My wife, who always hated plush toys, suddenly bought a large teddy bear and started sleeping with it every night. She left me out in the cold. I couldn’t take it anymore, so I proposed divorce at our daughter’s first birthday party. Everyone was stunned. Vivian grabbed a glass of wine and splashed it across my face, her voice seething with anger: “You’re jealous of a teddy bear? Are you out of your mind?!” I calmly wiped the wine from my face, my voice flat. “Didn’t you tell the teddy bear you wanted to be with it forever? I’m granting your wish.” “Ryan Henderson!” “Our daughter just turned one, and you’re using such an absurd excuse to divorce me. You’re an absolute jerk.” Vivian’s eyes were red, and her entire body trembled with rage. “Sign it.” “Nine AM tomorrow, the divorce is final.” I couldn’t be bothered to say another word. I tossed the divorce papers onto the table and turned to leave. All the guests were dumbfounded again. No one understood why our seemingly perfect marriage, one everyone envied, was suddenly falling apart so spectacularly. A flicker of panic and disbelief crossed Vivian’s eyes. Her parents frowned, their faces instantly darkening. They clearly hadn’t expected me to be so resolute. Her assistant, Jeremy Stone, grabbed my arm, pulling me back and trying to reason with me: “Don’t all girls love plushies? Don’t be crazy, Ryan. Apologize to Vivian, now.” “Don’t forget, Vivian nearly died giving birth to your daughter. She held on without an epidural and was unconscious for two days from the pain.” “She slept in a separate room and took care of Lily herself because she didn’t want to disturb your rest. Why can’t you see how much she sacrifices?” The guests chimed in, chastising me. “Jeremy’s right. You two have a great life, why are you messing it up? Do you know how many people envy you for marrying such a good woman?” “If something’s wrong, you should sit down and talk it over. You shouldn’t take your frustrations out on your wife and threaten divorce.” Vivian took a deep breath, composed herself, and rushed forward to hug me. “Honey,” she said. “We’ve known each other, fallen in love, and stayed together for twelve years. I know you’re usually so gentle, you never get angry.” “Did something happen at the company? Are you afraid of implicating me, that’s why you want a divorce? Please tell me, we can figure it out together.” Seeing her defend me like this, everyone praised her, making me seem even more ungrateful. “Ryan, even though I’m retired and haven’t handled business in a while, people still respect me.” “We’re family. Just say what’s on your mind, don’t keep it bottled up.” Vivian’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke, still choosing to believe in my character. After all, I was the son-in-law they had carefully chosen. Ignoring everyone’s stares, I pushed Vivian away, my voice icy. “It’s simple. I don’t love you anymore.” A hush fell over the entire room. “What? Say that again…” Vivian froze, tears slowly welling up in her eyes. “I said, I don’t love you anymore!” “Did you hear me clearly this time?” With that, I walked past Vivian, ready to leave. “Hold it right there!” The next second, Jeremy grabbed my collar, shouting: “Stop making a scene, okay? Even I, your assistant, can’t stand this.” “Have you forgotten how much you loved Vivian? You chased her for three whole years! And it took another six years for you to get married!” “Have you forgotten what you said at your wedding? You promised to be together forever, until old age.” “And your daughter is one year old! Do you want her to grow up in a broken home?!” Seeing him stand up for Vivian, I gave a mocking smile. “What’s it to you? Why are you so eager? Could it be…?” Jeremy cut me off, becoming even more aggressive. “Anyone with a conscience would be disgusted by a monster like you.” “You came from nothing, but Vivian never looked down on you. Instead, she brought you into her family’s company.” “If it weren’t for the Hendersons, would you have the good life you have today? Would you be sitting as CEO?” *Smack!* I slapped him directly, challenging him: “You’re just an assistant. You don’t get a say.” Vivian immediately panicked. “Ryan Henderson, are you insane? Why did you hit Jeremy?!” She shoved me hard, rushing to help Jeremy, who had fallen to the ground. Her eyes were filled with concern. “He deserved it!” I clenched my fist, feeling no guilt at all, my tone righteous. Instantly, I drew everyone’s disgust.
