My wife, Seraphina, pushed my mother into the path of a speeding car, just to save a dog. My mother ended up in a vegetative state because of her. Afterward, I took the dog to a shelter. Seraphina responded by freezing all my accounts. “That dog belongs to Jaxon! It’s his competition dog! Do you have any idea how important it is for his future?” “You only lost a mother, but *he* lost his entire future!” Seraphina slammed the door behind her, her voice cutting and cold. “Get that dog back, or your mother will starve to death! And you can forget about ever being my husband again!” Later, my mother’s stock transfer matured, making me the new CEO of the company. At the same time, I served Seraphina with divorce papers and proof of her affair. The moment I heard my accounts were frozen, I rushed to the hospital. “Seraphina, you froze my assets for a *dog*?!” “You know Mom needs that money for her brain surgery!” “How could you do this after all the kindness she showed you?” Thinking of my mother, fighting for her life, fury surged through me. But Seraphina just looked at me with cold eyes, like I was some deranged lunatic throwing a tantrum. “Why are you yelling? Do you think you’re the only one who can scream?” “It’s already happened. What good does arguing with me do?” Seraphina’s voice was flat, as if none of this concerned her. I stared at the woman I’d spent ten years building a life with, and my heart turned to ice. “Have you forgotten how your company got its start?” “Have you forgotten how Mom shielded you with her own body when you were attacked by vicious dogs, getting disfigured herself?” “And now, to save a dog, you’ve put her on her deathbed, Seraphina! Are you even human?!” Seraphina was an orphan, and Mom had taken pity on her, sending her money to support her. Later, when we started dating, Seraphina wanted to start a business. Mom didn’t hesitate, she pulled out all her savings, borrowed money from relatives, and even worked herself ragged, picking up every shift she could, just to support Seraphina’s venture. When the company’s profits soared into the billions, Mom never took a single cent. It’s no exaggeration to say that every ounce of its success was built on her sacrifices. But now, Seraphina had pushed her towards death with her own hands. As I finished, a flicker of irritation crossed Seraphina’s eyes. She whipped the dog leash she held, striking my face. A sharp whistle cut through the air, and my left eye burned crimson. She snapped impatiently, “You’re making a mountain out of a molehill. Is it fun to rehash such a tiny thing over and over again?” “This dog is Jaxon’s competition dog. He’s poured years of effort into it. How heartbroken would he be if it was gone?” “Your top priority right now is to find that dog. Otherwise, don’t blame me for freezing all your accounts and letting your mother starve to death!” I looked at the disgusted expression on the woman’s face, a profound desolation in my heart. When we first got together, I loved sweets, so Seraphina would save her lunch money to buy me candy. When I was gravely ill in bed, she’d brave heavy rain to bring me food. She even worked relentlessly to get into a top university, just to be worthy of me, despite only being qualified for a community college. But now, I felt like I was truly seeing her for the first time. Just then, Seraphina’s phone rang. She glanced at me, then walked aside, phone in hand. The moment she answered, her expression softened, and her voice became noticeably gentler: “Don’t worry, Jaxon. I’ll definitely find your dog.” “When the competition starts, I’ll personally take you there.” “I’ve frozen Liam’s accounts, so he won’t dare to defy me… Heh, what if he doesn’t find it? She’s just an old woman. If she dies, she dies. You’re far more important.” … I couldn’t hear the rest of Seraphina’s words. I walked out of the hospital, head bowed, in a daze. The sun was blazing outside, but I felt like I’d plunged into an icy abyss, my heart filled with nothing but numb anger and despair.
To gather money for my mother’s medical bills, I called a few of my closest friends. But those who were usually so enthusiastic now avoided me like the plague. After much prodding, they finally sighed: “Seraphina told us not to lend you any money, Liam. She’s got everyone under her thumb, what can we do?” “If you ask me, you should just swallow your pride and grovel to Seraphina. With her temper, she’ll probably forgive you.” “Seraphina controls everything now. Your mom’s lived for decades, it wouldn’t be a loss if she died. But you’re still young. If you cross her, what will your future be like?” … After talking to them, I received a payment notice from the hospital. The doctor said if I didn’t pay the medical fees soon, they’d cut off my mother’s nutritional support. I stood aimlessly on the street. It was the scorching heat of summer, but my heart felt chillingly suffocated, a coldness flowing through my veins. My phone rang. Seraphina’s voice came through: “Liam, Jaxon is waiting for his competition!” “I’m giving you one day to find the dog, or don’t blame me for cutting off our marriage ties!” “Seraphina, don’t be mean to Liam.” Jaxon’s voice echoed through the phone. “It’s just a competition. If it helps Liam calm down, I don’t mind missing it. It’s just a shame about all the training you’ve given me over the years.” Hearing this, Seraphina’s voice grew even colder: “Liam, bring the dog back before dark tomorrow. This is my final ultimatum!” “Otherwise, expect to see your mother’s corpse!” The call disconnected. I collapsed onto the ground in despair. Cold sweat trickled down my hair. Thinking of my mother in the operating room, I clutched my phone, feeling overwhelmed by confusion and helplessness. Turns out, vows only mean something when love is still in the picture. My phone vibrated again, a text message: [Mr. Davies: Hello, Mr. Turner. Your mother’s shares held with us have matured. As per her instructions, we are now transferring them all to you.]
