Chapter 5 5

"Are you sure you want a divorce?"

Vanessa stared at the divorce papers handed to her, and her joy extinguished as if doused by a bucket of ice-cold water.

"Yes, she's coming back."

Today marked her third wedding anniversary with Richard. She had excitedly prepared a lavish meal to celebrate, only to be greeted by these divorce papers.

What an 'unexpected' surprise!

"If there's something you're unhappy with, let me know," Richard said, looking down at her like a ruthless businessman negotiating a deal.

Vanessa skimmed through the document. The compensation was generous-prime commercial property, a villa in the city, and an additional fifty million dollars. All told, the assets were worth at least a hundred million, ensuring a lifetime of comfort.

After three years of a loveless, sexless marriage and getting a hundred-million-dollar payout, what was there to complain about by any rational measure?

But she hadn't married Richard for the money.

After a long silence, Richard lit a cigarette and held it between his thin lips. He took a deep drag and narrowed his eyes before speaking again, "Bring up any dissatisfaction you have."

Vanessa looked up into his cold eyes and asked softly, "In these three years, was there ever a moment when your heart stirred for me?"

"No."

His answer was succinct, without a shred of hesitation, extinguishing the last glimmer of hope in her heart. It felt like her heart had been crushed under a dull blade, the pain dull and persistent.

"I see."

Her lashes fluttered, concealing the moistness in her eyes. But it was fleeting before her face resumed its gentle, tranquil smile.

"I made your favorite dishes. Will you join me for one last dinner?"

Richard frowned without responding.

Blinking back tears, Vanessa served Richard his food.

Just then, Richard received a phone call.

"Richard, it hurts so much. Can you come to the hospital to be with me, please?"

A soft female voice came through the phone. Vanessa was near enough to hear everything clearly. Her fingers curled up tightly.

"Alright, be good, and I'll come over now. Let me know what you want to eat, and I'll bring it for you."

The tenderness in his voice was something she had never heard before. Vanessa's expression dimmed. This must be the difference between love and not!

Seeing him about to leave, she quickly grabbed his sleeve, a hint of desperation in her voice, "Will you stay and finish dinner with me before you go?"

"Don't be unreasonable," Richard said, coldly brushing her hand away and exiting without a backward glance.

Unable to hold back, Vanessa covered her aching heart, and hot tears rolled down her cheeks.

Richard approached her three years ago, asking her to marry him. Having secretly admired him, she had agreed without hesitation.

After marriage, she became a full-time housewife, tending to him. Even though Richard didn't touch her, his presence was enough to make her happy.

Half a month ago, his father passed away. After helping Richard handle the funeral arrangements, Vanessa noticed him coming home less and less until tonight when he asked for a divorce - because his sweetheart, Charlie Cattrall, had returned to the country.

She sat numbly in the living room until her body stiffened with cold before finally getting up to throw the cooled food into the trash and her shattered heart.

After a shower, she lay in bed in a room that still smelled of Richard's cologne, sleep eluding her.

"Ding-"

Her phone chimed, breaking the quiet night.

Expecting it to be Richard, she saw a text from an unfamiliar number containing some photos. Richard was nestled against Charlie's shoulder, eyes closed, looking utterly sweet.

"Richard loves me. Pestering him is meaningless and will only humiliate you."

Holding her phone, Vanessa looked at the intimate, loving photos, her heart aching intensely. As dawn broke, Richard's assistant, Will, walked in with the divorce papers. Looking at the weary, pale woman, he finally spoke.

"The boss wants you to sign this. Any requests you have can be met."

Vanessa was silent for a long time before taking the offered pen and signing her name. She didn't want any of Richard's compensation. She hadn't married him for money in the first place.

Will looked surprised. "Ma'am, you don't want anything?"

"No."

She took only a few sets of clothes, leaving the home she had lived in for three years.

She had entered this marriage full of joy and left all alone.

Stepping out, she felt an empty void in her heart, a lack of belonging. But life must go on.

Richard didn't love her, and pestering wasn't her style. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Bernard, I'm divorced."

Bernard arrived quickly, his car stopping beside her and kicking up a cloud of dust.

"Wise ones don't fall in love. Divorce is a prudent move."

"Less nonsense, start driving."She took out her phone, hacked into the surveillance system, and erased all records of her whereabouts.

With no lingering attachment, she took one final look at the place she had lived for three years before leaving for good.