On our fifth wedding anniversary night, I arrived in my best suit, eagerly anticipating that my CEO wife, Madelyn Grant, would finally reveal our secret marriage at the gala. But instead, scandalous news about her first love, Carter Hayes, suddenly made headlines. Ignoring my feelings, she announced to the crowd: “Carter and I are indeed in a relationship. Please show your support for his new project.” As the crowd erupted in applause and cheers, Carter pulled Madelyn into a kiss. I didn’t cry, didn’t make a scene. I clapped along with the rest, offering my hollow congratulations. It wasn’t until later, when she realized how much I’d changed, that Madelyn begged me, in tears, to forgive her again. Content “Evan Cooper, what are you doing? Why are you being so unreasonable?” Madelyn Grant caught up with me, roughly grabbing my collar and dragging me into the shadows. “You know Carter’s career is on the rise. How could I just stand by and let a few haters insult and attack him?” I looked at her, meeting her irritated gaze. My eyes drifted beyond her, landing on Carter Hayes, casually mingling with his glass of champagne. He was radiant, basking in the crowd’s admiration. With every glance, I felt my heart bleeding. This gala was supposed to be the happiest night of my life. After two years of dating and five years of marriage, Madelyn promised to announce our marriage tonight. But in the end, I couldn’t compare it to her first love. For years, the recognition I had longed for was given to Carter with nothing more than a pitiful act. When she noticed my focus lingering on Carter, Madelyn’s expression darkened. She tightened her grip on my collar and warned, “Evan Cooper, don’t think I don’t know what you’re planning. You better not cause trouble for Carter at this party!” Her grip was suffocating, and the pain in my chest was unbearable. I pushed her away, coughing violently. Perhaps out of guilt, she gently patted my back and sighed softly. “Evan, stop making a fuss. The situation with Carter came up suddenly. Pretending to be a couple was a last-minute decision—I didn’t have time to discuss it with you.” This gala was meant to announce our secret marriage. Madelyn had invited company executives and a few entertainment journalists. She said she didn’t reveal the theme in advance to maintain an air of mystery. Yet now, not only were all the company employees here, but she’d also invited hard-to-reach reporters, directors, and investors. And she called this a “last-minute decision”? Once my breathing steadied, I scoffed, “Ms. Grant, you overestimate me. I know exactly where I stand. Who am I to question your decisions?” My reaction left Madelyn stunned. She stared at me for a long time, her expression complicated. As employees passed by, glancing curiously in our direction, she raised her clutch to shield her face, afraid someone might see us arguing. Watching her ridiculous antics, I suddenly burst out laughing. “Ms. Grant, you don’t need to do this. If I’m not welcome, I’ll leave.” With that, I stepped around her and headed for the door. “Enough!” Madelyn wasn’t ready to let it go. She followed closely, holding her clutch awkwardly to her face. “Evan Cooper, I explained everything to you! What more do you want?” Tired of her excuses, I stopped abruptly. Just as I was about to speak, Carter Hayes appeared. Casually, he wrapped an arm around Madelyn’s waist, pulling her close. He shot me a smug glance and said, “Madelyn, Director Warren mentioned he has a lead role in mind for me. Can you come and discuss the details?” Madelyn hesitated, casting me a fleeting glance. Then she said, “Evan, you go home first. I’ll join you after I finish discussing the project with Carter.” I watched the two of them, their closeness like a knife twisting in my gut. My fists clenched, but in the end, I could only mutter, “Fine.” Madelyn praised me for being understanding before turning away, a smile lighting up her face as she left with Carter. Not long after, Carter grabbed the back of Madelyn’s head and kissed her passionately. Flashes erupted as reporters swarmed them for photos. The two reluctantly pulled apart. “Carter is just so clingy with me,” Madelyn said shyly, her voice full of affection. “I hope everyone understands.” With his arm firmly around Madelyn’s waist, Carter shot me a triumphant look, basking in the spotlight. Unable to contain my emotions, I fled the suffocating scene.
