It was my third year of marriage to Ethan. He was thirty-five. I was not yet twenty-one, still in my senior year of college. I hadn't even decided if I wanted to be a stay-at-home wife yet, when I overheard him chatting with a group of industry titans: "Audrey has nothing going for her besides her youth. "Compared to her, Veronica is far more sophisticated. "I'm starting to regret getting married. How much does it cost to keep a young mistress? Now, divorce would mean a monumental loss." Turning around, I handed him the divorce papers. When he saw the words stating I’d walk away with nothing, he breathed a sigh of relief, and then, feigning generosity, said, "I'll transfer you twenty million as compensation." I smiled and politely declined, "I'm still young; I can afford to lose." He didn't know that my brother, Liam, was a scion of one of the East Coast's most powerful families. All these years, Ethan's rise to the top tier of business was entirely due to my brother's support. Divorcing me, his losses were just beginning. 01 During my senior year internship, to see my handsome husband more often, I resolutely joined Ethan's company. As a junior employee, I kept such a low profile that Ethan didn't even know I was there, fearing I’d cause him trouble or distract him. Whenever I overheard fellow interns discussing Ethan, I would listen intently, never interrupting. "Mr. Miller is so charming, thirty-five is the prime age for a man." "Too bad he's married; I heard his wife is just some unknown young woman." "Ugh, why don't I have that kind of luck…" When I was eighteen, to show his sincerity, Ethan declared on the first day he pursued me that he was aiming for marriage, and immediately gave me an engagement ring. I responded with equal passion. We got married after a year of dating, impulsive and fervent, sweet and blissful. He gave me a dream romance beyond imagination; an alpha CEO's love, direct as a raging torrent, sweeping me off my feet. If I hadn't interned at his company, perhaps I would never have discovered his hidden secrets. Veronica, Ethan's executive assistant, was sensual and stunning, a classically sophisticated woman. She often accompanied Ethan on business trips and client dinners. She managed all company affairs, big or small, often more intimately familiar with operations than Ethan himself. Thus, before news of Ethan's marriage broke, the entire company believed Veronica was the boss's wife. While getting lunch in the company cafeteria, I even overheard old employees who had worked with Veronica remarking: "Mr. Miller has such poor taste; he doesn't appreciate Veronica, a beauty like her right by his side." "It's a shame Veronica resigned from her executive position at a publicly traded company just to be Mr. Miller's assistant." "Just wait and see; once the passion fades, Mr. Miller will divorce and end up with Veronica." Rumors swirled, but I paid them no mind. After all, the fiery passion between Ethan and me never waned, night after night. Until one client dinner, Veronica, drunk, openly confessed her feelings to Ethan in front of everyone. It was less a confession, and more an ultimatum to Ethan. Veronica asked him if she was in his heart. Ethan remained silent for a long time. Veronica pressed on, "If I'm not in your heart, why won't you approve my resignation?" Ethan's expression was grave as he answered with one word: "You are." Then, he gazed deeply at Veronica, "You are in my heart. I can't be without you, so I can't approve your resignation, okay?" Veronica smiled, downed a glass of expensive wine, and left with her bag. The air hung heavy for two seconds, then Ethan chased after her. That gathering consisted of old associates who had worked with Ethan and Veronica for years; I hadn't attended. However, Jessie, a curvy girl I was friendly with and who loved gossip, filmed the scene and sent it to me privately. She asked: [Do you think Mr. Miller and Veronica will… hook up tonight?] I replied: [Probably not… right?] [They're adults, they've known each other for years, have deep feelings, drank alcohol, and confessed. How can nothing happen?] I typed with certainty: [Mr. Miller is married, he'll know his limits. Besides, Veronica isn't the type to be a homewrecker!] [You've got a point. But whether anything happened, we'll know tomorrow.] I didn't understand what she meant by "know tomorrow," but the moment I exited the chat, I got my answer. Ethan sent a message saying he wouldn't be home tonight due to a client dinner. My heart trembled. I immediately dialed his number. At first, no one answered. After several attempts, Ethan finally picked up: "Baby, my phone was on silent, didn't hear it. What's up?" I forced my emotions down, my nails digging into my palm. "Honey, are you really not coming home tonight?" "Hmm, dinner with the team, everyone's here. Can't make it back, baby, please understand." I gritted my teeth and pressed, "Are there any female guests at this dinner?" He