Chapter 7 “Mr. Gibson, Ms. Yates is too weak and can’t be triggered. She has a history of post–traumatic stress disorder, so try not to agitate her.” The Gibsons family doctor used to take care of John and was familiar with Josie’s condition. On the other hand, all Henry knew was that Josie often fell ill after returning to the Gibson family when she was 15. Moreover, she was very withdrawn and never rode the Gibson family’s car. She always went to school on foot or took a bus. After getting married, he got used to Josie’s personality. She did not want to take private cars, and he would not question her. Henry had taken over Gibson Corporation, For the past three years, he became so preoccupied with managing the company that he did not have time to care for Josie. Henry quietly looked at Josie, who was in a deep slumber, as he sat by her bed. Over the years, he had never looked at her face carefully. “Please be good. Henry frowned. Josie slowly opened her eyes when she heard the sounds of water running in the bathroom. Henry’s phone kept vibrating, and the screen showed that the call was from Ash. “It’s Ashley…” thought Josie. With a bitter smile, Josie picked up Henry’s phone. Henry saved Josie’s name in his contact list as Josie Yates but kept Ashley’s as Ash. As expected, it was clear at a glance whom he loved. “Henry, where are you? I think I had too much to drink. Can I go to your place… asked Ashley. Josie answered the phone. She knew doing so was taboo to Henry, but she still did it anyway. What else did she have left to fear? She had already compromised. “Henry… I’m so upset, cried Ashley. Josie could tell that Ashley was drunk based on her voice. “Is she coming to meet Henry at home?” she mused. Josie scoffed and hung up the phone. Her fingers were trembling. Suddenly, she felt as if she was lying on pins and needles. She couldn’t help wondering if Ashley had slept there when she was not home. “A bed in which three people have slept. How dirty,” Josie thought. Josie then lost control of her emotions and grabbed a pair of scissors. She tore the bedsheet into shreds. She felt like a lunatic who had lost her mind. Tears streamed down her face as Josie slowly slid onto the ground. Josie had never been good at expressing her emotions. Just then, the bathroom door was pushed open. Henry had a bath towel wrapped around him and stepped out of the Chapter 7 bathroom while drying his hair. Henry’s expression dimined when he noticed the mess on the ground. Jo..” Still holding the torn bedsheet in her hand, Josie smiled weakly at the man. “Ashley called you. She was drunk and asked your to pick her up.” Henry was stunned for a moment, and a frown crossed his face as he reached for his phone. It hurt his heart to see Josie in that state, but she also touched his phone, which was a taboo of his. “Did you answer the phone call on my behalf?” Josie lowered her gaze. The scissors had cut her fingers, and blood was still trickling down her fingertips. At that moment, Henry received a call from Ashley’s manager. “Mr. Gibson, we can’t find Ashley. She drank too much and claimed she was going to the restroom, but she disappeared. She still has injuries on her leg…” Josie listened quietly and watched Henry dress quickly before leaving. The feeling of despair never hit her in a single moment, but the feeling of giving up did. Josie curled up in a corner, afraid to close her eyes. After an unknown period of time, the door was opened. Josie walked out and was instantly met by the sight of Henry carrying Ashley into their home. “Henry… Ashley probably drank past her limit based on how flushed her nose was. Some people were pretty and enchanting even when they were drunk. Jo, Ashley is drunk. Can you let her sleep here tonight?” Henry was requesting Josie’s consent. He thought Josie would agree. Josie took a deep breath. “It’s not that Henry’s a heartless man. He just doesn’t love me,” she thought.. … Read More “Ex-Husband’s Endless Pestering by Susie Cecillia Chapter 7” »
Category: Ex-Husband’s Endless Pestering by Susie Cecillia
Ex-Husband’s Endless Pestering by Susie Cecillia
Josie Yates finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage with Henry Gibson, heir to the prestigious Gibson Corporation. Despite being the legitimate daughter of the Gibson family, Josie’s existence is kept secret, her marriage to Henry concealed from the world. As Josie grapples with the pain of Henry’s indifference and infidelity, she discovers that Henry’s affection lies elsewhere, with rising celebrity Ashley Long. Despite Josie’s loyalty and obedience, Henry’s neglect drives her to the brink of despair. When Josie’s life is endangered by a medical emergency, Henry’s absence highlights the vast chasm between them. Meanwhile, Henry is torn between his duty to Josie and his desire to appease Ashley, whose own accident further complicates matters. Amidst the turmoil, Josie confronts the harsh reality of her marriage and the unattainable dreams she once cherished. As she struggles to find her own path to happiness, she grapples with her exhaustion and longing for a life beyond the shadows of illusion. In a poignant tale of love, betrayal, and self-discovery, “Shadows of Illusion” explores the fragile balance between duty and desire, and the quest for fulfillment in a world where appearances often deceive.
