Far From Perfection

The sound of shattering glass cut through the private lounge, silencing the laughter and noise instantly.Embarrassed, Lewis Carter, the man who had demanded a kiss sneered darkly. "Ethan Graves, what’s this? You get a kiss, but I don’t? What, is Victoria your wife or something?"Victoria Hale glanced at Ethan with pleading, pitiful eyes.The air grew so tense that everyone seemed to hold their breath. After all, everyone knew that Ethan Graves was long since married and famously henpecked.Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Ethan didn’t even spare me a glance. He simply reached out and took Victoria’s hand.A quick-witted employee shouted, "Damn, so it’s true? Ms. Hale is your wife? No wonder! It would take a powerhouse like her to land a guy like you."Ethan said nothing. Victoria blushed, leaning shyly against his chest.As the one who’d started all this, Lewis wore a look of disbelief before breaking into loud laughter. "Alright, you sly bastard. Guess you pulled it off. If nob

I obeyed Ethan’s command and stopped going to the office. It wasn’t only because he dismissed me. Instead, I couldn’t stand Victoria calling my name with that superior air.I wanted her to call me Mrs. Graves.Sadly, Ethan refused to take me anywhere. He claimed that showing up with me now would expose the lie to Lewis and jeopardize the deal.I ordered him not to bring Victoria either and to go alone. However, Ethan only scolded me for being unreasonable. "Who goes to these events without a spouse?"I snapped, "And what about the past few years? Because I was stuck caring for your mother, I never had a chance to go anywhere with you. No one even knows I’m your wife! You didn’t need a spouse back then, so why suddenly now?"At the mention of his mother, something in him snapped. His face twisted with irritation. "Yes, you took care of her, and I’m grateful. But haven’t I provided for you all these years? Food, clothes, shelter… have I ever shorted you? Stop throwing my mother in m

Ethan’s breathing quickened. His throat worked as he forced out, "I’m taking care of you."I rolled my eyes. "You know what I meant. Why abandon Victoria all of a sudden? Why start pretending to care about me?"It took him a long time to answer."To be honest, when I saw you this afternoon, I just felt irritated to death. I wanted you gone. That’s why, when you handed me the divorce papers, I didn’t even think. I just signed."His voice cracked, softer now, "But when you walked away without looking back… my heart clenched. And when that chandelier fell, my body just moved on instinct. You cannot get hurt. You cannot leave me."My tears spilled before I could stop them.Ethan’s eyes went red. He fumbled for tissues, trying to wipe my tears.I caught his wrist and took the tissues myself.He froze, then scrubbed his own face roughly. "Baby, I was wrong about everything. But I swear, it was just business with her. And since my mom passed, seeing you… it just reminded me of her. It

I had no interest in meddling with Ethan’s mess.My days became simple. I only ate, slept, exercised, and cared for my body.I was still young and rich, and I refused to let my life be cut short.Nevertheless, the gastrointestinal disease clung to me like a shadow. No matter how carefully I ate, pain would flare again and again.This time, I chose not to ignore it or hide it. I decided to consult the hospital about surgery. I already had all my scans on file, so the process was quick. We scheduled the operation for the third day after my divorce would be finalized.I didn’t expect to run into Ethan at the hospital lobby that day. He was hobbling on his injured leg while supporting Victoria with an arm around her.Behind them was the obstetrics and gynecology department.I rolled my eyes and slipped away before they noticed me.Of course, Victoria couldn’t resist showing off. Her sharp eyes caught me. She patted her stomach with smug pride. "Maya, don’t blame Ethan. We’re not ge