THE DIVORCE PROPOSAL

One year into marriage with a man named Brent, Alyssa thought she had understood all of his characteristics. However, it turned out she hadn't, as the man sitting in front of her was far from the Brent she knew.

"Are you being serious right now?" Alyssa asked, seemingly disbelieving Brent's words.

He remained composed, sitting in his work chair. Taking off his reading glasses, he looked up at Alyssa. "I'm just asking for three months, and after that, I'll sign the divorce papers," he explained.

"Three months of being your real wife? No way! I refuse!" She rejected outright. How could Brent ask for something so unreasonable? Alyssa wouldn't agree for even one day, let alone three months.

"Well, it's up to you," Brent said, moving the divorce papers to the edge of the table, focusing on his stack of documents.

"You jerk!" She muttered.

He didn't respond. He was engrossed in his papers, seemingly undisturbed by her insult.

For this side of Brent, Alyssa seemed to understand him well. He was the calmest man she had ever met. Every move he made was calculated, even the smallest gestures like lifting a glass. That's why Alyssa always approached him with caution. He was too calm, even when engaging in deceit.

Apart from being excessively calm, Brent was also the type who never withdrew his decisions. This was evident from his actions adhering to the marriage terms she had set a year ago. So there was no point negotiating with him.

But Alyssa wasn't one to lose in a debate. After all, she was skilled in the game of words.

"You are not consistent!" She voiced again. "You agreed to my conditions before our marriage, that we'd separate at the right time."

"And this isn't the right time," replied Brent. "I'm very consistent with my words, you know it," he added.

"Alright, then when do you think is the right time?" Alyssa sighed.

"After those three months," his answered.

"It's not fair! You're asking us to act like a real couple, it's the same as asking me to cater to you for the next three months!"

"You asked for three conditions, and I asked for three months. It's fair enough."

"Nonsense! Do you think you can trap me with this kind of tactic?" She stood up. "Sorry, sir, I'm not that stupid!" AlyssaI said before leaving with her divorce papers.

Just wait, she will do everything to make him come and sign those papers willingly. Brent has to know whom he's dealing with this time.

***

"Seriously, I don't know if he's possessed or what. Like yesterday, it was genuinely the weirdest moment in my life after getting married." Alyssa shared with her personal assistant, Lewis, while eating. "Can you imagine? Jordan Brent Davis making such a cheesy request!"

Even now, she still baffled by Brent's request from last night. When Alyssa showed up with divorce papers in hand, she wasn't prepared to hear such a ridiculous demand.

"You're exaggerating, Alyssa. Plus, what's the harm if Mr. Brent asks for three months? Maybe he wants to use that time to make you fall for him," Lewis suggested, his mid-twenties demeanor attentive to Alyssa story.

"Hell no! I know Brent, he wouldn't have such a thoughtless idea. I suspect he's planning some program or anything that requires public sympathy. That's why he wants to use me as his stage."

Okay, Alyssa would be lying if she said she hadn't thought about Brent's request at all. In fact, she almost didn't sleep last night due to her deep contemplation. She genuinely curious about the reasons behind the request.

So far, two reasons make the most sense for Brent to express such a request. Firstly, as part of his political agenda, where he needs a good family image in the public eye.

"Well, that could be true. If news of your divorce spreads, it could be a big deal. Especially since you're public figures, it'll be talked about everywhere," Lewis commented. "But, if that's really the reason, he could ask for a delay. He could also ask for your help to appear as a good wife in public without actually becoming a married couple."

And the second reason, "Well, if it's not that, then he probably just wants to mess with me. He wants revenge because I set conditions like that back then. He wants to show me that he has the power to make me submit to his terms."

"That's just your assumption, Alyssa. There's no way Mr. Brent has time to think about something like that. His mind is already full of endless people's issues," Lewis disagreed.

"Well, it's just weird to suddenly ask for that. How can I not think about all possibilities?"

"Compared to that, you're still the weirdest. Imagine, out of nowhere, I show up at my husband's workplace and casually hand over divorce papers. And I handed them over so casually. I'm lucky Mr. Brent didn't kick me out," Lewis snorted.

