When He Stopped Loving Me Chapter 13

The video captured their nine years.

High school basketball—him injured, Claire scolding him with red eyes, calling him "careless" and "serves you right" while tending his wounds with utmost gentleness.

His university speech competition victory—her gazing from the audience, eyes full of pride, more brilliant than stage lights.

Secret dates—her giggling as he teased her, playfully swatting his shoulder.

Their wedding—her saying "I do" before the officiant, happy tears sliding down her face.

Countless daily moments: her focused profile playing piano, quietly reading curled on the sofa, pretending to be angry when he forgot an anniversary but breaking into helpless smiles when he presented gifts...

The background music was mournful yet affectionate. Comments below were heartbreaking:

"Nine years... how many nine-year periods does a life have?"

"From school uniforms to wedding dress—defeated by reality after all?"

"Who could Ethan Pierce possibly prefer over Claire Morrison?"

"So even the elite have love... but then it disappeared..."

"@EthanPierce Those who betray true hearts will swallow ten thousand needles!"

SLAM!

Ethan violently shut his laptop, chest feeling blocked by something, nearly suffocating!

A sharp, unexpected stab of pain caught him completely off guard. He irritably loosened his tie, trying to expel those images and sounds from his mind.

To prove his choice was right and give Rachel legitimacy, Ethan began taking her to business galas.

However, the first appearance was a disaster.

Rachel had never experienced such grand events. Nervous and flustered, facing important overseas clients, she accidentally spilled red wine on an expensive suit.

She panicked, apologizing incoherently with crude language, drawing stares from everyone around. The client's expression darkened.

Ethan had to suppress his displeasure, repeatedly stepping in to smooth things over and apologize, exhausted throughout.

He could clearly feel the strange glances and whispers around them.

"Mr. Pierce's new girlfriend... compared to his ex-wife, she's really..."

"Shh... keep it down. Worlds apart..."

"Ms. Morrison used to dazzle every room—impeccable manners and grace. This one... so out of her depth."

These comments were like fine needles pricking Ethan's ears and heart.

That evening, several longtime friends couldn't stand it anymore and asked him out for drinks.

After a few rounds, one friend finally slammed the table, speaking bluntly: "Ethan! Have you lost your mind?! For THAT woman, you gave up Claire Morrison?! Claire Morrison—the jewel of our entire circle! Background, beauty, talent—she had everything! And she treated you incredibly well! What you have now... doesn't even qualify as second-rate!"

Ethan slammed his glass down, liquor splashing. His expression darkened dangerously. "Shut up! Don't you dare talk about Rachel like that! She's simple and kind—far better than those pretentious socialites! This is my business—stay out of it! Say one more word like that and we're done!"