Seraphina’s power was soaring. At my mother’s milestone birthday celebration, she actually forgot to bring a gift and flaunted hickeys openly at the banquet. Perhaps my mother had already sensed something then, which is why she demanded Seraphina gift her 50% of the company shares as a birthday present. That was two years ago. Even Seraphina herself had probably forgotten about it. My lawyer confirmed that these 50% were core shares, transferred by my mother before my marriage. They were considered pre-marital assets. Even with Seraphina and I married, they were entirely mine. On the other hand, Seraphina. Over the past few years, to keep Jaxon happy, she’d sold off a significant portion of her shares for cash. By now, she probably held less than 10% of the shares. Thinking of my mother, hanging by a thread in the operating room, I clenched my fists. If you treat me unjustly, then don’t blame me for returning the favor!
By the time I got home, it was evening. Pushing open the door, I saw Jaxon and Seraphina in a compromising situation, their clothes disheveled. Jaxon was holding my mother’s favorite cat. I exploded in rage: “Who told you to touch my pet?!” “This is my home! Get out!” “Now! Immediately!” They were startled and quickly got up. Jaxon, especially, his eyes red, hid behind Seraphina, putting on a pitiful, wronged expression: “Seraphina, did I upset Liam again? Maybe I shouldn’t have come here.” “It’s true, I’m just like my dog – no one likes me. Seraphina, I won’t bother you and Liam anymore. I’ll leave now.” He started to walk out. But Seraphina grabbed Jaxon, pulling him behind her, her gaze at me filled with even more disgust: “Liam, I’ve never seen such an overbearing, unreasonable man! What did Jaxon do wrong for you to target him like this?! I can’t stand narrow-minded people like you!” I frowned, disgusted by Seraphina’s twisted logic. “Fine by me. I don’t want someone else’s sloppy seconds anyway,” I said coldly, unwilling to argue further. “We’re getting divorced tomorrow. But Seraphina, remember this: I’m the one who’s leaving you.” Seraphina froze, her eyes reddening. She stepped forward and grabbed my wrist. “What do you mean?” “Can’t you understand?” I sneered. “I find you disgusting.” Seraphina’s eyes were bloodshot, her voice suddenly rising. “Say that again, if you dare!” Jaxon had retreated to the window at some point. Startled by Seraphina’s outburst, his hand jerked, and he threw the cat out the window. I felt myself collapsing. I lunged forward, grabbing Jaxon’s collar. “Why did you do that?!” Jaxon frantically waved his hands. “No, no, I was just scared by you, that’s why I threw it. I didn’t mean to…” But I’d clearly seen him smiling as he threw the cat. He hadn’t been scared at all. And we were on the thirteenth floor; the cat was as good as dead! “Liam, why are you shouting?!” Seraphina blocked Jaxon, pushing me away forcefully. “It’s just a cat! If it dies, it dies! Why are you making such a fuss?!” I looked at Seraphina, and my heart completely died. That cat was bought by my father for my mother before he passed away. It was her only memento of him, her emotional anchor. Seraphina knew this perfectly well, yet she dismissed it so lightly, shielding Jaxon. When Jaxon’s dog went missing, she cut off my mother’s medical funds. But when *my* cat was gone, I wasn’t even allowed to raise my voice. Look at the double standards.
