Divorced for the 9th Time

"One month from now, we'll remarry."Jake Reacher casually took the divorce papers from my hands, speaking words meant to comfort me.When I signed, my heart was still. No waves of emotion stirred. I didn't even feel the urge to respond to his words."Alison."Jake frowned, clearly displeased with my silence, and repeated himself."Oh. Okay."I paused my packing and looked back at him, a trace of helplessness in my eyes.Jake was a man who kept his promises. Every time we divorced, he would tell me when our next reunion would be. He had only ever lied to me once—on our wedding day, holding me close, whispering, "From now on, I'll love only you."Men who are good with words are always liars.He seemed slightly surprised at my composure. In the past, after signing the papers, I would collapse, sobbing uncontrollably in front of him."So, this time… I'm moving out…"Jake hesitated over his words, but I cut him off."No need. I'll move out. I'm almost done packing."Surprise f

Even though we had married and divorced nine times like a game, I was still the ex-wife.The night grew quiet. The wind outside howled, as if carrying my words far away.After a long silence, Jake lifted his head, attempting an explanation."Divorcing you… It was my fault. But I couldn't let Carla bear the shame of being involved with a married man."I took a few irritated steps back, unable—and unwilling—to understand.Carla couldn't bear the blame, so that meant I deserved to be divorced nine times?"You've considered everything thoroughly, Jake. I have nothing to say."I lowered my eyes, refusing to meet his gaze.Jake opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say more, but the ringtone of his phone interrupted him. It was Carla calling.I looked at the name on his screen and said firmly, "Go. Be with her. We'll talk about us later."Jake stared at me a few times, then slowly walked away to answer.I returned to my apartment and slammed the door shut, as if sealing not only

From the other end, Hannah's voice rang out, furious."Alison! I didn't tell him to come looking for you! He came to my house and snatched my phone!"If you don't leave, I'm calling the police for trespassing!"I could hear her pounding on him with her fists.Yet, Jake's voice repeated, "Where are you?"I took a deep breath, exhaling all the bitterness in my chest, and spoke in a calmness I had never used before."So… finally getting married to Carla, huh? Crying with joy?"Jake's tone immediately became urgent, trembling with a mix of panic and helplessness."No… I didn't agree to marry her! Weren't we supposed to remarry today?"His words shifted from accusation to tentative probing.I froze.In all the years we had been together, Jake had never begged or humbled himself before me. He was the commanding, formidable Jake. Even in the years he loved me most, he had only ever extended a warm hand from a height, never kneeling, never lowering himself.This was the first time

But suddenly someone joked, "Hey, this lady here looks a little like Carla, huh, Kyle? Your taste hasn't changed."My face went cold instantly.Hannah jumped up, grabbing a bottle, ready to scold him.But what truly shifted the atmosphere was Kyle himself.He gave the speaker a cold glance."This is the tenth time I've explained—I have nothing to do with Carla. Comparing this beautiful lady to Carla is an insult."He then nodded to me. "To apologize, may I invite you to dinner?"…I saw sincerity in his eyes and agreed.He introduced himself as Kyle Martin and explained that he and Carla had gone to the same school."If I'm not mistaken," he said cautiously, "you are Jake's… ex-wife?"He carefully explained the misunderstanding."Every time Carla had a fight with Jake and went abroad, she used me as a shield. Since I was overseas, I had no way to defend myself. Even if I explained, they wouldn't believe me. They assumed I was Carla's backup, but I never liked her."He show

I gave him a light shove, and Kyle gently guided me away.Jake was left standing in place, frozen, hesitant to take a step forward.The birthday banquet was held at the Martin family estate. I kept my distance from Jake, and each time he tried to approach, the flow of guests swept him aside.Though it was a family gathering, the Martin family was vast and influential. Branches and relatives of every size and rank had come together, numbering well over a hundred.I felt out of place in this glittering world of wealth and status, so Kyle helped me find a quiet corner to steal a moment of peace.Jake walked up and said, "Alison, even if you're upset, you can't let Kyle mess with you. Do you know who he is? He loves Carla!"I watched Jake, frantic and desperate, trying to sully Kyle's reputation, and I couldn't help but laugh."Do you think I'm the same as when I was with you? That I'd fall for someone blindly, knowing nothing?" I said.Jake opened his mouth, probably to argue. I r