Chapter 4

From the moment Sophia first laid eyes on Alexander, I knew she would fall for him. But getting Alexander to accept Sophia took quite a bit of effort on my part.

Alexander was never an ordinary man who thought with his lower half. On the contrary, he was very principled. Even after we got married, there were plenty of women throwing themselves at him, trying to replace me. But he never gave me any reason to worry in that department.

He would firmly reject those women with ill intentions. "I'm sorry, I'm married and very much in love with my wife," he'd say.

He would openly talk about me in public or during his lectures. His students praised him for being handsome and devoted, the ideal man in many female students' eyes.

My friends and coworkers who met him envied my good taste in finding such a perfect husband. I used to believe that too.

I met Alexander when I was a senior in college, during my internship.

One day, an important work task wasn't completed because a coworker didn't do her part. She told our boss it was because I hadn't properly communicated with her. But I had talked to her, right at her desk, and even reminded her later. Since it was just a verbal exchange, I had no proof. So I ended up taking the blame.

Because of this incident, my chance at a full-time offer was delayed and I lost out on a bonus.

I had worked overtime for a month on this project, and in the end all I got was unfair blame.

I sat on some steps, sobbing, as the rain poured down harder and harder, soaking me through.

That's when I met Alexander. He gave me his umbrella and a pack of tissues, without saying a word, then left in the rain himself.

Later I ran into him at the company again and learned he was one of the shareholders.

I was too intimidated to approach him, but he greeted me first. To thank him, I invited him to dinner and told him about that day's incident. He advised me that in the workplace, all important matters should be documented in email.

After that, my full-time offer wasn't delayed and I received my bonus as normal. I suspected it was his doing.

As we got to know each other, I discovered he was very knowledgeable. No matter what questions I had, he always gave the most reasonable advice.

I started secretly visiting his university to see him. He took me to try all sorts of delicious food. It was the most peaceful time I'd had since my parents passed away.

After graduation, we started dating, and got married six months later.

He was a wonderful husband - he would drive me to and from work, prepare surprises for holidays, take on household chores, maintain appropriate distance from other women, didn't smoke or drink, had no bad habits at all.

When I told him about my high school experiences, this 30-year-old man's eyes reddened.

He held me close and said, "It's all in the past now. I'll make up for everything you've lost."

If I hadn't discovered that secret, I might have remained trapped in the dream he wove for me.