Divorced Me, I Accepted My CEO's Proposal

I don't know if this is my last day in this house or just the beginning of a longer suffering. However, one thing was certain, Roderick Langley no longer wanted to see my face in this house, in the house that I once thought could be my refuge.

I winced in pain. My hair was grabbed with a force that knew no mercy. I staggered, my hand reflexively gripping the man's arm-my husband-Roderick Langley. But instead of easing, his grip tightened, as if to remind me that I was nothing more than an unwanted intruder.

"Rick... it hurts... please let go," I whispered weakly, hoping that there was a shred of kindness left in his heart. But all I found was a hateful gaze, something that had been lingering in his eyes for so long whenever he looked at me.

"How many times have I told you, Eva! Get out of this house!" his voice thundered, echoing throughout the room, making the cold marble walls seem to absorb his anger. I could only swallow, holding my body from falling as he pushed me. I almost bumped into the corner of the table, but my steps were quick to balance my body. Even so, the pain on my scalp from his grab still throbbed, as if a reminder of how I never really had a place here.

I shivered with fear, but I smiled anyway. Not out of happiness, but out of hope. The foolish hope I'd been pinning in my heart, the belief that maybe, just maybe, this man who became my husband still cared about me even a little.

I prepared his favorite cake today, something he always liked in the past. I thought, after the death of Sebastian Langley-his father, the only reason this marriage is still standing-he would have mellowed out a bit. But I was wrong. I was too naive.

"My tolerance limit is up, Eva!" Rick looked at me sharply, as if my presence was an insult to him. I didn't dare to look into his eyes for too long, afraid of discovering even deeper hatred.

Rick no longer had any reason to defend me. His father was gone. The man who had been my shield of protection, the only reason I was still in this house, had succumbed to the disease that was eating away at his body. Now, without Sebastian Langley, I was just a burden, a mistake that Rick wanted to erase from his life.

"Maria!" his voice boomed, making me flinch. Maria, the head butler of this house, rushed in, her face filled with anxiety. I could tell that she sympathized with me. I could see it in her sad eyes. However, she was too afraid to defy Rick.

"Y-yes, sir," Maria replied in a trembling voice.

"Clean up this woman's clothes! I don't want to see her wandering around my house again."

I gasped. My heart sank. I looked at Rick with a pleading gaze. "Rick, please. Don't kick me out. I... I have nowhere else to go. I'm guilty, I know. Whatever you want, I'll do. Punish me if it will satisfy you, but don't throw me out."

I reached for her leg, grasping it tightly, hoping she would even slightly consider my plea. However, all I got was a hard kick to my arm, sending me crashing to the floor. I could feel the pain spreading from where he kicked me, but it hurt even more the humiliation he had just inflicted on me.

Rick looked at me with disgust. "Your biggest mistake was coming into my life, Eva. And even more stupidly, you accepted my father's offer five years ago."

I lifted my face, looking at him with tears beginning to blur my vision. Five years ago, I accepted this marriage in the hope that time would make Rick accept my existence. I thought, love could grow between us. I thought that if I was patient enough, if I was kind enough, he would see me as someone who deserved a place in his heart. But now, it all feels like foolishness.

Rick stepped closer, looking at me with a cold gaze that made my blood freeze. "I've been waiting for this moment, Eva. When I can finally divorce you without anyone holding me back. My father is gone. There's nothing standing in my way anymore. And you know what's even better than this? I can finally marry the woman who should have been Mrs. Langley from the start."

I swallowed, my body shaking even more at the sound of her name.

"Isadora Kensington," Rick said the name with pride. "There's only one woman worthy of being Mrs. Langley, and it's not you, Eva. You should have known that from the start."

I felt my world crumble. I had heard her name so many times from the gossip circulating among the socialites. Isadora-the woman who had always been by Rick's side, the woman who had been my shadow, who had always been superior to me in every way. But still, hearing it directly from my husband's mouth made the wound in my heart deepen.

My eyes began to tear up, but I couldn't cry any more. I'd cried over Rick too many times, and I knew it wouldn't change anything. I knew, I had already lost.

