Mr. President's Lost Wife

"I want a divorce."

Alice froze. Her eyes twitched as she digested those words. Edmund had just come home from work. Shouldn't he say hello?

"Sorry, Ed. What did you say?" Alice let out a laugh. Her right hand rose to the side of her ear. "There must be something wrong with my hearing."

"I want a divorce," Edmund said firmly. Tears were visible in his eyes.

Alice's head tilted back. Her eyes flickered with incomprehension.

She was actually keeping a sweet surprise in a box behind her back-the two stripes they had been waiting for for a long time. But her husband asked her to divorce?

After a moment of silence, a small laugh escaped her mouth again. "Your joke is ridiculous, Ed."

"I'm serious. I don't want to continue this marriage." His voice was hoarse and full of pressure.

Her expression became flat again. She knew that tone. Edmund wasn't joking.

"W-why? Aren't we fine?" Alice tried to smile but failed. The wrinkles on her face were even more visible.

"You ask why?"

Edmund snorted in annoyance, looking away. His hands were clenched tightly.

"You know what I hate the most? Being disappointed. I thought you would never disappoint me. But it turns out? I have wasted my life on you."

"Is it about the child's problem?" Alice stepped forward, reaching for his sleeve.

However, Edmund stepped back and slapped her hand away. His sharp gaze now pierced her heart cruelly.

"Three years, Alice. I thought you were serious about our marriage. Apparently not?" he shook his head faintly.

"If I knew it would turn out like this, I shouldn't have stopped you when you were about to jump on the bridge. Just let you drift in the river as a stranger I didn't know. That way, I wouldn't have to say those promises. I would never fall in love with you, and I wouldn't feel so much pain."

"Wait, Ed. I really don't understand. Are you disappointed that I haven't given you a child? But why so sudden? You said we could fight for it together."

Suddenly, Edmund raised his index finger in front of her face. "Enough, Alice. There's nothing more we need to discuss. I don't want to deal with you anymore. Now, sign the papers. Giselle!"

A girl dressed in office style stepped in. Her head was bowed, her hand holding a folder.

Alice looked at her in disbelief. "Giselle, do you support Ed divorcing me?"

The secretary did not answer. Her neck bent deeper.

Before Edmund received the folder from Giselle, Alice quickly grabbed his hand. "Ed, listen to me. If this is a child's problem, you don't need to worry. I-"

"Servants! Pack all her things! I want her to leave this house immediately."

Alice gaped in disbelief. Her throat grew dry. Before feelings eroded logic, she showed the box she had prepared to Edmund.

"Ed, do you see this? Open it! Check what's inside. You'll definitely change your mind."

Edmund looked up, trying to catch his breath. His eyes closed, trying to maintain patience.

Unfortunately, Alice kept forcing him to accept the box. As his emotions became unbearable, his hand flew to the box.

"Stop persuading me! I won't change my mind. My decision is final. I want to separate!"

Alice gaped as the surprise box landed on the floor. Her breath hitched, her confusion grew thicker. It was like her heart were also in the box, slammed and crushed.

"Ed?" A single tear rolled down her cheek. "What's wrong with you? Don't you love me? Why did you change? Do you know what's in there?"

Edmund looked away. "Stop mentioning love. You don't deserve it."

Alice's eyebrows furrowed. "Why? What did I do wrong?"

Since Edmund refused to answer, Alice turned to her best friend.

"Giselle? What did I do wrong? What made Ed so disappointed and angry?"

"You dare ask what you did wrong?"

A booming voice suddenly came from the door. Seeing her mother-in-law, Alice's chest became tighter.

"What do you mean, Mom?"

Elizabeth stopped in front of Alice. A second later, the sound of a slap echoed.

"Don't call me Mom with that dirty mouth of yours. It disgusts me!"

Alice held her cheek with a broken heart. Her mouth was agape, still not believing what was happening. Her body trembled from the old wounds that had peeled off.

"Did you forget? I never liked you from the start. I let you two get married because Ed kept asking for my blessing. But it turns out, my judgment wasn't wrong. You are indeed not worthy of my son! Sign this letter and get out of here right now!"

Elizabeth snatched the folder from Gisele then threw it at Alice.

Alice shook her head faintly. Her hands trembled violently as her eyes read the first line of the letter.

"No. I will never sign this letter. I really love Ed. I can't live without him. Besides, what did I do wrong? This morning we were still fine. Even this afternoon, Ed still called me, thanking me for the lunch I prepared for him."

Alice glanced at Edmund. However, her husband was reluctant to see her.

