I spent half my life with John, and he finally changed his attitude towards me after Sarah's untimely death.

I thought my perseverance had paid off, that my love had finally borne fruit.

But it turned out to be nothing but wishful thinking.

In John's eyes, I was just someone he married out of obligation, without love. His heart would always belong to Sarah.

I was walking down the street when a familiar figure in the distance stopped me in my tracks.

John was riding a bicycle with Sarah, her arms wrapped around his back, laughing sweetly.

She looked so happy, until she saw me. The smile vanished from her face.

Sarah was the first to greet me, looking me up and down with amusement. "Amy, are you looking for John? He just told me you'd come begging him to come home."

Her words were laced with mockery and disdain.

John walked over, pushing his bike, frowning.

"What are you doing here? Don't think I'll fall for your pleas like before!"

Seeing his smug expression, I kept my composure. "Just passing through."

John frowned, clearly not believing me. His tone softened as he approached me.

"Alright, I don't want to argue. Let's go home."

"No need." I stepped away.

John grabbed my wrist, his expression darkening.

Caught off guard by his sudden pull, I stumbled, my stomach hitting a parked bicycle.

Pain shot through me, and I doubled over, clutching my abdomen.

Panic flashed across John's face. He quickly crouched beside me, asking anxiously, "What's wrong? Did you hit your stomach? Come on, I'll take you to the clinic!"

My brow furrowed, sweat beading on my forehead from the pain. I nodded weakly.

He helped me onto the bicycle. He hadn’t gone two steps when Sarah suddenly cried out.

John stopped immediately, turning to her in alarm.

"What's wrong?"

Sarah collapsed on the ground, pointing to her ankle. "I think I twisted it."

John put down the bike and rushed to her side. I knew that once he went to her, he wouldn’t take me to the clinic.

Sure enough, after a moment's hesitation, John carefully helped me off the bike, his voice apologetic.

"Sarah's injury seems more serious. Wait here. I'll take her to the clinic and come back for you. Just hold on."

He hurriedly rode off with Sarah, without looking back.

I wasn't foolish enough to wait for him. I struggled to my feet and went to a pharmacy to buy painkillers.

I didn't leave immediately after returning home.

My train ticket was for the day before the factory announced the 'Employee of the Month'. Even though I knew the factory wouldn't last more than a few years before downsizing, I didn't want to hand over what I rightfully deserved to Sarah.

After all, in my past life, Sarah had used that award, which should have been mine, to taunt me repeatedly, and she’d taken many things I cherished.

I went to the factory and made it clear that the award belonged to me. I had earned it.