His Unwanted Wife, The World's Coveted Genius

In the evening, heavy rain poured over Owathe as Belinda Wright made her way to Dream Club, soaked through but somehow keeping the cake she held untouched by the downpour.

Upon reaching the private room's entrance, Belinda nudged the door open.

"Verena, throughout the three years you vanished, not once did Lucas cease his search for you. And now, you are finally back!"

Hearing that from inside the room, Belinda froze mid-step.

Verena?

The same Verena Reed who used to be Lucas Clark's girlfriend?

"But hasn't Lucas already gotten married?" queried a soft female voice.

"Ah, Verena, there's no need to concern yourself with that woman Lucas married. Lucas was coerced into that marriage by his father, who threatened to kill you if Lucas didn't get married. Lucas married that woman only to protect you."

"Really?" Verena's doubt was evident.

"Absolutely! Why else would Lucas choose someone like Belinda? She is so unappealing and overweight. Besides, she is an illegitimate daughter. Marrying her was Lucas's attempt to annoy his father, to get back at him!"

Outside the private room, Belinda felt cold; her complexion drained of color.

Recalling the night when Lucas had proposed, she remembered her heart had soared. She had been blissfully unaware of the harsh truth. She had believed herself incredibly fortunate, not realizing she was merely a pawn in a revenge plot. It turned out Lucas had only married her because she was ugly and fat.

Belinda couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh, her body wavering slightly.

She clenched the door handle to steady herself.

"Speaking of Belinda, it has been five hours since she left; it's doubtful she will ever show up. Delight Desserts is way out in the eastern suburbs, and just getting there and back takes more than three hours. Besides, that place is notorious for its long queues. Surely, Belinda isn't foolish enough to go there."

"If Lucas requested it, Belinda would go there even if Delight Desserts were in another city. Everyone knows how deeply she loves Lucas. She is so pathetic."

Upon absorbing these scornful remarks, Belinda inhaled deeply, put on a stoic expression, and thrust the door to the private room open, making her entrance.

Her gaze quickly settled on the figure of confidence and charm at the center of the room.

Lucas was sitting there on the sofa with his legs elegantly crossed, embodying a casual yet graceful air.

His visage was stunningly attractive, with every feature exquisitely sculpted.

This man was Belinda's husband, the esteemed leader of the Triumph Consortium.

A hush descended upon the room momentarily when everyone saw Belinda enter.

Shortly thereafter, a voice laced with mockery pierced the silence. "Verena, ever wonder what Lucas' wife looks like? Take a look at her now."

At that moment, Belinda's appearance was disheveled. Rain-soaked clothes clung to her, accentuating her large frame. Strands of hair plastered to her damp face highlighted a noticeable dark mark on her left cheek.

Ignoring the disdainful eyes upon her, Belinda approached Lucas, setting the cake on the coffee table with a strained smile. "Lucas, I've brought the mousse cake you requested."

Without even glancing at Belinda, Lucas slid the cake towards Verena, saying in a charming voice, "Here, you can have it now."

Verena responded with a bashful smile, "I just mentioned it casually. I did not expect you would actually ask her to buy it."

A jolt of realization struck Belinda, her eyes widening in shock.

She felt like her heart had been stabbed by a knife.

The cake she had spent nearly five hours to get... It was meant for Verena?

"Verena, you see how deeply Lucas cares about you now, don't you? He would fetch the moon for you if you desired it."

"That's right! Go ahead and eat the cake. After all, Belinda just spent five hours to get this. Don't let her efforts go to waste!"

At that, Belinda's fists tightened at her sides. She felt like the biggest fool in the world now.

Just then, Lucas rose and strode towards Belinda, meeting her gaze with an expressionless face.

In a cold voice, he said, "The divorce papers are on the coffee table at home. Sign them when you go back."

"Divorce papers?" The color drained from Belinda's face as she stared at Lucas, her lips quivering.

Lucas' expression was indifferent. "I married you only to appease my father and to keep Verena out of harm's way. Now that she has returned, I can ensure her safety."

Belinda understood the implication behind his words.

Their marriage had merely been a strategic move. With his objective already fulfilled, Lucas now saw no further use for her, a wife who only brought him embarrassment.

Thinking of this, Belinda suddenly smiled. But her smile was tinged with resignation and bitter irony.

She looked up at Lucas, her eyes filled with sorrow yet clinging to a sliver of hope. "Lucas, in all our years together, was I nothing more than just a convenient tool for you?"

Laughter broke out around Belinda, scornful and sharp. "Is Belinda delusional? Does she truly expect Lucas could have any affection for her?"

"Can't she see herself? She is so ugly!"

Ignoring the cruel insults, Belinda maintained her gaze on Lucas. Her determination for an answer was evident.

With a cold voice, Lucas said, "Yes."

Tears immediately welled in Belinda's eyes.

At that moment, it felt as though her heart had been ripped out, thrown to the floor, and mercilessly crushed.

The pain overwhelmed her.

A hollow chuckle escaped Belinda, laden with despair. "I see," she said.

She nodded slowly, accepting her fate. "I'll sign the divorce papers when I get home."

"See you tomorrow at ten at the courthouse," Lucas said coldly. He then turned and sat back on the sofa.

Belinda's steps were heavy as she moved toward the door to leave.

Just then, Verena's soft voice echoed. "Lucas, I'm too full. Can I discard this cake?"