"Ed, can you explain what is going on? Why are you suddenly like this? Have you forgotten all your promises? Our promises? If I did something wrong, we can discuss it carefully. Ed?"

Alice was about to step forward, but her mother-in-law blocked her.

"Save your charade. Quickly sign it and go away!"

Once again, Alice shook her head. She turned to Giselle and the servants who were peeking from the next room. But they were all silent. No one dared to defend her.

"Gosh! Why are you so stupid? Can't you understand the order?" Elizabeth grabbed Alice's hand roughly, forcing her to grip the pen. "Giselle, help me hold the letter."

The secretary had no choice other than carrying out order. Seeing her hand drawn towards the letter, Alice rebelled.

"No! Mom, wait. What did I do wrong?"

Having difficulty, Elizabeth glanced at her son. "Edmund, why are you still? Hurry and help me!"

Edmund closed his eyes for a moment. Thousands of needles felt like piercing his heart. When he opened his eyes again, he reluctantly held Alice from behind.

"No! Ed? Please ... I don't want us to divorce. Mom?"

Holding back a smile, Elizabeth moved the pen in her daughter-in-law's hand. Alice's tears intensified when she saw the scratches she had made. Meanwhile, Edmund looked down with his eyes closed. His own heart was confused, his mind was a mess.

Edmund never expected it would happen in his marriage, that he would break his promise. No-it was Alice who broke their promise. That's what he believed.

After a few moments, Elizabeth closed the folder, gesturing for Giselle to put it out of Alice's reach.

"No need to wait for the trial. Starting from now, you are no longer my daughter-in-law. You are no longer Edmund Hills' wife, and you have no right to set foot in this house."

"But I-"

"No buts. Now get out of here! Edmund, throw your ex-wife out!"

Edmund took a deep breath. His hands seemed reluctant to let go of the grip. Alice realized that. She looked back, furrowing her brows in anticipation of an opportunity.

"Ed, please. I don't want to be separated from you. We have promised to always be together. You remember? You are my purpose and reason to live. Especially now, I-"

"Edmund, don't waste your time on this trash! You don't need to hear what she says. Edmund?"

Seeing that her son did not move, Elizabeth grabbed Alice's hair.

Alice spontaneously screamed. She had to walk backwards following Elizabeth to reduce the pain. When she reached the door, a strong push made her stagger. When she fell on the floor, the world felt silent for her. Her whole body trembled. Her hand slowly moved towards her stomach.

She was really scared. The tiny baby had just arrived in her womb. She was not ready if she had to lose it that way.

"Ed?" Alice tried to ask for help, but her lips only trembled silently. Her tongue was too stiff. Cold sweat beaded on her forehead.

Meanwhile, Edmund swallowed hard seeing her sitting on the floor. His chest was tight, short of breath.

He actually couldn't bear to see Alice's pale face covered in fear. But when he was about to move, his mother had already thrown the suitcase in front of Alice.

"Here.... Take your stuff with you! Don't dirty my son's house again! Now get out of here!"

Tears flowed even harder on Alice's cheeks. Her lips no longer had any color. She occasionally coughed, choking on too much sadness.

"Please, Ed ...." Alice struggled to crawl towards her husband.

Unfortunately, her mother-in-law intervened again. She pointed towards the gate. "Get out of here!"

"But I was-ahh!"

Elizabeth bravely pushed Alice. The moment she fell to the side, a car came and a woman got out with a panicked expression.

"Alice? Oh, God!" She ran over. "Are you okay?"

Clutching her best friend's hand, Alice shook her head. "Emma, help me. I don't want to part with Ed. I was really scared."

Seeing Alice touch her stomach again, Elizabeth's eyes widened. She quickly grabbed the suitcase that was lying around and threw it further away.

"There's no point in asking for help. Miss Clark, please get your friend out of here. I don't want her anywhere near my son anymore."

Emma furrowed her brows. She looked around. Various expressions were spread there-Giselle's cold face, the servants' pitying faces, Elizabeth's haughty face, and Edmund's confused face.

"You have the heart to treat Alice like this?" she asked, disappointed and disgusted.

Edmund swallowed hard. After sucking in as much air as possible, he looked away. "My decision is final. I don't need a wife like Alice. Just take her away from here."

Emma sighed when she saw Edmund walk in. She could not believe that he could leave Alice with deeper wounds. Understanding the situation was too complicated, she helped Alice into the car and take her to the hospital.

***

"How is she, Darling? Her pregnancy is fine, right?" Emma asked, looking at the man in the white coat across the table. Her hand kept to hold Alice's fingers, which were still cold and trembling.

