When we first met, the proud and sharp-tongued Natalie feared my CEO's parents would look down on her. So, in front of them, she deliberately acted brash and unruly, trying to show that she wasn’t some gold-digger chasing wealth.
When we started discussing marriage, Natalie demanded that my family give her 88.8 million in cash and transfer 30% of our company’s shares to her maternal half-brother—while her own dowry consisted of just two quilts.
Naturally, my parents refused. Natalie then cried, accusing them of looking down on her, and forced me to choose between her and my family.
Blinded by love, I chose her without hesitation. I turned my back on everything—my name, my family—for her.
Looking back now, I realize how foolish and unfilial that decision was.
Hearing my father’s weak coughs over the phone, my heart ached with guilt.
“Dad, I’ve decided to divorce Natalie.”
“I’ll cut all ties with her company. From now on, we’ll be strangers—completely separate lives.”
He was stunned at first but quickly understood the gravity of my words. After a pause, he said with conviction, “It’s best to stop the bleeding early. If this is your decision, I’ll support you without hesitation.”
“I’ll inform the finance team to pull all investments from Natalie’s company immediately.”
As I stood there, still absorbing his words, he added something that struck me to the core.
Three years ago, when Natalie’s company faced a crisis and hovered on the brink of bankruptcy, a mysterious angel investor stepped in.
That investor—was Whitmore’s.
Afraid that I would object out of pride, my father never told me. He quietly funneled a massive investment into Natalie’s company to save it from collapse.
Only today did he finally tell me the truth.
After hanging up, guilt and sadness churned in my chest. I couldn’t settle my emotions for a long time.
By the time I got home, it was already deep into the night.
When I opened the door, I saw Natalie lying lazily on the sofa, one shoulder bare. Brandon, wearing my home clothes, was kneeling beside her, massaging her waist and legs like he owned the place.
“Brother-in-law, you’re finally home,” Brandon said with a mocking smile. “You disappeared during the annual meeting. President Cross looked all over for you. She called, but your phone was off. Next time, leave a message. Don’t make her worry so much.”
Natalie didn’t even open her eyes. She gave a cold snort. “Lucas Whitmore, if you were half as attentive as A Ye, maybe our life wouldn’t be so dull.”
I had been on my way to the study, but her words made me stop. I turned to her.
“In that case, let’s divorce. You can go ahead and live with him openly.”
My tone was steady, almost too calm. But Natalie shot up from the couch, glaring at me.
“Lucas, are you insane? How dare you talk to me like that?”
“You can’t compare with Brandon at work, and you’re dull and uninteresting at home. I criticize you a little and you throw a tantrum? Take a good look at yourself—do you still think you’re the precious heir of the Whitmore family?”
Yes, I had aged more than five years in the span of just a few.
Not long ago, I pulled several all-nighters for a major project. I hadn’t even had time to shave. Compared to Brandon, polished and fresh-faced, of course I looked worn out.
But Natalie knew well that breaking ties with my parents was my deepest pain—and still, she stabbed there without mercy.
It felt like she was cutting straight into my heart.
I inhaled deeply and met her eyes.
“I’m serious. I hope you’ll reflect on this carefully.”
“Reflect on what? What exactly do you want me to think about?”
Natalie snapped, irritated.
“You just want to go against me, don’t you? Can’t you see how hard I work every single day?”
