Chapter 1
Among lawyers, there was an unofficial ranking of the unluckiest women, and every year, I made it to the top.
Everyone knew my husband asked me for a divorce 21 times, all because of the woman he could never have.
The first time, he wanted me to divorce him so he could care for his first love, who went through a breakup, and he asked me to wait for him for a whole year.
The second time, after his first love was diagnosed with depression, he left the divorce agreement behind and went overseas alone.
*****
The 22nd time, after his first love said she missed their time together, he dragged me to the courthouse again.
When I signed the divorce agreement for the 22nd time, I made one final post: [Divorced. Quit my job. From now on, I'm loving myself and never looking back.]
After that, I threw myself into a national research institute, living only for my dreams.
In six years of marriage, I was always chasing after Adrian Harrington.
Today was our anniversary, but I was buried in work, running around nonstop, gathering client requests and case files. I hadn't slept or eaten properly in three days.
Finally, I managed to order some takeout, ready to get something into my stomach.
Adrian wrinkled his nose in disgust and snapped, "What are you eating? How many times have I told you not to eat in the office? What if you spill something on the client's files? Can you take responsibility for that? Are you that greedy?"
With that, he snatched the takeout from my desk and threw it straight into the trash. "It's almost quitting time anyway. Eat after you're off work."
I bit my tongue and held back my response, but my stomach twisted in pain. I grabbed my water cup and took big gulps to soothe it.
Just then, Adrian's phone rang, and his whole demeanor changed in an instant.
"Hey, are you coming over? Have you eaten yet? If not, I'll order something for you," Adrian said, his tone soft and caring.
Meanwhile, he instructed, "Call Basil & Barrel and book a table."
Realizing what he'd just said, Adrian hung up and cleared his throat. "Delaney's got a sensitive stomach. The doctor says she can't skip meals, not like you."
"Hurry up," he urged.
He waved his hand, signaling for me to order the food.
Everyone at the firm had gathered around, clearly noticing what had just happened. They looked at me with pity, thinking I deserved better.
I shook my head, but inside, my heart felt cold.
For Adrian, whenever Delaney was involved, I was always the one who had to step aside.
But he forgot that I was human, too. I'd be hungry and feel pain, and sometimes, I got desperate.
*****
Soon, it was time to clock out. Adrian held a Gucci bag and an off-white coat. He opened the office door like a gentleman.
When he saw me, his eyes went dark.
"Come in for a minute. I need to talk to you," he said.
Everyone was watching, hungry for drama. Delaney was the only one with tear-stained eyes, apologizing to me. "I'm sorry."
Hearing that, Adrian frowned. "You don't need to apologize to her."
He pulled me into the office and took out the divorce agreement he had already prepared.
He said, "Delaney's been sensitive lately. She needs someone by her side. So let's get divorced for now.
"Just like before. This time, I want to give her what she wants and let her go back to the days she keeps longing for.
"Don't worry. Once she feels better, we'll remarry."
At the mention of the past, a rare smile flickered in Adrian's eyes.
However, a chill ran through me. I shivered uncontrollably.
As soon as Delaney walked in, Adrian couldn't wait to send me off on some work errand. After all that fuss, it turned out the two of them were reminiscing and talking about our divorce.
He asked for a divorce on our anniversary.
He even talked about getting back together later. How ridiculous he was.
"Sign it. We'll take it to the courthouse for notarization next Monday. I hope you won't make things difficult for me," Adrian said.
He tossed the pen down, grabbed his coat, and rushed out.
Delaney was already waiting for him there.
As soon as the door opened, they looked at each other with joy. Delaney then gave me a deep bow. "I'm sorry, and thank you. Don't worry. I'll make sure Adrian comes back to you."
One treated marriage like a joke. The other treated people like property, passing them around like things one could return anytime.
Right in front of them, I picked up the pen and signed my name with swift strokes.
Adrian nodded with satisfaction. Then he draped his arm over Delaney's shoulders. They pressed close together, ignoring everyone else's stares like a pair of newlyweds.
He used to hate any public affection.
For Adrian, his job was untouchable. He always had to look perfect, no hugging and no getting cozy in public. Otherwise, he thought it was a total embarrassment.
Even when I was emotionally overwhelmed and wanted a hug, he brushed me off every time.
Now that I thought about it, he only ever turned me away.
*****
As the office emptied, I pulled out my phone and dialed. "Professor, I'm ready to join your national research project."
My professor sounded shocked. "Wait, you changed your mind? I thought you couldn't leave your husband. Think it through. If you sign up, you won't see him for years."
"We're divorced," I said.
There was a pause. Then my professor said, "The country needs you more than he ever did."
Half an hour later, I was scrolling through the files my professor had sent me on my tablet.
Suddenly, Adrian sent me a few photos. He and Delaney were looking flirty, almost indecent. They were even wearing matching couple pajamas.
I tapped it, and Delaney's seductive cries and gasps filled my phone.
We had just signed the divorce agreement today, and they were already so eager. They even made sure I heard it.
I tossed my phone aside, swallowing the bitterness that threatened to spill over.
From the cabinet behind me, I gathered every gift Adrian had given me, along with my wedding ring.