Victor’s POV

I wondered what my mother’s agenda was this time. With her, it was never just plain dinner. Something was always up.

I opened the door and was greeted by the warm, familiar smell of home-cooked meals.

“Victor, you're here!” Shane's voice rang out as she came into the hallway, her face lighting up with a welcoming smile. Behind her, I saw Mom and Aunt Felicity waving at me from the dining area.

I wasn’t really surprised that Shane was also there, because she and my mother were quite close.

“Hey, Shane,” I replied, forcing a smile. “Listen, I wanted to apologize for what happened at the party last time. Aria—”

“Don’t worry about it,” Shane interrupted, waving her hand dismissively. “It was my own carelessness. I should've been more careful.”

I sighed, relieved by her understanding. Shane was always like this—so forgiving, always speaking well of Aria no matter what happened. It was something I admired about her, but it also made me feel a bit guilty.

“You're too kind, Shane,” I said, patting her shoulder.

“Yes, she definitely is,” Mom seconded as she came up to me and gave me a quick hug. “Not like that wife of yours,” she added sourly.

“You didn’t invite his wife then?” Aunt Felicity asked curiously.

“Of course not. She’s not welcome in my home, especially after what she did to Shane. I think that was really done on purpose.”

“Mom —” I began, not wanting to talk about it any longer.

She simply brushed me off with a wave of her hand and led us all to the dining room. My eyes widened at the spread on the table. Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a dozen other dishes I couldn't even name all made my stomach growl.

“Looks delicious!” I exclaimed. “I’m getting hungry.”

We all took our seats. I was more than eager to start digging into the mouthwatering dishes.

But strangely, those dishes didn't really suit my taste. Aria used to cook for me often. I didn't know at first; it was the maid who told me.

But I didn't find it odd. She was my wife, after all. That's what she was supposed to do. Aria's cooking was always delicious; I couldn't find any fault with it. Cooking seemed simple for her, not a hassle at all.

I suddenly remembered one time when we argued, and she told me it took her over an hour to cook dinner! I guess she was just exaggerating.

As we ate, my mother and Aunt Felicity started fussing over Shane.

“You know, Shane, you're such a sweet girl,” my mother said, her eyes twinkling. “It's no wonder Aria was always so jealous of you.”

Aunt Felicity nodded in agreement. “Exactly. Your kindness is such a threat to someone like Aria. She never knew how to handle it, did she?”

Shane smiled, her cheeks flushing. “I don't know about that,” she murmured.

I felt a headache beginning to form at the base of my skull. The last thing I wanted was another conversation about Aria.

“Can we not talk about Aria tonight?” I said, trying to keep my voice even. “Let's just enjoy the meal.”

My mother looked at me, her expression softening. “Of course, Victor. We're here to have a nice family dinner.”

I nodded, but I knew that she probably arranged this to get me away from Aria again and to push me toward Shane. She was always at my back, wanting me to pursue Shane instead, pointing out that I didn’t have a partnership with Aria’s parents anymore, anyway.

Aunt Felicity smiled. “We didn't mean to bring up bad memories. Let's focus on the good things.”

To be honest, I really didn’t know how to handle these relationships among women. Their emotions and dynamics were a maze I often found myself lost in.

“So, Shane,” I said, trying to change the subject. “How's your company going?”

She brightened up, launching into a story about her latest project.

But just after a few minutes, I found myself tuning her out. I was lost in thought, staring at the flickering candle on the dinner table, my mind replaying Aria's words from this morning.

Divorce. She had spat it out in one of what I deemed her typical tantrums, but something about her tone felt different this time. A chill ran down my spine.

“Victor, are you listening?” My mother’s voice snapped me back to the present. “Shane's calling your attention.”

“What?” I said, turning toward Shane and trying to focus on her words. “Sorry, what was that?”

“I was just saying,” Shane repeated patiently, “that we’re seeing significant growth in our social media campaigns. But enough about that… When are we going to meet about that new app of yours? I’ve already got a ton of marketing ideas for it!”

“Oh, right.” I shifted in my seat, my mind switching gears. “The app development is on track. We’ll need to have a meeting at the company tomorrow to go over the final integration steps.”

“Great! I’ll see you there!”

Shane and I were engrossed in a conversation about our new project, the excitement bubbling between us.

“This new software could really change the game, Victor,” Shane said, leaning forward, her eyes alight with enthusiasm. “Imagine the possibilities—”

Just then, my phone rang. It was Aria. My wife. To my surprise, I felt a flicker of anticipation.

“Excuse me for a moment,” I said to Shane, standing and stepping away from the table. I answered the call. But the words that came out were not what I tried to say, “Coming to apologize?”

Before I could say anything else, Aria's voice came through, sharp and unwavering. “Victor, I wasn’t joking about the divorce. My lawyer is currently drafting the divorce agreement, and I want to sign it with you tomorrow.”

I was momentarily at a loss. “An agreement?” I echoed, confusion tightening my grip on the phone.

