Run to Freedom Chapter 2

Liam's grandparents and great-grandparents had studied abroad years ago, returning to build their empire. Generations of his family elders were either titans of academia, industry moguls, or powerful corporate board members. My own family, on the other hand, hailed from humble rural roots. My father had left home in his youth to seek his fortune, catching the wave of the real estate boom to make his wealth.

When he first proposed marriage, Liam had to put in a monumental effort, making countless promises before his parents finally gave their reluctant approval.

Touched by his dedication, and determined to be worthy of him, I abandoned my chosen major during my graduate studies, switching directly to business. After graduation, I joined Liam's family enterprise, working alongside him, hand-in-hand. I wanted his family to see that I was capable, that I could genuinely contribute, that I wasn't just some decorative figure.

Originally, his family had agreed he could spend a few years forging his own path after graduation. But to marry me, he promised to immediately shoulder the immense family responsibilities upon graduation. From then on, he worked tirelessly, day and night, without a moment's respite. It took two arduous years before he fully took over all the group's operations, finally finding his stride and becoming adept.

On Valentine's Day, he asked if I wanted to leave the company. He knew I didn't enjoy business management, nor the cutthroat atmosphere of the corporate world. "You've worked too hard these past two years, Clara," he said, his gaze warm and tender as he looked at me. "Don't worry, I've got a handle on things now. I can manage on my own. Rest if you want to."

So, I left the company.

But there was no 'rest' to be had. Even without direct business involvement, as the Chairman's wife, the future matriarch of a prominent family, my plate was overflowing. To gain his family's approval, I lived every day with meticulous care, weighing every word, every action. I had to actively help manage the charity organization his mother founded, personally overseeing every regular event. I needed to cultivate strong relationships with the wives of the group's executives and partners. Invitations to other people's galas required my polite attendance. And at home, we frequently hosted smaller soirées to foster connections with other high-society ladies. The Harrison family was vast, and deeply invested in its legacy.

Every holiday necessitated a grand family dinner, with countless direct and extended relatives attending. After our marriage, Mrs. Harrison entrusted me with the responsibility of organizing these lavish gatherings. I remember the first one, for the Thanksgiving after our wedding. To ensure everything was flawless and to make a good impression on my mother-in-law, I began fretting about it a full two weeks beforehand. The two days of the dinner itself, I barely slept, my nerves strung taut. Thankfully, the dinner concluded perfectly. But after managing all the post-event details, I collapsed in the elevator. The doctor attributed it to extreme nervous tension and prolonged lack of sleep. I even made Liam promise not to tell either set of parents. I yearned for perfection, refusing to allow a single flaw. And through my tireless efforts, Liam's parents, his sister, even his aunts, uncles, and other relatives slowly came to accept and embrace me.

Yet, Liam cheated.