paused, then chuckled, "No, when did you start checking up on me? How about a video call, I'll prove I'm innocent." As he spoke, I heard rustling. It sounded like a high-end shirt rubbing against a hotel bedsheet. Before, when our love was fervent, such sounds were common. "Ugh…" A muffled groan escaped Ethan's lips. The turmoil in my heart, it just… dissipated in that instant. Three years with Ethan, we did a lot of intimate things. I knew exactly what that "ugh" meant. It was his emotional release after exerting himself in pleasure. This detail, he probably hadn't even noticed himself. Good. I didn't even have to stop him from cheating. He already cheated. I forced a bitter laugh, "No need for a video call… I'm afraid I'll go blind." "You have fun. I'm going to bed." My heart turned to ash. I was about to hang up. Then Ethan spoke again. His voice was hoarse and low. "Baby, we finalized a huge deal tonight. The team will be working extra hard starting tomorrow. I might be working very late, so don't wait for me for dinner these next few days." Working extra hard. Or spending extra time with Veronica. To me, it no longer mattered. 02 The call ended. I didn't sleep a wink all night. Sporting dark circles under my eyes, I arrived at the company. My mind was still a blank slate when Jessie, the curvy girl, came up to me, eager to continue discussing last night's gossip. "Something definitely happened between Mr. Miller and Veronica last night." I furrowed my brow slightly. Then she continued, "This morning, Mr. Miller's clothes were all wrinkled, and… he was wearing the same outfit as yesterday. Doesn't that mean Mr. Miller didn't go home at all last night?" I nodded, too tired to praise her keen observation skills. She went on, "Veronica was also late this morning. When she came in, she looked radiant, like someone who usually acts so sharp and efficient just completely transformed." I asked her, "How transformed?" She thought for a moment before replying, "More radiant, more seductive, more… delicate and pampered. See for yourself." I looked up. I saw Veronica walk in, wearing a tight, curve-hugging dress. I had seen that dress before. I spotted it when I was shopping with Ethan. But they didn't have my size, so I paid and placed an order, asking them to ship it to Ethan when it arrived. Now it seemed. The dress had arrived. But the recipient had changed. Veronica was in high spirits. As soon as she entered, she asked everyone what they wanted to drink, offering to treat. Everyone cheered. I sat in the corner, a mix of emotions churning inside me. I tried to numb myself with work. But it didn't help. I drifted aimlessly until noon. I sat at my desk, eating takeout. Veronica, meanwhile, carried large bags of exquisite meals into Ethan's office. Once inside, she stayed the entire afternoon. When she finally emerged, it was already evening, almost quitting time. Jessie, next to me, clicked her tongue, sighing, "The world is truly going downhill. Why did Veronica have to fall for a married man? Mike, who sits closer to the CEO's office, said Veronica practically threw herself into Mr. Miller's arms as soon as she went in. They almost turned the office into a motel!" After saying that, Jessie even sent me a photo Mike had secretly taken. Veronica was sitting on Ethan's lap, feeding him. Their expressions, their posture, were incredibly intimate. "I wonder how sad Mr. Miller's wife would be if she saw this," Jessie whispered with a sigh. Mr. Davies, the manager sitting opposite us, frowned. "They're clearly smitten with each other. Why are you two interfering?" Jessie didn't quite catch Mr. Davies's meaning and playfully added, "That's true, she really is the mistress!" Mr. Davies grew displeased, throwing a binder at Jessie. "Since you're so free, finish this. You're not leaving until it's done." Jessie's face fell. I quietly sent her a message: [Mr. Davies and Veronica go way back. He's definitely on her side, so don't say that kind of thing again.] Jessie replied with a crying emoji. I comforted her: [I'll help you with that binder. Let's finish it quickly and go. My treat, gourmet tacos.] She brightened up again. That evening, Jessie and I finally completed our overtime task and were about to head out for tacos when Mr. Davies called us back. "You two worked hard. Let's go grab a late dinner together." Mr. Davies gave us no chance to refuse. He turned and led us to a restaurant near the company. After dinner, we were led to a karaoke bar. We were reluctant, but had no choice. Interns had little say. Sitting in a dark corner, we just played a popular mobile game. We were so engrossed in the game, we didn't even notice that a lot of people from Ethan's inner circle had entered the private room. Until I heard a familiar voice. Then I saw Ethan, surrounded by a group of industry giants, seated in the main spot. At first, the group talked about projects. Later, they started discussing their personal