On our fifth anniversary, I found an old cell phone in Liam Blackwood’s personal safe. The password was his first love’s birthday. It chronicled all their sweet moments from the past. And his current photo album? It didn’t even have a single picture of me. “Clara Reynolds, is it fun to snoop through other people’s privacy?” I turned to face the man standing in the doorway, no shouting, no drama. Just a calm, “Let’s get a divorce.” Liam Blackwood formatted the phone right in front of me, his expression so indifferent it was impossible to read. “Better now?” he asked, “Still want a divorce?” I nodded seriously. “Yes, I do.” … “Come on, enough already. Stop making a scene.” Liam frowned, a hint of impatience in his voice. “Just listen, will you? Once the project finishes at the end of the year, I’ll make time to take you to Hokkaido to see the snow, okay?” Seeing my prolonged silence. Liam quirked the corner of his lips, a familiar nonchalance in his gaze, and lightly tapped my forehead with his fingertip. “This time, no lies, I promise. It’s for real.” I almost laughed. “No lies this time.” So he *knew* all along he’d been lying to me, repeatedly. He’d promised to take me to Hokkaido to see the snow, pushing it off year after year. Our usual movie dates? I’d always be the one waiting alone outside the theater until the show started. He said he’d pick me up, but I never even saw a shadow of his car, not even after getting drenched in a downpour. Liam Blackwood always broke his promises to me. So now, uttering those words, he genuinely believed he was doing me a favor, bestowing a grand reward upon me. “No, thanks.” I took a deep breath, repeating with firm resolve, “Liam Blackwood, I want a divorce.” This time, the man’s eyes hardened, his patience completely gone. “Clara, you are completely irrational!” “Take it or leave it about Hokkaido. I’ve already extended the offer.” “Don’t come crying to me later, saying I didn’t keep my word.” With that, he grabbed his jacket from the couch and walked out. He didn’t even touch the dinner I’d meticulously prepared to his taste. I remained silent. For the first time, I didn’t try to stop him, didn’t beg him to stay even one minute longer, like I used to. Liam Blackwood paused at the door, glancing back at me. I had already sat down, picked up my forks, and quietly started eating. The door slammed shut behind him. As if releasing some pent-up fury. My heart had stopped aching long ago, leaving behind nothing but desolation. I used to think Liam, being so high and mighty, was too good to be touched by the mundane realities of life. But it turns out, he *would* cook for the girl he loved. Just to earn a word of praise from her. The cuts on his hands, the blisters from burns—they all seemed like badges of love. He even used to say such childishly sweet things: “Cooking for the person you love really does make you feel incredibly happy.” “I’m going to cook for Seraphina forever, fatten her up so no one else will want her.” It was only after reading those records that I truly understood for the first time. How much of a joke I was. The next day, I met my best friend, Maya, who was a lawyer, at a coffee shop and asked her to draft divorce papers for me. “What happened with you two? Is it this serious this time?” Maya’s face was filled with surprise. She knew how deeply I loved Liam Blackwood. Whenever we argued in the past, at most we’d have a cold war for a while. “I’m just so tired.” I looked out at the bustling traffic. “You know what? She’s back.” With just that pronoun, Maya understood. Seraphina Bellwether. Liam’s unforgettable first love, etched deep into his very being. That name was like a tiny needle, piercing my heart. No blood, but a constant, subtle ache. I had never even seen her in person, yet her existence had influenced me for five whole years. Liam said personal space was important, yet he and Seraphina had shared a music account. Liam disliked his life being public, yet his old social media was filled with traces of her. The art exhibition he took me to see? It was the favorite artist of Seraphina. He complained that shopping with me was a waste of time, but he once spent days with her, exploring antique markets across the entire city. Dating me for two years, married for three, Liam had never truly removed her from his heart. And I? I was just a rebound, a placeholder during his time alone. A comfort, a habit, a second-best option. “Alright, leave the divorce papers to me. I won’t let you get a raw deal!” Maya looked at me worriedly. “But Clara, are you really sure about this?” “I told you from the start, this man isn’t right for you. His heart was never completely cleared out, and you’ve sacrificed too much for him.” “But you just got swept up in it, head over heels, and you wouldn’t listen to any advice.” I lowered my gaze, stirring the coffee in my cup. “Some lessons, you just have to learn the hard way, even if it means hitting rock bottom and getting bruised and battered, before you finally turn around.” The sky was gloomy, and a sudden rain began to fall. Maya’s husband, Owen, came to pick her up. “Didn’t I tell you not to come?” “No way, babe! I’d never let