Chapter 6 Only Henry’s belongings were left in the room that had once belonged to Henry and Josic. Josie cleaned up meticulously, not leaving a single strand of hair behind. At that moment. Henry felt as if Josie had never existed in his life. There were many boxes on the bed, which contained every gift Henry had given to Josie in the past three years. Josie did not even open the packaging. Henry was extremely generous to Josie and Ashley and never skimped on Josie’s birthday and holiday gifts. However, the reactions of both women when they received gifts were completely different. Ashley would be overjoyed, but Josie would be unimpressed. Josie had placed their marriage certificate and a divorce settlement agreement on the pillow. She was clearly determined to get a divorce because she had even prepared the agreement. With coldness in his eyes, Henry angrily swept all the gift boxes on the bed to the ground. Meanwhile, at Madelyn’s house, Josie curled up by the window, gazing at the leaves blown off by the autumn wind under the street lamp. “My house’s air conditioner isn’t working properly. I’ll go to the convenience store and get you some heat patches. Wait for me at home.” Madelyn comforted Josie by patting her head and giving her a cute cartoon heat patch. It was cold after the rain in autumn. Josie had an ectopic pregnancy. Her vitality would be depleted if she bled excessively, so she should always keep herself warm. Suddenly, someone was knocking on the door frantically. Josie thought Madelyn had forgotten to bring the key, but when she opened the door, she saw Henry, who was completely drenched Ever since Henry took over Gibson Corporation, Josie had never seen him in such a mess. The last time Josie saw him so miserable was when she had just returned to the Gibson residence. Henry was 18 that year. Josie turned her head and looked at the time. It was already midnight. “He wouldn’t have shown up if he hadn’t finished Ashley’s birthday celebration,” she mused. “Didn’t I ask you to be discharged from the hospital tomorrow?” Henry’s first sentence was a reprimand. Josie did not speak and stood quietly. Henry frowned slightly as his gaze fell on Josie’s feet. “Come home with me.” Nevertheless, Josie smiled weakly and shook her head. “Henry, did you see the divorce settlement agreement? Don’t worry. I don’t want anything from the Gibson family.” Since her father did not want anything because of her mother back then, she was even less qualified to receive anything. She would never snatch anything from Henry. Chapter 6 Henry remained silent and stared at Josie’s pale face. Josie’s facial features were extremely attractive, especially her sparkling eyes. Her fair skin made her appear frail and pallid when she was ill Henry did not hate Josic, so when John asked him to marry her, he did not refuse. Furthermore, Josie was very obedient and would always listen to him, regardless of whether the request was unreasonable or Jo. it’s my fault. Come home with me. Despite Josie’s protests, Henry carried her and planned to take her back by force. “Henry!” In an instant, Josie’s face turned paler. She tried to push Henry away but did not have much strength. “Henry, you prick! Where do you want to take Josie?” Madelyn returned with a bag of heat patches just as Henry was carrying Josie downstairs, getting ready to get in the car. “Henry. Josie’s whole body was shivering, and her voice began to tremble. “L–Let me go… However, Henry closed the car door forcefully and planned to take Josie back. “Henry! You prick! Let Josie out of the car!” Madelyn slammed the door in a panic. Josie was most afraid of sitting alone in the back row of private cars. It was because she was alone in the back when her parents died, watching them die in front of her. “Henry… Let me out…” Josie was shaking uncontrollably as she attempted to push the car door. “Please,” she begged Henry in tears, her emotions a little out of control. “Let me out! Let me out of the car… “Henry!” Madelyn pulled the door hard. Henry frowned, ignored Madelyn, and drove away. Madelyn stood there and cursed, “Henry, you prick!* When they got home, Henry stepped out of the car and went to carry Josie. … Read More “Ex-Husband’s Endless Pestering by Susie Cecillia Chapter 6” »
