It was the third year of my marriage to Adrian. He was 35. I was barely 21, just a senior in college. I hadn’t even decided if I wanted to be a full-time housewife. Then I overheard him casually chatting with a bunch of big shots in his industry: “Chloe is nothing but her youth. “Honestly, she’s not as sophisticated as Vivian. “I’m starting to regret getting married. Bagging a young girl costs so little, but now a divorce would be too costly.” That same day, I handed him the divorce papers. When he saw the words “relinquishing all marital assets” in black and white, he let out a long sigh of relief. Then, feigning generosity, he said: “I’ll transfer twenty million to you, as compensation.” I smiled and refused: “I’m young; I can afford to play the long game.” He had no idea that my brother, Christian, was one of the wealthiest men in New York. All these years, Adrian had only managed to climb into those elite circles thanks to Christian’s backing. Divorcing me? His losses had only just begun.
My senior year internship. Just so I could see my handsome husband a little more each day. I resolutely chose Adrian’s company. As an ordinary intern. I was so low-key that Adrian didn’t even know I was there. I was afraid of bothering him, of distracting him. Occasionally, I’d hear other interns discussing Adrian. I’d listen carefully, never joining in. “CEO Adrian is so hot, 35 is truly a man’s prime.” “Too bad he’s married. His wife is apparently just some ordinary young girl.” “Ugh, why am I not that lucky…” When I was 18. Adrian, to express his sincerity. Declared on our first date that he was serious about marriage. He gave me the engagement ring right then and there. I responded with fervent love. We got married after only a year of dating. It was impulsive and intoxicating. Sweet and blissful. He gave me a dream romance beyond imagination. His CEO-style love was intense, overpowering, sweeping me off my feet so fast I couldn’t think straight. If I hadn’t come to his company for this internship. I might never have discovered his secrets. Vivian. Adrian’s secretary. Sexy and beautiful, a typical mature woman. She often traveled with Adrian on business trips and accompanied him to social events. She handled all of the company’s affairs, big and small, and even knew the company better than Adrian himself. So. Before they knew Adrian was married. Everyone in the company assumed Vivian was his wife. In the cafeteria, I’d hear old employees who’d worked alongside Vivian grumble. “CEO Adrian must be blind; he has such a stunning woman like Vivian by his side and doesn’t even appreciate her.” “And Vivian even quit her executive position at a listed company to become Adrian’s secretary.” “Just you watch, once the passion fades, Adrian will divorce Chloe eventually and get together with Vivian.” There were many rumors. I never paid them any mind. After all, Adrian and I were passionate every single night. Until one social event, Vivian got drunk and confessed her feelings to Adrian in front of everyone. It was more than just a confession. It was her forcing Adrian to choose. Vivian asked Adrian if he had feelings for her. Adrian remained silent for a long time. Vivian then asked: “If you don’t have feelings for me, then why won’t you approve my resignation letter?!” Adrian’s face was grave, and he responded with one word: “I do.” Then, he looked deeply at Vivian: “I do have feelings for you, I can’t do without you, so I can’t approve your resignation, okay?” Vivian smiled, drank the glass of wine on the table, and walked out with her bag. The air solidified for two seconds. Adrian then chased after her. Those who attended that party were all partners who had worked alongside Adrian and Vivian for years. I didn’t attend. But Penny, a chubby intern friend of mine who loved gossip, filmed the scene and sent it to me privately. Penny asked me: [Do you think something will happen between CEO Adrian and Vivian tonight?] I replied: [Probably not… right.] [They’re grown-ups, they’ve known each other for years, their feelings are so deep, they drank, confessed… you really think nothing’s going to happen?] I typed out a firm line: [Adrian is married; he should know his boundaries. Besides, Vivian doesn’t need to be a mistress!] [You’re right, but we’ll know for sure tomorrow.] I didn’t understand what Penny meant by “we’ll know for sure tomorrow.” But the moment I exited our SnapChat conversation, I knew the answer. Adrian messaged me. He said he wouldn’t be home that night; he had an impromptu social engagement. My heart trembled. Immediately, I called him. At first, no one answered. I called several times in a row. Only then did Adrian pick up. “Babe, my phone was on silent, didn’t hear it. What’s up?” I suppressed my emotions, my fingernails already digging into my flesh. “Honey, are you really not coming home tonight?” “Yeah, a get-together, everyone’s here, can’t make it back. Please understand, babe.” I clenched my teeth, then asked: “Are there any women at your party?” He paused, then chuckled: “No, when did you start checking up on me? Want to FaceTime? I can prove my innocence.” While he was talking. I recognized the tell-tale rustle of expensive sheets against a silk shirt. Before. When our love was wild. I often heard that sound. “Hmm…” A low groan escaped Adrian’s lips. The turmoil in my heart. Dispersed in that very instant. Three years with Adrian, we’d shared countless intimate moments; I knew exactly what that “hmm” meant. It was the involuntary release of someone reaching the peak of pleasure. That one detail. He probably didn’t even notice it himself. Perfect. I didn’t even need to stop his betrayal. The betrayal. It had already happened. I forced a bitter smile: “No need for FaceTime…” I feared it would blind me. “You have fun; I’m going to sleep.” My heart was dead. I was about to hang up. Then Adrian’s voice came from the other end. Hoarse and deep. “Babe, we closed a huge deal tonight. Starting tomorrow, everyone will be working overtime. I might be working very late, so don’t wait for me for dinner for a while.” It was overtime work. Or overtime with Vivian. To me, it no longer mattered.