"You know from the start I wasn't interested in marrying him. I only agreed because I was desperate. And now that I've found the right time to divorce, I won't waste it."

The timing she mentioned is when both of her parents are busy in France for their business expansion. Meanwhile, Brent has successfully become a public official sitting in the cabinet. So, she think there won't be any issues for both parties to separate at this point.

"You really don't know how to be grateful. Mr. Brent even helped clean up your scandal," Lewis remarked.

"He's not helping me, really. He has his own interests. Remember, my marriage to him is mutual symbiosis, we both benefit. I can be free from scandals with my own celebrity, and he can be free from the gay rumors that were spread in the public back then," Alyssa explained.

"Your life is really weird," teased Lewis. "But seriously, I'm curious, is he really gay or not?"

Alyssa shrugged indifferently.

"Come on, just tell me a bit. I promise I won't spread it."

"I really don't know," she replied.

"How come? He's your husband, for God's sake. How can you not know?"

"Well, I'm not close to him."

"Not close at all? Come on, once you're married, you must have done something, right?" Lewis said.

Alyssa just shook her head as if it wasn't a big deal.

"Damn, seriously?" Lewis was genuinely shocked. He even couldn't control his volume, making some people in the cafe turn their heads towards them.

Alyssa reflexively slapped her assistant's hand. "Ck, don't be so loud," she scolded.

"Sorry, sorry, I was surprised," Lewis said. "But seriously, you two never did anything?" This time he lowered his voice.

"I made it clear from the beginning to sleep separately, have separate rooms, separate everything. I'm sure he understands that it means I don't want to be touched even an inch by him."

"Yeah, but I thought you two might have had those moments. Come on, living with Alyssa Grace Mitchell for a year, you're telling me he never once felt attracted to you?"

Lewis's question made Alyssa reconsider. Indeed, Brent had never shown any signs of interest in her. It wasn't that she desired it, but upon reflection, it seemed implausible.

How could an adult man like Brent never feel anything when near her? Perhaps if it were another woman, she could understand. But come on, Alyssa was talking about herself. A successful woman with a brilliant career at a young age, from a seriously reputable family background, and most importantly, a woman with a truly stunning physique.

Inheriting Dutch blood from her mother's side and a mix of Chinese-Spanish from her father's side gave her a captivating appearance. Not to mention, she meticulously maintained her diet and exercise routine, resulting in a body proportion skin to a Spanish guitar.

With qualifications like that, Alyssa could easily attract attention from men out there. In fact, due to her perfection, the company where she currently work regretted her firm decision to be an agent instead of a talent. Because surely, if she wanted, she could effortlessly become a top-tier star.

"Even if he's not attracted to me, I'm one hundred percent sure the fault lies with him, not me. Because everything on me is just perfect," she said confidently.

Although her confidence always managed to annoy Lewis, this time he couldn't deny it. Even if Alyssa weren't his boss and childhood friend, Lewis believed he would be drawn to her.

"True, even though his type isn't a girl like you, you two have been living together for a year."

Alyssa furrowed her brows. Brent not her type? How low of a type could that weird guy be?

"In my conclusion, one." Lewis raised his drink before continuing, "He's not interested in women, but he really likes the 'men' instead," Lewis blurted out without hesitation. Now, that makes sense.

"If it's really like that, it's a big problem."

"What's the problem?"

"Well, it's a problem. It means his initial goal of marrying you wasn't just to dispel those rumors and climb up in politics. But because he wants to hide his sexual orientation. Which means, from the beginning, he didn't plan to divorce you," Lewis explained at length.

"Shit," Alyssa cursed.

Lewis's words had some truth to them. It could be that from the start, Brent married her not just to dispel rumors but to hide the fact about his sexual orientation. And Brent's compliance with her conditions wasn't because he knew boundaries but because he genuinely had no interest in a woman.

Just thinking about it infuriated her. Alyssa thought all this time she had Brent under her terms, but it turns out he was the one using her.

"So, he request for conditions yesterday, it's not just about needing additional strong evidence to prove he's normal. It means he wants descendants as evidence that if you uncontrollable, he has something to hold onto," Lewis added.