Alice also didn't blink at Henry. Her heart was pounding, her breathing was erratic. When the doctor opened his mouth, her fists tightened.

"You don't need to worry, Alice. Your womb is fine." Henry nodded with a reassuring smile.

"Really? You're not saying that to cheer me up, right?" Alice's eyes widened.

"Is there any pain or bleeding?" Henry raised an eyebrow.

Alice pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "I just felt like my stomach was churning."

"I think that happened because of excessive fear. Your womb is still very young, Alice. Its size is small and its position is well protected by the pelvic bones."

"So, Alice and the baby are okay?" Emma interrupted, tilting her head forward.

Henry smiled again. "Yes, Honey. If you want to be surer, Alice can undergo observation for two days. Or, do you want to see it via ultrasound now?"

Alice froze. Edmund's face flashed, occupying her heart and mind. When his voice echoed, she looked down and sighed in resignation.

"I ... just want to do an ultrasound examination with Ed. He has promised to accompany me."

Alice's tears started flowing again. Emma and Henry didn't dare make a sound.

"Ed said he would be very happy if our baby came. He would come home early, accompany me to dinner and joke around. He would prepare a comfortable nursery, buy the best furniture and equipment for our beloved child."

Unexpectedly, a small laugh escaped her dry lips. Her voice was so sad and desperate.

"When our baby's born, I will hold him at every opportunity. Not a second can pass without him smiling and crying. You have to send photos often when I'm working, hmm?" Alice recalled, imitating her husband's accent.

"Ed said he would welcome our baby with great warmth. He even chose the best name for our baby. Ocean for boy and Sky for girl."

For a few seconds, Alice hung her gaze in the air. Her lips formed a faint smile as she rewound her sweet memories with Edmund. However, when reality came up, the curve of her lips immediately turned around.

"But why ...? Why did he change? He not only asked me for a divorce, but also kicked me out of the house."

While stroking her stomach, Alice swallowed the bitterness.

"He even refused a surprise from me. If only he had seen the test pack, I'm sure none of this would have happened. Instead, we would be rejoicing, welcoming the little angel we have longed for."

"Alice," Emma rubbed her shoulder before giving her a hug. "Please don't give up. We don't know what really happened. Edmund just looked dazed. He probably didn't realize what he was doing to you. Let's try to improve the situation slowly, hmm? Henry and I will help you. Isn't that right, Darling?"

Receiving a glance from Emma, the doctor nodded quickly. "Yes, Emma and I will definitely help you. But now, you better focus on your health. Let me prescribe the best vitamins for you."

Taking a deep breath, Alice wiped away the tears. Her back was now a little straighter. "Thank you, Friends. I think you're right. I can't give up. Tomorrow morning, I have to meet Ed."

With a small smile, Emma stroked her best friend's hair. "Good. This is the Alice I know. Now let's take a rest at my home. I will take you to Edmund's office tomorrow morning. Without your mother-in-law, I'm sure Edmund can think more carefully. You guys will definitely make up and things will return to normal."

"Are you sure you don't want me to accompany you?"

Alice shook her head. "Just handle your work. I'll go home with Ed."

"Wow, I like that spirit. Good luck, Alice. Let me know when you two have hugged and kissed."

After snorting a laugh, Alice got out of the car. Her heart was full of hope even though it was still covered in wounds. However, seeing Elizabeth at the entrance, her spirits loosened. She slowed down.

"Mom?" Her hands subconsciously moved to protect her stomach.

"As I thought, you would disturb my son again." With a sour look, Elizabeth walked over and handed her a brown envelope.

"What's this?" Alice asked, wary.

Elizabeth smiled crookedly. "Isn't it what you're looking for? The real reason why Ed divorced you. The reason why he had the heart to break his promise and stop caring about you."

Alice's eyes widened. Her heart started beating erratically. She opened the envelope with shaking hands. As soon as she found the contents, a lightning struck her right in the chest.

"This? Ed and Giselle?"

Alice's breath suddenly became ragged. Her shoulders shook as she tried to calm the turmoil in her heart.

"No. This must be fake. Ed couldn't possibly sleep with another girl, let alone Giselle. She ... she's my friend, and Ed is a faithful husband."

"Come to your senses, Alice. Why do you think Ed forbade you from accompanying him on out-of-town work for the last few months? And why was he often coming home late and rarely staying at home?"

Elizabeth smiled cynically. "It's because of Giselle. Edmund no longer cares if you die or disappear from the earth, Alice. You want to jump off that bridge? Just do it. You should have drifted down that river a long time ago. That way, my son wouldn't have to marry you."

