Chapter 3 Divorce me

Isabella~

"What are you saying, Dad?" Xavier's frustrated voice echoed through the silent party hall following Mr. Thompson's shocking announcement.

I still couldn't believe it. There had to be a mistake. How could he choose me as his firm's new heir? I'm not qualified-I'm not even worthy to be a lawyer's assistant.

"Dad, how can Bella-" Victor's voice broke through the confusion, his shock mirroring the one I felt.

"You all heard me," Mr. Thompson said, his voice firm, cutting through the whispers that started spreading through the crowd. "Isabella Thompson, my daughter-in-law, is the new successor to my legal practice."

My blood froze as his words sunk in. It wasn't a dream. The whispers grew louder. People's gazes landed on me-questioning, doubting, almost judging. I could feel their stares like I was a cheap cloth draped across a rich carpet.

Grayson and Dixie exchanged glances of disapproval, and Victor looked utterly stunned, still trying to process what his father had said.

I didn't dare look at Xavier. I knew what his eyes would hold-betrayal, disappointment, and fury. This firm was his dream; it was his right. I'd never even wanted it.

After our marriage, I never focused on the family business, instead pouring everything into trying to win Xavier's heart. I had dreamed of becoming a lawyer once and admired Mr. Thompson deeply, but everything changed when my father passed away.

I dropped out of college, working part-time jobs just to support Alicia's education, drowning in debt.

Little did I know I had been nurturing a serpent that would one day turn and strike me.

My gaze drifted toward Alicia. Her eyes blazed with an intensity I hadn't seen before-pure hatred and rage.

"Dad, stop joking." Xavier tried to remain composed in front of the guests, but his red face and clenched fists betrayed him. "We can not handle this joke anymore."

"Xavier, I'm not joking," Mr. Thompson replied, his voice carrying the weight of finality. "Isabella is the new heir to the Thompson law firm. That's my final decision."

"This isn't feasible," Xavier nearly spat, his words coming fast and his tone sharp. "A law firm isn't some restaurant or boutique-this is a damn legal office. How can you name a college dropout as CEO? When people find out that the company's CEO is an illiterate woman, who will trust us with their cases?"

His words burned like molten metal, even though I knew, deep down, I wasn't worthy of this position. But how could he insult me so publicly? I hadn't asked for this. How could he treat me this way when I was still his wife?

"Xavier, I chose her after much thought." Dad's voice softened, trying to calm the situation. "She has talent, and with your help, I know she will learn how to manage the firm."

"Wife? Support? Deserving?" Xavier laughed bitterly. "What are you talking about, Dad? I never considered her to be my wife. The only reason I married this low-class, illiterate woman was so you wouldn't disqualify me as the company's heir."

I stood there, frozen, my gaze fixed on the floor. Each of his words cut through me like a blade, but they didn't sting as deeply as they would have before. I had already seen his deception. I knew the truth.

"What are you saying, Xavier?" Mr. Thompson, Grayson, Dixie, and Victor all stared at him in shock.

Xavier's voice lowered, but the bitterness in his tone only sharpened. "I fell in love with Alicia, not Isabella. She's the one who meets my standards. She's the perfect partner for me, not some cheap woman who's nothing but a burden." He cast his eyes toward me, filled with nothing but hatred.

I closed my eyes, trying to stop the tears from falling, but it was no use. They now flowed freely, unchecked. How had I ever believed he might love me?

"But I never promised you the firm, Xavier," Mr. Thompson said, his voice steady despite his shock. "I never told you that you would inherit it."

Xavier's fury intensified. "Then who else deserves it, if not me? Do you think Grayson's wife, Dixie, is more capable than me? Or that Grayson himself has more potential? Or maybe you think Victor, who's too busy with his guitar to even care about the law, is the right choice?"

His pride was palpable, every word dripping with arrogance. He stood just behind Mr. Thompson, who had once been the most successful lawyer in the country.

"But you insult me by offering a position to this low-standard, uneducated woman who couldn't even pass the law entrance exam."

His words struck hard, deeper than I expected. My vision blurred with tears, but anger began to rise from the pit of my stomach. I couldn't let him humiliate me like this. I wouldn't allow it.

"Xavier, that's enough," I said, my voice quiet but firm. I wiped away the tears from my face and confronted him. "You've insulted me enough for one night. You've made your feelings clear. But don't think I'll let you continue to tear me down."

His eyes narrowed, and a cruel smile formed on his lips. "What is this, Bella? A show of greatness? Do you think you can act noble by handing me the firm, pretending you're above it all? Do you believe I don't know what you're doing? You've been manipulating my father from day one, crying your way into his favor. Everyone may fall for your fake sweetness, but I don't."

He grabbed the cake and smashed it in his fist before shoving it against my mouth, his eyes blazing with hatred. "You married me to live the life you never could in your father's poor house. You're nothing but a gold digger. Enjoy your success, Bella."

The room fell into a shocked silence. I hadn't expected him to react like this-not in front of the guests, not in front of his family. His every word dripped with venom, but I hadn't realized just how deeply he despised me.

"Brother, that's enough," Victor intervened, stepping forward. "You've created enough drama for tonight. Let's end this."

Xavier shoved him away, his anger unchecked. Victor stumbled, falling to the floor under the force of Xavier's push.

"Don't defend her!" Xavier's eyes were wild, his voice rising again. "You think I don't know what's going on between you two? Even though she's my wife, she spends all her time with you! I know this isn't just her plan-it's your plan, Victor. You're plotting with her against me."

His accusation hung in the air, his hatred shifting to Victor, his fists clenching as if ready for a fight.

"Xavier Thompson," I finally spoke, my voice cutting through the tension. "If you want this company, then you'll have to divorce me first. I don't want any part of it."

I grabbed the firm's papers and threw them in his face. "File for an immediate divorce. You can have the firm. I want none of it."