We had been married for seven years, but Josh Ball had never once acknowledged me as his wife in public. I wanted a wedding, but he thought it was too much trouble and scolded me for being pretentious. However, on our seventh anniversary, he rented out a thousand-acre rose field and held a grand wedding with his first love. I watched the video of him gently kissing the bride, who was dressed in a wedding gown. Everyone was congratulating them. I dumped out the meal that had gone cold from being reheated ten times. With a sneer, I commented on the video. [An elegant match, a natural pair.] Then I dialed the divorce lawyer’s number. ***** When Josh came home, I had just finished discussing the divorce with the lawyer. He reeked of alcohol, and he still hadn’t taken off his groom’s suit. The dining table was covered with messy plates and bowls, and I hadn’t cleaned up the food in the trash can. After a night, the dishes had begun to stink. The foul smell filled the air, just like the scent of Josh. He loosened his tie and covered his nose in disgust. He grumbled, “Abby Cook, what are you doing all day? The dishes aren’t washed, and the trash isn’t taken out. How disgusting! “Clean up quickly. It looks so messy.” He glanced at the food in the trash. He continued, “You’re here by yourself and still making so much food? “Don’t think just because you’re the vice president of the company now, you can waste like this. You should remember, before my family supported you, you were eating pig food.” I silently stared at him. Josh shifted uneasily and brought up the wedding from last night. He said, “I held the wedding yesterday to fulfill Violet’s dream. “You know she’s in poor health, and the doctor told us to indulge her, not to upset her.” I snorted derisively, “Fulfilling her dream? “I saw how happy you two looked. If one day she wants my place as your wife, would you have no hesitation in kicking me out?” Josh was shocked by my sharp words. He frowned and snapped, “Abby, I don’t know what you’re jealous about. “Violet is a patient, and you want to compete with her? “If something happens between us, do you think you’d still have a chance to stay in this house?” I mocked him. I had married him only under the pressure of his family. I coldly stared at Josh. “Josh, don’t forget we’ve been married for seven years, and you still owe me a wedding. “But yesterday, you held a wedding in front of the whole city with another woman. Are you slapping me in the face?” Josh retorted, “That was just a joke. Why are you still obsessing over it? “You’re getting old, and you still want the same ceremony as young girls? Your pettiness is disgusting.” He stormed into the bedroom and slammed the door shut. I closed my eyes and suppressed the anger rising within me. Sure enough, Josh had forgotten that yesterday was our seventh wedding anniversary. From the moment we got married, he never paid any attention to me. It was as if he thought I wasn’t worthy of it. I came from a poor rural background. When I was in high school, I received sponsorship from Ball Group because of my outstanding grades, and I went on to attend the nation’s top university. After graduation, I joined Ball Group. Later, the Ball family took me in as their adopted daughter and used their favor to make me marry Josh. To the outside world, I was just the vice president of Ball Group. No one knew I was his wife. Josh said he didn’t want anyone to know I had climbed to this position because of the Ball family. I believed him. But now, it seemed he just thought I was not presentable. In seven years, apart from social events, we had never gone on a date or eaten together. I spent countless lonely nights in our empty house. A message notification pulled me back to reality. It was from Violet again. [What’s the big deal about seven years of marriage? Josh doesn’t love you, and that’s that. I only said I wanted to wear a wedding dress, and he arranged everything for me.] [Look, isn’t this the dream you’ve always wanted?] In the video, Josh held Violet’s hand as they walked through a sea of flowers. He placed a wedding ring on her finger and kissed her passionately under the spotlight. Then came a few intimate photos of them in a hotel bed. I saved the video and photos, then blocked her. Over the years, Violet had harassed me with countless accounts, each time showing how good Josh was to her. They set off fireworks on a rooftop, kissed at sunrise, and took romantic photos by the sea. There were even some photos and videos that were too shameful to watch. Violet once said, “Even if you use all these to confront Josh, so what? Someone who isn’t loved has no right to be jealous.” She was Josh’s childhood sweetheart. In Josh’s heart, the scales would always tip in her favor. In the past, I would have felt suffocated with pain, but now, I only felt like I had gathered more evidence for the divorce. Everything Josh owed me, I was going to make him repay.
