He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 132

The blood drained from Rose’s face.

Lina was right—Houston had never truly treated her like a wife. No wedding, no intimacy.

She had always wondered why he married her but never touched her. Now, Lina had given her a cruel but plausible answer.

Standing tall, Lina looked down on her with a sneer. “Give up on Houston, Rose. The further this goes, the more painful it will be for you. That’s my advice.”

When Lina left, Rose collapsed into her chair, utterly hollow.

…

Meanwhile, Vivian had her first date arranged.

She dressed to the nines, carefully applied her makeup, and left with fluttering anticipation. She dreamed of meeting a man like Houston—handsome, successful, rich.

But when she arrived, her heart plummeted.

Her date turned out to be a balding, greasy middle-aged man. Still, she forced herself to stay hopeful. Maybe he’s a wealthy businessman, she thought.

“Hello,” she greeted with forced cheer.

“You’re Vivian?” the man leered openly at her.

Vivian nodded, suppressing her disgust and tried to strike up polite conversation.

He was blunt, if nothing else. “Look, I’m looking for a wife, not playing games. Let me be honest—I’m 42, no house, no car, a bit overweight. I hope that doesn’t bother you.”

Vivian’s expression froze.

No house, no car, middle-aged, and repulsive? He wasn’t even on par with Ethan, let alone Houston.

And then he had the audacity to lay out a list of conditions. “If we get married, no more dressing like that. No makeup either—it looks cheap. And you’ll have to work. I’m not supporting a freeloader.”

Vivian grabbed the glass of water in front of her and threw it in his face. “Take a good look in the mirror before you talk like that. Who do you think you are?!”

She stormed out, fuming.

Vivian twirled with glee. “Mom, do I even look like I just had a baby?”

Grace looked at her waist, visibly thicker now, and remembered the matchmaker’s words. A heavy sigh escaped her lips.

“Vivian… maybe you should bring Ethan back. Just live a decent life with him. We’re not cut out for riches and glamour. Let’s just make peace with a normal life.”

Vivian blinked in disbelief. “What happened to you? Ethan’s unfaithful, Mom. He’s no good. If I stay with him, my life will be ruined.”

She frowned. “Let me go on a few more dates. I’ll find someone better.”

Grace exploded. “So you do know he’s no good? Then why did you steal him from Rose in the first place? Now everyone knows you’re a homewrecker. You had a baby before marriage, and your reputation is garbage. Who’d want to marry you now?”

Vivian had always been pampered and spoiled. Her mother’s vicious words were a blow she couldn’t handle. She broke down in tears.

Grace softened, guilt creeping in. “Vivian, I’m just being real. Ethan may not come from much, but he’s young, capable, and has potential. Just lower your pride, get him back, and live your life quietly. I won’t interfere anymore.”

Vivian sobbed silently, caught between pride, regret, and the crumbling reality of her life.