The call ended. I didn’t sleep a wink. With dark circles under my eyes, I arrived at the company. My mind was still blank when Penny came over to me, eager to continue gossiping about last night. “Something definitely happened between CEO Adrian and Vivian last night.” I frowned slightly. Then she said: “This morning, Adrian’s clothes were all wrinkled, and… he was still wearing yesterday’s outfit. Doesn’t that mean Adrian didn’t go home last night?” I nodded, too tired to praise her keen observation. She continued: “Vivian was also late this morning. When she came in, her face was all smiles. She’s usually so efficient and no-nonsense, but today she was like a completely different person.” I asked her, “How different?” She thought for a moment before articulating: “More radiant, more seductive, more… delicate. See for yourself.” I looked up. I saw Vivian walk in, dressed in a tight, body-hugging skirt. I’d seen that skirt before. I had liked it when Adrian and I were shopping. But they didn’t have my size then, so I just paid the store clerk and pre-ordered it, asking them to send it to Adrian when it arrived. Now it seemed. The item had arrived. But the recipient of the gift had changed. Vivian was in a great mood. She walked in and asked everyone what they wanted to drink, saying it was on her. Everyone cheered excitedly. I sat in the corner, feeling terrible. I tried to numb myself with work. But it didn’t work. I stumbled through until noon. I sat at my desk, eating my takeout. Vivian, meanwhile, carried several bags of exquisite meals into Adrian’s office. She stayed in there. The entire afternoon. She came out again in the evening, almost closing time. Penny next to me tutted, sighing: “The world has truly changed. Out of everyone, Vivian had to fall for a married man. Sam, who sits closer to the CEO’s office, said Vivian practically pounced on Adrian the moment she entered, almost turning the office into a motel!” After that, Penny even sent me Sam’s secretly taken photo. Vivian was sitting on Adrian’s lap, feeding him. Their expressions, their posture. You couldn’t get any more intimate. “I wonder how upset Adrian’s wife would be if she saw this.” Penny whispered softly. Mr. Davies, who sat across from us, frowned. “It’s a couple’s sweet moment, why are you two meddling?” Penny didn’t quite catch Mr. Davies’s meaning and jokingly added: “Right, it’s definitely an *illicit* couple!” Mr. Davies was displeased. He tossed a ledger at Penny: “Since you’re so idle, finish this. You’re not leaving until it’s done.” Penny was stumped. I quietly sent her a message: [Mr. Davies and Vivian go way back. He’s definitely on Vivian’s side, so you shouldn’t say things like that anymore.] Penny replied with a crying emoji. I comforted her: [I’ll help you with that ledger. Let’s finish it quickly and go for some shrimp.] She cheered up again. Later that evening. The two of us finally finished our overtime task and were about to go for shrimp when Mr. Davies called out to us again. “Hard work, you two. Let’s grab a late-night snack together.” Mr. Davies didn’t give us a chance to refuse. He turned and led us to a restaurant near the company. After dinner. We were then taken to a karaoke lounge. We were reluctant. But there was nothing we could do. No one cared about interns. Sitting in a dark corner, the two of us just started playing games. We were so absorbed. We didn’t notice several people gradually entering the private room. Until I heard a familiar voice. Only then did I see Adrian, surrounded by a group of industry big shots, seated at the head of the table. At first, the group discussed projects. Later, they started talking about their private lives. About children, wives, in-laws… and of course, mistresses. “I saw Vivian post on Ins, something about finally being with the one she loves. So, you finally came to your senses and took Vivian into your bed?” Someone asked. I couldn’t help but perk up my ears. Adrian said calmly: “You don’t understand the situation that day. I had no choice. Vivian was pressuring me. If I didn’t take her, she would resign. You know, Vivian 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.” “And