I had turned down every single one of those job offers, back when I was helping Alexia build her business.

I thought I was winning love. In the end, I lost everything and ended up with nothing.

From now on, I wouldn't be stupid anymore. I would only live for myself.

The next day, after finishing my interview with a new company, I stopped by the courthouse to pick up my divorce license.

I was in a great mood. I pulled out my phone to check on the status of my resignation, but saw that the request I'd submitted yesterday still hadn't been processed.

Confused, I texted HR.

They gave me a vague answer. "You'll have to ask Alexia. I don't know."

I had no choice but to call Alexia. She didn't pick up. She didn't text back, either.

I thought for a moment, then opened Caleb's social media feed.

Sure enough, in a video he'd posted from some celebration party, I saw Alexia's slender figure.

The caption read: [Someone tried to frame me. No worries. A boss with a sense of justice will always have my back. The truth always comes out.]

I did some digging and found out what happened.

To protect Caleb at all costs, Alexia—without waiting for my agreement—had forced the blame onto me. She had also given my director position to Caleb.

Alexia, representing upper management, announced the disciplinary action. No one questioned it.

When I went to the office to find Alexia and finalize my resignation, an angry coworker rushed at me and tried to dump filthy water on me.

"Shameless piece of trash! You screw up and expect someone else to take the fall?!"

I dodged just in time. But the stench hit my nose, and I couldn't help frowning.

Alexia had already been alerted to my arrival. She came strutting out on her high heels, looking smug.

"You think threatening to quit is going to make me cave, Elliot?

"You're thirty-five years old. At your age, you've already been phased out by the times. Without me, no company is going to want you. I've been putting up with you because of everything you've done for this company. But you won't appreciate it, and on top of that, you keep causing trouble. Don't blame me for being harsh."

Caleb chimed in with fake sincerity.

"Alexia, Elliot is a longtime employee. As long as he admits his mistake, apologizes properly to the client, and takes full responsibility, maybe you could give him one more chance."

Alexia nodded and walked toward me.

"I can forgive you. But taking responsibility isn't enough. You need to get down on your knees, bow your head, apologize, and lick the water off the floor. Then I'll think about giving you some low-level position to coast by on."

She stepped closer and lowered her voice so only I could hear.

"Elliot, I'm being very generous with you. If you just give in, I'll forget that you ever laid a hand on me. But if you dare cross me again, I won't try to stop you. We'll just get a divorce. And honestly—an ugly, broke, divorced man like you? Do you really think anyone else will have you? Think carefully. You only get one chance to apologize."

So that was why she was always so arrogant. She was sure I couldn't leave her.

I smiled.

"Okay."

Everyone crossed their arms and waited for the show.

Alexia breathed a sigh of relief, looking satisfied.

"Good. I'm glad you see reason. But my patience has its limits. I won't give you chance after chance to apologize. Next time you screw up—"

She was still rambling on with her lecture. I cut her off by slamming the divorce license right into her face.

"Alexia, you've got it wrong. We're already divorced. There won't be a next time.

"Oh, and sign my resignation papers as soon as you can. I have a new company to report to."