My Father-in-Law’s 60th Birthday.
At the party, I watched as my wife’s male secretary casually took a cigarette from the box in my father-in-law’s hand—like he owned the moment. Before I could say anything, my wife stepped in and lit it for him, her hands deft and familiar.
The secretary took a long drag, closed his eyes, and exhaled with satisfaction.
"Now this is the good stuff," he said, like it was his celebration.
I turned and walked out.
Vanessa Cole chased after me.
“Daniel, don’t be so childish. It was just a cigarette. What’s your problem?”
She glanced back toward the venue, irritation flashing in her eyes. “You’re ruining my father’s birthday. Can’t you stop making a scene?”
“If you keep acting like this… I might not want you anymore.”
I nodded, calm and cold.
“Alright. Then let’s get a divorce.”
——
I was late to the banquet.
Because earlier that day, Vanessa told me her father wanted fresh yellow peaches—not just any, but ones straight from the orchard. So I drove into the mountains, picked them myself, and hand-selected the best. I wanted to give him a sincere gift.
I would’ve made it back on time. But then, her secretary suddenly decided he didn’t like the hotel’s menu, and Vanessa changed the venue—without telling me until it was almost too late.
When I finally arrived, my father-in-law didn’t even look at me. He turned his head and said in a sarcastic, biting tone,
“Next time you’re this late, don’t bother. Just wait until I’m in my coffin.”
The yellow peaches I picked with my own hands were knocked from my grip and smashed on the ground.
My dignity shattered right alongside them.
Julian Shaw, the secretary, stood nearby watching it all, smug and silent. He was wearing a designer suit—the same exact color and cut as Vanessa’s dress. Custom-made. Matching accessories. Gold thread embroidered in mirrored patterns, like they were a couple.
As I moved to sit next to my wife, her sister, Brittany, blocked my path and shoved me aside.
“That seat’s not for you,” she said coldly, pointing to the children’s table. “Go sit over there.”
I clenched my jaw. “I’m her husband. I should sit by her side.”
Brittany sneered. “That seat belongs to Julian. You don’t deserve it.”
Her voice was sharp, loud, and deliberate—half the guests turned to stare.
Vanessa didn’t even blink. She sat there like a queen, unmoved and unbothered.
Julian chuckled and said with a smirk,
“Sir Daniel, don’t take it personally. President Cole’s just used to having me around.”
He wasn’t wrong. Ever since he joined the company, everything—from business meetings to family dinners—went through him. It used to be me.
Vanessa had planned this long ago. That morning she said she was “thinking about hiring a male secretary.” By noon, he was already working beside her.
I was foolish. I trusted her. And she used that trust to replace me bit by bit.
When I didn’t move, Vanessa looked up and said gently, like nothing was wrong,
“Come on, don’t hold up the schedule. Sit.”
So I sat. At the children’s table.
From nearby, I heard employees whispering:
“Mr. Shaw and President Cole really look good together. Such a perfect match.”
“They’re wearing couple outfits today—so cute.”
“Honestly, they’re like a match made in heaven.”
I don’t even know how many times I’ve heard this nonsense. From the day Julian joined, everyone praised how thoughtful he was, how close they looked.
It was all orchestrated. All of it.
Vanessa didn’t need to say it to my face—she let others say it for her.
Even if I was used to it, my hands still curled into fists.
Do they really think I’m invisible?
Then Brittany’s voice rang out again, loud and vicious:
“Sis, it’s been years and still no baby. If he’s not working, then maybe it’s time for a change. Julian’s great. And if he gets you pregnant, well… Daniel can just be the godfather.”
I stared at Vanessa.
She smiled. Her eyes curved in that familiar way.
“I’ll think about it,” she said softly.
The glass in my hand cracked under my grip.
Godfather?
Are they seriously saying she can have a child with another man and toss me the title of godfather?
And it was Vanessa’s sister who said it—boldly, publicly. It wasn’t just a joke. It was their family's judgment: I was useless. Expendable. Weak.
I laughed. Not because it was funny—but because it was insane.
After college, I gave up everything to help Vanessa chase her dream of starting a business. She said she wanted a career, so I made it happen. She only needed to name the goal—I handled the rest.
While she slept peacefully, I stayed up building her empire.