I went to work as usual. When I finished for the day, Josh called me. He asked, “Abby, why didn’t you tell me yesterday was our anniversary?” His tone was full of reproach. I didn’t answer. He continued, “Alright, Violet and the others miss you. They’ve arranged a dinner to catch up. I’ll pick you up from the underground garage.” Without waiting for my response, Josh hung up. I sneered, “Waiting in the underground garage again? Every time he says he’d pick me up after work, it’s always like this. If I didn’t know better, I’d think we were having a secret affair.” I wouldn’t indulge him. Forty minutes later, Josh called again, complaining, “Do you have any sense of time? How long have I been waiting for you? Are you really the vice president with such poor efficiency? “Hurry up, Violet and the others are already there.” I leaned back in office chair. “Then wait for me downstairs at the company. I’ll be there soon.” Josh was silent for a few seconds. Then he exploded in anger. “What do you mean by that? It’s the end of the workday. Are you trying to let everyone know about our relationship? “Abby, don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to.” I sneered again, “Josh, don’t forget I’m your wife. Are you treating me like a lover? “I’m sorry, but I can’t do anything secretive or shady.” With that, I hung up. In the end, Josh parked the car across the street from the company. I opened the car door and sat in the back seat. Josh was unhappy. “What does this mean? Am I your servant?” I scoffed and pointed at the doll in the passenger seat. He said, “Then get rid of it and make room for me.” Josh huffed, “That’s a gift from Violet. She bought it for me.” He then looked at my formal outfit. He scoffed, “She knows how to live, unlike you, who has no femininity at all.” I snorted, not bothered at all. In reality, it wasn’t just the passenger seat. Even the rearview mirror ornaments, decorations, and even the blanket in the back seat were all bought by Violet Joseph. They were all items for couples. When we bought the car, I had ordered some pretty and cozy decorations online, but once I put them in the car, they were thrown into the trash. Josh expressed his disgust, “Your taste is as shabby as you are. Don’t dirty my car. “You always think about these useless things. Can you do something useful for once?” After that, I never bothered to care about such things again. Looking back, it seemed that Josh was bothered by me, not the objects. When we arrived at the hotel, Josh went to park the car, and I answered a work call. By the time I finished, he had already gone to the private room. Following the waiter’s guidance, I stood outside the door and overheard the conversation inside. Someone said, “Yesterday was Josh’s wedding anniversary. You were with Violet getting married. Don’t you think Abby will get jealous?” Violet’s soft voice rang out. She said, “Should I apologize to her later?” Josh comforted her, “Apologize for what? I never wanted to marry her. That’s why we didn’t have a wedding. Being able to fulfill your dream, I couldn’t be more thrilled.” Violet was touched. “Thank you, Josh. If it weren’t for my poor health and having to go abroad back then, you wouldn’t have been forced to marry Abby and live this unhappy life.” Josh sneered, “It’s all because she took your place. Don’t worry. My heart only belongs to you.” The others in the room began to join in. “If you ask me, Josh and Violet are truly a match made in heaven.” “Abby is just a country girl. How could she belong in the Ball family?” “We’re all on the side of this couple.” The people in the private room were all close friends of Josh or Violet. From the start, they looked down on me, thinking that I was the one who interfered in their relationship. I pushed the door open and entered the room. I asked, “What are you talking about? It sounds so lively.”
The noise in the private room suddenly stopped. Everyone looked guilty. Someone called out, “Abby, you’re here. Come sit next to Josh.” I forced a polite smile, my eyes scanning the seafood feast on the table, and I couldn’t help but pause. Violet was sitting next to Josh. She asked me, “Abby, you weren’t mad yesterday, right? “It’s all my fault. I wanted to wear a wedding dress, and I didn’t expect Josh to give me such a big surprise. “Please don’t be angry. That was just a joke between friends. You know my heart isn’t good, I don’t know how long I have left.” Her eyes reddened, and tears began to fall. Josh was heartbroken, quickly wiping her tears. “Why would she be angry? That was a gift for you.” The affection between them was so strong. They were like a loving couple. To ease the tension, someone urged me to sit down and eat. But I didn’t touch any food. Josh thought I was sulking again and slammed his fork down. He sulked, “Violet invited you to dinner, and you’re giving us attitude.” Everyone at the table looked at me with displeasure. I smiled and said, “Josh, I’m allergic to seafood, so I guess I won’t be able to enjoy this delicious meal.” Josh fell silent. He must have remembered it. Just a year ago, to celebrate Violet’s birthday, he had chosen a seafood