Ditching Me for His 'Soulmate'? His Loss. Next Stop: My New Life novel Chapter 72

Chapter 4

For many years, Silas and I had been regarded as the unbeatable “power duo” at the National Research Institute, our names synonymous with innovation and progress. Together, we had crafted countless patented inventions that propelled the country forward, earning respect and envy in equal measure.

CEOs from various corporations often sought to ingratiate themselves with us, hoping to secure exclusive rights to our patents through under-the-table deals. Their persistent attempts to cozy up were an ever-present backdrop to our work.

Silas occasionally took on side projects with a few companies, developing smaller patents. I had warned him repeatedly against getting entangled in commercial partnerships. “Those people are cutthroats,” I told him. “They don’t play fair, and they’re nothing like us.”

But Silas would just chuckle, brushing off my concerns. “Charlotte,” he’d say, “you have to have allies in this world. People need to help one another. I know what I’m doing.”

That morning, when I stepped into the institute, the atmosphere was thick with tension. My colleagues shot me pointed, disdainful looks, their eyes heavy with unspoken judgment.

I could almost hear their thoughts: that I was a jealous, scheming woman who had orchestrated the downfall of a vulnerable young girl, driving her to the brink of madness with relentless cruelty.

A group of younger researchers, driven by righteous anger, blocked my path, their faces flushed with indignation.

“Dr. Martin,” one of them challenged, voice sharp, “how can you walk around here acting like nothing happened? Don’t you feel even the slightest bit of guilt?”

Another chimed in, “Rebecca was such a sweet, innocent soul—always kind to everyone. How could you be so heartless toward her, all because of some petty jealousy?”

“You didn’t have the courage to confront Silas, so you took it out on Rebecca. That’s just evil,” a third accused, stepping closer.

Their words cornered me, both literally and figuratively, as they closed in.

Just then, a soft, hesitant voice called out from the doorway.

“Hey, what’s going on here?”

All eyes turned toward Rebecca. She entered the room wrapped in a thick coat, her steps tentative. Silas walked beside her, his hand resting gently on the small of her back, grounding her.

Immediately, the crowd surged toward her.

“Rebecca, what are you doing here? You should be resting, you’re not well,” someone said with concern.

“Yeah, we were just teaching that monster a lesson for you. Doesn’t matter who she is—we don’t tolerate bullies here,” another added, protective and fierce.

Rebecca managed a faint, fragile smile, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you all for your kindness. But please, don’t blame Charlotte. She’s been nothing but a benefactor to me. I can’t hold this against her.”

Lowering her gaze, she wiped away tears that threatened to spill over.

“If anyone’s to blame, it’s my bad luck,” she confessed softly. “I was raised by my grandmother, and I worked so hard just to get into college, then to be accepted here. I thought my struggles were finally behind me.”

“Don’t hurt him! It’s my fault—I was reckless, not good enough for him.”

Her heartbroken cries silenced the room.

One of the women approached and wrapped Rebecca in a warm embrace.

“My poor child,” she murmured softly. “No parents to guide you growing up. We hoped that after all your hardships, your education would bring you happiness. We never imagined you’d be broken by such cruel people.”

Rebecca clung to the woman, tears streaming down her face as they wept together.

“Auntie, I don’t blame anyone. It’s just my cursed fate,” she whispered.

Watching the two women in their shared sorrow, Silas’s composure finally cracked. He pulled Rebecca into his arms, holding her tightly.

“Rebecca,” he said, voice steady and filled with resolve, “I will marry you. Let me care for you for the rest of our lives.”

Turning to face the gathered crowd, Silas raised his voice.

“Uncles, aunts, colleagues—I want you all to witness this moment. I, Silas Duncan, vow to take Rebecca Brown as my wife, to love and protect her for all my days. If I ever break this promise, may lightning strike me down.”