Chapter 5 Josie didn’t say anything and got out of bed quietly. “Are you being discharged today? Where is your husband? Why is he not here with you?” The patient in the bed next to her was a kind–hearted woman who had experienced a second miscarriage, but she was very optimistic. “You talk too much, the woman’s husband complained, but he wasn’t really angry at her. Instead, he massaged her legs while he talked. Josie looked at them quietly, and her eyes turned red. Maybe, that was the ordinary and warm marriage she envied. Josie felt chilly at her back so tightened her coat instinctively. Meanwhile, a party livened up Sky Villa of Hofcaster. “Mr. Gibson, Ashley is a newcomer with great potential. Don’t worry! She will have a promising future in Hofcaster with you looking out for her.” At the table, Henry was looking at his phone all the time. He didn’t seem to be in a good mood. His assistant sent a message saying that Josie wanted to be discharged from the hospital today. Ashley, who was sitting beside Henry, smiled shyly and felt a little embarrassed. “Henry, I’ll drink it for you.” “Ashley is like a younger sister to me. I hope you will look after her for me in the future, Henry explained. Apparently, those directors had misunderstood his relationship with Ashley. Ashley’s hand holding the glass stiffened for a moment, and she smiled awkwardly. “Henry has always taken good care of “Mr. Gibson sacrificed a lot for Ashley’s fame.” Thomas, Ashley’s manager, smiled and signaled Ashley to toast Henry. “Ashley, raise a glass to Mr. Gibson.” Henry frowned slightly and thought of Josie’s lifeless face lying on the bed. Henry rubbed his temples and lit a cigarette. “You guys drink first. I have something to deal with.” He should’ve gone over when Josie was discharged from the hospital. “Henry… Ashley panicked. It was her birthday, and she deliberately invited those people who were valuable to her in Hofcaster to the party. If Henry left now, it would make her look bad. Ashley chased after Henry outside the private room. When she saw nobody around, she whispered, ‘Did Mrs. Gibson misunderstand?” Henry was briefly stunned. He felt strange about the title, “Mrs. Gibson“.. “It’s your birthday. Have fun.” With that, Henry looked at the time and left quickly. Ashley was disappointed, and her eyes reddened in an instant. She felt wronged. She wanted Henry to accompany her, but she knew very well that Henry didn’t belong to her. He had a wife and was secretly married. *Ashley, Mr. Gibson really loves you. Have you seen the birthday gift he gave you? We peeked at it. It is from Angel’s new limited edition autumn collection. It wasn’t an easy thing to buy. Mr. Gibson is so thoughtful!” wed, a May Chapter 5 Ashley lowered her head and said nothing. Henry had always been generous to her. However, she was aware that the existence of that woman prevented her from having the title of Henry’s wife. On the other hand, when Josie returned to the Lake House where she had lived with Henry for three years, she suddenly felt that it had no warmth at all Her cold fingers touched the two sets of toiletries in the bathroom, and Josie smiled bitterly. Jo, have you packed your things?” Madelyn brought Josie back to pack her things as she wanted to move out. However, Josie knew that she didn’t have much to pack. She returned only because she wanted to see the house one last. time. “Done…” Josie wiped her tears and took all her belongings. As for those things that didn’t belong to her, Josie didn’t touch them at all. Henry hurried back to the house from the hospital. Annoyed, he pulled on his tie. He was late. When he arrived at the hospital, Josie had left, so he rushed home. However, Josie was not there as well. “Damn it!” Henry punched the glass in the bathroom in frustration and found himself having a little difficulty breathing. He couldn’t believe Josie was serious. There used to be two toothbrushes in the bathroom, but now there was only one. There was an indescribable feeling in his heart, but Henry could only treat that feeling of dejection as something normal. It had been three years since he secretly married Josie. Even if he kept a puppy, he would have feelings about it. He didn’t love Josie, but he knew clearly what Josie meant to him. He didn’t need love. Josie was Henry’s wife, yet their relationship was only out of obligation and was meaningless to him. Henry washed off the blood on his hand. He didn’t even know why he was so angry all of a sudden. “Is it because Josie has always been obedient and sensible but has suddenly turned rebellious?” he wondered. … Read More “Ex-Husband’s Endless Pestering by Susie Cecillia Chapter 5” »
