Chapter 17 " You always say you're tired , you just need some peace , and that there's nothing to talk about with someone like me - just a mere housewife . You tell me to go away , to stay somewhere else . Wasn't that your choice ? So , was that my fault , too ? Don't be selfish , Franco ! " Franco looked surprised , and I could almost hear the shock in his voice , probably because it was the first time in thirty years I had truly spoken up for myself . Throughout all those years of marriage , I was always the one to concede . Even when he wasn't in the mood , groggy , or exhausted , I would fall silent , avoid making him uncomfortable , and pretend everything was fine . But not this time . But now he ground his teeth and , in a warning tone , he said , " That's all in the past , Suzy . Can we stop bringing up old issues? If it matters that much to you , come back and talk to me in person . I'll be in Grandshire for three days . If you don't come back by then , we're really done . " I couldn't believe what I was hearing . God , he still believed there was a chance , didn't he ? Franco still naively believed that my anger and long - held frustration could be resolved simply because he appeared , as if my grievances were irrelevant . I could feel the weight of everything I had been holding back crashing down on me . It all felt so tiring . My shoulders sagged as I realized that , no matter what I said , Franco was never going to understand . Exhausted , I didn't even respond . I just ended the call . Whether it was three days or three years , I knew I would never reconsider going back to him . Meanwhile , Bernard , who had been standing nearby , noticed the change in me . With his eyes filled with genuine concern , he stepped closer . " Are you okay ? " I smiled at him , trying to make it seem like I was fine . " I'm good . Franco is in my past now . He doesn't get to affect me anymore . " Bernard studied me for a moment longer like he was reading between the lines . Then , letting out a sigh of relief , he smiled back . Chapter 16 212 53.3 % 23:23 Mon , Aug 11 57 % 0 X " Then let's head back . " I nodded and followed him . I was done looking back . After dinner , I was about to get ready for bed when there was a knock at the door . I wasn't expecting anyone , so I walked over to see what it was about . Bernard's voice came from the other side . " I have something for you . " Curiosity piqued , I opened the door , and there he was , holding a large bouquet of bellflowers in his hand . He looked pleased with himself . " Happy Birthday . " My eyes widened , surprised . He didn't have to do this . But then , he handed me a sapphire necklace , and I froze . I knew exactly what it was . It was designed by a famous chief designer , ' Blue Waters . ' It was worth more than a million dollars , a piece of jewelry I could only ever dream of owning . I tried to gather my thoughts , but I couldn't hide my shock . " Thank you for your kindness , " I said , a little stunned . " I'm happy you remembered my birthday , but this is too much . I can't accept it . " Bernard's expression softened , his eyes turning serious . " A gift for the woman you love should be precious . I don't want to be like some people who have the money but refuse to spend it . " The mention of ' some people ' was impossible to ignore . I knew Bernard was talking about Franco , of course . I couldn't help but wonder how , during all those years with Franco , I never received anything truly valuable - definitely not a gift like this . Franco would return from his business trips with expensive gifts for Ingrid - gifts worth millions - while I only received a roadside - picked rose or a random keychain . Once , he even bought me a kitchen spatula . This necklace was the first true gift I'd ever received . It was beautiful , but the sadness in it was overwhelming . I took a deep breath and finally relented , accepting the necklace . Later that evening , feeling a mix of emotions , I searched for something to give Bernard in return . I looked online for men's gifts , hoping to find something that could show my appreciation . But nothing felt quite right . Chapter 17 213 55.6 % 25.24 Mon , Aug COTED X But nothing felt quite right . I decided to ask for some advice online : [ What would be the best gift for a man ? ] But during my search , I forgot to block the mutual friends I still shared with Franco , and before I knew it , the news had made its way back to him . One of the comments read : [ Franco , isn't this your wife ? Looks like she's secretly preparing a gift for you . ] Another one said : [ Franco , is this the start of reconciliation between you two ? She's actually asking the internet what the best gift for a man is . Seems pretty obvious it's for you . ] Chapter 17