you get drenched. Hey, Clara, let’s all go together. I’ll drop you off first.” I smiled and shook my head. “You two go on ahead. I’ll sit a bit longer.” I used to envy their genuine concern and affection for each other. Why were Liam and I, after being husband and wife for so long, always separated by an invisible wall? Why? The answer was simple: he just didn’t love me enough. But I had deluded myself for so long, thinking he was just naturally incapable of love. When the rain let up a little, I stood up to leave. Just then, a familiar luxury sedan slowly pulled up to the curb. A woman in a cream-colored long dress sat in the passenger seat, her hair softly curled, exuding a gentle elegance. Liam Blackwood stepped out from the other side and walked towards the cafe, seemingly just passing by to grab a coffee. Seeing me, his expression remained unchanged, only a slight lift of his eyebrow. He probably expected me to greet him, but I just looked down at the ride-share app on my phone. Perhaps I was distracted, but I accidentally missed a step, twisting my ankle. Liam glanced over coolly again, frowning without a word. He went into the coffee shop, ignoring me. I gritted my teeth against the pain in my ankle, continuing to wait for my ride on the curb. Soon, Liam emerged with two takeout coffees. “Let’s go.” “You just wanted me to give you a ride, didn’t you?” His tone was cold, tinged with annoyance. “…I didn’t.” Liam, disinclined to waste words, simply pulled me into the car. Then he handed me one of the coffees. I didn’t take it, so he casually placed it aside. The entire journey was silent. A heavy atmosphere hung in the car. Suddenly, Seraphina clutched her forehead. “Liam, I think my blood sugar is a bit low. Do you have any candy?” Liam naturally reached into the glove compartment and handed her a chocolate. “How many times have I reminded you? You never learn, do you?” Seraphina took it, smiling softly. “I just forget when I get busy. Good thing you’re here.” They naturally fell into conversation about their past, mutual acquaintances, and shared experiences. An unspoken understanding flowed between them. Meanwhile, I sat in the back, an incongruous listener. The scenery outside the window flew by. We passed Central Park, where a giant Ferris wheel slowly turned. Liam and I had our first date there. Legend said that couples who kissed at the very top would be happy forever. I had stolen a kiss from him then. He stared at me for a long moment. I thought that was one of our few shared sweet memories. Later, I learned that Liam’s biggest regret was never having taken Seraphina on that Ferris wheel. Flashes of countless past moments flickered through my hazy mind. Most of them were my unilateral expectations and his constant dismissals. I closed my eyes and drifted off. When I opened them again, the car was parked downstairs from my apartment building. Seraphina had apparently gotten out at some point. Liam unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to look at my swollen ankle, his brows deeply furrowed. “Clara,” his voice was low, “Does it have to be like this?” I looked up, confused. “You could’ve just told me you wanted a ride. Did you really have to pull this ridiculous stunt just to get my attention?” His tone was even, but I caught an underlying flicker of irritation. I didn’t know what was irritating him. Perhaps, he was annoyed that I had interrupted his private time with his pristine first love. “Liam Blackwood, you’re overthinking it.” “I didn’t ask you to drive me.” He probably thought I was playing tough, and scoffed, “Oh? So, are you planning to crawl back upstairs looking like that?” “I can call a cab,” I said, looking at him. “Liam Blackwood, I’m not helpless without you.” “I used to cling to you, depend on you, because I loved you. That doesn’t mean I’m worthless without you.” “Worthless? Clara, go ahead and try to leave, I dare you. See if I come back begging for you.” The man’s eyes darkened again. I had no desire to waste more words on him. Anyway, once the divorce papers landed on his desk. He would know that this time, I wasn’t just making a scene; I was serious. I pushed open the car door, attempting to get out myself. But he moved faster, scooping me up in his arms. The action wasn’t gentle, but he didn’t let me fall. Once inside, he found the first-aid kit and clumsily sprayed medication on my ankle, his expression still cold. “Don’t do that again.” I watched him silently as he finished. Liam was always like this—pushing me away only to pull me back in, dealing a blow then offering a sweet reprieve. His hot and cold behavior repeatedly trapped me in endless internal struggle. Was there even a shred of genuine affection for me? It felt incredibly foolish to agonize over whether someone loved me, yet I had been foolish for five years. It was time to wake up. Too tired to keep guessing his thoughts, I simply said thank you. Liam stood motionless in front of the sofa. “Is there anything else?” Liam pressed his lips together. “Don’t you have anything you want to ask me?” I calmly shook my head. Actually, I had checked Seraphina Bellwether’s social media. Yesterday, she had posted