Chapter 4 When Henry arrived at Hofcaster Hospital, Josie was lying quietly on the bed, her face pale. The autumn sun shone on Josie, but she looked so cold. At that moment, Henry’s heart skipped a beat. Josie looked exhausted, and her face was completely drained of color, like a lifeless body without a soul. Henry’s fingers were numb. He walked slowly to her bedside and whispered, “Jo…” “Mr. Gibson, you are such a busy man!” Madelyn exclaimed sarcastically as she placed a bowl of oatmeal on the table. “Jo was experiencing an ectopic pregnancy! Where were you last night when she was having severe blood loss and required the signature of a family member? Do you know she almost died at home?” Henry frowned. Obviously, he didn’t like being scolded. “Maddy, let me talk to him.” Josie’s voice was hoarse. Madelyn looked at Josie with reddened eyes and snapped. “He spent the night with that vixen last night! Do you almost died, Josie? If you forgive him, I will look down on yout know you “Madelyn Hayes!” Henry’s voice was deep and low. It sounded like he was warning Madelyn that his patience was running out. Josie looked at Henry in despair and scoffed inward bitterly. “She just called her a vixen, but he couldn’t stand it, huh?” “Jo… Henry turned around and panicked. “Apologize to Maddy,” Josie said flatly. It was the first time she used a commanding tone with Henry. Henry was stunned. He had never seen Josie act in such a way before Since Josie returned to the Gibson family at the age of 15, she had been as gentle as a rabbit. She wouldn’t bite or cry 1 “Sorry, I’m being impatient, Henry apologized to Madelyn obediently. Madelyn snorted, turned around, and left. “Don’t take anything they say online seriously, Jo. My phone was turned off last night. There’s nothing between Ashley and me.” Henry tried to coax Josie. He was very good at that because Josie was very easy to coax. She would immediately become obedient after coaxing. “Henry, let’s get a divorce.” The atmosphere in the ward seemed to have stiffened, and Josie could hear Henry’s heartbeat. How ironic it was that Henry’s heart was, unfortunately, not beating for her. “Josie, don’t be angry with me and ask for a divorce. You know I’m not going to divorce you. I know you’ve been wronged and aren’t feeling well right now. Rest well, and I’ll give you whatever you want. We’ll discuss it again when you’re feeling better. Henry was very rational. He was calm, and his words were confident as if he were talking about business or a bet. Josie stared at Henry’s eyes in despair. She wanted to make herself feel heartbroken so that she could give up Henry 藍號15%置 12:39 Wed, 8 May MG Chapter 4 thoroughly. “Okay, but you have to let Ashley stay in the shadows. I don’t want to hear anything about her from anywhere.” Josie was negotiating with Henry. Josie!” Henry frowned and felt that Josie was extremely unsensible today. Henry didn’t want to provoke Josie, so he took a deep breath and uttered, “Take a good rest. I will ask my assistant to take care of you. With that, Henry left without looking back. Meanwhile, Josie sat quietly, her hands clenched so hard that they bled. She had waited a long time, but Henry y never talked about her pregnancy. Even if it was an ectopic pregnancy, Josie was still pregnant with Henry’s baby. Josie stayed in the hospital for half a month; however, Henry only came in twice. In the meantime, Josie didn’t say a word to Henry. She remained still and listened to the patient in the bed next to her talk about their parents and family as she lay silently. She felt sad and alone. During that period, Henry wanted Josie to transfer to the VIP ward. It was quiet there, and he could frequently come to accompany her. After all, it was inconvenient for him to go if outsiders were in the ward. However, Josie refused. She was afraid of loneliness. “Ms. Yates, Ms. Hayes said she would come to pick you up this afternoon,” said Henry’s assistant. She was always in the hospital. Josie lowered her gaze and weakly asked, “Where is Henry?” “He doesn’t even want to come when I’m discharged?” she wondered. … Read More “Ex-Husband’s Endless Pestering by Susie Cecillia Chapter 4” »
