He Kicked Me Out of His Marriage System

Divorce?Tears stung my eyes.For three years, Julian had handed me an end-of-year review every December.Each time, he would follow it up with a "Contract Renewal" for me to sign, extending our marriage for another twelve months.I never imagined the day would actually come when he would hand me a termination notice.My voice trembled. "Do you really believe our marriage can just be... canceled like a business contract?"Julian’s brow furrowed slightly. "You agreed to this framework when I first brought it up, didn't you?""Besides, you failed your core duties as a spouse first," he added, his tone entirely dry. "Proposing a separation is perfectly reasonable."I looked down at the cold, clinical rows of text on the paper.[Housekeeping Completion Rate: Down 3% year-over-year.][Effective Daily Communication: Below the 30-minute minimum threshold.][Career Synergy: Low. Zero participation in partner work events or networking this year.]Then my eyes caught the line at the

I set the gift boxes down outside the threshold and turned to walk down the stairs.A second later, the front door jerked open.Julian’s voice carried a sharp edge of annoyance. "What are you throwing a fit for now? You agreed to compete for the role. Are you forfeiting already?"His mother stepped up behind him, a flicker of embarrassment washing over her face. "Oh, Clarissa, dear... I didn't realize you were out here. I thought you..."I looked at Julian's cold, detached expression and forced a small smile. "I'm not competing, Julian. It's pointless."He frowned and reached out to grab my wrist, but I stepped out of reach."I didn't realize you were the type to run away when things get tough, Clarissa."Comfort really does destroy a person's drive," he said, looking down his nose at me. "In that regard, Chloe is far superior to you."She built her life in this city from scratch without ever complaining."Meanwhile, as a homemaker, you've completely lost your edge and your

Rain dripped from the ends of my soaked hair.After ten minutes under the awning, a sleek black sedan pulled up to the curb.The tinted passenger window slid down, and Mr. Brassfield gestured to me. "Get in before you catch a cold."I opened the door and slid into the back. The warm air instantly enveloped my shivering frame.Mr. Brassfield glanced at me through the rearview mirror. "Is it official?"I dabbed at the rainwater on my face with a tissue. "Yes."He shook his head. "I told you that guy was bad news."Two years ago, when you suddenly announced you were quitting to become a full-time housewife, I knew something was wrong."Thank goodness you listened to my advice and stayed on for remote projects."I looked out the window. Julian’s car was just pulling out of the parking area."He married Chloe today."Mr. Brassfield let out a contemptuous snort. "I know her. Her ambition is written all over her face, but her skills can't back it up."Julian picked her? His judg

Julian’s father looked pale, taking slow, labored steps.His recovery clearly wasn't going well.Chloe trailed beside them, staring at her phone with a heavy frown.She didn't even notice when the old man stumbled over his own feet.Julian caught his father just in time, shooting Chloe a sharp remark.She finally put her phone away, though irritation flushed across her face.I pulled my gaze back and turned to Mr. Brassfield. "Let's go."Mr. Brassfield had spotted the group ahead, too."Isn't that your ex-husband?" he asked softly. "Want to say hello?"I turned toward the opposite hallway. "Not interested."Unfortunately, the more you try to avoid someone, the more fate would keep forcing a meeting.We bumped into each other right at the elevators.Julian froze when he saw me.His eyes darted from the heavy contract folder in my arms to Mr. Brassfield standing beside me, a deep crease forming between his brows."Clarissa? What are you doing here?"I kept it brief. "Work.

The project launched without a single hitch.The hospital held an intimate celebratory dinner, placing me at the head table alongside the medical director and several department heads.Halfway through the evening, I stepped out to use the restroom.In the quiet corridor, I caught sight of Julian.He stood alone by the bay window, gazing out at the city skyline. His silhouette looked surprisingly hollow.I intended to walk right past him, but he turned and spotted me."Clarissa," he called out.I stopped. "Do you need something?"Julian took a few steps toward me.Under the hallway lights, dark circles shadowed his eyes. He looked noticeably thinner than he was on the day of our divorce."My father's follow-up," he said, searching my face. "Did you rearrange it for him?"I raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think that?"Julian kept his eyes fixed on mine."The hospital suddenly notified me that his original slot was restored with the chief of neurology."When I asked who p