"No." Alice shook her head quickly. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes.

"That's not true. This must be your trick to keep me away from him. Ed did make those promises to save me. But then, things changed. We began to love each other and Ed proposed to me with new sincere promises."

While Elizabeth was cooking the things up, a black car drove towards the basement. Alice recognized the vehicle. Ignoring Elizabeth, she went after it.

At first, Alice just walked, afraid that her little baby would be shaken. But as time went on, she got faster. When she found Edmund, she gasped.

Giselle just got out of the other car door. She walked beside Edmund, embracing his waist, and Edmund put his arm on her shoulder. They then walked side by side, with absolutely no distance. Edmund even whispered affectionately in Giselle's ear.

In that very second, tears slowly melt down on Alice's cheeks. "So it's true? Ed left me for Giselle?"

With her eyes closed, Alice let out a painful breath. She realized her heart was too broken to be saved. She had returned to the cold and dark past. But this time, no one would reach out to her.

***

When he arrived at the sofa, Edmund immediately slapped Giselle's hand away. "I told you, I can do it myself." After that, he leaned back while massaging his temples.

"But you're still sick, Ed. You shouldn't force yourself. Taking a day off won't make the company lose money." Giselle wore a concerned look. "Besides, why are you still thinking about Alice so much? Just let her be happy with her new lover. She doesn't need you anymore. Now, do you still have a fever?"

Again, Edmund pushed away the hand which was almost touching his forehead. "I'm fine. You just go home."

"But-"

"I can't rest if you're still here," Edmund said with an uncomfortable look. His tone not only pierced Giselle, but also froze a servant's footsteps. Ed noticed her presence.

"What's wrong, Mrs. Klein?"

"Sorry, Sir. We ...." The middle-aged woman blinked in hesitation. Every now and then, her eyes glanced at Giselle. "We found this while cleaning up this morning."

Edmund's eyes widened when he saw the box in the servant's hand. His whole body stiffened.

"Why is that thing still here? Throw it away! I don't want to see it," he said before looking away. Doubt emerged in his eyes.

"But, Sir, I think you should see what's inside. You have a right to know."

Taking a deep breath, Mrs. Klein took out the test pack. Finding that thing, an explosion tore a hole in Edmund's chest.

"W-what's that?" His face turned pale, his throat sore.

The servant handed him the test pack. Seeing the two stripes there, Edmund sighed in disbelief. "Alice is pregnant?"

Giselle secretly grimaced. Before her mission failed completely, she quickly grabbed the tool and shouted, "Gosh! Alice not only betrayed you, but also tried to deceive you? She must intend to show the child from her affair as your child. How dare she?"

However, Edmund didn't care. After a few breaths, he got up from the sofa and took out the car key.

"Ed, where are you going?" Giselle flinched.

"Taking Alice home."

Giselle spontaneously held his arm. "You forgot? You guys are divorced."

Edmund looked at Giselle closely. His breathing was rough, his jaw clenched.

"Watch your mouth! She is still my wife and she is pregnant. I shouldn't have treated her that harshly yesterday. I've made a big mistake."

"But it might not be your child, Ed. She has slept with another man."

"I don't care!" Edmund's voice boomed. "Alice has wanted a child for a long time and I promised to always accompany her while she's pregnant. Even if it wasn't my child, I shouldn't have abandoned her. I swore to always protect her from anything and I shouldn't break that. Now please step aside. Don't get in my way."

Giselle gaped as she watched Edmund walk away. She tried to catch up, but the man was too fast. "Ed, but you're not feeling well. Ed?"

Edmund showed her no response. He got into the car and left. While driving, he tried to contact Alice. But since her number was not active, he called another person.

"Scott, do you know where Alice is?"

"Sorry, Ed, didn't you tell us not to monitor her anymore?"

Edmund sighed heavily. Right at that time, a place flashed in his mind. Wasting no time, he drove there.

***

"Emma? Emma?"

As soon as the door opened, Edmund walked in. His head darted around looking for traces of his wife. "Where's Alice?"

"Alice?" Emma furrowed her brows. "Isn't she with you?"

"I don't have time to play around, Emma. Don't hide my wife."

Emma shook her head quickly. "I am not kidding. She's not here. I took her to your office this morning."

Edmund shook his head in disbelief. After one breath, he started checking every corner of that house.

"Alice, where are you? Please come out. I want to apologize. I didn't know you're pregnant. I admit I have done a huge mistake. I shouldn't vent my emotions like yesterday. Alice?"

Emma could not be more confused. "Ed, Alice isn't here. Didn't you two meet earlier?" Her face was full of seriousness.