restaurant. I had looked at the seafood feast on the table and quietly told him about my allergy. But the next moment, he had thrown the plate down. He had snapped, “Don’t be a buzzkill. Are you jealous seeing me celebrating Violet’s birthday?” Everyone at the table had looked at me with disdain. Josh had picked up a shrimp and placed it in my plate, sneering, “It’s fine. Eating a little won’t kill you, right? “Stop acting so precious.” I had refused to eat. Josh had threatened me, “If you don’t eat, we’re going to get a divorce tomorrow.” I had been stunned. In the end, to appease him, I had eaten the shrimp. Josh smirked, “See? Nothing happened, right? I knew you were just jealous.” But less than five minutes later, I had broken out in red rashes all over my body, had trouble breathing, and had collapsed. I had been rushed to the hospital and stayed in the ICU for a month before I recovered. The private room immediately fell silent. I smirked, “Since I’m not lucky enough to enjoy this, I won’t disturb everyone’s good mood.” Josh wanted to say something, but I didn’t even spare him a glance and turned to leave. Such a banquet was meaningless. Josh’s attention and thoughts would always be on Violet. He didn’t come home until 1 a.m. By then, I was already asleep, but he didn’t care. He turned on the lights and pulled back my blanket. Then a small box was thrown onto me. He said, “Don’t say I didn’t get you an anniversary gift.” I frowned and opened the box. Inside was a bottle of perfume. I recognized it as a gift from the shop if a customer spent 100 thousand dollars there. The branded lipstick was given to another woman, and the free perfume was for me. He was trying to disgust me. My drowsiness instantly disappeared. He grumbled, “Next time you go out, stop putting on airs. Don’t embarrass me. “I don’t know how I ended up marrying a woman like you.” His tone was full of disgust and regret. I threw the perfume into the corner, closed my eyes, and tried to suppress the last bit of pain in my heart. Soon, I would give him what he wanted. It would be all over. The next day, Josh’s mother, Heidi Ball, called me, inviting me to come home for a meal. As soon as I got into the car, I knew what I was about to face. In the living room, Josh, Violet, and Heidi were chatting. Laughter could be heard from time to time. When she saw me, Heidi quickly called out, “Abby, you’re here. Come take a seat.” She appeared warm and friendly, but I knew what she meant. She continued, “I know about what happened the other day. I gave them a good talking-to. They even dared to joke about the wedding. “Don’t worry. You’re always my daughter-in-law. “So, make sure to live well with Josh, run the company well, and have a baby for him.” It was the last sentence that revealed her true intentions. Back then, she had used her financial help to make me her adopted daughter, ultimately marrying me off to Josh. All she wanted was for me to use everything I had learned to help their struggling business. She shot Josh a warning glare, which he seemed to notice. He pressed his lips together, even ignoring Violet’s grievance. I smiled, “I knew it. You are the best mom.” Heidi might tolerate Josh and Violet’s misbehaving, but our marriage could never fall apart. The Ball family needed me as their tool. It was a pity though, because soon, she would be disappointed. Violet bit her lip, stood up, and ran out in tears. Josh quickly chased after her. I said goodbye to Heidi and left too. Outside the house, I saw Josh holding Violet and comforting her. It was a gentleness I had never received from him. He only mocked me when I was upset. “Stop crying all the time. It’s annoying.” When he saw me approaching, he panicked and pushed Violet aside. He said, “You can just ignore what Mom said today. As I said, I won’t have children with you. “Remember your place. You’re not worthy of carrying my child.” Hiding behind him, Violet flashed me a triumphant smile. I felt a wave of nausea. Since we got married, Heidi had been pressuring us to have children. Josh agreed on the surface, but he only touched me when he was drunk. Afterward, he always looked at me as if it were some kind of favor. He said, “We’re just fulfilling marital duties. Don’t think I’ll ever fall in love with you.” In fact, three years ago, we had a child. I was so happy when I got the test results and went to find Josh. But he coldly looked at me and tore the report to pieces. He said, “Get rid of the baby tomorrow. I’ve already made the appointment for you.” I was stunned and refused. I begged him to let me keep the baby. I said, “Why? It’s my child too.” But Josh looked at me with a cruel smile. “I only want to have children with Violet. You’re nowhere near her.” Then I was dragged into the operating room. They didn’t even administer anesthesia, and I had to feel the child leave my body. Not long after, Violet was diagnosed with infertility. Since then, after each time Josh and I slept together, he would force me to take birth control pills. I increasingly despised him touching me. I snapped back and sneered at Josh. I said, “No need. Let’s get a divorce.” Josh froze, unsure