1. Divorce

Laura's Point of View

I'm stuck at the end of the banquet hall, poking at the ice in my drink. It's better than listening to the laughter and easy conversation between my husband and his ex-girlfriend.

But their voices are stuck in my head no matter how hard I try.

Faith Miller, my husband's childhood sweetheart, happily remarks. "I've heard much about the Jackson Group in the past few months. How's it going?"

Kairo Jackson, my husband, smiles and gulps the glass of wine in his hand. "There have been some minor issues, but overall, we're thriving."

"I always knew you were capable of doing incredible things. But I'm surprised you're a natural-born leader," Faith compliments. "I mean, I thought you were just a nerdy student."

"Thank you, Faith. You're doing great yourself," Kairo replies. "And just so you know, there are many things you still don't know about me."

I catch a quick wink from Kairo to Faith, and my blood starts to boil. How could he flirt so shamelessly with his wife sitting right across the table?

Deep down, I wonder if there's something wrong with me. Kairo has never given me that kind of smile or look in all the time we've been married.

I rub my belly, where a little life is growing. What if my husband knew that I was pregnant? Would he treat me better?

Hours before the banquet, I bought five different pregnancy tests just to be sure. All five tests confirmed it - I'm pregnant.

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with infertility. Since then, our marriage has gone downhill. Everything changed when I saw the two lines on the pregnancy test.

Now, I don't even know if my husband would be happy if I told him about it. After all, he is having a good time with another woman.

The more I watch them, the more it hits me how perfect Kairo and Faith look together. Anyone would think they were husband and wife. Huh, I guess the joke's really on me tonight.

"Isn't she Faith Miller? When did she come back?" one guest whispers. 

"Yeah, I remember her. She disappeared for a while because she went abroad. But look, she's with Mr. Jackson. Are they back together?" another guest replies.

I listen to the guests gossip about Faith's return, and no one even mentions that Kairo has a wife. That's it! I can't take it anymore. I drag my feet toward Kairo, the loud tapping of my heels echoing through the room with each step.

"Kairo..." I call out.

As he turns to me, his cheerful smile suddenly disappears. "Finally, you're here. I thought you were going to hide in the corner all night," he says impatiently, then quickly shifts his attention back to Faith. "Oh, by the way, this is Laura William. Laura, this is Faith Miller, my college classmate."

College classmate? Does my husband think I'm that stupid? Everyone in the university knew Faith was Kairo's ex-girlfriend.

And why didn't Kairo mention I'm his wife? It hurts that he thinks I'm too embarrassing to introduce to his old flame.

"Good to see you again, Laura. It's been a long time, right? If I remember correctly, the last time we saw each other was back in college," Faith says with a smile.

"Yeah... I heard you were abroad."

"Yes. I just got back from overseas with my MBA." She looks at me from head to toe,

she says sarcastically, "What about you? You look as plain as ever. Just like when you were in college."

Faith's words stung, reminding me that I never finished college. I dropped out to marry Kairo and become a housewife.

I glance down at my plain, long-sleeved velvet dress and clutch the fabric. My hair is in a bun. Faith is right; it's plain. I' ve been too busy with housework to buy a new one. I got this dress when I got married.

Kairo looks at me, his eyes scanning my figure with disdain. "Laura, we're at a grand event. Why didn't you dress appropriately?"

"I don't think it's that big of a deal."

"Don't be too harsh on Laura," Faith interrupts, dripping with sarcasm. "You know she struggles with choosing the right attire."

"No, she can't embarrass me like this!"

Kairo snaps. "We're at an important business event, and she's dressed like a waitress. What will people think?"

I lower my head, biting my lip in humiliation. "I'm so sorry."

I've never satisfied Kairo's expectations. To him, a billionaire's wife should be a trophy. I've never been someone he could be proud of.

Before I can speak, a new voice calls out, "Hey there, Mr. Jackson! Good to see you!" It's Mr. Thompson, his business partner.

Kairo turns away from me to greet him. "Mr. Thompson, I knew you'd be here."

Lost in their conversation, Kairo ignores me completely, leaving me frozen in place.

I stand there, stunned, before deciding to approach Kairo again.

Nonetheless...

"Excuse me, are you talking about the new project of Sy Group? I have a little knowledge about that!" Faith suddenly bumps into my shoulder, a mischievous smirk on her face as she approaches Kairo. Is she trying to scramble presence ahead of me?

I almost stumble, and a waiter collides with me, spilling wine on Faith's gown.

"Faith, are you alright " I begin, but Kairo beats me to it.

His eyes are darker and colder. "What the hell did you just do, Laura?!"

"W-what?" My heart races. I realize we' ve attracted attention.

"Apologize to her! Look at what you've done!" His voice is raised.

I force myself to speak, trembling. "I-I was trying to go to you, but Faith bumped me."

Faith's eyes well up with tears. "Why are you blaming me? You intentionally bumped into the waiter!"

"Laura, how can you lie instead of apologizing? What's the matter with you?" Kairo's voice is calm, but he's controlling his anger. "Apologize now, or just leave instead of embarrassing me!"

I stare at Kairo, searching for any hint of love or concern. But I only found resentment in his eyes.

My heart feels like it's being squeezed. I try to hold back tears but fail miserably.

"Fine, I'll leave!" I declare, storming off.

As I walk away, my heart aches at the thought of our marriage falling apart. What if we just... I shake my head, feeling a knot in my stomach as the word "divorce" pops into my mind.

What should I do?