Chapter 5

I pretended to complain:

【Afraid you'll show me something ugly.】

【Don't come.】

【Don't bother me today, or I'll block you.】

Ethan Ford indeed quieted down.

I took the money and put down my phone.

But as soon as it passed midnight.

Ethan Ford, as if he'd been watching the clock, sent me crying voice messages.

"Baby, it's a new day now."

"Are you asleep?"

"I can change whatever you don't like about me."

"I need only you. I want you to be my wife."

"Please don't abandon me."

"Masters can't abandon their puppies."

"Master, please, just reply to one message."

...

I was still up late revising my thesis since I had to submit it to him tomorrow.

Originally full of resentment.

But hearing Ethan Ford crying that he needed only me and wanted me to be his wife.

It was like being hit by a sugar-coated bullet.

My heart sweetened.

My resentment immediately dissipated by more than half.

I asked him: 【Am I really that important to you?】

Ethan Ford's voice was hoarse yet exceptionally firm:

"Extremely important."

"You're like the ray of light that illuminates my life."

"These two years with you, every single day I've been so happy."

"You're more important to me than my own life."

"Let's meet. I want to see you every day, take care of you, and spend my whole life with you."

My ears burned hot hearing this.

My heart melted completely.

Although Ethan Ford was usually cold, cutting, and harsh—making one regret that such a handsome guy had to open his mouth.

But thinking about his face, money, abilities... and his current obedient clinginess.

I really hit the jackpot.

I happily replied: 【I understand. Let's talk about meeting in June.】

I need to get my diploma first before meeting.

Ethan Ford was very happy.

The next morning, I went to the academic building to find Ethan Ford on time.

Ethan Ford frowned at his computer screen.

"Are you sure you revised this according to my comments?"

My heart panicked. I leaned toward the computer screen.

"Yes. Is it wrong again?"

Ethan Ford's face was cold, the pressure around him frighteningly low.

I anxiously wrung the hem of my clothes.

"...Then should I revise and send it again?"

"But I think... I can't revise it anymore."

Ethan Ford glanced at me.

"Believe in yourself. Consider it fate's way of testing you with obstacles."

Ah, I was stunned for a moment, not expecting Ethan Ford to change from his venomous style and comfort me.

Could it be that thinking about meeting me, he's being nice to the whole world?

The little bit of joy in my heart hadn't even had time to spread.

When Ethan Ford poured cold water right over my head.

"But fate seems to think you're a donkey that needs constant grinding."

Me: "..."

Ethan Ford pointed at a section of the document with his mouse.

"What is this paragraph? Did AI write it?"

"No, I wrote it myself."

"You wrote it yourself?"

Ethan Ford scoffed lightly, his tone bone-chillingly cold:

"Next time you show me this, I won't let you enter the review and defense stage. Just apply for delayed graduation then."

A long ringing filled my head.

I was already under tremendous pressure, secretly pursuing my master's degree behind my parents' backs.

If I can't get my diploma, haven't these three years been completely wasted?

How would I explain this to myself and my parents?

And Ethan Ford said last night he'd back me up, but now he's the one driving me crazy!

I felt like Ethan Ford had stabbed me right in the armpit.

It really hurt so much, yet was so absurd.

In truth.

I had completely broken down.

I slammed his desk hard, saying:

"Ethan Ford! Are you really going to prevent your wife from graduating?"

Ethan Ford paused and looked up at me sharply.