"Before my patience runs out, Eva, leave." The grip of his hand on my cheek felt even more pressing. I could feel his rough fingers digging into my skin, but I remained silent. "I don't want to see you in this house again."

I wanted to retort, wanted to ask if I really meant nothing to him during these five years. But I knew the answer. I never meant anything to him. I was just a barrier, a small obstacle that he could now easily remove.

I took a deep breath, trying to gather the remnants of my shattered self-esteem. With a trembling voice, I said, "Give me three days to pack, Rick. Please."

He closed his eyes for a moment, then exhaled harshly. When he looked back at me, his eyes were full of burning anger. His index finger pointed right at my face, making me reflexively move away.

"One day, Eva. I don't want to see you here any longer."

And with that, he walked away, leaving me in painful silence. I remained still on the floor, my body trembling, my heart and soul shattered into pieces. I didn't know where I should go. I didn't know if I could survive after this.

But one thing I knew for sure: I was no longer part of the Langley family.

I walked slowly through the cold and soulless living room, my steps barely making a sound on the shiny marble. The dim light from the chandelier failed to warm the atmosphere. It seemed to reflect my fate-pale, dim, and lonely.

Roderick Langley's gaze still lingered on my back, full of hatred that he could no longer hide. I didn't need to turn my head to know the expression that might be chiseled on his face-his jaw was hardened, his eyes were full of irritation, and his lips were always grinning sarcastically whenever he saw me.

In his eyes, I was misfortune incarnate. Five years of being trapped in a marriage he never even wanted. Five years of me enduring the role of an unwelcome wife, a mere shadow in this house.

If not for Sebastian Langley's last request, I know Roderick would never have stood at the altar with me. He was only doing what his father wanted him to do, and now that the person who bound us was gone, there was no reason for him to pretend.

"Damn it," she hissed, barely audible, but enough to pierce my already fragile core. "Why remember the past at a time like this."

I couldn't tell if she was talking to herself or if she intended for me to hear her. However, I was already used to every painful word from her. I held my breath, trying to muster the remaining courage I still had to step out of this house. The house that was supposed to be a refuge, but to me, was nothing more than a golden cage full of thorns.

"Maria," he called after her.

The Langley family's loyal servant didn't move from her spot. I knew she wanted to run to my aid, but fear of Roderick's wrath kept her at bay.

"Yes, sir," Maria replied obediently.

"Has my mother eaten dinner and taken her medicine?"

"She has, sir."

Roderick nodded slowly. "Never let your eyes off my mother, Maria."

I bowed my head. Of course, Marguerite Langley was the only reason I had survived this far. That woman treated me with genuine affection. In her eyes, I wasn't just a daughter-in-law that her son didn't want. I was the daughter she never had.

"Yes, sir," she replied.

I wanted to say something, wanted to thank Maria for always being by my side, even in silence. But I knew this was not the right time.

Roderick walked away without another word, leaving a slightly more relieved atmosphere for those still in the house. I heard a long exhale from Maria as soon as he stepped away.

I resumed my steps, letting the chill of the night greet my numb body. I knew this was the end. Roderick had fulfilled his promise to the late Sebastian. And now, he could free himself from everything that bound him to me.

I heard the faint sound of the cell phone he was dialing. I knew who he was calling. Gustav Wexford, the family lawyer who had served the Langleys for so long.

"Have you prepared everything, Gustav?" His voice was sharp, without any hesitation.

There was a pause on the other end before Gustav answered. "Are you sure?"

I closed my eyes. I already knew the answer. I knew he wouldn't change his mind.

"Did I ever joke about this business?" Roderick clucked irritably.

"I was just considering your mother's condition, Rick. You know, Madame Marguerite loves your wife very much. I'm worried that she might drop because of sa-"

"I just found out that Gustav Wexford is God incarnate? Who can know someone's future?" she snapped.

I bit my lip. The wound in my heart was gaping. I knew Roderick never wanted me, but hearing it directly still hurt.

"Alright. You really can't be held back on this," Gustav said finally.

I heard the disconnected call. Roderick had decided everything.