Chapter 3 To, you’re awakel Madelyn shot to her feet, and tears flowed from the corners of her eyes. If the hospital director Hadn’t agreed to the operation last night. Josie would have died in Henry’s absence. “Oh, my Jo. You don’t owe Henry anything Josie was the eldest daughter of the Gibson family. Henry was nothing more than an heir who John adopted. “Owe…” Josie mumbled with a hoarse voice. “When Grandpa forced Henry to marry me, I already owed him,” she thought. “But I don’t owe him anything anymore now…” Josie took her mother’s family name. Her mother was a dancer with low status, but her father, Hayden, had a crush on her mother. In that era, parents‘ orders were absolute commands. John objected to Hayden’s marriage to her mother. Despite Hayden’s persuasion, the Gibson family members wouldn’t let her mother marry into the Gibson family. Josie was envious of her mother. At least Josie’s father didn’t give in to the pressure from his family members. He eloped with Josie’s mother to a place where no one knew them and lived an ordinary life. When Josie was 15 years old, her parents had a car accident. Josie watched her parents die in front of her and hadn’t dared to ride alone in private cars ever since. John found her that year and took her back to the Gibson family. Even though John didn’t like her, she was still the eldest daughter of the Gibson family. That year when she returned to the Gibson family, John had already been raising Henry as his heir for ten years. Henry was 18 years old, and Josie was 15 years old. “Jo, I will protect you from now on.” She looked up into a pair of gentle eyes when she shrunk herself into a ball in a corner of the mansion that unwelcomed her. Josie fell in love with Henry at first sight. The ignorant love of youth was like wine. The longer it aged, the better the taste. Josie was quiet and obedient, so John slowly accepted her. When John passed away three years ago, Henry was able to manage the Gibson Corporation alone and led it back to its peak in just two years. From an outsider’s perspective, Henry was the favored son and the only heir of the Gibson family. However, only Josie knew Henry was adopted. If he wanted to gain the full inheritance right to Gibson Corporation, he had to marry her, a woman with the blood of the Gibson family. Josie guessed that Henry wanted to hide her because her identity was a shame to him. If everyone knew Josie was the legitimate daughter of the Gibson family, then what was Henry? Did he marry into the $12.39 Wed, 8 May M Chapter 3 Gibson family? Josie had always been sensible and obedient. She obediently agreed when Henry asked for a secret marriage. Henry told her to pretend to be strangers if they ever ran into each other outside, so she never mentioned her marriage to апуспе. Henry was nice to her at home. He had never missed an anniversary or birthday in their three years of marriage. He often said, “Jo, I will give you everything as long as you be good. No one can threaten your status.” However, that was never what Josie desired. The glory hidden in the shadows of the stars was worthless. She had loved Henry for close to ten years. During those ten years, she gleefully formed a family with him, thinking someone would finally protect and care for her for the rest of her life. She was greedy for Henry’s warmth to a state where she almost lost herself. She deceived and immersed herself in the secret dream Henry drew up and refused to wake up. “Jo, you almost died last night. Yet he was with that celebrity… Madelyn didn’t want to hurt Josie, but she wanted to smother any hope Josie had for Henry. “He splurges for Ashley but never cares about you! Did you see the necklace Ashley wore around her neck at the film festival a few days ago?” Madelyn pulled up the photos with trembling fingers on her phone. She knew Josie had never looked at them. Josie felt as though a knife had stabbed into her heart. It didn’t bleed, but it hurt. In the photo, the emerald necklace was a token of love Hayden gave to her mother. John said that it was reserved for his future daughter–in–law. Although the Gibson family had never accepted her mother, her father still gave her the necklace. When her parents passed away, Josie returned the necklace to John John probably regarded Henry as his own child, but that necklace was for Henry’s future wife. … Read More “Ex-Husband’s Endless Pestering by Susie Cecillia Chapter 3” »