"If that's true, damn those Davis descendants!" Alyssa cursed while sipping her cold water.

"I told you, be careful with the Davis family, their moves are really unpredictable. But back then, you said everything was under control."

Well, everything has indeed been under control so far, until the surprising conversation last night.

But of course, being her, Alyssa would never be defeated. If that's the reality, knowing it, she will easily change strategies and alter the situation.

"Okay, the Davis family is known for their cunning, but don't forget, there's no history of the Mitchell family losing in the battlefield. I'll make him file this lawsuit himself," she concluded.

To be continue...

Surely, we all agree that Sunday is the perfect day to laze around. A day where Alyssa can lounge from morning until night without worrying about work. Even ambitious women like her, approve of that. Just look at her, emerging from her room when the clock already shows half past noon.

Still wearing a white satin kimono robe, she step out of her room, walking towards the kitchen with lingering drowsiness. Alyssa barely slept last night due to dealing with the chaos created by one of her artists.

As she reach the ground floor, she immediately spot Brent sitting in the living room with a laptop in front of him. The man looks neat, even in a plain black T-shirt, his usual attire when at home.

Alyssa not too surprised by the sight of her husband being super productive. After all, they've been living together for a year, so it's become normal for her. Although initially, her ego was scratched because she found someone else more productive. she even vowed to compete with Brent's productivity at first. However, in the end, Alyssa realized that Brent wasn't her rival. It's not because he's overly productive, but his factory setting is just like that.

She then walk to the kitchen and pour water into her glass. While sipping the water, her gaze is directed at Brent. It's been almost a week since that evening conversation, and she haven't done anything yet.

Not because Alyssa gave up, but because for the past week, she has been so busy with her work that she forgot about the plan she once made. Consequently, when she have a lot of free time today, a brilliant idea emerges to realize her plan.

The first thing she will do to Brent is nothing other than making him uncomfortable in this home.

Throughout the year together, it's not just her who feels the freedom without interruptions from her husband. Brent also enjoys it, he finds all the tranquility in his life because Alyssa never disturb him. she follow the basic rules Brent wants, such as not bothering him while he's working, not doing anything that could tarnish his reputation as a public official, and a few other things.

But this time, Alyssa will start crossing all of Brent's boundaries. She will make him lose his peace and comfort so that he will reconsider the divorce proposal she submitted.

"It's still an assumption. But if you want to prove whether Mr. Brent is really gay or not, it's easy. Just try to get close to him. If he avoids or looks uncomfortable, then it's probably true."

Alyssa remove her kimono robe, revealing her shoulder and a white satin nightdress. Without hesitation, she walk towards the sofa where Brent is conducting his online meeting. she sit next to him, leaving only a little space between them. Brent remains calm until Alyssa suddenly rest her head on his shoulder, and only then does he respond.

"Sorry, just a moment." Swiftly, Brent deactivated his camera and microphone during the call.

Out of the corner of Alyssa's eye, she could see Brent glancing in her direction. For a moment, she realized he was observing her sleeping face on his shoulder. Perhaps noticing her tired look due to a sleepless night.

Alyssa guessed Brent might be aware, surely having heard the commotion she caused in her room.

"Grace." Still so calm, Brent called her middle name.

A little note, this wasn't a special or affectionate call that Brent usually gives her. Instead, it was her home call, which Brent reluctantly attended at his mother-in-law's request.

"I'm in a meeting," Brent continued as there was no response to his earlier call.

A quiet murmur escapes Alyssa's lips, "Sleepy," sounding like a whine. Unaware, she find herself taking Brent's hand and embracing him, seeking the most comfortable position.

Brent calmly asks, "What time did you sleep yesterday?" She somewhat surprised by his response. Alyssa thought he'd quickly move away, knowing he isn't one to appreciate physical touch.

Even more surprising, there's no shocked or tense reaction from him when she suddenly embrace his hand. It's as if he wants to convey that her touch means nothing to him.

"I don't know, forgot," she reply.

"In that case, go back to sleep in the room. I still have a meeting. Your current position is not appropriate to be shown."