When I got home, the first thing I saw was the wedding photo hanging by the entryway. The smiles we shared in that picture now felt like knives to my chest. When I first moved in with Madelyn, I redecorated the entire house out of love for her. I removed everything and replaced it with enlarged wedding photos, hanging them in nearly every room. When she saw it, she called me childish, scolding me for wasting time and money. She demanded I put the house back the way it was. I’d stubbornly refused, throwing small tantrums until she reluctantly gave in. Looking back now, I was pathetic. Barefoot, I kicked aside the matching slippers by the door and began taking down every photo from the walls. I carried them all downstairs and tossed them into the trash. Sweaty and exhausted, I stood in the now-barren house. The emptiness echoed the void in my chest. I thought back to college when I’d fallen in love with Madelyn at first sight. After a month of persistence, she finally agreed to be my girlfriend. We were inseparable, blissfully happy. I’d promised to love her forever. But after graduation, she became someone I no longer recognized. Madelyn grew ambitious, classifying friends and colleagues by status. She craved luxury and fine dining. To meet her demands, I worked tirelessly, pulling in clients and hustling for success. While I struggled, Madelyn maintained her flawless image, enjoying the fruits of my labor. When the company finally stabilized, I stepped into the background. To the world, Madelyn Grant was the face of Grant Enterprises, while I became invisible. I accepted this role willingly. Until Carter Hayes emerged as Hollywood’s rising star, everything changed the moment Madelyn saw him on screen. She’d once looked down on the entertainment industry. But one drunken night, Carter brought her home. That’s when I learned she’d spent the evening hosting a lavish party for the cast and crew to secure Carter a supporting role. I remember Carter’s smug expression as he handed her over, the suspicious marks on her neck, and how she clung to his arm even as I tried to take her inside. As I cared for her that night, she murmured Carter’s name in her sleep. Through careful questioning, I discovered Carter had been her first love. Their connection ran deep, dating back to childhood. Once Madelyn felt she was finally “worthy” of him, she pursued him with abandon. I’d known for a while that she loved Carter. I just hadn’t been willing to admit it. I thought our years together would make her turn back to me. But it was all wishful thinking. Finally, I understood. Better late than never.
After showering, I sat blankly against the headboard in the main bedroom. Rain poured down outside, a heavy, relentless storm. At first, I instinctively thought about going to pick her up. I even changed clothes, but then it hit me—I was being ridiculous again. I grabbed my phone, intending to call her, but her number appeared first. “Carter, just go to bed. Don’t wait for me tonight,” Madelyn slurred before hanging up. Her tone and the sudden disconnection confirmed it. I knew exactly where she was. To punish myself, I called Carter Hayes on video. He picked up instantly. The screen was almost entirely dark, but the unmistakable sounds of labored breathing filtered through. Carter chuckled softly, his voice laced with smugness. “Evan, I’m busy right now. Let’s talk later, okay?” The call ended before I could say anything, and my hand froze, unable to redial. Moments later, a breaking news alert popped up on my phone. I opened it and saw headlines about Carter Hayes: “Carter Hayes and Madelyn Grant’s Love Story Takes Center Stage!” Photos of their kiss from the gala splashed across the screen, accompanied by paragraphs of glowing praise. Comments flooded in, full of blessings for their “eternal happiness” and hopes for a “beautiful family.” I laughed bitterly, staring at the images for an eternity. At that moment, I could no longer lie to myself—Madelyn and Carter, indeed, were a perfect match. She is the head of Grant Enterprises. He is a rising star in Hollywood. They are a stunning couple. And me? Just a nobody. Carter’s social media was filled with new posts—everyone cozy, intimate photos of Madelyn accompanied by flirtatious captions. I felt like a clown, obsessively watching my wife flaunt her relationship with another man. As dawn broke, a message from Madelyn appeared on my phone: “Carter, I’m craving Eleanor’s Classic Chicken, Rice Soup, and Sammy’s Buttermilk Biscuits. Bring them to the office for me.” This was her way of making peace. Whenever we fought, and I couldn’t calm her down, she would do this—send me an order she knew I’d fulfill. In the past, these small gestures would have thrilled me. I’d have stayed awake all night, excited to win her back. But now? I hesitated for a long time before finally deciding to see her.