They all believed my usual good temper was just an act. That I was actually hypocritical and volatile. Jeremy looked at Vivian. “I’m sorry, Vivian. It’s my fault.” “I shouldn’t have spoken out. I made Ryan angry, please don’t blame him.” He hung his head, looking very apologetic. “It’s not your fault.” “I got you into this.” Vivian comforted him, then turned to me, her voice pleading. “Honey, our issues don’t need to involve other people.” “Today is Lily’s birthday party, can we please not make a scene? I’m begging you.” As she spoke, Vivian began to cry. Her compromise. My stubbornness. It was a stark contrast. All the guests sided with Vivian. Mr. Henderson took a deep breath, and kindly urged me again. “Ryan, for all these years, you’ve been diligent, dedicated to our family, and respectful.” “There’s really no need to make such a mess.” “If you can provide solid proof that you’ve been wronged, I will personally see that justice is done.” He offered me an out. But I didn’t take it. Instead, I remained as cold as ever, stating firmly: “This divorce is happening.” Instantly, Mr. Henderson’s face turned ashen. Vivian, her face streaked with tears, stared at me. “Honey, do you have someone else?” “Say whatever you want. If you think I do, then I do.” I said calmly. “Enough!” Mr. Henderson finally lost his temper, roaring: “Ryan Henderson, I’m giving you three days to think about this.” “Either you sort things out and be a proper husband.” “Or we’ll see you in court, and you’ll leave with absolutely nothing.” “Don’t forget, everything you have today, I gave you.” His words were harsh. Everyone assumed I would finally relent. But I turned and walked away. Outside, Shelly Miller, my former classmate, had been waiting for me for a while. “I’ve already sent people to Europe.” “You’ll have answers to what you’re looking into very soon.” She said with a smile. “Thank you.” “In three days, I’ll be facing Vivian in court. I’ll need you to represent me as my lawyer.” I leaned back in the car seat, utterly exhausted, and pulled out my phone. I found a surveillance video. It showed Vivian’s beloved teddy bear casually walking out of the side bedroom. It even danced for the living room camera. Three days was enough time for me to prepare and let this whole thing settle.
I had planned to stay at a hotel, but then realized all my bank cards were frozen. That’s when it hit me: over the past year, financial control had gradually shifted back into the Henderson family’s hands. Even the bank account names had been changed to Vivian Henderson. Outwardly, I lived in a harmonious, happy home, but in reality, I was utterly alone. After staying a night at Shelly’s place, I went to the company the next day to get my belongings. As soon as I entered the lobby, I was met with a barrage of complaints from employees. “That useless idiot, no sense at all, asking for a divorce. Dumber than a brick.” “Vivian just likes sleeping with a teddy bear, so what? I like it too!” “He probably saw that Vivian’s body changed a bit after giving birth and got tired of her, looking for new things. Maybe he’s got seven or eight mistresses on the side.” Their gazes were like those of a jury staring at a criminal, full of judgment. Before I could respond, Vivian’s voice came from behind me: “Everyone, quiet down. Who told you to gossip? Get back to work.” The employees grumbled and dispersed. “Honey.” “I bought you a watch. Try it on.” Vivian pulled a brand-new wristwatch from her bag. It immediately drew gasps of admiration. “A limited-edition Patek Philippe! Only three were made, bought by a mysterious collector.” “Vivian must have gone through so much trouble to get this watch. She’s so thoughtful.” Everyone looked on with envy. But my attitude remained cold. I refused. “I’m here to get my family heirloom. You can give that watch to your teddy bear.” At those words, Vivian froze. The employees were furious, calling me heartless. I pretended not to hear and headed upstairs. When my parents passed away, the only thing they left me was a pendant, which they said would protect me. I had always worn it around my neck. Vivian had often complained that her office was eerie and that she heard strange noises. So, I took off my pendant and hung it in Vivian’s office. After that, there were no more strange noises. She didn’t deserve to keep it now. As I entered Vivian’s office, I saw Jeremy playing with Lily. “Ryan.” “You’re finally back. A good life is better than anything, come look at your daughter.” “She’s so cute, how could you bear to abandon her?” Jeremy picked up Lily and walked towards me. “Move.” I frowned in disgust. “Ryan.” “This is your daughter. Are you really not even willing to look at her?” Jeremy demanded loudly. “Get lost!” I impatiently pushed Jeremy aside and quickly entered the office, taking down the pendant from the wall. Then I heard crying. I turned to see Jeremy and Lily on the floor. Just then, Vivian and several senior executives walked into the office, witnessing the scene. Vivian quickly picked up Lily, carefully checked for injuries, and breathed a sigh of relief when she found none. “What exactly happened?” Her gaze shifted between me and Jeremy. Jeremy, head bowed, replied, “I wanted Ryan to see Lily, but he refused and pushed me away.” “It’s my fault for being useless. If I had just stood steady, I wouldn’t have fallen.” What? Vivian listened, then turned and slapped me, yelling: “How could you become so heartless? That’s your own daughter!” “She’s only one year old! What if she had been seriously hurt?!”
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