Starting Over Without Him

""This year, there's only one spot available–and I fought hard to secure it for you."If things don't work out with Baron Cole, I'll talk to him. You two have a strong relationship. Waiting a few years won't matter."As I stared at the application form my professor handed me, my hands would not stop trembling.In my previous life, I spent forty years married to Baron. We raised a son and a daughter. I thought that was what a complete, fulfilled life looked like.However, after he died, while sorting through his belongings, I found a box filled with letters and photographs.That was when I learned the truth–he had always loved someone else.She was his first love… and the biological daughter of the family that raised me.Back in 1984, he hid my study-abroad application, giving the opportunity to her instead.From that moment on, I became a housewife. And he devoted himself to helping the woman he loved rise–until she returned from overseas as a celebrated professor.Even my own son later turned their story into a drama, glorifying their restrained, enduring love.When I opened my eyes again, I found myself back on the day I first received that application form.This time, I did not hesitate."Professor, I'm going abroad.""