Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

Lauren shook her head and said, "No, how could I take advantage of Chelsea? Besides, I don't have the time or interest to manage those things."

"But Chelsea doesn't have the money, right?" I asked, and suddenly, it became clear to me.

Smiling, she said, "After we completed all the procedures, I told Chelsea to take over the house. However, Chelsea told me that she couldn't afford it. I suggested getting a loan because the bank had a support policy then. I secretly had her go to Oliver, and the loan was arranged."

This turned out just as I expected.

"Chelsea has solved all her worries because it was a no-interest policy, and the principal could be repaid in five years. She doesn't have to deal with the landlord, and repaying the loan was easy! In the end, she got this house. Chelsea gained with no loss," Lauren said casually.

I smiled and said, "No wonder Chelsea loves you so much! Why didn't I meet you earlier? When I was in the construction business, my funds occasionally ran dry. It was tough for me at that time." Lauren smirked and said, "You're fortunate you didn't know me back then. If you did, Matthew might have conned you even more."

As soon as she spoke, both of us burst into laughter.

Lauren continued, "That's how life is. True contentment brings lasting joy! Look at yourself now. You're living much better than you were with Matthew, right?"

I nodded and said, "I'm thankful to have Atlas in my life! I didn't anticipate such happiness."

Then, I asked, "Actually, being with Oliver...you had a good opportunity to make money back then! Be frank, do you regret it?"

Lauren shook her head faintly. "Honestly, I'm not interested in money. You might not believe me when I say this, but money is just a number to me. If I were interested in it, I would be wealthy, as quite a few people sent me money back then!"

I completely believed her, as those people were pervasive.

Of course, if I were in her shoes, I would have done the same. That's how business people are they'll do anything to achieve their goals.

"What attracted me to him was his

calmness, modesty, and status. won't deny that I enjoyed being superior, with everyone flattering

me ve always been vain, longing to

be admired."

I knew what Lauren said was true because we had a genuine friendship. She had protected me and stood up for me.

I will never forget what Lauren has done for me in this lifetime. Sincerely speaking, she was the sole reason I was still alive.

Lauren continued to speak in a gentle tone, "Money isn't everything, although it's essential. The feeling he left me with was unachievable by wealth."

I nodded, fully understanding the kind of feeling she was talking about.

"What's the big deal about being rich? Even with money, people still lower themselves to please others correct? Lauren then said bitterly "But it wasn't until that day that had completely woken up from my dream."

von

Whenever she brought up this subject, I knew Lauren was having terrible difficulty finding a way to communicate her resentment.

"I understood that this kind of feeling

is not mine. Receiving love and

praise from others, yet the one expressing it all has little regard for you. This type of humiliation hurts. It really hurts!"

Lauren looked pale as she gazed at me. Oliver appeared to have caused her great pain.

Although I couldn't comprehend the feelings deep within her, I knew the pain of being undervalued, especially after she had given up all her dignity.

I patted her hand and advised, "Lauren, don't overthink it. Don't hold onto this feeling in your heart all the time. You can only start anew when you let it go."

Lauren looked at me with a wry smile and replied, "Start anew? I have never thought about starting anew. My life is a mess, and where is the opportunity to start over?"