“Seraphina, I’m tired.” I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. “Since you two aren’t leaving, I will.” “Anyway, you’ve been wanting to replace your husband, haven’t you? I might as well clear the spot for you!” *Slap!* A stinging slap landed on my face. Seraphina’s eyes were red. “Liam, what nonsense are you spewing? Jaxon and I are just ordinary brother and sister!” “Don’t use your filthy mind to speculate about us, to tarnish my and Jaxon’s innocence!” I covered my stinging face. My anger faded, replaced by overwhelming disappointment. This was the second time Seraphina had hit me. The first was when I’d impulsively said I wanted to break up. This second time was for Jaxon. “Aren’t you leaving?” Seraphina shoved me hard, pushing me out of the house. Along with me came a pile of my clothes and shoes. “Take your disgusting things with you! Go wherever you want, die for all I care!” “Oh, and by the way, remember to return the dog before you die!” The door slammed shut mercilessly. I stood in the dim hallway, bending down to silently pick up my belongings. Then I went to the institution and retrieved the shares my mother had left me. I looked at the thick stack of documents, my shoulders trembling. These were my mother’s last possessions. They were her final protection, earned through years of frugality and sacrifice. “Mr. Turner, Hayes Industries claims to have made a breakthrough in brain death recovery and can offer your mother free treatment. The condition is that you join their group with your shares.” I knew Hayes Industries. A new pharmaceutical company, a fierce rival of Seraphina’s company. But because of their limited resources, they’d always been suppressed. “Okay.” I pondered for a moment, then signed the contract. That same evening, I transferred my mother to the city’s top hospital. At the same time, I prepared the divorce papers.
The next day, I attended Hayes Industries’ anniversary banquet as planned. And ran straight into Seraphina and Jaxon. “Liam, what are you doing here?” Jaxon gasped, clinging to Seraphina’s arm, covering his mouth. “You’re not… stalking us, are you?” “Liam, I don’t know how you snuck in here,” Seraphina said impatiently. “But this is a major industry event. It’s not appropriate for a small employee like you to be here. Go home before I get angry!” I sneered, staring at Jaxon. “What about him?” “Compared to me, Jaxon isn’t even an employee, is he?” Jaxon’s face changed. But Seraphina shielded him behind her. “Liam, I’m warning you, don’t embarrass me here. I— ” She stopped mid-sentence as Vivian Hayes, the CEO of Hayes Industries, approached and took my arm. “Liam, there you are.” Vivian noticed the shocked expressions on Jaxon and Seraphina’s faces and asked, puzzled, “Do you know Seraphina?” I shook my head. Seraphina’s face turned ashen. Jaxon’s gaze darted between Vivian and me. He suddenly seemed to understand and mocked, “Oh, so *that’s* why you’re here. You’ve hooked up with someone else, huh?” “Shameless! Your mom’s still in the hospital, and you’re out here having a good time?” Jaxon’s voice wasn’t quiet. People around us slowly started to gather. Seraphina tried to explain, but I cut her off. “My business is none of yours,” I said coldly. “None of my business?” Seraphina’s face darkened. “You’re my husband. How can your business be none of mine?” “I get it. You’re throwing a tantrum again.” She frowned, rebuking me. “Now, get your butt home, or don’t blame me for cutting our agreed time short and severing your mother’s medical resources!” I shrugged indifferently. “Whatever makes you happy.” Seraphina froze, then frowned. “Liam, you don’t actually think hooking up with Hayes Industries will save your mother, do you?” “With one word from me, who would dare interfere?” She leaned closer, whispering to me, “Just humble yourself, and I’ll let you stay my husband. Our mom will be fine too.” “No thanks.” I recoiled in disgust. “I don’t want it.” “You— ” Seraphina gritted her teeth and slapped me. I frowned, ready to retaliate. But Jaxon suddenly lunged out from the crowd, kicking me to the ground. He shielded Seraphina and yelled, “It’s your privilege to be slapped by Seraphina! And you dare try to hit back?!” Seraphina backed away with a cold expression, showing no intention of helping me up. “Are you okay?” Vivian helped me up, indignant. “They’re absolutely outrageous.” “Let’s go.” I shook my head, not wanting to get dragged into it any further. “Liam, you stop right there!” Seraphina commanded loudly. I ignored her, so she quickly stepped in front of me, blocking my path. “I told you to stop! Are you deaf?” “I’m telling you, it’s still not too late to beg me for mercy. Otherwise, your mother—” Her words were cut short as Seraphina’s secretary walked into the banquet, looking frantic. “Seraphina, it’s bad! Something terrible has happened!” “What’s the rush?” “That…” Sarah glanced at me, swallowing. “Since this morning, a lot of shareholders have collectively withdrawn their investments, and also…” Seraphina’s face went white. “Also what?”
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