Chapter 2 Henry. It hurts bad.” Josie’s voice was hoarse. She would never trouble Henry under normal circumstances, but the pain. was too overwhelming to endure. “It’s just a stomachache. Drink some hot water. A celebrity from my company got into a car accident, so I need to go and check it out. Be good. Henry emphasized the word “be good” and left without another glance. Unable to take the pain, Josie passed out. Before losing consciousness, Josie was wondering whether the reason Henry could leave her so readily was due to her sensibility. Meanwhile, at the Hofcaster Hospital. Ashley finally came out of the emergency room at twelve o’clock. Sitting in a wheelchair, Ashley’s pretty face was covered with tears. “Henry, I thought I’d never see you again.” With that, tears started streaming down her face. “What happened? Henry frowned and questioned Ashley’s agent, Thomas Carden. The driver was distracted and crashed into the guardrail, but it wasn’t a big issue. Only her leg was injured. The doctor had already treated it, so there wouldn’t be any scars.” Henry was relieved. “Fire the driver. “Mr. Gibson, please stay with Ashley for a while longer. She was frightened from the accident. Thomas hurriedly left with the assistant to make space for them to be alone. Buzz! Henry’s phone kept vibrating. “Henry, do you have something urgent?” Ashley cried as she held Henry tightly. She was frightened and figured it was a good opportunity to further her relationship with Henry. “It’s nothing” Henry glanced at his phone and noticed it was Josie’s number. Frowning slightly, Henry was surprised by Josie’s thoughtlessness. She would never call him under usual circumstances. Josie had always been obedient since she was young in Henry’s memory. He didn’t have any concept of marriage. With her obedience, sensibility, and unclingy behavior, Josie was a suitable wife candidate. Moreover, he had a reason to marry Josie, “But your phone keeps ringing. How about answering the phone first?” Ashley suggested, showcasing her sensibility. “It’s nothing urgent Henry turned off the phone and took hold of Ashley’s wheelchair. “I’ll take you home “I’m sure there isn’t anything serious with Josie,” he thought. “Henry, I’m scared. Can you stay here with me? Henry frowned slightly, hesitating over her request. 12:38 Wed, 8 May M G Chapter 2 Ashley was good at acting. She could cry for a long time over a tiny injury to provoke men’s sympathy. Suddenly, Josie flashed across his mind Josie was so strong that a knife cutting her hand wouldn’t break her mask of indifference, For men, women like Josie were nothing more than wooden puppets. Unlike Josie, Ashley could provoke men’s protective desire to care for her. I remember when I cried at night back in the orphanage, you were the one who accompanied me… “Okay, I’ll stay with you.” Henry cut her off. He couldn’t refuse her. As soon as Henry’s car left the hospital, an ambulance roared by. He didn’t notice the woman the doctor carried down from the ambulance was Josie.. Jol Jo Madelyn Hayes wept as she called Henry with Josie’s phone, but Henry’s phone had been turned off. There were only a few people who knew about the relationship between Josie and Henry. As Josie’s childhood friend, Madelyn was one of them. “Doctor, please save her!” Madelyn was in a state of panic. “If Josie hadn’t called me with the last of her strength… The consequence would’ve been disastrous,” she thought. “Patient is going into shock from blood loss. The initial diagnosis is ectopic pregnancy. Where is the patient’s family? She has massive abdominal bleeding and needs surgery to remove one of the oviducts. Is she married?” the doctor asked Madelyn when he came out of the operating room. Madelyn was stunned at the diagnosis and fell to the ground with trembling legs. “Married… She’s married, but I can’t get through to her husband, Please save her.” “Stop crying. Her life would’ve been in danger if she had arrived a second later. Does the patient have any history of giving birth?” Madelyn shook her head with a sob. Henry didn’t want a child, so Josie always took contraceptive pills. “Okay. Find a way to contact the patient’s husband” The doctor didn’t say anything more and returned to the operating room. … Read More “Ex-Husband’s Endless Pestering by Susie Cecillia Chapter 2” »
Chapter 1 The Secret Husband Of Josie Autumn in Hofcaster was very cold, giving its residents an illusion that winter had arrived overnight. Josie Yates stood in front of the bus stop sign and listened to the girls gossiping beside her. “Have you seen the entertainment headlines? Ashley’s sugar daddy has been revealed. They came … Read More “Ex-Husband’s Endless Pestering by Susie Cecillia Chapter 1” »