Chapter 14 Once , she gave up her career dreams for Timothy , content to be a stay- at - home wife . Now , hearing her friend extend an olive branch , she felt a faint stirring of interest . Her original plan was to travel abroad for relaxation , but this job offer tempted her . Still , she had reservations . Times had changed . She'd been away from her beloved industry too long . " Barbara , are you serious ? " She gripped her phone tightly . " Absolutely ! I've wanted to recruit you forever . Say yes , and you start tomorrow . " Barbara's excited tone carried through , " This place has huge growth potential . With your skills , you'll make waves fast . " Hearing her friend's confidence , Shirley took a deep breath . Once , she thought losing Timothy meant losing the whole world . Now she realize life holds countless possibilities . As for love , perhaps someday she'll meet someone who truly cherishes her . But right now , she looks forward to rediscovering her confident , independent self through her new career . 0.00 % 11 00:30 Chapter 14 11 288 Vouchers " But isn't the general manager being a bit exaggerated ? " Shirley's fingers trembled slightly as she gripped her phone , suitcase wheels clicking against airport tiles . Barbara's hearty laughter came through the phone . " Why would you think it's exaggerated ? Shirley , have you forgotten our college entrepreneurship gold medal ? Your business proposal had professors raving . " After a pause , her tone suddenly turned serious . " I always believed in your potential . But at that time … all you could see was Timothy . " Shirley leaned against a pillar at the airport , watching travelers rush by as memories suddenly flooded back . " I always believed in your potential , " the words pierced her like a fine needle , pricking the corner of her heart she didn't want to touch . Back then , she'd truly been the department's star student , receiving offers from multiple public companies after graduation . She could have built her own career . That had once been her dream . But after falling for Timothy , she'd abandoned every opportunity without hesitation , determined to become a dutiful Mrs. Mitchell . She loved him enough to sacrifice her dreams . Yet she never imagined it was all a mistake . His heart belonged to someone else , so no matter how much she gave , it remained insignificant in his eyes . 24.41 % 11 00.30 Chapter 14 288 Vouchers " Shirley , you've trapped yourself in this marriage for too long . " Barbara's voice was laced with concern . " At that banquet , seeing your state - I knew this wasn't you . " Shirley bit her lip , digging her nails deep into her palms . The details she'd deliberately ignored were crystal clear to others all along . Her voice came out hoarse . " So all these years … you wanted me in your company ? " " Of course ! " Barbara raised her voice . " Your expertise , your management talent - you'd shine in the corporate world . Before , watching you devote everything to family , I couldn't bear to shatter that illusion . But now ? You're finally free ! You can't say no to me ! " Freedom . Shirley looked up at the brilliant sunshine outside the airport , feeling the suffocating weight in her chest finally ease for the first time in three years . Her phone vibrated with a new message from Barbara , containing an address . " The house is mine , stay as long as you need . Fully furnished , just move in with your luggage ! Want me to pick you up tomorrow to get familiar with the area ? " " No need , I'll head straight to the company tomorrow . " Shirley was suddenly laughing , her voice carrying a crispness she hadn't felt in ages . 56.03 % O 00:30 Chapter 14 " I'll prepare the onboarding documents . Need to learn the quickly , Ms. Brown . " As she hung up , lightness washed over her . ropes 1288 Vouchers Dragging her suitcase toward the taxi stand , she traced her finger over the location pin on her phone screen . When the taxi started , Shirley received the last message from Barbara . " Welcome ! My great manager Shirley . " Staring at the streets rushing past the car window , Shirley opened her phone gallery and deleted every photo related to Timothy . When the last wedding photo vanished from the screen , she sighed deeply and shoved the phone back into her bag . 85.44 %