Hearing that, Belinda froze.

"Of course," Lucas replied.

Hearing Lucas' response, Belinda shut her eyes, letting her tears mix with the raindrops on her face.

She left the room quickly, making her way back to Reverie Villa, the home she had shared with Lucas.

On the coffee table awaited the divorce papers, just as Lucas had mentioned.

Belinda scanned the documents and noted the settlement terms. After she divorced Lucas, she would get three hundred million dollars and two luxurious houses.

Despite having used her, Lucas had ensured she wouldn't walk away empty-handed.

Three years of marriage now equated to three hundred million and two properties-wasn't that a form of profit?

With a bitter smile, Belinda signed the divorce papers.

Just then, a tear splashed onto the document; she hurriedly dabbed at it and looked up, trying to hold back any further tears.

At that moment, her phone buzzed with a new message.

It was from her mentor.

"Belinda, have you decided yet? Don't pass up this chance to study abroad-it's an incredible opportunity. You'll regret missing out!"

Belinda looked at the message, her resolve strengthening as she replied, "I've decided. I will go abroad to study."

For weeks, Belinda had been uncertain about accepting the offer to study abroad.

Now, clarity had come.

She would seize this opportunity.

It was time for her to begin anew. She wanted a new life that was truly her own.

After responding, she slipped her phone into her pocket and began to pack.

Though the previous day's rain had left her feverish, she forced herself, fever and all, to the courthouse by ten the following morning.

However, even after the clock ticked past eleven, Lucas still hadn't shown up.

Belinda decided to call Lucas.

Verena's voice greeted her as soon as the call connected. "Lucas, can you help me here..."

Then, Lucas' voice came through. "I'm tied up now. We'll reschedule the courthouse visit."

With that, he ended the call abruptly.

Belinda stared at her phone as the call disconnected. A knot formed in her throat.

With a heavy heart, she composed a final text to Lucas. Then, she removed her SIM card and discarded it in the nearest bin.

She pocketed her phone and walked away without a backward glance.

Today was not just any day-it was her departure day for Chixdon.

Belinda made a vow to herself that once overseas, she would erase all memories of Lucas from her mind!

Three years had elapsed, and the ambiance at the Thomas family estate in Owathe was alive with excitement.

In the grand banquet hall, laughter and conversations mingled with the thick fragrance of perfumes.

The Thomas family, which was among the top four influential families in Owathe, wielded considerable power.

This evening, they celebrated the return of their family head's goddaughter from overseas with a lavish banquet.

The city's elite had turned out in full force for the occasion.

"Lucas, isn't it true that Belinda returned today as well?" Ryan Adams queried from a corner of the room.

Hearing the question, Lucas paused for a moment, his fingers tightening around his wine glass. After a brief pause, he responded with a nod to confirm the news after savoring a sip of wine.

Clad in a sharp dark blue suit, Lucas exuded an air of meticulous sophistication.

"It's about time!" Ryan said, turning to look at Verena, who stood next to Lucas. "That woman Lucas married should have been gone from his life long ago. Congratulations, Verena. It must be only a matter of time before you become Mrs. Clark."

Verena responded with a slight smile, her voice gentle, "Being close to Lucas is what matters to me, not the title of his wife."

Despite her words, her intent gaze on Lucas spoke volumes of her true feelings, her expectation to marry Lucas evident to all observers.

Lucas averted his eyes, his finger idly tapping his glass, remaining silent.

Catching Verena's hopeful look, Ryan said, "Lucas clearly adores you, Verena. Once he is free from Belinda, he'll no doubt make you his wife right away. Right, Lucas?"

Lucas remained unresponsive, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.

Verena's lips parted as she was about to speak, but the room's attention was suddenly drawn elsewhere by a stir at the entrance.

All heads turned as the sound of clicking heels resonated across the marble floor, echoing with the heartbeat of the crowd.

A striking figure in a fiery red gown appeared. The gown had a deep V-neck and shimmering sequins, the fishtail hem dancing as the woman walked.

Her presence was undeniably magnetic, her figure perfect. Her refined features were framed by bright eyes, their charm enhanced by dark eyeliner. Her beauty was not just seen but felt, leaving everyone present stunned.

"Oh my God! Who is that woman? I can't believe someone so captivating has been here in Owathe all along! Why haven't I seen her before?" Ryan couldn't hide his astonishment.

"Indeed, she is quite striking," Verena commented with a smile.

Lucas slowly raised his eyes to look at the woman, and his eyes sharply narrowed at the sight.

"I like her! I'll get her number right now. Just wait for my good news!" Ryan quickly said, heading towards the woman with determined steps.

Approaching the woman, Ryan offered a smile he believed to be his most charming one. "Hello, beautiful! I'm Ryan Adams, son of the Adams Group's chairman. Would you allow me the pleasure of your acquaintance?"

Belinda looked at Ryan, a subtle smile playing on her lips.

Previously, among Lucas' circle, Ryan had been particularly harsh to her, always hurling insults her way.

He had called her many foul names before, never considering her feelings at all.

But now, here he was, standing before her, clearly captivated by her beauty.

The sweet irony of it all made Belinda feel amused.

Seeing Belinda's charming smile, Ryan was momentarily spellbound. He cleared his throat and said, "Could I possibly have the pleasure of knowing your name?"

As Belinda opened her mouth, about to speak, a deep voice interrupted her, saying, "Belinie..."