Instead of a gift on our third wedding anniversary, Christian Leighton sent me the ninety-ninth divorce agreement.
I never imagined that after just two years, the man who once swore eternal devotion to me would change his heart.
It all started a year ago, when Christian became infatuated with Jocelyn Stone, a female archaeologist.
In pursuit of her, he abandoned his company and ventured into the desolate Gobi Desert, boldly confessing his feelings. He even publicly declared that he would voluntarily transfer all his assets to Jocelyn.
When the secretary handed me the latest divorce papers, I glanced at them indifferently.
I knew this was merely Christian's tactic to appease his new flame. Every time they quarreled, he'd send me a divorce agreement—only to withdraw it at the very last moment, right before the cooling-off period ended.
I calmly signed my name and headed straight to my private lawyer's office.
"Hello, please help me draft a mandatory divorce agreement," I requested.
Since things had come to this, I decided I would voluntarily hand this hundredth divorce agreement to Christian.
The female lawyer worked swiftly, drafting the divorce agreement promptly after clarifying all my demands.
A few minutes later, she presented the final draft to me. "Ms. Clarke, once both parties sign during the cooling-off period, the application becomes irrevocable."
I didn't hesitate and resolutely took it. The paper in my hands still seemed to radiate a final warmth, but my heart had long turned as cold as a harsh winter.
Afterwards, I booked a flight for a week later, giving myself only a week to prepare for my departure.
When I first found out about his affair, I had thrown tantrums, cried and even sought out Jocelyn herself, offering money to make her leave Christian for good.
Yet that night, Christian stormed home, his hands tightening around my throat as he growled a warning. "I've given you the title. What more do you want?"
He continued, "My patience is limited. If you dare trouble Jocelyn again, don't blame me for being merciless."
That was the first time he laid his hands on me because of another woman.
After that day, Christian grew even more brazen. He disregarded his married status and pursued Jocelyn with frenzied declarations of love, making their affair the talk of the town.
I wanted to ask him what all these years of our relationship mean. What did my position as Mrs. Leighton even represent?
Sadly, all I got was Christian's icy reply. "Serena, I've known you too long. I'll eventually get tired of you. Besides, you're not as interesting, brave, or sunny as Jocelyn."
The moment he mentioned Jocelyn, the coldness in his eyes melted away, replaced by unmistakable affection and yearning.
Yes, we were childhood sweethearts, inseparable since we were young.
I met Christian when I was twenty years old. At that time, my brother's failed investment led to the Clarkes' bankruptcy overnight.
Upon learning this, Christian fought desperately to salvage the situation. Yet in the end, my parents jumped from a building in despair and my brother lost his mind.
Our once-great family collapsed in an instant.
The Leightons immediately moved to call off our engagement, but Christian refused. He knelt in the main hall for three days and three nights, his back torn and bloodied from whippings, insisting he would marry no one but me.
I had initially assumed Christian would return after his fun, but what I found was Jocelyn wearing my nightgown, sleeping in my bed, with my most beloved husband lying beside her.
That sight made me scream hysterically, only to be met with Christian's displeased rebuke. "You scared Jocelyn. She finally agreed to live with me to build our relationship."
"You should thank her. Seeing you helpless, she allowed you to remain here as Mrs. Leighton. From now on, she is the mistress of this household."
As the memories faded, the car gradually stopped. Looking at the incredibly familiar house before me, I only felt a deep sense of irony.
I sighed, seemingly mocking my own foolishness. How could I have trusted a man's hollow promises?
As soon as I reached the entrance, I heard Jocelyn's sobs. "You clearly know I don't like children, so why would you have a baby with her?"
Christian quickly argued, "I switched her sleeping pills for birth control months ago. Besides, I haven't touched her in half a year. How could she possibly be pregnant?"
