"You won't be happy. Keep this in your mind. I won't return to you even if you kneel at my feet." Camari's life was perfect. That was what she thought before her husband presented her divorce papers. She initially refused and insisted on keeping the marriage. However, her husband showed his true colors and did everything he could to force her to sign. The misfortunes in her life did not stop post-divorce. An offer came in at a time of need, so Camari teamed up with a stranger to strike back. Unfortunately, many secrets about her and her partner tested their trust in each other.
もっと見る[Camari]
'I'm on my way home.'
I smiled as I read the message from my husband. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My blonde hair was neatly combed, and my face was clean without makeup. I wore a transparent nightgown, leaving nothing to the imagination. I couldn't afford to waste my chance tonight.
I sprayed his favorite perfume on my neck and wrists. The delicate scent of red roses entered my nostrils. My cheeks flushed at the thought of our activities tonight. I chuckled, embarrassed by my wild imagination.
I walked out of the walk-in closet to the bedroom and smiled at the red rose petals decorating the bed. My heart beat with happiness. Finally, after three years together, we had the perfect time for our first night.
Hearing the door knock, I stood in front of it and smiled. "Come in." My heart was pounding excitedly.
"Good evening, Madam," the maid greeted, her eyes fixed downward. "Master awaits you in the reading room."
I was disappointed to see it wasn't Farrell who knocked on the door. I should have known that wasn't his habit. He just walked straight into the room without knocking first. But I hid my disappointment with a smile.
"I'll be there. Thank you." I couldn't be angry because she was only doing her job delivering her employer's message.
I wore my robe and headed for the study on the ground floor. He'd never asked to meet in that room after work. Did something happen at his office?
Ah, I got it. Probably, that was what happened. As a good wife, I should listen to his complaints and not blame him if he makes a mistake. Everything would be fine. He needed time to adjust to leading his family's company.
The butler was standing by the door. He greeted me kindly before opening the study door for me. I thanked him. Seeing Farrell standing by the window, gazing at the view outside the house, I approached.
"Hi, honey. How was your day?" I greeted him cheerfully, intending to kiss and hug him.
"Read and sign the documents on the table," he said, stopping me in my tracks.
I glanced at the nearby coffee table. "What's this?" I took the folder and opened the cover. The letterhead made me read it repeatedly because I couldn't believe it. "A divorce agreement?" My heart almost stopped beating, realizing what it meant.
"You can write any amount on the blank check, but don't exceed our agreed limit. I don't want any drama. The sooner you sign the document, the better," he said coldly.
My eyes heated up. That sentence was like a sharp needle piercing my heart, making me almost lose consciousness. The paper suddenly shook because my hand trembled. I breathed deeply to calm myself down. It must have been a misunderstanding.
"My lawyer has prepared all the files. I've checked all the points in the agreement. Everything's there following our prenuptial. Since we don't have a child, this divorce can be finalized faster," he casually declared.
I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. I put the folder on the table and walked over to him. But just as I was about to hug him, he dodged. My chest ached at his rejection, but I steeled myself.
"Honey, let's sit down. Let's talk this through. We just celebrated our third wedding. If you have a problem, we'll face it together. I'm here for you," I coaxed.
"I told you, I don't want any drama," he repeated.
"What are you talking about? You've suddenly asked for a divorce without any problems that occurred recently. Don't you realize you've created the drama?" I replied in confusion.
"I haven't touched you all this time. Isn't that proof enough? Our marriage is not okay. You're the one who's too blind to see," he retorted.
That sentence slapped me hard. Didn't he leave early in the morning and return late at night because of his time-consuming job? Did he take business trips on the weekend to avoid me? I hardly believed it.
"I love you, and so do you. We can't get divorced. You can't do this to me," I said in a quavering voice.
"Don't lure me into forcing you to sign that document, Camari." He finally turned his head and looked at me sharply.
A jolt of electricity shot down my spine as I met his gaze. Farrell had never stared at me like that. He'd looked at me gently and lovingly since we first met. What had happened to make him drastically change?
Divorce was never a topic during our three years of marriage. We were rarely together due to his busy schedule. However, we spent every encounter talking about our little family's future.
Our last conversation was about children. Therefore, I was delighted he came home earlier than usual. I thought tonight was the night we started our child-bearing program and our first night as husband and wife.
"Why? " I demanded. "I accompanied you faithfully and met all your needs. I was responsible for your grandpa and mom. Even the judge will be surprised by this divorce."
"Haven't you ever heard of an uncontested divorce? The judge doesn't want to know the real reason. When both husband and wife sign the papers and attend the hearing, the divorce will be granted. Again, I don't want any drama," he exclaimed sternly.
I felt my anger rise to the top of my head, but I restrained myself. The question wasn't difficult because he was the one filing for divorce. He was being evasive in answering my question. I couldn't accept him divorcing me without any logical explanation.
"In that case, I refuse the divorce." I put the folder back on the table.