I arrived at the office before work hours. The building was quiet, except for the light coming from Madelyn’s office. I knocked and entered. She was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, drying her hair in a semi-sheer lace slip. She hadn’t noticed me yet, speaking on the phone. “Dr. Young, the baby’s only a month along. Let’s schedule the abortion while it’s still early.” “Madelyn, this is your first child after five years of marriage. Are you sure you don’t want to talk to Evan first? I’m worried—” “No need,” she snapped, cutting him off. “It’s my body, and I’ll decide!” She paused, then continued coldly, “I’ve been drinking. Who knows if the baby will turn out deformed? Besides, Carter’s career is taking off. I can’t let anything hold me back.” The food container slipped from my hands, crashing to the floor. Startled, Madelyn turned around. When she saw me, her expression froze. “Evan… When did you get here? What did you hear?” She rushed toward me, gripping my sleeve desperately. “Evan, let me explain. I just found out about the pregnancy myself…” I didn’t respond. My gaze was fixed on the marks on her exposed skin—passionate, undeniable evidence of last night. Following my eyes, she looked down and gasped, quickly folding her arms to cover herself. I lifted my head and chuckled, my voice dripping with contempt. “Madelyn Grant, I heard everything. Are you still going to lie to me? You’re disgusting.” Madelyn, unaccustomed to such direct insults, teared up immediately. She hesitated, wanting to reach for my hand but ashamed to drop her arms. She paced. “Evan, Evan, please, listen. It’s not what you think…” At that moment, the door to the private lounge opened, and Carter Hayes emerged wearing a bathrobe. “Madelyn, what’s going on?” Tears streamed down Madelyn’s face as she turned to him. “Carter, please explain to Evan! He’s misunderstood our relationship.” Carter’s expression tightened briefly before he smiled lazily. “Evan, sorry about this. I got drunk last night, and Madelyn was kind enough to let me crash here. Nothing inappropriate happened. If it bothers you, I’ll leave.” But his demeanor didn’t match his words. The scratches on his chest were impossible to miss, and he adjusted his robe with a deliberate smirk. “Sorry, my clothes were ruined last night. The new ones haven’t arrived yet.” I stayed silent, watching their performance with a numb heart. Madelyn, thinking I believed Carter’s excuse, grabbed my wrist anxiously. “See, Evan? Carter explained it. We’re innocent.” I shook her off, smiling faintly. “Madelyn Grant, you’re a natural actress. Not being in Hollywood is a loss for the industry.” “What do you mean by that?” she asked, her voice trembling. I stared at her tear-streaked face, my voice steady. “It means we’re done. Let’s get a divorce.” Saying those words felt like a weight lifted off my chest. Ignoring her sobs, I walked away from Grant Enterprises, leaving her behind. When I picked up breakfast to bring to Madelyn this morning, a small part of me still clung to the hope that we could reconcile. But now, I’ve finally decided to let her go.
When I exited the building, the office was coming to life. Employees gave me a wide berth, sensing the storm in my demeanor. Only Ryan Dorsey, Madelyn’s assistant, dared to approach. He trailed me to the parking lot. When I stopped and turned to face him, he hesitated before speaking. “Mr. Cooper, there’s something I need to tell you. I thought about it all night, and you should know.” I exhaled deeply, forcing myself to stay calm. “What is it, Ryan?” He glanced at me nervously, then quickly looked down. “You gave me this job. Without you, I’d be nowhere. Even if I lose it for saying this, I don’t care.” “What’s going on?” I asked, frowning, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Ryan finally met my eyes. “Last night, I was working late. I accidentally saw Madelyn…” He faltered, then handed me his phone. “You’d better see for yourself.” The photos were explicit—Madelyn, barely clothed, straddling Carter Hayes. The accompanying video could have been better. The sounds alone turned my stomach. I chuckled darkly, returning the phone after forwarding the evidence to myself. “Delete everything, Ryan. Make sure she doesn’t find out. And thank you for telling me.” Ryan nodded, relieved, and left for the office. Back home, I packed my things—two suitcases were enough for everything I owned. As I was leaving, my phone rang. “Evan, I booked a table at your favorite steakhouse. Let’s have dinner tonight,” Madelyn said, her tone unnervingly casual. My anger flared. “Madelyn, are you deaf? If you want this divorce finalized, I’ll have dinner with you. Otherwise, forget it.” She paused, then started sobbing softly. “You used to do anything I asked. Now, you won’t even have one meal with me?” I laughed coldly. “Madelyn, do you think you deserve it?” Desperation tinged her voice. “Evan, please don’t be angry. Isn’t all this about recognition? Once Carter finishes his project, I’ll announce our breakup and our marriage. Isn’t that enough?” “No, it’s not. I want nothing more to do with you. You disgust me.”
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