Cold Calculated Divorce of a Business Marriage

My wife's ex-boyfriend was back in town.

He sneered at me, You're pathetic. Your wife doesn't love you. All these years, she's only loved me.

I didn't even pause flipping through the ledger, not giving him a single glance.

He started sending me photos, one after another.

Photos of him and my wife, kissing, making love.

He tried to convince me to just step aside with those photos.

I just smiled and quietly collected evidence of their affair.

Ready to tell them

Any love that is above financial ties is cheap!

...

My wife's ex-boyfriend was back. The first thing he did was coming to the company to see her.

Right in front of me, he planted a passionate kiss on Sophia.

Like a conquering hero returning, he announced loudly, "I'm back!"

I closed the file in my hands, watching as Leo held Sophia tightly, marking his territory.

I said, expressionless, "I'll leave you to it, Ms. Swan. We can discuss the work report this evening."

Later, after meeting with a client, I found an unwelcome guest in my office.

Leo looked me up and down with amusement. "I know yours is a marriage of convenience. How pathetic. Sophia doesn't love you."

I gave him a faint smile. "Not as pathetic as you, watching the love of your life become someone else's wife."

Leo's face flushed with anger. "You'll be divorced soon enough," he spat out before storming off, slamming the door behind him.

I calmly took a sip of my coffee.

Everyone knew Sophia and I were married for business.

She didn't love me. I didn't care.

Because I didn't love her either.

Frankly, I kind of hoped she would ask for a divorce.

Our prenup clearly states that the party who files for divorce leaves with nothing.

So, she would walk away empty-handed, and I would get the entire business empire we'd built together.

The clock ticked past midnight. Sophia didn't come home. I finished my shower and went to bed without calling her once.

I woke up the next day.

Sophia was already eating breakfast in the dining room. After a quick wash, I went to brief her on the unfinished work from yesterday.

She looked up at me, her eyes blazing. "Aren't you curious where I was yesterday?"

I shook my head. "That's your business. I'm more concerned about whether we can secure the project at next week's bidding."

Sophia leaned back, confidently crossing her legs. "Don't worry. That project is as good as ours."

I nodded, pulling out my phone to check the financial news. That's when I noticed a follow request on Instagram from Leo.

I accepted. He immediately sent a photo: a selfie of him and Sophia hiking yesterday.

Leo had his arm around her. My usually stern and aloof wife looked soft and happy in his embrace.

"See? Your wife spent the whole day with me yesterday," the message read.

I silently saved the photo and set his messages to 'Do Not Disturb'.

Half an hour later, Sophia and I were in the company conference room.

Leo was sitting in on the meeting.

Despite the department manager's confused look, Sophia cleared her throat and signaled the meeting to start.

She quickly pulled up a PowerPoint.

"This investment requires two hundred million. The company has one-fifty million on hand. The remaining fifty million will be sponsored by Mr. Chase. Let's thank him."

Thunderous applause filled the room. Leo puffed out his chest with pride.

After the meeting, Leo took Sophia's hand right in front of me.

"Sophia, now that I'm back, why don't you show me around? It's been so long since I left Seattle."

Sophia glanced at me, her expression unreadable. I smiled.

"Go ahead, Ms. Swan. You should properly entertain the benefactor who just gave us fifty million."

"You!" Leo's temple throbbed with anger.

But he couldn't find the words to retort.

Defeated, he just pulled Sophia away.

After work, I checked my phone.

More messages from Leo: photos of him and Sophia shopping, watching a movie.

I saved them all without a flicker of emotion.

If this affair went to court, those photos would be solid evidence!

Working late, I got home to find Sophia unexpectedly there.

After I finished showering and went upstairs, she put down her book.

"Ethan, what about us having a child?"

I looked at her, startled. "What's this about? I thought you didn't want kids."

Early in our marriage, I'd considered having a child with Sophia.

But she always said she'd just taken over as CEO and needed to focus on her career.

Now, she rubbed her temples. "Grandpa's getting old. He wants a grandchild."

I thought for a moment. "I'll talk to Grandpa. We'll have children after the company goes public."

It was an excuse.

Truth was, I didn't want to havea child with Sophia anymore.