"Don't provoke me, Camari," he threatened again.
"What will you do to force me to sign that document?" I challenged him, not wanting to be cowed by his threats.
"Your father borrowed a sizable sum of money at Haworth Finance." He smirked. "I can demand repayment of his bad debts. You know what happens if I do that. Right?"
"Wh-what?" Did I hear it right? Dad borrowed money from his company. When?
"Fifty million dollars. You can write that number on the blank check. Then, you can use the money to pay off the debt." He put his right hand in his pants pocket. "Bring the documents to the courthouse tomorrow morning at ten."
He smiled sarcastically, then turned around. He walked haughtily toward the door. I was suddenly cold as he left the room, considering I was only wearing a thin nightgown under this robe. My eyes heated up. The celebration I had planned turned into a disaster.
The night I expected would be full of laughter and fun turned out to be gloomy. I glanced at the document and then sat down. Maybe the reason for our divorce was on the paper. Tears fell on my cheeks, but I quickly wiped them away.
Droplet after droplet ran down my face, making it difficult for me to read. So, I put the document back on the table and covered my face with both hands. My chest hurt like hell. I couldn't believe he'd be so willing to file for divorce a day after our wedding anniversary.
The final blow was when I entered our room. He wasn't in the bedroom, bathroom, or closet. I fell into a sitting position on the floor. My fortress of defense was crumbling. I couldn't hold myself back and let my tears break out.
My last hope to persuade him not to divorce me failed miserably. I wouldn't meet him in another room and demean myself any more than this.
Gosh. I love him so much. Farrell was the only man I loved for the six years we were together. No one else. I couldn't believe he could talk so heartlessly to me.
"Good morning, ma'am," greeted the butler as I entered the dining room.
"Good morning." I noticed that Farrell's usual chair was empty. "Has my husband left?"
"Yes, ma'am," he replied politely.
We weren't divorced yet, but he slept in the other room and didn't wait for me to have breakfast together. What else would he do to ignore me? Nothing could change my mind. I would keep refusing to divorce him.
Accustomed to driving my car, I didn't use a chauffeur like my husband. I went to my office, not the courthouse. He couldn't force me to do his will. After all, there was no way I could suddenly ask for permission from work.
I stopped before the red light and waited patiently. I swept my gaze around. The pedestrians crossing showed different expressions. Some were happy, flat, cold, and sad. Then, my gaze fell on a couple embracing joyfully.
I blinked, but I saw it right. They were two people who were dear to me. No matter how far away we were and what clothes they wore, I could recognize them from their body shape and the way they walked.
My eyes heated up. My hands on the steering wheel clenched into fists. Seeing that the green light was about to turn on, I changed my mind. I parked the car as soon as I pulled over and passed the street they were on. I scanned the shops and cafes for their whereabouts.
Once I found them at a café, I watched them intently. The woman talked enthusiastically while the man was listening and stroking her hair. I clenched my fist at his affectionate gestures.
To confirm my guess, I called the woman. She looked down at her bag and then took out her cell phone. She glanced at the man, and they shared an amused laugh. The woman put her index finger over her lips.
"Hi, Camari!" I heard her voice in my ear.
"Hi, Bella!" I replied with equal enthusiasm.
"Why are you calling me?" she asked. "Ah, let me guess. You're at the office and haven't seen me at my desk, have you?"
I was relieved that she helped me come up with a topic. "Please buy me a coffee if you drop by our favorite café."
"Ah, what a coincidence! Do you want your favorite one? I'll buy it for you. Wait in your office, I'll have security deliver it," she replied. She glanced at the man at her side, and they laughed silently.
She was lying. This café wasn't our regular one. My eyes heated up seeing them so intimate, not looking awkward like casual acquaintances. Unable to take it anymore, I left and hurried to work.
My phone vibrated for the umpteenth time, but I ignored it. I continued the work that had been piling up. Official letters, permission letters, agreement letters, and supporting documents for each division's activities had to be completed before I left work.
I didn't have time to take care of my household, which was in crisis. My hands instantly clenched into fists, remembering the scene on the street earlier. I took a deep breath as I felt my eyes heating up. I couldn't cry here.
I was walking to the elevator for lunch when my phone vibrated. I glanced over and saw Farrell's name on the screen. He was relentless. I stopped walking to answer the incoming call.
"Did you think I'm kidding!?" Farrell scolded angrily. "I waited for two hours, and you didn't come. You were embarrassing me!"
"I told you I don't want a divorce," I replied, trying to speak calmly despite my pounding heart. Farrell had never spoken to me so harshly.
"I'm no ordinary man, Camari. I'm Farrell August Haworth, CEO of Haworth Incorporation. I give you one last chance. If you don't show up tomorrow, at the same time, you'll regret it!"
"Bella can't wait to marry you,” I asked just before he ended the call. “Is that the reason for this rushed divorce?"