My mother looked up from her plate. “Is that Aria?” she asked in a tone of disapproval. “She should come and apologize. I can't believe someone so ill-mannered! It was so embarrassing how she behaved during such a high-profile, important party.”

“Mom, please,” I said, raising a hand to stave off her inevitable tirade. But I knew Aria had heard her.

There was a brief, heavy silence on the line. Then, without another word, Aria hung up. She actually hung up on me. It was the first time she had ever done that!

And, what did she just say? Divorce agreement? Is she really serious about this divorce? Or is she just trying to get my attention again?

Honestly, I'm really sick of her tricks. What she's doing is so ridiculous.

Aria’s POV

I’ve had enough. Five years… Five years of enduring such humiliation and belittling by Victor and his family, of being treated like a nobody.

And even after five years, he still believed that I was the one who’d taken those stupid naked photos of us to blackmail him into marrying me! God, I would never have stooped so low! But does anyone believe anything I say? No!

I couldn't believe I used to be so persistent. I even damaged my friendships for the sake of this marriage.

I immediately sent a message to my lawyer, telling him to go ahead with the divorce agreement.

That's it. I won't spend any more time arguing with him. Let's just bring this all to an end quickly.

Victor didn't come back that evening. But I didn't ask him urgently as usual either. Luckily, my lawyer was very efficient; he sent me the agreement that same night.

The next day, I began packing my things. There wasn’t much in this house that truly belonged to me. I took off that very simple wedding ring from my hand and threw it on the table. Without looking back, I turned to leave.

It was a beautiful day, but I hardly noticed because of my nerves. The crisp, clear sky seemed to mock the turmoil churning inside me.

Clutching the divorce agreement in my shaking hands, I stepped into the imposing office building of Thorn Enterprises.

It was ironic that the first time I visited my husband's company was to divorce him.

I walked to the reception desk, my heels clicking loudly against the marble floor, each step echoing the finality of my decision. “Excuse me,” I said to the receptionist, trying to keep my voice steady. “I'm Aria Thorn, Victor's wife. Could you inform him that I'm here?”

The receptionist's eyes flickered with surprise, then settled into a look that was somewhere between pity and disdain. “Ms. Aria,” she said slowly, “Mr. Thorn isn't at the company and his wife is already upstairs.”

A knot of confusion and dread tightened in my stomach. “I'm his wife,” I insisted, my voice rising a notch. The receptionist's disdainful gaze did not waver. I felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck.

“Mr. Thorn’s wife,” she repeated, enunciating each word as if I were slow to understand, “is already upstairs.”

“Aria? What brings you here?” I suddenly heard Shane’s voice. She grinned at me as if we’d always been good friends.

The receptionist greeted her and smiled, “Mrs. Thorn, how are you?”

Shane had told the receptionist I was a friend, conveniently leaving out the part where she wasn’t really Victor’s wife. She's playing that little trick again. But I ignored it and played along. Because she could take me up there. I just wanted to finish what I came here to do.

“I need to talk to Victor immediately,” I told Shane as we headed upstairs to the main office. I tried to sound casual. “Where’s him?”

Shane smirked. “He went to another company for a meeting. See, I know more about his movements than you do. Doesn't he tell you anything?”

Her words stung, but I tried to stay calm. Inside, I felt a knot of discomfort tightening.

"Mrs. Thorn," someone called out.

“Yes?”I turned around and saw several men in corporate suits approaching. The man who had spoken looked puzzled. "Who are you?"

Before I could explain, Shane stepped in smoothly. "Mr. Lee, our meeting is in an hour. I'll have the relevant documents ready; Victor has entrusted this matter entirely to me."

Mr. Lee smiled, clearly impressed. "You're really good, as Victor's wife. He always speaks highly of your abilities."

Unable to bear it any longer, I interrupted, "I'm sorry, but I'm Victor's wife, not her."

The man looked at me with disdain, sizing me up. "Is that so? Funny, he's never mentioned you. I've seen too many women like you, trying to cozy up to wealthy men." He then turned to Shane and remarked, "Women like her need to be dealt with quickly, or they'll surely multiply like weeds."

Shane smiled but remained silent. The men left without even glancing at me. I looked at Shane in disbelief and said, "Are you satisfied now? Is this how you want to be acknowledged as Victor's wife?"

Shane feigned surprise, "When did I acknowledge that? When did I ever say I'm Victor's wife?" She then grabbed my hand unexpectedly, "Come on, let me show you where Victor's office is. I know it better than you."

The nerve of this woman! She always keeps rubbing it in my face that she’s more like Victor’s wife than me. I was tired of it all, and I just couldn’t wait to not have to deal with both of them anymore.

Aria’s POV

Shane was still chattering away, showing me off. Her voice grated on my nerves. "You see, Aria, I've been working with Victor's company for years while managing my own. I know everyone and everything here," she said condescendingly. "Victor's lucky to have me as a good friend and business partner."

