- 4.
Divorce is inevitable, but I won’t walk away empty–handed.
I refuse to leave with nothing, relying on Ryan’s so–called “conscience.” After all, he
doesn’t have one.
As for my little traitor of a son, James? I’m done with him too.
Some people might say, “He’s just a kid! Shouldn’t a parent forgive their child’s mistakes?” Or maybe, “James turned out this way because of you–you’re partly to blame!”
You know what? They’re probably right. But why should I care?
Does becoming a mother mean I’m destined to be a self–sacrificing doormat?
I used to willingly throw myself into that role because I believed in the bond between a mother and her child. I thought James would always be one of the people closest to me. But after he stabbed me in the back, I realized–if I’d invested this much effort into raising a dog, at least the dog would be loyal by now.
Why waste my youth on an ungrateful little brat?
If I failed to raise him right, then that’s on me. Let Ryan and Annie Jo handle it, since they’re so capable.
Looking back, I see how pathetic I’ve been. I worked so hard to hold on to my husband and son, but neither of them stood by me when it mattered.
It’s time I started building alliances of my own.
The first person who came to mind was Ethan Carter.
He’s Ryan’s best friend and business partner, which makes him tricky to deal with. But that also makes him the perfect choice.
Ethan and I used to be close–so close that some of my friends thought we’d end up
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21:13 Wed, Mar 12
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The first person who came to mind was Ethan Carter.
3
He’s Ryan’s best friend and business partner, which makes him tricky to deal with. But
that also makes him the perfect choice.
Ethan and I used to be close–so close that some of my friends thought we’d end up
together. When I chose Ryan, it shocked a lot of people.
Ryan was the one who confessed his feelings first. After we got together, I made a conscious effort to keep my distance from Ethan. We were both the kind of people who
valued boundaries.
Even now, I’m not sure if Ethan ever had feelings for me. He never said anything.
But it’s time to find out.
After all, those manipulative “gold digger” types don’t have a monopoly on using tactics. I’ve just never lowered myself to that level before.
If sincerity won’t get me what I want, maybe it’s time to try playing the game.
I invited Ethan out for drinks. He hesitated at first, so I laughed and said, “I’m just teasing. You don’t have to come. It’s just… I have no one else to talk to, and you were the first person
who came to mind.”
In the end, Ethan showed up. “I couldn’t just leave you alone,” he said.
I tilted my head and smiled. “Relax, I’m fine. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt myself. I just thought a drink felt appropriate for a night like this.”
Lowering my gaze, I ran my fingers lightly along the rim of my glass. “Ethan, I’ve already decided to file for divorce. You can just call me Nicole from now on–no need for
formalities.”
“And James?” he asked.
“He’s staying with Ryan. James seems to really like Annie Jo.” I let out a bitter laugh. “You know, I always knew Ryan was shameless, but I didn’t realize he could stoop this low- flirting with James’s teacher. Annie’s young, pretty, and fun. And me? I’m just a boring
21:12 Wed, Mar
Iuniiallies.
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“And James?” he asked.
“He’s staying with Ryan. James seems to really like Annie Jo.” I let out a bitter laugh. “You know, I always knew Ryan was shameless, but didn’t realize he could stoop this low- flirting with James’s teacher. Annie’s young, pretty, and fun. And me? I’m just a boring housewife. Of course I can’t compete.”
I leaned in closer to Ethan, just enough to invade his personal space. “I miss being young. Back then, I was probably just as lively as she is now, wasn’t I?”
In the reflection of his eyes, I saw myself. And I noticed the way his gaze faltered, just for
a moment.
Everything was going according to plan.
Tonight, I’d practiced every detail in advance my makeup, my expressions, my lines. I wanted to appear vulnerable yet alluring, a woman who needed comfort but still carried a trace of mystery. My perfume of choice was Chanel Gabrielle: sweet but not cloying, elegant but not overbearing.
Sure, younger women have their charm. But have my own weapons. Time and experience give women depth, turning them into stories men want to unravel, conquer, or
even save.
But here’s the trick: you can’t let your story turn you into a bitter, whiny mess. No one likes someone who plays the victim. Men don’t fall for sob stories–they’re drawn to quiet strength, a fragile exterior hiding a resilient core. If you can smile through your pain and feign nonchalance, they’ll be hooked.
To anyone watching, it might have looked like we were flirting, whispering sweet nothings to each other.
Ethan finally snapped out of it and said, “You’re still amazing, Nicole. Ryan just doesn’t
realize what he’s lost.”
“Really?” I replied with a playful smile.
“Really.”
21:14 Wed, Mar 12
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“Really?” I replied with a playful smile.
“Really.”
I rested my head on his shoulder, my voice soft. “Ethan, if it were you… would you have
chosen me?”
My breath brushed against his neck, and I could feel him tense up. His breathing turned uneven as he gently pushed me back to a proper sitting position.
“Nicole,” he said, his voice strained, “you’ve had too much to drink. Let me take you
home.”
Of course, I wasn’t drunk.
A truly drunk person reeks of alcohol and loses all composure. I wasn’t here to drown my sorrows–I was here to play my part.
But if he wanted to believe I was drunk, so be it.
Ethan was a gentleman. I knew he wouldn’t take things further tonight. But that was fine. A slow approach works better with someone like him.
When we reached my building, I suddenly hugged him. “Someone once told me you used to like me. Is that true? If I’d chosen you back then, would I have been happier?”
He didn’t push me away, but his voice was quiet. “Nicole… that was a long time ago.”
“Got it.” I smiled casually and waved as I headed upstairs.
Once I was home, I dropped the act. Pouring myself a glass of water, I stepped out onto the balcony and looked down. Ethan’s car was still parked outside.
I smiled to myself.
Was he questioning his own conscience? Or was this his final moment of resistance?
