Losing to My Substitute (Katerina and Joshu)
Substitute 43

Chapter 14

Ivan's vision blurred as he picked up a piece of chicken and placed it in his mouth.

The juices burst with sweetness, leaving only bitterness behind.

Plop.

A tear fell into the meal.

Ivan quickened his pace, eating piece after piece as though he wouldn't stop until he choked himself.

Noticing his unusual behavior, the boss's wife nudged her husband with her elbow, gesturing for

him to check on the man.

The boss opened a bottle of milk and walked over, placing it on Ivan's table before sitting down across from him.

"There's no obstacle in life you can't get past. Judging by how well-dressed you are, you must be a big

boss, right? Tough times don't last forever-just hang in there, and it'll pass."

Ivan struggled to swallow the last piece of chicken, his voice hoarse.

"Thank you."

He silently stared at the empty container, his mind flooded with memories of the times he and Linda had come here together.

It might've been a morning after an all-nighter.

Or perhaps a late night when they'd just gotten home.

This place had always been open, and they had always been together.

The boss sighed. "These days, it's tough to keep any business going. In a little while, we're planning to

head back to our hometown."

Hearing this, Ivan immediately looked up, frowning. "You're leaving too?"

"Yep. Prices are rising, rent and utilities are expensive, and an eight-dollar fried chicken meal

doesn't make much profit. Plus, our kid's starting middle school soon, so my wife and I decided to

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Losing to My Substitute

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Chapter 11

move back home."

Ivan's gaze dimmed.

"In the past... my wife and I used to come here often. You probably don't remember us."

His voice was soft, tinged with regret.

But the boss's eyes lit up. "Really? Why didn't you bring her along today?"

Ivan lowered his head, saying nothing. The boss, seeing his expression, guessed the couple had likely

had a falling out.

"Ah, arguments between couples are normal. Just talk things through-it'll be fine. As long as it's not about cheating or domestic violence, anything else can be worked out. If your wife thinks you did something wrong, just fix it." Ivan forced a faint smile, paid the bill, and turned to leave.

Back in the car.

The cramped space felt suffocating, amplifying Ivan's inner turmoil.

He reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, lighting one and placing it between his lips.

The harsh smoke filled his lungs, triggering a fit of coughing as he struggled to adjust.