if he heard me correctly. “What did you say?” Behind him, Violet was thrilled. I repeated, “Josh, let’s get a divorce.” Josh paused in shock. Then he snapped at me, “Abby, are you crazy? How dare you bring up a divorce?” I scoffed, “I know what I’m doing. I’ll bring the divorce papers to you.” Josh was furious. Violet stepped forward and clung to him. She said, “Josh, it seems Abby knows her place.” Before she could finish, Josh shoved her aside. He pointed at me. “Abby, are you trying to threaten me with divorce? “You’re an ugly freak, and you dare talk about divorce? Who else do you think would want you? “No one will want you except me.” I snorted and turned to leave. Behind me, Josh’s roar followed. He said, “Fine! I’ll wait for you to come crawling back and begging me.” By the time I returned home, I had already received the divorce agreement drafted by my lawyer. After printing it out, I began packing my bags. We had been married for seven years, but my luggage amounted to just two suitcases. Most of the clothes were formal wear, and there were barely any casual dresses. Josh once said, “You’re working at Ball Group, so don’t wear anything flashy that could harm the company’s image. “You’re no longer a young girl. Stop trying to act like one.” As a result, I hadn’t worn a skirt in years. No matter the season, I was always dressed in a suit. I threw all the suits into the trash, left the house, and went to the nearby mall. I bought a beautiful dress and went to a beauty salon for skin care. Looking at my refreshed self in the mirror, I suddenly felt a lump in my throat. Over the years, for Ball Group and Josh, I had been nothing but a tool, working relentlessly for almost ten years. I had almost forgotten who I was. I took a deep breath. From now on, I would only be myself. That evening, Josh didn’t return home, but Violet reached out to me again through another number. She posted a picture of her holding hands with someone, their wedding rings shining brightly. The caption read: [I’m about to marry the love of my life.] I chuckled. It seemed like I would soon be free. As usual, I saved the photo, deleted her contact, and blocked her. For the next two weeks, Josh didn’t appear before me. My secretary informed me, “Mr. Ball is on a tour.” I called him, urging him to come back and sign the divorce papers, but all I heard from the other end was his drunken voice. He mumbled, “Abby, stop bothering me. Get as far away from me as you can. “Divorce? You’re nothing but a dog of the Ball family. Even if you beg me, I won’t let you come back.” I hung up, speechless. In the past seven years, I had been so humble that Josh thought I wouldn’t survive without him. Again and again, I had tolerated and compromised, but it only made him push his luck further. Three days later, Josh returned home. He looked haggard. His beard was unshaven, and his hair was messy. He demanded, “Abby, just because I didn’t spend our wedding anniversary with you, just because I helped Violet fulfill her wedding dress dream, you want a divorce? “Can’t you stop being so childish? Apologize to me, and I’ll forgive you.” I laughed. He had the nerve to say that. I placed the divorce agreement in front of him. “Sign it.” Josh was furious. He flipped through a few pages and stared at me in disbelief. He growled, “Who are you to divide my property? That’s the Ball family’s money. “For all these years, I made sure you ate well, drank well, and lived well. You’ve enjoyed years of flaunting your power as vice president, and that’s not enough?” I sneered, “You have no shame. “You cheated on me. I’m doing you a favor by not leaving you with nothing. Do you want me to expose your dirty deeds?” Josh didn’t believe I had any evidence until I sent the videos and photos Violet had sent me over the years, hotel records, surveillance footage, and even the medical reports from when Josh had forced me to get rid of the baby, along with those wedding videos. I sent all of them to the Ball and Joseph families. Heidi quickly called, scolding Josh fiercely. These scandals were fine if kept private, but they could never be made public. The Ball family could not become a laughingstock. Her words were full of scheming. “Abby, you can divorce him, but don’t even think about taking a single penny. “We funded your life of luxury, so don’t get greedy.” I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. It was true that birds of a feather flocked together. When Ball Group was handed over to me, it was on the brink of bankruptcy. I had used every possible means to bring it back into the top three in the industry. The money earned had long repaid the funding. “Mrs. Ball, if you don’t adhere to the agreement, I believe the media in Zrupsey might take a great interest in Josh’s private life.” Josh and Heidi wanted to argue. Just then, his phone rang. The anxious voice of his secretary came through. “Mr. Ball, the media has broken into the company. “There are suddenly so many photos and videos online about your affair with Ms. Joseph.” Josh’s face went ashen, and he stared at me in disbelief.
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