They dined romantically; however, when he saw the server, the man’s heartbeat froze. It was his former wife, the lady he had abandoned, who never knew the sacrifices she endured for him to achieve the success he now enjoyed.

Ryan Alden entered the sophisticated restaurant adorned with chandeliers, together with his new girlfriend, Vanessa. He wore a meticulously tailored suit, while she held onto his arm, her silver dress glittering under the ambient lighting.

“Ryan, this venue is perfect,” Vanessa said, beaming as they were guided to their reserved table.

Ryan surveyed his surroundings with pride. He could now afford such an establishment without hesitation—one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city. Yet, as he sat down, his attention was drawn to someone across the room.

A server, dressed in a modest beige apron, quietly moved between tables, expertly balancing plates. Her face was slightly turned away, but in the instant she glanced up, Ryan’s breath caught in his throat. This couldn’t be happening.

“Ryan? Are you okay?” Vanessa asked, noticing his sudden stillness.

He blinked, forcing a smile. “Actually, I just… thought I recognized someone.”

But it was her. Anna. His ex-wife. The woman he had divorced five years ago when he chose to pursue greater ambitions—ambitions that eventually became millions, luxury cars, and high-rise residences.

Anna looked thinner now, her hair neatly tied back. She didn’t acknowledge him or pretended not to notice. She set the plates on a nearby table, nodded politely to the guests, and walked away.

Vanessa talked animatedly about her upcoming fashion shoot, unaware of Ryan’s drifting attention. He was lost in thought. Why was Anna working here? He had expected her to be in a better position. She had always dreamed of teaching. She was intelligent. She had potential.

When Ryan noticed Anna taking orders at another table, he detected something in her posture—a subtle weariness, not just from long shifts but from years of carrying burdens alone.

Later that evening…

Ryan excused himself to the restroom; however, instead of returning to the table, he lingered near the kitchen door.

Anna emerged, carrying a tray of glasses.

“Anna?” he asked softly.

She didn’t move at first. Slowly, she turned her head. Her eyes widened briefly before she composed herself with polite neutrality.

“Ryan.”

“You… you work here?”

“Yes,” she replied curtly. “Can I help you with anything? I’m busy.”

Her cold tone made him flinch. “I didn’t expect to see you here. I thought you’d be teaching by now, or—”

“Life doesn’t always go according to our plans, Ryan,” she said quietly, glancing toward the dining hall. “I have tables to serve.”

“Anna, wait.” His voice faltered. “I didn’t know about your struggles.”

She let out a short, bitter laugh. “There are many things you don’t know. You were too busy building your empire to realize what I sacrificed for you.”

Ryan felt his chest tighten. “What do you mean?”

But she didn’t answer. She turned and disappeared into the kitchen, leaving him in the hallway, tormented by a question he had never considered before: What had she given up for him?

Ryan returned to his seat, but he could no longer focus on Vanessa’s words.

His mind replayed Anna’s statement: “There are many things you don’t know. You were too busy building your empire to realize what I sacrificed for you.”

That night, after dropping Vanessa home, Ryan couldn’t shake off his unease. For years, he had convinced himself that the divorce with Anna was mutual—that she, too, had wanted a different life. He had never stopped to think about the hardships she endured while he chased success.

The following day, Ryan went back to the restaurant alone.

Anna was there, tying on her apron as he entered. She stiffened when she saw him.

“What do you want, Ryan?” she asked firmly.

“I’m only looking for understanding,” he said quietly.

“What were your intentions yesterday? What did you give up for me?” Ryan asked.

Anna hesitated, her eyes betraying a pain she did not want to reveal.
“There’s no need for you to know. It doesn’t matter anymore.”

“It matters to me,” Ryan insisted. “I’m asking you, Anna. I need to hear it.”

For a moment, it seemed she would walk away. Yet something in his tone—or perhaps the exhaustion of hiding her secret—made her pause. She gestured to an unoccupied chair.

“You have five minutes.”

Ryan sat down, his heart pounding. Anna sighed.

“Do you still remember your early beginnings? The struggle that nearly collapsed before it could even start?”

He slowly nodded. “Of course. I was drowning in debt. I thought I would lose everything.”

“Exactly,” Anna said softly. “But I didn’t allow that to happen. I sold my grandmother’s house—the only inheritance I had—and gave you the money. I told you it came from a loan. You never asked any questions.”

A heavy ache spread through Ryan’s chest.
“You gave me your entire inheritance?”

“I did,” Anna admitted, her tone steady but full of sorrow. “When the bills piled up, I worked extra shifts, took unpleasant jobs, anything to ensure you could keep chasing your ambitions without interruption. Sometimes I skipped meals just to make sure your suppliers were paid. I put your future ahead of my own.”

Ryan felt as though the air had been knocked out of his lungs.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You were too driven,” Anna replied with a faint, bitter smile. “You were so consumed with your pursuit of success that I didn’t want to be the one holding you back. But when the money started coming in, you changed. You stopped coming home. You stopped seeing me. One day, you told me you needed to focus on your future—and that future didn’t include me.”

Ryan’s memory stung. He remembered the night he had said those words, and how he convinced himself it was for the greater good.

Now it felt cruel.

Anna looked away. “After you left, I was still responsible for paying your debts because my name was attached to every obligation. I couldn’t finish my studies. I took whatever work I could—cleaning, waiting tables, anything to survive.”

A sharp ache spread across Ryan’s chest. “Anna… I didn’t know. I swear, I had no idea.”

She let out a low, weary laugh. “Of course you didn’t. You were too busy becoming the man you are now.”

Ryan leaned forward. “Let me help you now. Let me make this right.”

Anna shook her head firmly. “I don’t want your financial redemption, Ryan. I want you to understand that your success wasn’t without cost. Someone paid for it—you just never realized it was me.”

A long silence followed.

“Do you hate me?” Ryan asked quietly.

Anna hesitated. “I don’t carry hatred for you. There was a time I loved you so deeply that it consumed me. But I don’t trust you. I refuse to return to being the woman who sacrificed everything for a man who never acknowledged her.”

Ryan swallowed hard.

“I don’t expect your forgiveness. But… can I help ease your burden? Not out of pity—but out of gratitude.”

Anna studied him for a long moment before saying softly, “If you truly mean that, don’t just write a check. Take meaningful action.”

Ryan nodded. “Tell me your priorities right now.”

She glanced around the restaurant. “There’s a scholarship fund here for employees who want to continue their education. I’ve been saving to submit my application. If you really want to help, contribute to that fund. Support more than just me.”

Ryan’s throat tightened. “I’ll do it. And Anna, I’ll make sure you have the chance you once gave me.”

Anna offered him a faint, tired smile. “Thank you. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”