I lifted my head, looking up at the star-filled night sky. It was so bright, such a contrast to my broken feelings. The moon was shining brightly, as if looking at me with pity.

In the distance, I saw Roderick standing beside his black Lexus car. He was also looking up at the sky with a faint smile on his lips. A smile that somehow made my chest tighten even more.

"I wish you knew how torturous it is to be me, Gustav. You would never say this."

I squeezed my fingers, holding back the trembling that began to creep up. He wasn't the only one tormented in this marriage. I was too. But I chose to endure. I chose to love without expecting anything in return. And perhaps, that was my greatest folly.

***

I repeatedly wiped away the tears that never stopped flowing. The tightness in my chest was growing, but I couldn't do anything but try to calm myself down. Two large suitcases were leaning against the side of the bed, ready to be filled with clothes and belongings that still belonged to me. Since entering this white room, I didn't know what to do.

"I should have made something special for you tonight, Rick," I whispered softly as I wiped away the tears that continued to fall mercilessly. "Isn't there a little bit of you left for me, after these two years?"

My vision was blurry, but I kept my eyes fixed on one spot in the room. My gaze fell on the portrait mounted majestically on the wall. I approached, even though every step I took felt more and more pressure on my chest. It hurt like hell.

"You're so stupid, Eva," I muttered under my breath. I was now standing right in front of our wedding portrait. I saw myself smiling happily, with so much hope stored there. Rick's smile, which was once so charming and ensnared me in a pseudo-love full of pain, now looked different in my eyes. I realized that the smile was fake. As fake as his sweet demeanor that only appeared when we were in the presence of my father-in-law. The rest of the time?

I was bombarded with insults and accusations that even I couldn't understand, how could Rick say those things to me? How naive I was, thinking that Rick loved me. How foolish I was to believe my father-in-law's wishes after our wedding was over.

"I hope my recovery comes soon, Eva," Sebastian Langley said back then. The wheelchair-bound middle-aged man, Rick's father and my father-in-law, was radiating happiness that could not be hidden. The Langley family doctor couldn't even believe what they were seeing; Sebastian looked healthy and in good shape ahead of his son's wedding.

"I'm sure Papa will get better soon," I said sincerely. I had always believed that Sebastian was a gentle and warm-hearted man. Even my mother-in-law, Marguerite Langley, was always by his side. Mami Rita's warm smile never faded. She even said that she was very lucky to have me as a daughter-in-law.

"You are right. Papa must get well. Don't lose to illness. Right, dear?"

Mami Rita smiled broadly. "I'm sure you'll get better soon. Doctor Phillip has already scheduled your surgery."

"You guys don't talk about sad things," Rick interrupted with a contrived look. "We just finished a happy event. What if we just enjoy this happiness? I believe that the effect of this wedding can make Papa gradually improve."

He rubbed my shoulder lightly, then gave the side of my head a brief kiss. "Are you happy, dear?"

I blushed. My blush grew redder as he invited me to dance in the hall.

"Papa is always praying for your happiness. Papa will also try to get well soon. Can't wait to see you Langley Junior."

We all laughed in response to Sebastian's words.

"Be patient, Papa. I'll make Langley Junior come soon in Eva's belly. You're ready, aren't you, darling?" Rick laughed, as if his words really signified the happiness he felt. Unfortunately... it was all a lie.

"Sit down," he said as we entered the bridal suite that the hotel had reserved for us; the supposedly happy bride and groom.

"Rick?" I stared at him in surprise, seeing the change of expression on the face of the man who had just a few hours ago become my husband.

"I said sit down!"

I squinted. His voice rose, making my heart race faster than usual. "Okay," I said softly. With difficulty, I dragged the wedding dress that was quite long in the tail.

"Don't you ever think this marriage will end happily, Eva. You need to realize one thing."

Rick moved closer, and I didn't count on his arrival. Not because of his figure, but his intimidation. Also his grip on my face that was still covered in make-up. I winced in pain from the firm pressure of his fingers on my cheek.

"Don't ever expect anything from me. This marriage is only to please my father."

Then... on my first night as a bride, I was left for dead. With many questions and a wound in my heart that grew deeper by the day.

