Chapter 4
Chapter 4
When I arrived at my parents‘ house, my father looked surprised and asked, “Sweetheart, what brings you home?”
I kept my head down, saying nothing.
My mother’s face darkened when she noticed my puffy, tear–streaked eyes.
“Annie,” she asked, “tell me–did Steven hurt you?”
A lump formed in my throat, and I fought back tears.
“Mom, Dad… Steven cheated on me. I want a divorce,” I said.
My mother pulled me into a tight hug, her voice trembling. Then that’s what we’ll do. If you’ve made up your mind, we’ll support you.”
Back in my old room, I noticed my phone had been on silent.
Dozens of missed calls lit up the screen.
Before I could ignore them, the phone rang again.
Steven’s angry voice barked on the other end, “Anya, where the hell are you? Do you think divorce is a joke? I’m giving you one hour to get back here! You still have 59 minutes…”
I rolled my eyes at his audacity.
“The papers are on the table. Don’t forget to sign them,” I said.
- Without waiting for a response, I hung up.
When I left my room, my mother had already made me my favorite soup. Famished, I finished a big bowl.
My phone wouldn’t stop buzzing. I glanced at it–my work group chat had exploded with over 99 messages.
Before I could check them, some of my employees sent me private messages.
[Anya, you’re so lucky! Mr. Cobham is giving us a month–long vacation to take you on a trip! We’re all so jealous of you two!]
[Have fun, Anya! Don’t forget to share pics of the auroras!]
Confused, I scrolled through the group chat, which was flooded with praise for Steven.
[Mr. Cobham is amazing!]
[Mr. Cobham is the best!]
My stomach churned as realization hit.
Everyone assumed Steven had announced a company–wide vacation to travel with me. In reality, he was taking Melanie to see the northern lights.
Had Steven lost his mind?
I immediately called him. “Are you insane? You shut down the entire company for a month just for your fling?!”
His tone was dismissive. “Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong. It’s always been Lanie’s dream to see the auroras. Why can’t I help her?”
Chapter 4
I forced myself to calm down.
+25 BONUS
“Fine,” I replied coldly. “But don’t come back. I’ll be taking over the company starting tomorrow.”
Steven’s arrogance melted into panic. “Anya, the company is in my name. You can’t just take it from me!”
For convenience, the company had been registered under Steven’s name back them I hadn’t expected him to burn bridges now.
Backed into a corner, Steven changed tactics, his tone turning coaxing. “Come on, honey. A little excitement doesn’t mean I don’t love you. I’ll settle down after this trip, I promise. You’ll always be my wife–I’m never leaving you.‘
How ridiculous. Men and their empty words.
I hung up and blocked his number.
A few days later, Melanie’s social media lit up again.
There she was, wrapped in Steven’s arms beneath the dazzling northern lights, their lips locked in a passionate kiss
Her caption read: [Someone who loves you will always fulfill your wishes, step by step.]