a picture of a plane landing on Ins. The caption read: “Waiting for you.” I’d scrolled through all the comments, but hadn’t seen any likes or comments from Liam. But I knew he would go. And indeed, he had. “I’m really tired. I want to sleep.” I stood up. “I’ll sleep in the guest room tonight.” Liam grabbed my wrist. “Clara!” For the first time ever, he actually offered an explanation. “Seraphina and I aren’t what you think.” “I only picked her up this time because she just got back to the country and isn’t familiar with the area. I was just helping out.” I hummed in acknowledgment. “Of course.” Liam scrutinized my face, as if searching for any hint of insincerity. “Clara, Seraphina and I ended things a long time ago. We’re just friends now.” I nodded, uninterested. “I know.” Liam pulled me into his arms, a rare moment where he actively tried to kiss me. The searing heat of his body, even through our clothes, was the warmth I once craved most. He knew I liked physical intimacy, thinking a kiss would instantly make everything better. But I turned my head, avoiding his lips. Liam visibly froze. He hadn’t expected me to refuse him. His face turned grim. “Clara, my patience has its limits. You better not push it too far.” That night, we slept in separate rooms. Liam left the master bedroom for me and went to the guest room. I woke up the next day to a silent house; he had already left. My expression was calm as I headed to the office and handed in my resignation. If I was leaving, I would leave completely. I had only stayed at this company for Liam, hoping to work with him and spend more time together. But at work, he concealed our marriage, claiming it was “bad for business.” Not only that, but he deliberately kept his distance from me. When he needed a subordinate to accompany him on a business trip, he never chose me. During meetings, he treated me like I was invisible. Even when I single-handedly completed a major project, I never received any praise from him. His cold attitude made colleagues wonder if Liam had a prejudice against me, or if I had somehow offended him privately. HR was one of the few people in the company who knew about my relationship with Liam. “You’re leaving?” “Mr. Blackwood only said he was demoting you, not that you were resigning…” I froze. “Demoted?” HR nodded, looking at me with sympathy. “Your position was filled by someone fresh back from abroad, a direct order from Mr. Blackwood.” A chill spread through my heart. I heard my own voice tremble. “Is her name… Seraphina Bellwether?” “Yes, that’s the name.” I could barely stand, bracing myself against the table. Even though I was leaving anyway, hearing that news still brought an earth-shattering wave of defeat. At the company, Liam had never given me any special treatment. I had climbed to the director position purely through my own abilities. And he just… gave it to her. Tonight was the company’s anniversary celebration, with a grand banquet. Before officially resigning, I decided to attend. At the very least, I needed to collect my annual bonus. In front of everyone, Liam publicly announced Seraphina Bellwether’s appointment on stage. He even specifically instructed everyone to “take good care of our new colleague.” People whispered, “My God, is that something the notoriously unyielding Mr. Blackwood would actually say?” I listened from below, clapping politely. Liam’s gaze subtly flickered my way, as if assessing my reaction. The next second, Seraphina, standing next to him, stumbled in her heels. He immediately turned to steady her. Midway through the banquet. I went out to the terrace for some fresh air and overheard Liam and his friend talking. “What, another cold war with Clara?” He casually swirled his drink. “Yeah.” His friend sighed. “Your stubborn temper, when will you ever humble yourself and just appease her? Good women like her are rare.” “I know.” “Then why bring Seraphina Bellwether here to rub it in her face? All you’re doing is escalating the conflict between you two. What if Clara really can’t take it anymore and leaves?” “She won’t.” Liam paused, then added with conviction, “Clara will never leave me.” He was still so confident. He thought I’d be the one to give in, just like every other time. I was about to turn and leave. But then Seraphina’s voice rang out behind me. “What a coincidence, care for a drink?” Seraphina naturally walked up to me, her tone intimate, as if we were old friends. “I forgot to introduce myself last time. You’re Clara, right?” “I’m so sorry, coming in and snatching your position like that.” Her words carried a double meaning. I heard the challenge in her voice and coldly countered, “Ms. Bellwether, are we very close?” She smiled, even more brightly. “Well, I certainly don’t know you, but you must know a lot about me, right?” I knew she must have seen my visits in her profile’s visitor history. Seeing that I still didn’t rise to the bait, not showing the angry, flustered reaction she expected. Seraphina seemed displeased. She simply splashed the wine from her glass onto herself, letting out a startled cry. The man, who had been watching from a distance with an indifferent expression, instantly