It was a torrential downpour. My billionaire husband, Alex, was supposed to be dropping our son off for his crucial college entrance exam. But he suddenly ditched Leo on the side of the road, abandoning him to rush to the hospital instead. Why? His secretary was pregnant. Leo, unable to hail a cab in the storm, ran for his life, desperate to make it on time. He was hit by a truck. By the time I got the call and raced to the hospital, Leo was already gone. As I collapsed, sobbing uncontrollably, Alex Thorne called. “Honey, apologize to Leo for me. Britt’s pregnant, and I had to rush over.” “I was drunk that night, but the baby’s mine, so I have to take responsibility.” “Didn’t you always want a daughter? Once the baby’s born, you can raise her.” When I didn’t speak, he added, “The girl is still young, doesn’t know how to be a mom. I need to be with her for a few days.” I wiped my tears, calmly replying, “Okay.” After Leo’s funeral, I drafted a divorce agreement. Then I dialed a certain number. “You’ve always wanted to take down the Thorne family, haven’t you? I won’t stop you anymore.”
The person on the other end was in disbelief. “Ms. Selene, I’m Julian Sterling, the untouchable kingpin of this city’s elite. Don’t mess with me. You’ve secretly protected the Thornes for twenty years. How could you suddenly give up?” My voice was calm. “I’m divorcing him soon.” There was a clear pause on the other end, then an excited voice. “You’re not kidding, are you?” “Back then, how many influential families in the city’s elite were desperate to marry you? But you turned them all down, choosing to marry down from your prestigious background into the Thorne family, which was practically a nobody. You even helped that good-for-nothing Alex become the region’s wealthiest magnate. So why are you suddenly willing to divorce him now?” I didn’t explain. I just stated seriously, “Don’t ask why. From now on, I won’t interfere with the Thorne family’s affairs.” The other end chuckled with satisfaction. “That’s what I’ve been waiting for. All these years, Alex has been strutting around like he’s actually capable. If you hadn’t been secretly protecting him, I would’ve dealt with him ages ago.” “Since you’re getting a divorce, I’ll make sure to send him a grand gift at the Thorne Group’s celebration tomorrow.” Just as I hung up, Alex, who hadn’t shown his face in three days, returned. He walked straight to Leo’s room. Seeing it empty, he looked at me on the sofa. “Why isn’t Leo home?” “It’s fine to relax after finals, but no need to stay out this late. My son, a Thorne, can’t be too wild.” I glanced at the red marks on Alex’s neck and said coldly, “You still remember he’s your son?” Alex frowned, about to scold me. The next second, as if realizing something, his tone softened. “Is Leo still mad about me leaving him halfway that day?” “When he comes back, I’ll coax him properly. He always listens to me; he won’t blame me.” Yes, Leo always listened to him. Knowing Alex cared about grades, Leo studied late into the night every day, always ranking first in his grade. The day before his big college finals, he was still full of confidence, saying he’d definitely get into a top-tier university and make his dad proud. But it was the dad he cherished most who, on the most important day of his life, caused his death. I couldn’t even imagine how heartbroken Leo must have been when Alex kicked him out of the car. I choked back my tears, my voice trembling. “You won’t be waiting for him anymore.” Alex’s face darkened slightly. “You’re a mother now, don’t act like a child.” With that, he carelessly tossed a delicate gift box my way, dropping it on the table beside me like a handout. “My little pregnant lady is clingy; she can’t be without me.” “From now on, I’ll only be home one day a week. Can you try to be understanding?” He killed our son, showed no remorse, stayed out to care for his pregnant mistress, and expected *me* to be understanding? Looking at his arrogant, condescending eyes, I couldn’t fathom how I had loved a man like this for twenty years. I pushed the pre-prepared divorce agreement onto the table. “Sign it. Then you can focus on caring for your little pregnant lady.” Seeing me suddenly initiate the divorce, a sneer flashed across Alex’s face. “Looks like I’ve spoiled you with a good life all these years. You’ve forgotten your place. Without me, your whole family would starve.” Watching Alex’s smug, self-important expression, I just found it laughable. He actually thought the Thorne family’s rise was thanks to him. He thought I was dependent on him. I couldn’t be bothered to explain. I just stated soberly, “I am divorcing you.” Seeing my resolute attitude, Alex erupted. “What are you doing? You know Leo would never agree to us divorcing!” “You want a divorce? Fine. Unless Leo comes and tells me himself.” With that, Alex stormed off, slamming the bedroom door. Before, when Alex threw a tantrum, I would always comfort him and give in. But not this time. I quickly signed the divorce agreement and left decisively. The next day, I retrieved Leo’s ashes from the funeral home, preparing to take them to the Sterling family estate in the city for burial. Then, Alex’s call came. “You can throw a tantrum yourself, but don’t take my son and disappear overnight. Today is the Thorne Group’s 30th anniversary celebration. I’m announcing him as my heir. Bring him here, now.” I looked at Leo’s urn and said, my voice heavy, “Okay, I’ll bring him right over.”