If Alyssa weren't on a quest to find out her husband's sexual orientation, one raw expletive would fly at Brent. His words trigger her emotions. She despise it when a man dictates what's appropriate for a woman.

"No, I'm comfortable here," she mutter, cursing Lewis's idea. How could he ask her to behave like a cheap woman who always lurks around Brent?

"Well, if you want to stay here, move a bit, over here," Brent says.

Surprised again, Alyssa lift her head and look at him. "Where?" she quickly ask.

Still calmly, Brent answers her question with a hand gesture, tapping his right thigh a few times.

"Are you... serious?" Alyssa at a loss for words. "Aren't you bothered by this?" she ask.

"As long as you don't move and make noise. I want to continue the meeting for a moment."

Without asking for perion, Brent pulls Alyssa's shoulder and directs her head to his lap. Then, Brent continues his interrupted meeting. Of course, after adjusting the laptop's position so that the camera captures only his figure from head to chest.

"Sorry, there was a slight interruption earlier. Our discussion had reached the point about..." Brent continued his meeting with Alyssa lying in his lap.

Brent remained unusually calm during this unusual moment. Even amidst the meeting, he took the time to adjust Alyssa's kimono robe to cover her exposed skin.

Leaving her speechless, except for silently cursing the man in Alyssa thoughts.

Crazy, Brent has truly gone mad.

***

Alyssa annoyed to the core because this afternoon, she fell asleep on Brent's lap, not even remembering when he moved her into the room.

"I swear I'm so annoyed with you," she say to the figure across.

"Well, why blame me?" Lewis defends. "You're the one who's too comfortable near Mr. Brent. It's been a while since you've been pampered by a man," Lewis remarks.

"Damn! I was just sleepy because I stayed up late last night. Lisa caused a stir again on social media, tweeting about the government. You know Lisa doesn't really understand politics, but a little speaking up, and then she gets mixed up with the social media crowd, becomes trending number one again. If I didn't calm it down with an apology from Lisa, plus immediately shifted the focus using Devis's hot news that I originally saved for next week, I'm sure Lisa's brands would have demanded withdrawal."

"That's why you should have a phone and answer when your boss calls. You're getting paid for nothing!" Alyssa retorted.

Lewis grinned, "Sorry. Besides, that was outside working hours. I have my own busy schedule."

"Yeah, busy squeezing my new talents into tight schedules," she replied.

"Well, at least I'm not busy causing trouble with my own husband to get perion for a divorce."

Alyssa snorted, "You're annoying! Anyway, back to the topic."

"Well, I can't give any response. Instead of taking the opportunity to get closer to him, you end up sleeping," Lewis said.

"But just imagine, he can be so calm even though we've never been this close before," she said.

"Sure?"

"Sure about what?"

"Are you sure you've never been that close to Mr. Brent?" Lewis asked. "It's just unbelievable. You've been married for a year, and you've never done anything? Okay, maybe you haven't slept together, but no kisses? At least hugs?"

"Never," Alyssa replied unequivocally.

"If that's the case, then there's definitely something wrong with Mr. Brent. Either his character is too flat, or he's a hundred percent gay!" Lewis said. "That's why, if you want to test, don't do it half-heartedly. At least go for a kiss or be naked in front of him, so you can see his reaction. If you just do that, it won't have much effect."

"That's easy. I'll handle it later. Anyway, I'll do everything to make him uncomfortable around me, even disrupt his work if needed, so I can just get a divorce," she said before ending her conversation with Lewis.

Having discussed enough, now Alyssa had to take action. The day was still long, and she had decided to dedicate her day off to disturb Brent's peace.

To be continue...

In their first week of marriage, Brent occasionally reproached Alyssa for things he disliked, like the time she grabbed food from his plate during breakfast.

"Yours tastes better. Did you intentionally give me the lousy variant?" she accused sharply.

"You were the one who chose earlier, not me," he corrected.

"Yeah, you must have intentionally placed this plate closer to me, while distancing the other one. So you get the better one," Alyssa accused again.

Not wanting to continue the pointless argument, Brent pushed his plate toward her.

"You can have this."

"Oh, now you're exchanging it, where are you going?" she looked confused as he rose from his seat.

