Our third wedding anniversary was coming up, but my wife, a programmer at a major tech company, suddenly claimed she had to work overtime to meet deadlines. She said she couldn't go on the trip we'd planned. That very afternoon, however, her intern posted a video on social media. My wife—the same woman who normally wouldn't even open a door for fear of chipping her manicure—was holding a screwdriver, repairing an old flip phone. The caption read: [Having a programmer wife is the best. Even when Grandma's phone breaks, we don't need to pay for repairs.] I chuckled, liked the post, and commented: [Right up her alley.] Within minutes, the company group chat exploded. There were over ninety-nine unread messages speculating on when I'd finally snap. Not long after, my wife called. Her voice was ice-cold. "What was that comment supposed to mean? How is Shawn supposed to face anyone at work now? "His grandma's phone broke, so I fixed it. What's the problem? Your parents have always spoiled you. You can't possibly understand real hardship. "Delete the comment. I'll make it up to you over the New Year; we can take that trip then." The New Year? I'd already waited through two other major public holidays. I'd even taken special leave for this trip, and she still bailed. Now she was dangling empty promises again? I hung up on her. My leave ended around the same time as our divorce cooling-off period.
View MoreWith my father shielding me, Lisa finally disappeared from my world.Once I'd regained my health, I had no qualms about drawing from the family coffers to start fresh with a new tech company. This time, it was on a much larger scale.And with the "Hunter heir" title attached to my name, top talent from across the country flocked to me with a mere wave of the hand. It was pretty hard to believe, but in no time, I had half the industry's finest minds under my banner.One day, I happened to glance over a contract from Acestar. Wait—wasn't this project supposed to be delivered two months ago? Why was it now on my desk?That's when my secretary explained that after I'd declined to work on the Acestar project, the only person left in Lisa's company who could handle it was Lisa herself. But she was in no state to work—too distracted to even write code. She defaulted, missed deadlines, and paid a hefty penalty.After the divorce, I had taken more than half the company's assets. With this
I thought after being humiliated yesterday, Lisa would finally leave me alone. But the very next day, she appeared in my living room.When I first spotted her from upstairs, I was stunned.Gone was the disheveled woman from yesterday. Today, she wore a tailored designer suit and carried a leather briefcase, looking every bit the professional here to talk business.Rising to her feet, Lisa handed over a folder of documents."Mr. Hunter, regarding the project your company is currently tendering for, my firm is more than capable of taking it on. In this sector, at least within our country, I don't believe we have any real competitors."Her expression radiated unshakable confidence.Across from her, my father lounged back on the sofa, idly flipping through the papers before saying evenly, "I've heard of your company. Your capabilities are decent enough to serve as a temporary solution."Lisa's face lit up. She bowed slightly and added, "Thank you for your recognition. We're willing
The apartment I'd listed had already sold. After leaving everything to the agent, I booked a one-way ticket back to my hometown.My parents weren't the least bit surprised to see me.My mother, halfway into her heels and rummaging through her purse, spoke without looking back,"You're home? If you want something for dinner, tell Katie. I've got plans. I won't be back tonight."From behind, my father emerged from the study, frowned as he looked me over, and said, "You look like hell. Starting tomorrow, come play golf with me. I'll have Katie make you chicken soup tonight."He wasn't wrong. Years of grinding through Lisa's startup—long nights coding in a stuffy office—had drained me. I was gaunt, run-down.But still—My jaw tightened with indignation."I came back so suddenly, and neither of you bothers to ask why?"My mother slipped on her other heel, her tone casual, "Bound to happen sooner or later."My father, trimming the withered leaves from his orchids, added, "Only surpr
At first, Lisa's parents were furious. Then their jaws nearly dropped.Her mother stood abruptly, tugging at Lisa's arm, her eyes glinting with delight as she said, "So you're already divorced? That saves us the trouble! But what about the property? How did this place end up as your house? Lisa bought this house!"Lisa snapped, her irritation breaking through, "Mom, stop talking!"Startled by her daughter's raised voice, Margaret fell silent."Grayson," Lisa turned to me sharply, "where did you even get that fake divorce certificate? When did we ever finalize a divorce?"My reply was calm, almost detached."A month ago. The first night you stayed out with Shawn under the pretext of entertaining a client. I asked a few questions, you got angry, and said that if I didn't trust you, I might as well divorce you. That night, we signed the agreement.""That was in the heat of the moment!" Lisa blurted, her face paling, shifting from anger to panic."I've been innocent with Shawn, but
"Some man Grayson is! Useless as dirt, yet full of arrogance! We came all this way, and he didn't even bother to pick us up. Thank goodness Shawn showed up to take care of everything," Lisa's father, Dick Blakely, said. His voice echoed through the door.Her mother, Margaret Olson, quickly chimed in, "Shawn may be from the countryside, but that boy is far more sensible than Grayson. And he knows how to respect his elders. Shawn, once you and Lisa have children, I'm sure you'll raise them well."Shawn flushed, stammering, "Margaret, what are you saying? Lisa and Grayson are married."But Margaret only grew more worked up, her voice rising in agitation."Marriage can end in divorce. Didn't you say he tore up the luxury suit Lisa had tailored for you? He's so violent and wasteful. How could anyone live with a man like that?"My hand froze on the door handle. I didn't push it open.Back when Lisa's company was nothing but a fledgling idea, her parents had treated me very differently.
I shot Shawn a withering look and snapped, "Are you stupid? You saw my resignation announcement on the company feed yesterday. Forgotten already?"Shawn froze, his expression stiff, as though swallowing down his anger."Even if you've resigned, you'll still have to pay for the damages if this project isn't delivered."I let out a sharp laugh, meeting his eyes with cool disdain."If I remember correctly, the contract lists you as the responsible party, doesn't it?"Clicking my tongue twice, I brushed past him with a shoulder bump.But with just that light nudge, he flew back as though hit by a car, stumbling several steps before collapsing onto the ground."Ah!""Shawn! Are you alright?"Lisa came rushing over at the commotion. She helped him up, and when she saw he wasn't hurt, she tenderly dusted off his clothes. Then she turned, eyes like blades cutting straight through me."Why did you shove him? Apologize!"Shawn glanced at me timidly, then looked back at her with pitifu
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