lives. About children, wives, in-laws… and of course, their mistresses. "I saw Veronica's social media post saying 'lovers finally united.' What's up, did you finally come to your senses and take Veronica into your bed?" Someone asked. I couldn't help but perk up my ears. Ethan said coolly, "You don't understand the situation that day. I had no choice; Veronica was pushing me. If I didn't want her, she would resign. You know, Veronica has been with the company for so many years; the company can't function without her. Of course… you could also say I can't function without her." "So Veronica is okay being a mistress? Ethan, don't let this backfire on you later." "Yeah, remember how much effort you put into marrying that young girl? We all saw it. Never mind how stable your arrangements outside are, but what happens when the wife at home finds out? Wouldn't she cause a huge scene?" "That's not fair. If Veronica doesn't mind, why should the other woman?" "Mr. Miller has pampered that girl for years. How could she accept returning to a normal, ordinary life? Even if she found out about his mistress, she wouldn't dare make a fuss. As long as she holds the title of Mrs. Miller, she'll at least be financially secure and live a life of privilege." Everyone chimed in, one after another. Ultimately, they concluded that as long as Ethan kept Veronica from making a scene, the wife at home wouldn't be able to turn their world upside down. They even congratulated Ethan, praising his ability to have his cake and eat it too. Jessie listened, her face crinkling in disgust. She couldn't help but whisper "disgusting" in my ear. Then she added, "Even though Mr. Miller is such a jerk, what they're saying isn't entirely wrong. That young girl probably hasn't even graduated yet, no family background, no real skills. Causing a scene really wouldn't do her any good, do you think…?" I nodded. "No, she won't cause a scene. In this society, everyone prefers to be civilized." Everything could be discussed calmly and respectfully. Divorce, too. At that moment, Ethan put down his glass and spoke: "Yes, Audrey has nothing going for her besides her youth. Compared to her, Veronica is far more sophisticated. "But Veronica's proud personality, I don't know how long she can endure this. "I'm starting to regret getting married. How much does it cost to keep a young mistress? Now, divorce would mean a monumental loss." So, he was calculating the loss. Of course. Ethan and I were legally married. A divorce would mean splitting his marital assets. Then, let it be as Ethan wished. I could walk away with nothing. But he would have to bear the cost of me walking away with nothing. 03 Until everyone dispersed. Veronica drove off with a drunken Ethan. I watched from afar as the two embraced, their mouths pressed together. Perhaps they had restrained themselves for too long. As soon as they got into the car, it began to rock violently. I silently filmed everything that had just happened. Then, I called my brother. "What's up, sis? Why are you calling me so late?" My brother's voice immediately touched the softest part of my heart. I couldn't help but "plop" and tears streamed down my face. "Hey, what's wrong? Are you crying?" I choked, unable to speak. My brother immediately asked where I was. I mumbled an address. Half an hour later, he appeared before me. I was huddled on the street steps, trembling. My brother took off his jacket and draped it over me, sitting silently beside me. "Where's Ethan?" "He cheated." My brother froze, his jaw clenching. "Where is he? I'll kill him." I grabbed my brother's hand and shook my head, "No need. It'll just dirty your hands." My brother stomped his foot hard on the ground in anger! But it wasn't enough to appease him. He asked me, "Are you divorcing him?" I nodded without hesitation. "Could it be a misunderstanding?" I showed my brother all the videos and photos on my phone. Even though I didn't say anything, my brother had already made his decision. He immediately took out his phone and made a few calls. One was to his lawyer friend, asking him to draft a divorce agreement for me. The second was to contact suppliers associated with Ethan, instructing them not to sign contracts they had just agreed upon if they hadn't already, not to renew expiring contracts, and to revoke discounts on existing contracts, charging market prices. After making the calls, my brother took my hand. "Come on, let's go home." I shook my head, tears still clinging to my eyelashes. "Before we go home, I want to move." My brother didn't hesitate, driving us to the marital home Ethan and I shared. Ethan bought the house. I had nothing to be nostalgic about. But I had lived there for three years, and I never thought I would leave it this way. "If you want this house, I'll get you the best lawyer to help you claim it." "No, thanks, Liam. Anything tainted by Ethan, I find pretty dirty now."
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