Part 3Ten Years in Vain

Julian, unable to suppress his rage, slammed the door and left. I thought, given his proud nature, it wouldn't take more than a few days for him to contact me to finalize the divorce papers, eager to sweep me out. To my surprise, the first call I received was from my mother. Her voice on the phone bubbled with delight: "Aurora, your husband just sent me the new season's clothes and bags from the top luxury brands! He got your brother a new supercar, and even let your father develop that piece of land in the Southside!"

"Your father, he's so happy he can't stop smiling. He keeps saying how much easier you make things for him, how you know how to keep the Sterling family's golden goose happy."

"Aurora, you truly are capable! When I go out with those wealthy ladies now, who doesn't flatter me on my good fortune, having such a wonderful daughter like you marrying into the Sterling family?"

A wave of sadness washed over me. It turned out that my value as a "good daughter" was merely to marry into a rich family and appease my unloving husband for my family's benefit. Forcing down my anger, I told my mother, "Don't accept anything from Julian Sterling anymore. We're getting a divorce."

I couldn't hide my grievance, telling my mother that Julian didn't love me, that he still resented me for driving away his idealized first love, and that he had been retaliating with a string of affairs all these years. My mother, however, was dismissive. "Don't throw a tantrum. Julian holds a high and powerful position; it's normal for a man like that to have a few women around."

"Just be more generous. Holding onto your position as Mrs. Sterling is what matters most!"

"Besides, you have a child now. If it's a boy, who can shake your position in the Sterling family? If it's a girl, then you just try harder and get pregnant again soon."

My mother's words left me sobbing. I questioned her, heartbroken: "Mom, just for the Hayes family's prosperity, you forced me to marry Julian. Now you want me to use my child as a patch for our marriage?"

"But Mom, I loved Julian for ten years. I really can't accept him constantly being with other women!"

I hung up the phone and went straight to Julian's company. Seeing me, he showed no surprise, leaning casually back in his leather office chair, twirling a pen between his fingers. His dark tie made his eyes appear even more refined and cold. "Come to admit your mistake?"

"This time, considering you're pregnant, I'll forgive you. Don't bring up divorce again. Just go home and be a good Mrs. Sterling." He pulled out a card and pushed it towards me. "There's five million in it. It's your compensation."

I didn't take his card. I just looked at him calmly. "Julian, you don't love me, you even detest me. Wouldn't it be better if I willingly vacated the position of Mrs. Sterling now?"

Julian's eyebrows furrowed into sharp angles, his jawline tense, signaling suppressed rage. "Aurora Hayes, is this your new tactic to play hard to get?"

"You don't need to compete with other women out there. I can tell you clearly: after Ivy and I broke up, I won't fall in love with anyone else, and no one can shake your position."

"You should understand that a respectful, non-interfering partnership is the best outcome for you and me. You don't need to hope for love from me."

"If you have any other demands, you can make them." His feigned concern sickened me. He played the role of a deeply devoted man who couldn't forget his first love, while simultaneously entangled with various women. Like a clumsy actor, playing a charade of deep affection for so many years.

I looked at Julian coldly, stating calmly, "No, thank you, Julian. I only want a divorce."

"That is my only request."

The air in the entire office solidified into ice. Julian's obsidian eyes swirled with a cold, oppressive intensity. After a long moment, he picked up the divorce papers and quickly signed them. "Fine, as you wish, we're divorced."

A wave of relief washed over me. I carefully put away the agreement. I smiled at him genuinely. "Julian, thank you."

Thank you for making me understand that a heart full of fervent love will ultimately become a sharp blade piercing one's chest.