Ours was a marriage of convenience. We didn't interfere in each other's personal lives, but I knew Sophia had her share of... companions.

This thing with us wasn't built to last.

And now Leo, her ex, had been back in Seattle.

He was her college boyfriend. They lost touch after she went abroad for her master's.

Two years later, Leo followed her, but by the time he arrived, Sophia had already graduated, returned to take over the family business, and married me.

The bidding went ahead as scheduled.

We went head-to-head with our competitor, finally securing the project for two hundred million, just as Sophia predicted.

That evening, the company held a celebration party.

Just as people started cheering for Sophia and me, Leo showed up late, wearing a tailored grey suit.

He grabbed Sophia's hand. "Sorry I'm late, traffic was a nightmare."

Noting his carefully done makeup, I said calmly, "No problem. We've just started."

People whispered, gossiping about Leo and Sophia.

Sophia coughed lightly, subtly withdrawing her hand.

"Since you're late, you'll have to pay the penalty. Three drinks."

Nobody messes with Sophia's events. Not even Leo.

Leo looked at her in shock, then downed three glasses in a huff.

Scattered applause followed.

During dinner, Sophia served Leo some food. He looked at her with tipsy, affectionate eyes.

She whispered something in his ear, making him blush, adding to theromantic atmosphere under the dim lights.

Feeling nothing, I just took a sip of my wine.

A slender, pale hand placed a piece of rib on my plate.

I turned to see the newly promoted Sales Manager, Chloe Wood.

Only twenty-six, she'd already nailed several major projects, exceeding sales targets.

Chloe smiled. "Mr. Ward, the ribs here are their signature dish. Try them."

She had dimples when she smiled.

Quite pretty.

I took a bite. "Not bad. Thanks, Ms. Wood."

"Never mind. Just call me Chloe."

We started chatting. This new sales manager had sharp market instincts. If she could be my assistant, my efficiency would skyrocket.

Glancing at Sophia, I saw her silently watching us, swirling her wine glass. Her eyes were like a hunter's.

I ignored her, but she came over, linking her arm with mine, suggesting we head home together.

As we approached the car, Leo rushed over, sliding into the passenger seat first, slumping back like he was drunk.

Sophia gave me a helpless look.

Chuckling, I hailed a cab and went home. From the back window, I saw Sophia get in the driver's seat and drive off.

Later, I received a bed photo from Leo.

The room was a mess, but it was clear enough evidence of an affair.

Gotta say, Leo got a great body.

Eight-pack abs and a V-line.

I was jealous.

Pity he's such a lovesick fool, only caring about competing with other men.

I saved the photo, grateful to Leo for providing such thoughtful evidence.

I wouldn't have to worry about any ridiculous sense of obligation to Sophia.

Just what a shame it wasn't the best time for divorce yet.

Wait until the stock issuance, and the company's value multiplies.

Then file for divorce, take Sophia's shares, and my net worth will explode.

After that, no more being tied down by this marriage.

My focus quickly shifted to the stock issuance.

Chasing women is nothing compared to building a career.

My mom was a lovesick fool back in the day, insisting on marrying my penniless dad.

After they painstakingly built a business together, he cheated.

He claimed that mistress was his true love, even transferred his hard-earned shares to her.

That so-called "true love" sold the shares, took the money and ran, leaving us about to lose our house.

My grandfather eventually stepped in, bought most of the shares, and secured control of the company.

And I lost my freedom to choose my own marriage, forced into this business alliance with Sophia.

"Mr. Ward, your schedule is free for lunch today. How about grabbing a bite?"

I'd been traveling non-stop for half a month on the stock issuance project. The day I got back to the office, Chloe approached me.

She was now my Chief of Staff, managing my schedule and assisting with work.

Half a month ago, I'd seen Chloe arguing with a subordinate.

The subordinate who relied on seniority was disrespecting Chloe, the new Sales Manager, and a woman at that.

Chloe was red in the face with anger.

I stepped in and smoothed things over for her.

Chloe was reliable, so I trusted her with confidential documents.

I'd been swamped this month with the stock offering, and she'd been working non-stop too without a break.

Seemed I should treat her to a meal.