"You can eat both," he said. "Next time, I'll wake up earlier so we don't have breakfast together. Or if you want, you can eat in your room because I'm used to eating here," he said.

"Is that all, sulking like that? Seriously, if you're not willingly giving this to me-"

"I'm used to having a peaceful breakfast without any disturbance. I think this is a solution for our future, considering we have to live in the same house. We need to adjust to each other to avoid unnecessary debates. So, I hope you understand," he said before leaving Alyssa there.

That's why after that day, Alyssa never wanted to eat at the dining table again. She preferred bringing all her food into her room. Every time she saw Brent sitting at the dining table, memories of that day returned.

But today is different. Alyssa determined to do everything that will disturb Brent's comfort, including this.

So when she saw Brent enjoying his dinner at the table, she quickly sat in front of him. Alyssa even intended to grab the macaroni directly.

"It's yours on the stove, still warm. I just heated it," Brent said, pulling his plate away from her reach.

Alyssa snorted. It seems Brent is still the same as a year ago. A man who is so averse to direct contact with her.

It seems the incident this afternoon was just a way by him to hide his sexual identity. Because, not to mention direct contact, Brent is reluctant even to exchange food with her.

"No, I'm lazy to get it," she said. "Come on, just a little bit." She continued to reach for Brent's plate, causing him to shift it away.

Alyssa sighed, "Seriously, aren't you afraid of having a cramped grave? So stingy!"

"Wait a moment, let me get it for you." Ignoring her complaints, Brent got up and headed to the kitchen. There, he quickly transferred the macaroni from the stove to a plate.

As soon as he turned around, he found Alyssa trying to sneakily grab some of his macaroni.

She quickly chewed the food in her mouth, especially when Brent approached her with a serious expression.

"Spit it out, now!" Brent said, handing a tissue to her.

Of course, she doesn't comply, shaking her head while continuing to chew.

"Grace," Brent called. From his tone, it was clear he was seriously reprimanding her.

But she paid no attention, shaking her head and refusing Brent's command.

"It's up to you," Brent finally said. He then placed the plate in his hands on the table and returned to his seat. "But don't blame me if you can't go to work tomorrow."

Alyssa frowned in confusion. What did this food have to do with her job? Why was Brent so angry with her, to the point of wanting to interfere with her work?

"Are you threatening me just because I ate your food?" she spoke after successfully swallowing all the macaroni. "I never thought a Brent could be this childish," she teased.

"I'm not threatening you. But you're the one causing trouble," Brent said. "This macaroni has shrimp in it, that's why I got a special one for you. But you complained without letting me tell you. So don't blame me if you get rashes later."

She squinted, "Jerk, Brent! Why didn't you say it earlier?" she cursed as she rushed to the sink.

"Your allergy medicine is still in my room. I can get it if you want," Brent said casually, making her want to pull his hair.

"You did it on purpose, didn't you?" she still accused Brent of my own mistake.

Brent didn't respond, he was busy applying ointment to her reddening hands.

"Surely, you intentionally didn't mention the shrimp in your macaroni. So I'd eat, and then-"

Her words were cut off as Brent suddenly grabbed her left wrist while Alyssa was busy scratching her neck.

"Don't scratch, you might hurt yourself," he said.

She snorted, "Yeah, I know, but it's so itchy!" She tried to pull her hand away from Brent's grip, but he held it firmly.

"Which part is itchy?" Brent asked, getting a scrutinizing look from Alyssa. "Your nails are long, let me help," he explained.

If Alyssa hadn't remembered her plan, she could be sure that Brent would not only hear rejection but also curses and accusations of harassment.

"I don't mean anything weird. If you're uncomfortable, it's okay, I'm not forcing you," Brent said, as if understanding the meaning behind her earlier gaze.

Instead of responding to Brent's words, Alyssa raised both of her legs onto Brent's lap, pulling her hips closer to him. Without giving Brent time to interpret her movements, she immediately presented her neck in front of him.

"Here, it's really itchy," she said, half-whining. Alyssa gaze remained fixed on Brent, as if she didn't want to any possible reaction due to their current position.