I rubbed the tip of my wet nose. I gently patted my cheeks, hoping that the beginning of this pain would no longer come to mind. My breathing began to regulate. My tears were no longer falling.

"Without you needing to ask, I also intend to leave. But unfortunately... I can't bear to leave Mami Rita."

I looked up, staring at the ceiling of this room. "I thought a lot before leaving this house, but no one seemed to think about how I felt."

I laughed sadly. "It's bad luck that I met you, Rick."

I stood right in front of the golden-handled door. The polished wood was beautifully carved, exuding a luxury that seemed to synergize with the other furniture around it. It was a symbol of splendor that belonged only to the Langley family-my husband's family.

Who doesn't know the name Langley? A renowned furniture company that has dominated the world market with its products that are always sold out within hours of launch. Under Roderick Langley's leadership, the business has grown exponentially, reaching into new sectors despite the passing of its patriarch, Sebastian Langley.

Sebastian lost his long battle with illness. The best doctors had been brought in to treat him, but fate would have it differently. In the seconds before a rescheduled surgery due to his deteriorating condition, his life was taken. Since then, the Langley family has been in mourning. However, for me, it was the beginning of a much more painful hell.

I, Evangeline Rutherford, was the wife of Roderick Langley. The marriage that started out full of promise and hope turned sour after the passing of my father-in-law. Rick, my husband, began to openly humiliate me. He picked up another woman, bringing her to this house, where I still live. Shamelessly, he made out with her intimately as if I were just a lifeless ornament in this magnificent palace.

"Did you bring her back?" I asked one day. I had just finished my meal. The aroma of honey-soaked roast chicken filled the spacious and luxurious kitchen. In the past, every dish of mine was always praised. My father-in-law and even Rick himself-in Sebastian's presence-enjoyed every dish I served.

However, this time, Rick didn't even turn his head. He only cast a fleeting glance at the plate I was carrying.

"None of your business," he replied coldly.

This chest felt tight. However, I tried to stand up straight, holding back the emotions that were about to explode in my heart. I wanted to scream, wanted to ask her to stop being like this. However, I knew it wouldn't do any good.

"Maria!" called Rick to the butler who had been standing not far from us.

Maria rushed over, her face tense. I could tell that she felt the tension created between us.

"From this moment on, I don't want to smell this woman's cooking anymore," she said, her voice sounding so cold and piercing.

My heart seemed to stop beating. "What do you mean, Rick?" I asked in a trembling voice. "Is my cooking not good? What part is missing? Or is there something on the menu you'd like to eat?" I tried to find a way to understand the reason behind his increasingly outrageous behavior.

"Shut up!" he snapped suddenly.

I shuddered. My grip on the plate of grilled chicken tightened. In an instant, the already tense atmosphere turned even more tense.

Rick looked at me with sharp, hateful eyes. "Since when do I ever want to eat your cooking, Eva?" he said, full of contempt. "You're enjoying being the favorite son-in-law too much, aren't you?"

I didn't understand what had made him change like this. In the past, Rick was a warm man in his father's presence. Although not always romantic, at least he never treated me this cruelly. However, after Sebastian's departure, his attitude seemed to change one hundred and eighty degrees. I was no longer someone precious in his eyes.

"Bury your dreams like they buried Papa's coffin," he continued, in a mocking tone.

My heart broke. I couldn't believe the words that had just come out of his mouth. "We all mourn Papa's passing," I said softly, trying to hold back the sobs that were starting to fill my chest. "But you shouldn't have said something like that to me, Rick."

Rick stepped closer, making me spontaneously step back. There was something in the look in his eyes that made fear creep through my body. My emerald green eyes caught his cold, domineering expression.

My back was now against the kitchen wall. I was trapped.

"Aren't you the beneficiary?" Rick laughed sarcastically. "Do you know what Papa wrote in his will?"

I blinked, trying to understand where he was going with this.

"I..." this voice came out trembling, "I don't know, Rick."

However, I could feel a bad feeling running through my veins. Rick's gaze was not only full of hatred, but also such deep disappointment. It was as if I was a thorn in the flesh standing in his way.