Vivian is okay being a mistress? Adrian, don’t mess things up for yourself later.” “Yeah, how much effort did you put into marrying that young girl? We all saw it. Let’s not even talk about keeping a mistress outside; if your wife at home found out, wouldn’t it blow up?” “That’s not fair. If Vivian doesn’t mind, why should the other girl?!” “After Adrian pampered her all these years, how could that girl accept going back to an ordinary, simple life? Even if she knew about the mistress, she definitely wouldn’t make a scene. She’d at least keep the title of Mrs. Adrian and live a wealthy life.” Everyone chimed in. The consensus was that as long as Adrian kept Vivian happy and quiet, his wife at home wouldn’t cause too much trouble. They even congratulated Adrian, wishing him well with his two women. Penny listened, her face scrunching up. She couldn’t help but whisper “disgusting” in my ear. Then she added: “Even though Adrian is such a jerk, they do have a point. That girl hasn’t even graduated yet, does she? No family background, no connections. Making a fuss wouldn’t really benefit her. What do you think…” I nodded: “She won’t make a fuss; in this day and age, everyone is civilized.” Everything could be discussed calmly. Even divorce. At this moment. Adrian put down his wine glass and spoke: “Yeah, Chloe is nothing but her youth. Compared to her, Vivian is more sophisticated. “But Vivian’s proud nature, I wonder how long she’ll tolerate this. “I’m starting to regret getting married. A young mistress would’ve been cheaper. Now a divorce would be too costly.” So, he was calculating the loss. Right, Adrian and I were legally married. A divorce would mean splitting his post-marital assets. Then, let Adrian have his wish. I could leave with absolutely nothing. But he would also have to bear the cost of my departure.
When everyone finally dispersed. Vivian drove off with a drunken Adrian. I watched from afar as the two embraced, kissing deeply. Perhaps they had suppressed their desires for too long. Once they got in the car, the car began to rock noticeably. I silently recorded everything that had just happened. Then, I called Christian. “Hey, Chloe, what’s up? Why are you calling me so late?” Christian’s voice instantly touched the softest part of my heart. A quiet sob escaped me. Tears streamed down my face. “Chloe, what’s wrong? Are you crying?” I choked, unable to speak. Christian immediately asked where I was. I vaguely told him an address. Half an hour later, he appeared before me. I was huddled on the curb, shivering. Christian took off his jacket, draped it over me, and sat beside me in silence. “Where’s Adrian?” “He cheated.” Christian froze, his jaw clenching. “Where is he? I’ll kill him.” I held Christian’s hand and shook my head: “No need, that would only dirty your hands.” Christian angrily stomped his foot on the ground! But it wasn’t enough to soothe his anger. He asked me, “Divorce?” I nodded without hesitation. “Could it be a misunderstanding?” I showed Christian all the videos and photos on my phone. Even though I didn’t say anything. Christian had already made his decision. He immediately pulled out his phone and made several calls. One was to contact his lawyer friend to draft a divorce agreement for me. The second was to contact Adrian’s suppliers, telling them that new contracts, if not yet signed, should not be; expiring contracts should not be renewed; and for existing contracts, all discounts should be revoked, and all transactions should be at market price. After making the calls. Christian took my hand: “Come on, let’s go home.” I shook my head, tears still in my eyes: “Before going home, I want to move out first.” Christian didn’t hesitate and drove to the house Adrian and I shared. Adrian had bought the house. I had nothing to be nostalgic about. I had lived there for three years, though, and never expected to leave this way. “If you want this house, I’ll get you the best lawyer to help you keep it.” “No thanks, Christian. Anything associated with Adrian, I feel dirty just thinking about it now.”
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