"Sure, lunch today. You pick the place," I said.

Watching Chloe's vibrant demeanor, I couldn't help but smiled.

By the way, I'd been flying around all month, never going home for once.

Sophia did send me an Instagram message during that time, but the meeting ran late, and I forgot to reply.

At the restaurant, Chloe kept serving me food. "Eat more, boss. You've lost weight."

"Thanks, you eat too."

Mid-meal, Leo stormed over and threw water in my face.

"You bastard! Finally found you! Where did you hide Sophia?"

Chloe stood up, shielding me. "Who do you think you are?"

Leo pointed at Chloe's nose. "What, blind? Don't you know who I am? I'm Leo Chase!"

I gently moved Chloe aside, nodding to reassure her.

Then I raised my hand and slapped Leo hard across the face. While he was stunned, I slapped the other side.

"You..." Leo covered his face, staring at me in disbelief.

I shook my stinging hand. "That's for throwing water on me."

"And Mr. Chase, isn't it a bit inappropriate to loudly demand the whereabouts of another man's wife?"

People in the restaurant whispered, pointing at Leo.

"Cut the crap! Where is Sophia?!" Leo looked like he wanted to tear me apart.

"Haven't seen her since you slept together last time," I said lightly, wiping my face with a napkin.

The crowd erupted. Words like "shameless" reached our ears.

Leo's face turned red and white. He spat out, "You madman, just you wait!" and fled.

I called the housekeeper. She said Sophia hadn't been home all month either.

I was puzzled. Where had Sophia been for the past month?

"Boss, the food..." Chloe interrupted my thoughts.

"Let's go. Meeting back at the office."

Two hours later, Sophia showed up in my office.

I said coldly, "Welcome back, my dear wife."

She came towards me, arms open for a hug. I subtly sidestepped.

"Your boyfriend came looking for you here. He threw water in my face."

"Are you jealous?" Sophia withdrew her arms, looking at me.

I scoffed. "Please, keep your men from innocent me."

Sophia leaned onto my desk, propping her head up.

"Haven't seen you in so many days. Aren't you curious where I've been?"

I found it strange. "We're both busy with work. Why should I be curious?"

Her eyes dimmed slightly, then quickly brightened.

"Well, how about we have a proper dinner at home tonight, as husband and wife?"

"We'll see," I opened files to work.

Sophia, feeling dismissed, got up to leave.

Just then, Chloe walked in. Maybe it was my imagination, but I thought they exchanged a barely perceptible glance.

That night, I went home to get some documents. As soon as I entered, I saw a man sitting on the sofa, back to me, head bowed.

Sophia sat opposite, holding a glass of wine.

Hearing the door, the man turned. Leo again.

His hair was messy, he looked haggard, downright pathetic.

Seeing me, he stood up. "Ethan, please divorce Sophia. I can't live without her."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"You... please, let me and Sophia be together."

I looked at Sophia. She sat calmly on the sofa, silent.

"Whether that happens is up to Sophia. If she agrees, I'll sign immediately."

But, leaving with nothing? I doubt she'd go for that.

Sophia put down her wine glass and stood, looking at Leo.

"I slept with you once. I'll give you five million as compensation. Now leave."

Leo stared at Sophia, wide-eyed, then pointed at me incredulously.

"Are you really choosing him over the chance to acquire The Wood Corp?"

Huh? I'd never heard about this.

"Sophia, when did you plan to acquire The Wood Corp?" I asked, confused.

Leo, frantic, continued, "Sophia, he doesn't even know about the plan! I can help you secure this opportunity! Are you sure you want him?"

"Sophia, answer me!" My tone hardenedCthis involved the company.

Sophia took a step towards me, reaching for my hand.

"Ethan, I've already drafted the proposal and implementation plan. Please don't interfere."

I stepped back. "Is the company yours alone? What are you trying to pull?"

Seemed Sophia's ambition was growing. She even wanted to sideline me.

Leo, ignoring this, screamed hysterically,

"I know all about The Wood Corp! Only I can help you!"

He pointed at my face.

"And him! He's involved with a subordinate! He's not fit to be your husband!"

"Shut up!" I went furious.