Chapter 2

“Is it because of her? Did Daisy upset you?”

Ethan moved to the already set table, grabbed a wine glass, and poured himself some red wine.

Swirling the wine in his glass nonchalantly, he took a slow sip, his eyes still fixed on Brielle, who stood across from him with a neutral look on her face.

“She didn’t upset me,” Brielle said flatly.

She wasn't surprised that he didn't even remember the name of the woman he had kissed on the street passionately.

In their few years of marriage, Brielle had become used to seeing him with different women every week, changing them as though they were his sheets. She used to believe she would make him feel the same way, and they would live happily ever after, and it was only a matter of time for him to realize no one would love him as she did. But was it just her wishful thinking?

“What is it about then? I wouldn't do it if you didn’t like me bringing anyone here. There is nothing serious; I’m just having fun.” Ethan said, leaning against the dining table.

Ethan paused, waiting for her to say something, but all he got was silence.

He took yet another sip from his glass and nodded. “I understand you must feel left out. I didn't have much time for you lately. Let me make it up to you. We could go on a trip to wherever you like this weekend, just the two of us. What about the island you always want to visit?” He said with a charming smile.

“No,” Brielle replied. She didn't know if it was proper for her to laugh or cry now. He still didn’t understand. He still thought this was about some childish jealousy, as if a trip would fix everything.

“I said no. I don’t want a vacation; I want a divorce.” She repeated.

Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “Listen, Brielle. You’ve already made your point. I understand you are upset, but you shouldn’t be so dramatic about it.” He said, his lips thinning.

After having lived with him for years, she could tell he was now annoyed but was doing his best not to show it, and he seemed relaxed instead.

“I am not being dramatic, Ethan. I want a divorce. I’m done with all of this.” She corrected in a calm voice, her body relaxed but tired.

“This is bullshit. You’re not thinking straight right now, so let’s continue this discussion in the morning.” He said in an annoyed tone. He turned to leave.

“No, Ethan. We will talk about it right now, not tomorrow,” she said firmly, stopping him, but he ignored her.

“Get some sleep, Brielle. I’ll pretend you never brought up a divorce this time.” He said dismissively and impatiently hurried to his room without sparing her a second glance.

*****

The next morning, as Ethan stepped out of his room, he saw the divorce papers lying quietly on the dining table.

He picked it up and dumped it in the shredder in scorn without bothering to go through it, then grabbed his suit and left the house.

****

Ethan sat behind his office's smooth, luxurious wooden desk, but he could hardly concentrate. His mind kept wandering, and it was all his wife’s fault.

He tapped his fingers impatiently, and not so long after, his assistant, Fredrick, knocked and stepped in with a tablet in hand.

“The PR team has handled the media buzz, Mr Rayne. By tomorrow, the news should be died down and soon forgotten.”

Seeing that his attention was elsewhere, Fredrick hesitated but eventually spoke. “Also, HR has sent the updated employee files, and there are a few new employees you’d have to review, Sir.”

Ethan frowned dismissively. “If I have to do everything, what do I pay the HR for?”

“Yes, sir. It’s just…” Fredrick cleared his throat and lowered his voice. “Miss Jessica Owen is one of them.”

Ethan paused and cleared his throat.

“Would you like me to do anything concerning the matter, Sir?” Fredrick asked cautiously.

Ethan adjusted his tie and shook his head. “It’s fine. You may leave.”

Just as Fredrick turned to leave, he was called back by Ethan.

“Wait.”

He stopped and turned to his boss.

“Pick out a few gifts …only the best. I don’t care how expensive it is; make it likable by a woman.”

“Is it the anniversary gift for Mrs Rayne?” Fredrick seemed not surprised with a knowing smile.

Confusion was written all over Ethan’s face, and he asked as if waking from a dream.

“Anniversary? What anniversary?”