Chapter 6: Loyalty and Loss

**Chapter Five**

Judge Shaw said he already had someone in his heart. Marrying me was only to satisfy Grandma Shaw’s wish for a daughter-in-law and to give Ethan a mother.

"After a few years, when Ethan is older, I’ll help you find a good marriage, Miss."

Along with the divorce papers, he handed over a check with a large sum—compensation for the years of my youth.

I was deeply disappointed.

I was only seventeen then, and like all young women, I had endless hopes and dreams for my married life.

Moreover, Judge Shaw was handsome and had a good bearing. At first sight, I felt a little admiration for him.

Yet it turned out to be a marriage in name only.

I barely held back my tears.

The lump in my throat felt the size of a peach pit. I wanted to scream, to throw the papers back in his face, but all I could do was blink away the tears, refusing to let them spill over.

"Why didn’t you tell me earlier?"

Judge Shaw was surprised.

"Didn’t the matchmaker tell you? I gave him a big fee and specifically told him before the engagement—"

Seeing me cry, Judge Shaw gave a bitter smile.

"Look what a mess I’ve made of this, huh—"

Actually, I knew it wasn’t his fault.

Our matchmaker was my uncle.

He took the money and deliberately hid the details, never telling me.

If Judge Shaw hadn’t specifically mentioned it again on our wedding night, I might have been kept in the dark forever.

I suddenly felt life was bleak. Judge Shaw silently doubled the money.

"I didn’t handle this well. Miss Lee, if you want to leave the Shaw residence now, I won’t stop you."

My mind was a mess.

"Let me think about it. I really don’t know what to do."

Judge Shaw stayed home for only five days before hurrying back to D.C.

I was troubled, caught in daily anguish over whether to leave or stay.

But soon, I stopped worrying.