Jasper moved quickly. He picked me up and ran to the car. Otis broke protocol by getting into the same car as me, but I needed him. So, I let him sit beside me.The medical team welcomed us to the hospital. My obstetrician greeted me and checked my condition. My feelings were uncertain when he said the opening wasn't quite there yet. We needed to wait until the time came.Our family arrived, helping me get ready. Otis stayed in the room with me. Whenever I needed him, I turned to him, and he would come closer. Hours passed, but the torment wasn't over yet.I grew more and more frightened as the pain became unbearable. Seeing Otis' pale face, I smiled at him. It must have been hard for him to see me in this state. It made me realize one important thing. There would be no other man like him in this world."Otis," I whispered. He came closer. "I don't know what would happen in the labor room. But I want you to know... I love you. I love you so much."Otis was stunned. His eyes then filled
[Camari]Otis was busy with the two companies he was responsible for. I thought everything was fine. He solved all of Haworth Incorporation's financial problems and replaced some old directors with his confidants.However, I had no idea why he bought shares from certain people in the company. I wasn't with him all the time since my pregnancy made it difficult for me to move around freely. So, he had lunch or dinner with his colleagues without me.He even bought shares in his company from people demanding that he step down from his seat. I wasn't the finance director, so I didn't know the company's financial position. But seeing Jasmine's calm demeanor, I concluded that everything was still under control.Therefore, I was surprised by today's announcement. Precious Fund Corporation and Haworth Incorporation were merging. Precious Fund remained, while Haworth Incorporation ceased to exist. What did Father think of this?The man I was thinking about came in with a cheerful face, making m
Bella had just given birth. Following Father's instructions, we checked the baby and Farrell for a DNA match. The lab technician called to tell us the results were up for collection. Dorothy flew straight from her town to take care of it with me.Camari was twenty-eight weeks pregnant. I didn't want anything to happen to her if she met Bella in prison. She should be in a high-security place. The office had bodyguards and building security. I could rest easy if she were there."Otis!" Dorothy called.I waved the envelope of test results at her. "The results are here.""Come on, open it quickly," she said impatiently.I opened the envelope and took out the paper inside. I sighed when I saw the results. The question that had been bothering us was answered. For safety reasons, Dorothy and I headed to the prison in our respective cars.Ever since Bella attacked my car, I hadn't been in the same car with my family. Camari and I also didn't share a car when we went anywhere. She still drove
Our parents excused themselves from the living room. They ran away and didn't help me to explain the sentence to Camari. I swallowed and saw them smiling meaningfully. Didn't they know I was terrified?After the door closed and it was just the two of us, Camari cleared her throat. "Otis?"I swallowed hard. "Don't worry about the money. I have a personal stash that I've set aside for my wedding. So, I'm not taking the company's operating money."She smiled. "Are you afraid I'll laugh at your feelings?" she cooed. Camari squeezed my hand. "Thank you for loving me, but I can't say the same." She bowed her head."Camari, I—" I muttered, feeling bad."Please don't get me wrong," she cut in. "Give me time. Our marriage was unplanned. The baby came unexpectedly, followed by the blessing and the reception... I didn't have time to digest all the significant events I experienced in quick succession."You are a kind and gentle man. I'll have no trouble loving you. Therefore, I need time. I won't
[Otis]I stared at the loser man without blinking. He just lowered his head, not daring to return my gaze. He didn't touch the envelope I placed in front of him. He must have understood the purpose of my visit. And I needed an explanation."Silence won't make me forgive what you and your team did," I stated. "This is the first and last warning. If you dare forge people's signatures again, I'll shut down your law firm. You know I'm capable of that.""Mr. Haworth." He finally opened his mouth. "Neither I nor my team forged anyone's signature. If the client didn't sign, then Farrell did.""The client didn't show up for her divorce papers, and you were not her attorney. Was that Farrell's fault, too?" I asked. "My nephew died doesn't mean you can put all the blame on him. I'm not that stupid."I took the envelope back. "This is my proof of how negligent your law firm is. If you did it again, I wouldn't think twice about destroying you.""Mr. Haworth." The man stood up and followed me.Jas
Otis and I went to separate places after work. He met Carlos to discuss business while I saw my psychologist. I cried my heart out in that room, telling Jennifer everything I'd been through over the past week.I felt so relieved after pouring out my feelings. Jennifer didn't suggest anything. She congratulated me on successfully ending my hatred for the two people who had done me harm.Otis was still talking to Carlos, so I went home with my bodyguard. Looking at the numbers on the elevator, I thought of someone. I pressed the number to my old apartment and smiled. She must be in her apartment.Sure enough. Deborah greeted me with a smile and the delicious cooking aroma inside her unit. She offered me her appetizing lasagna. We enjoyed it while chatting in the dining room."I'm sorry about what happened to your family," she said with concern.I liked the word she chose, family. She didn't mention Farrell as my ex-husband. "Thank you. What an unexpected turn of events. He was young.""
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