Chapter 3

Whenever I saw a business report about Ethan winning another major project and his net worth soaring, I felt my sacrifices had been worth it.

I loved him, so I had willingly been the woman behind his success.

But now… I no longer wanted to.

I heard movement downstairs.

After reassuring Chloe, I hung up.

Ethan was home.

He came inside reeking of alcohol, his brow furrowed. He didn’t even notice that I wasn’t waiting for him downstairs.

He tugged irritably at his tie and dropped onto the couch. Leaning back, he closed his eyes and rubbed his temples.

I stood at the top of the stairs and watched him coldly.

“Vivian, get me some water.”

His eyes remained closed as he gave the familiar order.

I didn’t move.

After a while, when no response came, he opened his eyes and looked toward me, frowning harder.

“Vivian, did you hear me?”

I stayed where I was.

As if he had run out of patience, he began accusing me.

“What was your problem tonight? You just walked out. Mrs. Lawson finally agreed to attend, and instead of staying to keep her company as the hostess, you left early. Do you have any idea how hard I had to work to smooth things over? If the Brookhaven project falls through over something this stupid, do you know how much money Carter Group will lose?”

Listening to his self-righteous complaints, I almost laughed.

Ethan knew my value. He understood exactly how useful my connections were to him.

But in his eyes, all my efforts were simply what I owed him.

I looked at his face, flushed with alcohol and irritation. Images from my previous life flashed through my mind: him coldly throwing me out of the Carter estate, Sophie nestled in his arms, stroking her pregnant belly as she flaunted her victory.

Suddenly, I laughed.

Ethan stopped talking and looked up at me in shock.

“What are you laughing at?”

I stopped, walked down the stairs, and stood before him.

The love and patient endurance that had once filled my eyes were gone. Even the disappointment I should have felt had vanished. Only coldness remained.

“Ethan, you’re worried the project will fall through? You’re worried Carter Group will lose money?”

I leaned down slightly and met his drunken gaze.

“Did you ever worry about how your wife might feel seeing her husband trending online with another woman? Whether I might be hurt? Whether it might break my heart?”

He froze. Guilt flickered across his face, but anger quickly replaced it.

“The media is making something out of nothing. Since when did you become so unreasonable, Vivian? You actually believe those posts?”

“Something out of nothing?”

I gave him a cold smile.

“You’re the CEO. She’s your secretary. No matter how well you work together, it’s still a professional relationship. Did you need to be that intimate? Haven’t you spent enough time treating me like a fool these past three years?”

“I’ve spent those three years working those social circles for you. Without me, would you have secured Mr. Lawson’s project, Chairman Walker’s support, or Commissioner Parker’s approval so easily?”

“You enjoy every benefit of my work, then stand in front of everyone and give your secretary all the credit. All the recognition.”

I took a deep breath, forcing down the emotions rising inside me.

“You don’t get to have it both ways, Ethan.”

For a moment, he seemed stunned. Finally, he staggered to his feet, though irritation still edged his voice.

“Vivian, I was wrong tonight. Our PR team will deal with the posts. Once we land Brookhaven, I’ll give you anything you want.”

Anything I wanted. That promise had kept me fooled until now.

I no longer needed it. From now on, I would get what I wanted myself.

“No need, Ethan. I want a divorce.”