changed his demeanor and rushed over. “Clara, what are you doing?” I clenched my fist, offering no explanation. Instead, I threw the wine glass in my hand directly at his face. Amidst the collective gasps around us, I let out a cold laugh. “This is what I did.” A server quickly brought a towel. Liam wiped the wine from his face, his deep, dark eyes, like cold pools, fixed on me, unreadable. Finally, he said nothing, only taking Seraphina and leaving the banquet. I watched their retreating backs, then pulled out my phone and typed a message. “My resignation letter and the divorce papers are on your desk.” “Remember to sign them.” Then I blocked and deleted his contact. I went home to grab my already packed luggage, only to find two additional tickets to Hokkaido. Did Liam actually think that all these days of me packing were because I was looking forward to seeing the snow with him? My face expressionless, I tore the ticket with my name on it in half. And left the city without looking back. Liam, carrying the scent of wine and a heavy mood, dropped Seraphina off at her apartment. Seraphina gently comforted him. “Liam, don’t be angry. Clara probably just misunderstood, I don’t think she did it on purpose.” “I’m fine, really. It’s just that I dragged you into it.” “Please don’t fight because of me.” Liam’s gaze was fixed on the rapidly receding neon lights outside the window, distracted as he hummed in response. She paused, then tentatively reached out, intending to straighten his slightly disheveled tie. Her voice grew softer. “Seeing you like this, my heart aches a little…” But Liam instinctively moved aside, avoiding her touch. Seraphina’s hand froze in mid-air, her expression visibly hurt. “Liam, I didn’t mean anything by it.” “I know.” Liam paused, then irritably loosened his tie. “I can do it myself.” An awkward silence fell over the car. Liam seemed completely oblivious, his fingers unconsciously tapping the car window frame. An indescribable sense of panic and unease began to spread in his heart. Soon, they arrived at Seraphina’s apartment. “Liam, thank you for dropping me off.” Liam didn’t even say his usual “Get some rest” with concern; he merely rushed out, “Everything at the company has been arranged. You should head up. I’m leaving.” Seraphina stood downstairs, unmoving. She just smoothed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, revealing her slender, fair neck. “Liam, do you want to come up for a bit?” “I still find it hard to sleep alone. Maybe with you here, it would be a little better.” Her vulnerability was perfectly timed. Liam’s eyes deepened, a flicker of hesitation crossing them. But he managed to restrain himself. “Seraphina, that’s not appropriate.” He sighed. “You know, I’m married to Clara.” The car headed towards home. Liam rubbed his temples, pushing down the unease. He thought, maybe Clara really was angry this time. After all, the demotion was a bit much. But when she saw those two plane tickets at home, she’d surely be surprised and happy, right? Then, she’d probably play coy for a moment, then eagerly fall right back into his arms, just like before. Yes, that’s exactly how it would be. Liam pushed open his front door. The apartment was pitch black, eerily silent. No warm lights were on, and the woman who always waited for him was nowhere to be found. Clara wasn’t home? Liam frowned and switched on the lights. The living room was excessively tidy, an empty feeling lingering in the air. On the dining table, there was no supper kept warm as usual. Instead, there was a plane ticket, torn in half. In that instant, Liam’s heart instantly plummeted. Just then, his phone vibrated continuously. It was a SnapChat message from his assistant, a string of screenshots. He opened them to see a company gossip SnapChat group chat’s messages. The screen was filled with dense text, brimming with excited gossip: “Mr. Blackwood and the new Director Bellwether definitely have a history!” “Look at the way Mr. Blackwood looked at her on stage, their gazes practically oozing affection for each other!” “And that moment he steadied her, total boyfriend vibes!” Below, someone had attached a clearly secretly filmed short video. It was the very scene from tonight, on stage, where he steadied Seraphina when she nearly fell. The camera angle was cunningly chosen. It captured his momentary tension and Seraphina’s upward glance of reliance on him, making it look incredibly intimate and ambiguous. “Holy crap! Director Bellwether is apparently Mr. Blackwood’s college sweetheart, his untouchable first love!” “No wonder!” Below that, a low-resolution, slightly blurry old photo was posted. He and Seraphina, in school uniforms, smiled side by side. The background was their familiar university campus. Liam’s brows were tightly furrowed. The rumors spread like wildfire, the details too specific, too ancient for just any employee to dig up. A chilling suspicion of being manipulated began to fester inside him. Liam went to confront Seraphina Bellwether. The moment the woman saw him come downstairs, her face lit up with joy, mixed with a barely concealed triumph.
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