiences growing success. I receive funding offers, sign strategic partnerships, and also get accolades for my contributions to the sector. My start-up grows rapidly, and I begin to gain an international reputation. I am frequently invited to conferences to share my experiences and ideas.

Throughout my time abroad, I keep in touch with Mia and Lucas. I also took the opportunity to travel and discover new cultures in Europe. My experiences broaden my perspective and provide me with a better understanding of the world. I often reflect on my past and the choices I made. And most importantly, on the future I want to build.

After several years of success and professional growth, I decide to return to my hometown to share my knowledge and experience. But most importantly, to expand my business. I plan to create a mentorship program for young entrepreneurs and contribute to the local community.

To be continued…

Forever mine, author Saint Daniel.