Stunning the World after Divorce

"Look at me." The deep, husky voice sent a shiver down Grace's spine, her entire body tingling. She blinked, cheeks flushing as she turned to meet Ethan's gaze. The man before her had broad shoulders, a lean waist, and defined abs carved like a statue. His sweat-slicked skin glistened, exuding an irresistible allure. "Why are you back tonight all of a sudden?" Before she could step away, his large hand encircled her slender waist. Flushing, Grace wrapped her arms around his neck. In five years of marriage, Ethan's visits home were so infrequent she could count them on one hand. But tonight was her birthday. A faint flicker of hope rose in her chest, softening her tone as she spoke. Too bad Ethan didn't seem to notice. He simply frowned slightly and said with a smile, "This is my house. Did you forget?" Grace froze, her expression faltering as she dropped her gaze with a bitter smile. After five years of marriage, Ethan still treated her the same—polite and distant. The air around them felt stifling, yet Grace couldn't shake the hollowness in her chest. Every time Ethan came to her, it was for the same reason. They were husband and wife, and fulfilling marital duties was expected. In his arms, Grace felt a pang of sorrow. Their intimacy never extended beyond the bedroom. But she loved him. She refused to settle for just a physical relationship. She clung to the hope that one day Ethan would love her back. Her heart raced, and her face grew hot at the mere thought. Five years ago, when Grace had been deeply in love with Ethan, the Montgomery family had proposed the marriage. Without a moment's hesitation, Grace had agreed. She had always been brave when it came to Ethan. Blushing, she boldly tightened her arms around his neck. "Ethan, today is my—" Before she could finish, Ethan removed her hands, sat up, and got out of bed. "Grace, let's get divorced." Grace stared blankly at him, unable to process what she had just heard. Ethan slipped on a robe, lit a cigarette, and inhaled deeply. Smoke curled around him, obscuring his expression. Her heart seemed to stop, her throat tightening with unshed tears. "Why? Did I do something wrong?" "No, you're perfect." "Then why?" Grace's voice trembled with unwillingness. Five years ago, she had married Ethan when he was bedridden, caring for him and helping him through his rehabilitation until he could walk again. Ethan's voice was calm. "Lily's back." Lily Flores—Ethan's first love. In that moment, Grace's five years of tireless devotion couldn't compare to the return of the woman he cherished most. A wave of heartbreak, defeat, and numbness washed over her. She had always been proud. She could be fearless in love but never at the expense of her dignity. The moment Ethan spoke, she knew it was over. Her hands trembled as she stood and fumbled to pick up her clothes, struggling to put them on. Ethan frowned and stepped forward to zip up her dress. "Sorry for the trouble." Grace bit her lip, holding back tears. "Don't be. I promised you, didn't I? I'll honor my word." "Good. Then please speak with Grandma about it." Ethan's voice was low and gentle. Chloe adored Grace and had always seen her as the ideal granddaughter-in-law. "Alright." Unable to hold back any longer, Grace fled to the adjacent room. "I'll pack my things." She shut the door behind her and began packing feverishly, moving like a puppet on strings. When her energy finally gave out, she sank to the floor and broke into sobs. Her entire body shook as tears streamed down her face. Five years ago, Chloe had arranged the marriage, believing Grace was the right partner for her paralyzed grandson. Ethan had refused until the day before the wedding. That was when Grace had approached him, striking a deal: the marriage could start but end anytime he wanted. Naively, she had thought her sincerity would win him over. She had been wrong. A knock at the door interrupted her tears. Wiping her face hastily, she opened it. Ethan handed her a check. "Take this. You've worked hard these past years. If you ever need help, just call me." "No need." Grace shook her head, her voice hollow. She looked up at Ethan one last time. His sharp features, the way his eyes softened as he looked at her... Memories flashed through her mind—Ethan's bright smile when he first stood on his own, his gentle expression as they watched the sunrise together. Her chest ached, but her face betrayed nothing. "Goodbye, Ethan." Loving someone wasn't easy. Holding onto that love was even harder. Grace had clung to Ethan for ten years—five years of longing, five years of marriage. Now, she didn't know how much longer she could endure. Ethan watched her quietly before pulling her into an embrace. "Thank you, Grace." "For what? It was my choice." "Take care of yourself." "I will." Grace nodded and stepped out of his arms. The warmth of his embrace was comforting, but it wasn't hers to keep. "My bags are packed. I'll leave now," she said, her hoarse voice betraying her composure. "I'll take you." "Don't." Grace stepped back quickly. "If you take me, I might think you don't want me to go." Ethan's lips pressed into a thin line. After a moment, he stepped aside. Grace nodded, grabbed her suitcase, and walked out without looking back. After she left, Ethan returned to her room. The once-cozy space now felt empty. He opened the nightstand drawer and found an old photograph. In it, Grace beamed, standing beside a boy with a similarly radiant smile. "I forgot to take this." Grace had returned, looking flustered as she retrieved the framed photo. Ethan's hands rested in his pockets. "Is that the one you've been keeping in your heart?" Her heart clenched at his words, and unpleasant memories clouded her thoughts. Ethan stepped aside. "These five years have been hard on you. I hope he can make you happy."