However, to her surprise, there was none, Brent's facial expression remained calm as usual. It didn't take long for Brent to reach out his hand to her neck.

"Here?" he asked, making sure.

She nodded quickly.

Using the surface of his thumb, Brent gently rubbed the reddish area on Alyssa's neck. Strangely, it made her body tense.

Due to their close proximity, she could even feel Brent's breath on her neck, which, for some reason, made her blood rush, especially when the scent of Brent's body began to enter her sense of smell. Despite a thousand reasons she had to dislike Brent's presence, there was one thing she couldn't deny.

Alyssa really liked his scent. Brent's body odor was so soothing that it always brought calmness to anyone near him, including her. So it's no wonder that this afternoon, she easily fell asleep in Brent's lap.

Damn it, why was it she who reacted excessively like this, even when Brent himself seemed unaffected? In other words, he remained as calm as ever. And, of course, that annoyed her.

"Can't you scratch it properly?" She asked sternly.

"Not enough?" Brent retorted, starting to use his nails.

Alyssa sighed, frustrated that Brent still appeared unfazed. "Alright, change the spot," she said.

Brent furrowed his brow in confusion, especially when Alyssa suddenly lifted her nightshirt, exposing her smooth belly now covered with red rashes.

"Here," she said.

Brent remained motionless, looking at her as if unsure of Alyssa request. "Are you really asking me to-"

"Hurry up! So talkative!" She pulled Brent's hand and placed it on the surface of her flat stomach.

Alyssa caught a glimpse of Brent's changing expression for a few seconds before he finally complied with his wife's request.

Brent's fingers moved slowly, searching for the red spots causing the itching on her wife skin.

"Here?" Brent asked, making sure.

"No, higher," Alyssa replied. Unlike her own body's reactions, she was now more concerned about the reactions being shown by Brent. For the first time, Brent didn't seem as calm as usual.

"Here?" Brent asked again. His voice now carried a hint of uncertainty.

Alyssa shook her head once more. Her gaze had not left Brent's eyes, staring intensely, adding tension between them. "Higher, Brent," she requested.

Truly, what she uttered earlier was indeed something rare. Throughout their marriage, Alyssa strongly avoided using Brent's name. She could confidently say that it could be counted on one hand.

Though momentarily distracted, Brent eventually refocused on her wife flat stomach, searching for the red rash she mentioned. Unfortunately, Brent's view was obstructed by Alyssa nightshirt, still covering almost half of her body.

"Why so quiet?" She finally protested.

"I can't see where the redness is," Brent honestly replied.

She anticipated her own reaction, expecting to scold him or accuse him of taking advantage. However, to her surprise, she casually raised her nightshirt even higher, revealing the black bra she was wearing.

"Here," she said, guiding Brent's finger to touch the red rash just below the lace of Alyssa's bra.

Now, she could truly witness the tension evident on Brent's face.

The calm ocean-like expression he usually displayed had vanished.

"Here?" Despite his apparent hesitation, Brent began to move his finger, gently scratching the red area.

"Yes, right there." Intentionally, she made a sound as if I thoroughly enjoyed what Brent was currently doing to her. She even dramatized the atmosphere by giving a seductive expression to Brent.

"Stop, okay? I'm afraid it might actually hurt."

Alyssa shook her head, pouting, "No... don't stop...."

Brent sighed, trying his best not to direct his gaze at the tempting twin peaks still covered by the bra.

"Higher," she requested as Brent's finger moved.

"Here?" Brent slightly shifted his finger to the side.

"I said higher, not to the side."

"My finger is already up. Where do you want me to touch?" Brent bluntly asked, as if starting to realize that Alyssa was playing with him.

Feeling challenged by his question, without hesitation, Alyssa pulled his hand and placed it directly on her left breast.

"Here," she said casually.

Brent immediately withdrew his hand. "What are you doing?" His facial expression looked anything but relaxed, and Alyssa could sense the tension in his body.

For the first time, she perceived his expression so expressive about his actions. His visible discomfort made her burst into laughter, seemingly irritating Brent.

Without waiting for an explanation from Alyssa, Brent immediately got up, leaving her still chuckling mischievously.

To be continue...