I held my breath, waiting for the next blow that would probably hurt more than all the insults he had thrown at me.

In my heart, I wondered-how could someone who once promised to love me turn into a monster who couldn't even hide his hatred anymore?

The man grinned faintly. His face, which was no longer adorned with a smile or happiness when he was with me, further showed his obvious hatred for me, his wife. "Most of the shares of DnA Property went to you. I don't know if this is bad luck or good luck for you, Eva." Rick was getting closer.

Even his breath brushed my face mercilessly, sending chills down my spine. But Rick never seemed to care about how I felt.

"You get a sizable dividend from DnA Property's profits without having to contribute anything," Rick chuckled. "I can't figure out how Papa could do this to me."

The plate with the roasted chicken was rudely pushed aside. It hit the marble floor and created a noise. I closed my eyes tightly, trying to stand upright before Rick even though my body was shaking violently.

"You're just an outsider who suddenly came into this family, Eva. Taking away my freedom and now, making a fortune without working." Rick laughed loudly, his tone full of contempt. "Maybe for you it's luck, but calm down..." He reached out, touching my cheek with a gesture that seemed gentle, but made me even more frightened.

"I'll make sure what you get, I get back."

My heart raced. I swallowed, trying to muster what courage I had left. "I never intended to do a deed of inheritance which, if it really has my name on it, I'm really not interested in."

Rick laughed even harder. "You think I'm gullible, Eva?"

I braced myself, looking at him with a look of determination in my eyes. "There was never the slightest intention of getting rich off this family, Rick, if that's what you want to hear from me. You can look into the two years I've lived here. Have I ever enjoyed all the facilities you've given me on a whim?"

Rick was still looking at me with a doubtful look in his eyes. However, I no longer cared. All I wanted was to get out of this hell.

"I just want to know one thing; did you bring her again?"

The man smirked. "None of your business." Then he walked away. I breathed a sigh of relief, taking this opportunity to breathe in as much air as possible. But before Rick could leave the kitchen area, he said, "I take it you're a selfish woman for not wanting Papa's inheritance. Tomorrow a lawyer will come to take care of the transfer of your shares."

My hands were clenched tightly.

"You shouldn't mind, right?"

The memory made me take a deep breath. Since the beginning, my arrival to this house was not a happy one. Ah... happy, but false. It only lasted a few hours after our wedding. But I'm not someone who likes to wallow in regret. As long as Rick didn't hit me, didn't physically hurt me except for the grip on my face, let me stay near Rita, and helped me take care of Tian as a form of gratitude, I could survive.

But today, everything had to end. Rick no longer allows me to be here.

"Madam," someone called out, making me turn my head. A smile appeared on my face as soon as I saw who was approaching.

"Mrs. Rita is asleep. The dinner she made was all eaten. She said that Madame's cooking is at the level of a luxury hotel."

This chest felt warm. "Thank goodness."

"Madam... are you going to take Mr. Rick at his word this time?" Maria asked cautiously.

I no longer insisted. I had no holds barred, and I realized that Rick never wanted me in the first place. I was a nightmare for him.

"Yes, Maria. I have prepared everything. But please, promise me one thing."

Maria couldn't hold back her tears. To her, Eva was like a light that brought this big house to life. Her presence brought such a warm aura. The way she behaved, the way she spoke, and the attention she always gave to all the residents of this house, reminded Maria of the original owner; Marguerite Langley.

Gentle and full of sincere love.

Unfortunately, Rick could never feel that.

"Every encounter has an end, Maria." I rubbed the middle-aged woman's cheeks which were now wet with tears. "My status is the heart of this house, but I was never near the heart of the owner." I smiled sadly. "So, what else is holding me back?"

My gaze returned to the door. I could feel my own heartbeat getting heavier. My breathing was shaky, but I had to keep going.

"Take good care of Mami Rita. Tell her I'm going on vacation with Rick somewhere far away. Don't ever say anything about the truth. Rick, Mummy Rita's favorite son. Always perfect and will continue to be perfect. I am the stain that ruined Rick's life."