I met Alex in college. He was being beaten bloody on the rooftop by a group of arrogant rich kids from the city’s elite circles. Even covered in blood, he gritted his teeth, refusing to utter a single plea for mercy. I thought he had backbone. So I walked over and glared at them. Meeting my gaze, those fearless, untouchable spoilt brats scattered like they’d seen a ghost, running away in a terrified frenzy. Seeing them rush off, Alex unconsciously turned his gaze to me. He struggled to his feet, enduring the pain to warn me, “Those guys aren’t to be trifled with. You’re a girl; you should stay away from the rooftop in the future. Don’t let them target you.” Seeing him, beaten like that, still have the presence of mind to care about others, I couldn’t help but smile. “They wouldn’t dare mess with me.” Alex looked at my plain clothes and scoffed. “Don’t kid yourself. They’re the city’s elite, with powerful connections. Why would they be afraid of a little girl like you?” “I don’t look down on ordinary people, so you don’t need to puff yourself up in front of me.” Watching him, I found it amusing, so I didn’t explain further. Later, I learned he came from a once-prominent but now struggling family, on the brink of bankruptcy. His father had been driven to suicide by debt. He had gotten into a top-tier university in the city on his own merit, determined to revive his family. Perhaps it was seeing too many idle, spendthrift second-generation heirs. I was moved by his persistent and self-reliant spirit. We started chatting frequently. After getting to know him better, I discovered he was a very thoughtful and caring person. He would patiently hand me a warm cup of ginger tea when I was writhing in pain from period cramps, drenched in cold sweat. He would anxiously rack his brain to cheer me up when I was upset. He would cover me with his jacket and carry me through flooded streets during sudden downpours. Slowly, I fell in love with his sincere and pure heart. He would always blush and say he just wanted to be good to me. And so, we dated, married, and had a child. Knowing he was proud and sensitive. I always secretly supported him. With my help, he revitalized the struggling Thorne Group, building him into the region’s most powerful magnate. But after his success, he rarely came home. I asked him to spend more time with Leo, but the man who once said he wouldn’t look down on ordinary people sneered at me, “What do you know, being just a housewife? A man’s priority is making money, not wasting time with you two! Do you really think you and Leo would have this luxurious life if I wasn’t out there making it happen?” His transformation gradually disillusioned me. But I still felt grateful to him. He had given me good genes, allowing me to give birth to a smart and excellent son. I just wanted to stay by Leo’s side and raise him to be a successful man. So I compromised and tolerated everything. I never imagined that my patience would lead to him getting his secretary pregnant behind my back. And that it would ultimately cost our son his life. Leo’s death left me with nothing to hold onto in this family. And my love for Alex. It completely vanished.
Lost in thought, I arrived at the Thorne Corporate Tower with Leo’s urn. Inside the tower, the city’s commercial elite, powerful families, and prominent figures were all gathered. All to celebrate the Thorne Group’s 30th anniversary. Alex, impeccably dressed in a suit, stood among the crowd, dazzling and arrogant. Brittany, in a delicate gown, clung possessively to his arm. I walked in expressionlessly, and as I got closer, I heard Brittany pouting, her voice full of feigned victimhood. “Oh, Alex, I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. I caused your wife to want a divorce.” Alex dotingly flicked her nose, his voice so soft it was as if he feared she might break. “Silly girl, I’m so rich, and Selene loves me so much. How could she possibly divorce me? She’s just making a scene; ignore it.” As he spoke, Alex’s gaze landed on me. His tender eyes instantly turned cold. “Selene, didn’t I tell you that today is the Thorne Group’s 30th anniversary celebration and you had to bring Leo?” “You came alone!” Seeing me, the gathered elite and prominent figures sneered, their lips curling. “Is that Mrs. Thorne? She looks like a country bumpkin, completely out of place.” “Just a housewife who stays home with the kids. Naturally, she can’t compare to us business elites.” “No wonder Mr. Thorne prefers his secretary, Britt. With her shabby, unsophisticated appearance, she really doesn’t suit Mr. Thorne.” The crowd’s mockery made a triumphant smile bloom on Brittany’s lips. The next second, her eyes welled up slightly as she looked at me. “Selene, I shouldn’t have gotten pregnant and caused you and Alex to fight.” “If you really hate me, just scold me. Don’t deliberately not bring young Mr. Thorne and wear something that looks like mourning clothes for this.” “You know today is the Thorne Group’s celebration, and all the commercial elite are here. Doing this is just intentionally humiliating the Thorne family and embarrassing Alex, isn’t it…?” Brittany’s feigned generosity and consideration made a flash of approval appear in Alex’s eyes. It also earned her admiring glances from the prominent figures present. But I looked at her indifferently, stating coldly, “I don’t care if you want to be a mistress to a pathetic excuse for a man.” “But don’t mention my son. You’re not worthy.” The banquet hall fell silent instantly. The next second, Alex’s face turned ashen. “Selene, watch your tone!” “My tone?” I scoffed. “The tone of Mrs. Thorne?” “I don’t care for it.” Alex glared at me, his face as dark as ink. “You don’t care?” “You don’t care, but you still secretly use my money to support your father, making him, a mere commoner, drive a Rolls-Royce?” “If you really had any self-respect, you wouldn’t do such underhanded things to benefit your family!” Because I was afraid my identity would put pressure on Alex and hurt his ego, I had once told my father to be discreet. I never expected Alex to think my family was living a good life by stealing his money, all because of my father’s slight oversight with money! I smiled, looking at Alex, and said quietly, “Alex, you really underestimate me.” Eleanor Thorne, Alex’s mother, eyed me disdainfully. “I think *you’re* overestimating yourself!” “If you hadn’t been lucky enough to marry into the Thorne family, do you think you’d have been a wealthy wife for so many years?” “Since you’ve enjoyed the Thorne family’s good fortune, you should just quietly be a good housewife. Don’t be so ungrateful and make a fool of yourself!” Hearing this, others present couldn’t help but chime in.
🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296739”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic
Leave a Reply