Chapter 5: Shattered Expectations

**Chapter Four**

Others didn’t know the truth, but I did.

Judge Shaw wasn’t really interested in taking a wife. He had a devoted girlfriend in D.C., and they were as close as a real married couple.

That woman was a widow who had been married before. She’d injured her health during childbirth and couldn’t have children again.

Judge Shaw didn’t mind.

“She’s a widow, I’m a widower. We’re perfectly matched, a natural pair.”

Grandma Shaw was so angry she threatened to call the police.

"Is that what ‘perfectly matched’ means? You’re a respected federal judge, and she’s a small-town baker—how is that a match!"

Grandma’s voice could rattle the windowpanes, and she’d gesture wildly with her rolling pin as if ready to storm D.C. herself. It was the talk of the town for weeks.

"If you dare marry her, I’ll faint right in front of you!"

Judge Shaw was helpless but stubborn, insisting he wouldn’t remarry.

That woman didn’t care about these things either. She moved into his apartment early, and behind closed doors, they lived happily together.

They were far away in D.C., where Grandma Shaw couldn’t reach them. She was furious but had no choice.

Only now, seeing Ethan spoiled beyond redemption by her own indulgence, did Grandma Shaw finally compromise. She suggested that Judge Shaw marry a wife to stay in Maple Heights to educate the child and care for his mother.

Judge Shaw had to return home once a year, but the rest of the time, he could stay in D.C. with the baker. They could be together, and she wouldn’t interfere.

Judge Shaw agreed.

He was an upright and straightforward man.

I still remember our wedding night when Judge Shaw lifted my veil and couldn’t help exclaiming, "Wow."

"Miss Lee, you’re so young and beautiful. It’s really a waste to be matched with an old man like me."

I looked up, blushing.

The candlelight lit up a face full of striking heroism, with eyebrows like arrows and a commanding presence.

Judge Shaw was unexpectedly young and handsome. My face grew even redder, and I didn’t dare look up at him again.

"Judge, you’re only twenty-eight, in the prime of your life. How are you old?"

Judge Shaw smiled and shook his head.

"My son is already nine. In a few years, I’ll be old enough to be a grandfather. I dare not delay Miss Lee."

As he spoke, he took out divorce papers from his pocket and handed them to me.