He Helped Me Fail 99 Times
Chapter 4
That evening, Alex's assistant swung by for the rings and said Alex was off to Boston for work.
Later that night, I got a friend request.
Lily.
I accepted. She sent a video.
On a yacht in Boston Harbor, Alex—white tux, on one knee.
Fireworks lit up the sky as they kissed and slipped on the rings.
I typed four words: [Wish you the best.]
Then deleted the chat.
***
Three days later—launch day—Alex texted, begging me to attend Lily's big event.
I showed up at the Boston Convention Center. Security stopped me.
"Invitation?" the guard asked, all business.
"I'm Alex Ross's wife."
He gave me a quick once-over, eyes flickering with judgment.
"Mrs. Ross? Without an invite, I'm afraid—"
A Rolls-Royce rolled up.
Lily stepped out in a designer gown. The crowd practically bowed.
The guard's whole vibe flipped. He sprinted over, grinning like a fanboy.
"Dr. Hartway! Welcome! Everything's set just how you wanted."
Lily gave a tiny nod.
The guard glanced back and saw me still there. His face soured.
"Move it! This isn't your scene. Didn't I tell you to leave? Don't block Dr. Hartway."
He shoved me aside like trash—then turned and practically bowed to Lily.
She spotted me, took in the mess I must've looked like, and for a second, satisfaction flashed in her eyes. Then she slipped on her fake-nice mask.
"Stop," she told the guard, all righteous indignation. "What kind of attitude is that? Anyone's welcome at my launch."
She strolled over, voice sugar-coated.
"Emma used to be my benefactor. Without her help, I'd have never met Alex."
She paused, eyes gleaming.
"But Emma, feel free to watch—just don't start screaming plagiarism again like last time."
The word hit like a spark. Whispers flared.
"Wait, she's the one who accused Dr. Hartway?"
"Didn't she get sued?"
"No wonder she failed 99 times—probably stealing from others."
"Ugh. I actually felt bad for her."
The old me would've scrambled to explain, desperate not to embarrass Alex.
But not today.
Today, I just wanted it to be over.