"Oh, there's Samantha," Shane pointed out, waving across the room. "She handles all the important accounts. I recommended her for the position, actually."

"And over there," she continued, oblivious to my lack of enthusiasm, "that's Peter. He's in charge of marketing. I often give him tips."

“Are you done? I don’t have time for this, Shane, just take me to Victor’s office.” I interrupted her, feeling my patience wear thin.

She paused and sneered. Just as we turned a corner, she stopped suddenly and I looked back at her in confusion. But then I collided with someone carrying a glass of water. The cold liquid splashed all over me, soaking my blouse and making me gasp.

"Oh, my god, I'm so sorry!" the person exclaimed, looking horrified.

"It's okay, really," I said quickly, even though I felt the wet fabric clinging uncomfortably to my skin.

Shane immediately stepped in. "Aria, let's get you out of those wet clothes. I have some extras in the room down the hall."

Now I knew why she'd just stopped; she'd seen someone there. But she didn't warn me. She just wanted to see me make a fool. I'm so sick of her boring behavior.

Before I could protest, she gently but firmly steered me into a nearby office. She rummaged through a drawer and pulled out a dry shirt.

I took the shirt, but threw it to the side. “Just stop pretending already, Shane.”

Her expression changed instantly, morphing into that familiar mean look. “Look at you, no wonder Victor doesn't want to recognize you as his wife.”

Her words stung, but I refused to let her get to me. I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “I'm already divorcing Victor, Shane. So, no matter what you say, it won't piss me off anymore.”

Shane was momentarily surprised, but then she laughed, a cruel sound that echoed in the room. She thought she had won.

“Hmm… Divorcing Victor? Don’t be silly, Aria!” she said sarcastically. “Nobody will believe that for a second. Victor probably realized already that you’re just a nuisance in his life. He no longer has any use for you, after all.”

She continued to taunt me, trying to provoke a reaction. But I was done playing her games. I looked at her flatly, uninterested in her attempts to rile me up. And strangely, that seemed to anger her even more.

“Stop pretending you don’t care!” she suddenly snapped at me. Then to my shock, she took out her phone and began showing me photos of Victor and me lying naked in bed together. “You think he’d learn to love you after tricking him to sleep with you?!”

My heart stopped for a second as I stared at the familiar photos. That familiar feeling of dread and humiliation washed over me. “H-How did you get hold of those?” I stammered, not believing my eyes.

She scoffed and looked at me mockingly. Then it hit me. What a stupid question I had just asked! Of course it was her all along! She’d taken those photos of us and sent them to Victor!

I stood there, my hands clenched into fists at my sides, staring at Shane with disbelief and rage burning in my chest.

"It was you!" I accused, my voice shaking with anger. "You took those photos and sent them to Victor and put them in my phone! You set me up!"

Shane smirked as if reveling in my anger. "See? All it takes is a miniature camera, and a hack, and I can get you hated by Victor. I thought it would make him despise you, but he married you anyway... but I guess it worked out just as well.”

I wanted to strangle her. She just grinned at me devilishly with her arms crossed in front of her chest. She said, “Don't bother speaking ill of me because it will do you no good... you won’t be able to find a single thing to use against me! So guess who Victor will believe?"

I couldn't believe the audacity, the sheer cruelty of what she had done.

I stepped forward quickly, trying to grab Shane's phone to take evidence and prove my innocence to Victor. If I could just get my hands on it, I could expose Shane's lies. But of course, Shane wouldn't let me near it.

"Stay back, Aria!" Shane shouted, clutching the phone tightly. Her face contorted with fury, and her voice echoed through the lobby. Almost instantly, security guards rushed over, drawn by the commotion.

She suddenly started yelling, but now she played the victim, casting fearful glances my way. "She's trying to attack me!" she cried out.

The guards, unfamiliar with me, moved to intervene. "Ma'am, step away," one of them ordered, his tone firm.

Shane's smug expression was infuriating, a twisted mix of triumph and deceit. I clenched my fists, feeling the heat of my anger boiling just beneath the surface.

Just then I glanced at the divorce agreement in my hand, its stark black letters almost mocking me. The reality of my nearing freedom stared back at me, and in that moment, a wave of calm washed over me. Why did any of this matter when we were on the verge of divorce?

I took a deep breath and straightened my posture, meeting Shane's eyes with a cold, steady gaze. "Fine, you win," I said, my voice steady and resolute.

I placed the divorce agreement on the table, pushing it towards Shane. "I don’t want to waste any more time here. Just give this to Victor. Tell him to sign this damn agreement and send it to me immediately.”

Shane blinked, momentarily caught off guard. She hadn't expected me to surrender so easily. But this wasn't surrender. It was liberation.

As I walked away, leaving the chaos behind, I felt a sense of freedom I hadn't experienced in years. This would be the beginning of my new life, free from the toxic marriage that had imprisoned me and made me so unhappy.