Three Years Married, Love Split in Half

The call ended quickly.Antonio frowned, looking at me with hesitation. "Sorry, there's an emergency at work. I..."I nodded lightly, my nonchalance throwing him off.He clenched his jaw, sighing. "Forget it. No work is more important than you. It's our third anniversary. I'm staying."But within five minutes, his phone kept buzzing.I counted until the seventh call.He squirmed. "Honey, it's a big deal at work. I have to go."He grabbed the cake with Clarisse's name, adding, "I'll toss this on the way."I laughed bitterly as he hurried off.At this point, he was still using work as a cover.Tears streamed down my face, but my resolve to leave hardened.Losing no time, I called my lawyer to draft a divorce agreement.Late into the night, chilly wind came in through the open window.Antonio finally remembered me, calling with his usual warm tone, playing the perfect husband."Work is done. I'm heading back. Want anything? I know you love shrimp tacos. I'll grab some."If

Antonio came out with warmed milk. "Why aren't you eating? Not to your taste? These bagels and milk are your favorites. I got up early and waited in line for them."He was right.They were my favorites, but seeing a photo of the same bagels and milk on my phone made my stomach churn.He was thorough, always preparing two of everything. He never shortchanged anyone."No appetite," I said curtly.Antonio didn't get mad. He just ate the leftovers.Watching him, I wondered if he'd eat Clarisse's leftovers too. The thought gave me goosebumps.His voice brought me back to reality. "Your birthday's coming up. Any gift you want?"An idea hit me as I looked at his smiling face. "There is a rare diamond ring at the auction. How about that?"I showed an expectant look, curious if he could manage two identical rings.On the eve of my birthday, Antonio came home at midnight.He'd been scarce, claiming he was securing the ring. Half-asleep, I felt him slide something onto my finger.He w

I burst out laughing.His terrified voice felt satisfying."You're with Clarisse, right?" I said. "Don't waste the venue. Use it for your engagement party. We're getting divorced, so no need to hide. Don't let people laugh at you for being spineless."His breathing grew heavy. He started begging, "Honey, don't joke. Clarisse is just my secretary. You're my wife. I won't divorce you. Come back, please. It's your birthday. I'll throw you the best party. Anything you want, I'll do it."I laughed so hard I teared up, wiping my eyes.In the background, I heard Clarisse's jealous huff. She probably thought that without me, she'd slide into Mrs. Carey's role.She would have done it three years ago if she could have."No thanks," I sneered. "Focus on your little secretary. Don't waste your three years of double gifts, your daily excuses to see her, and your effort to track down those diamonds. You're something."He choked on my words, stammering, "You know everything.""If you don't w

For half a month, I didn't see Antonio.Word in our circle was that the Carey Group hit a snag. Someone tricked them on a contract, draining millions in cash flow.Without my help, they were in deep trouble.I saw him again at a friend's wedding. He looked worn out, with visible bruises under his eyes.Clarisse, no longer her glamorous self, trailed behind him like a zombie.They froze when they saw me.Clarisse approached, pleading, "Iva, please come back. I can't stand his torture any longer."I was speechless.She'd schemed to push me out, and now she was begging me to go back."I never wanted the spot," she said. "I know my place. The Carey family wouldn't accept me. The one he loves has always been you."Looking at her sincerity, I realized those texts might not have been from her.Her tone lacked sharpness, but it didn't matter anymore.I added, "You're barking up the wrong tree. Antonio and I are divorcing. If you don't want to be Mrs. Carey, find him a new bride."