The CEO's Chasing His Ex-Wife

Karina tightened her grip beneath the table, feeling the discomfort hugging her every existence. Today was her third wedding anniversary, and her husband still hadn't shown up. She had been asking that to herself. What does she not have to make him detest so deeply? "Karina." Cliff's father put down his utensils, ending her spiraling thoughts, "Didn't Cliff say he was coming?" The dining room instantly fell silent and Karina could only force a smile like always, as if there was no problem at all. "He had work." A lie; Everyone knew it was a lie since they knew Cliff Beaumont never attended family gatherings if Karina was involved. He hated her, disliked every part of presence. Three years of marriage, and she was still the unwanted wife. Across the table, her mother-in-law sighed dramatically. "Our Cliff is busy. Unlike some people, he actually contributes to this family. You can’t expect him to have a successful marriage along with a successful business." She looked at Karina, “Did you get him a mistress? Women help ease.” The words were directed at Karina, and she slightly trembled at the humiliation. Karina lowered her eyes. She should have been used to it by now and should have stopped caring. Yet the empty seat beside her still felt like a slap across the face. While her in-law was saying she should get him a mistress because she was useless. She had spent weeks preparing tonight's anniversary dinner; from the decorations, the colors of the curtains, the menu, the lights, the flowers…. All just to please Cliff. ‘How pathetic.’ The realization stung. A year ago, she would have defended him and would happily make excuses for him. She endlessly convinced herself that he was busy, that his business wouldn’t be successful if he looked at her. But she’s wrong. Something inside her had finally broken. "Karina?" She looked up. Her father-in-law frowned, "Have you made any progress with Cliff? If not, getting him a mistress is a great option." The question nearly made her laugh. How could she make progress with a man who treated her like a stranger? A man who hadn't touched her since she lost their baby? A man who looked more annoyed than concerned when she was hospitalized? Her throat tightened. "I've tried." The answer was barely above a whisper. Her mother-in-law clicked her tongue, "Then try harder, if not, it’s best for you two to part ways. Giving him no heir is already an issue, if you can’t even resolve this, this marriage is useless." Karina stared at her plate. For a moment, nobody spoke which was unbearable. If someone has to end this, it’s not Cliff, but her. Then she pushed back her chair, "I need some air." Without waiting for permission, she walked out. The moment she reached the garden, she grabbed the nearest flower vase and hurled it to the ground. Crash! The porcelain shattered into dozens of pieces as she kicked it harder and harder until it’s simply just trash. For the first time in months, the sound made her feel better. She quietly laughed, then another. Soon, she was laughing so hard that tears began sliding down her cheeks. “How ridiculous. You’re too much, Cliff.” She had wasted three years chasing after a man who never wanted her. Three years trying to earn a place in a family that despised her. Three years convincing herself that one day things would change. But nothing changed. Karina wiped her tears away. She muttered, “Nothing at all.” If she stayed any longer, she would lose herself completely. Her marriage had become a prison. And tonight... She finally found the courage to leave. A genuine smile appeared on her lips for the first time in years. Back then, divorcing was a word she hated listening to but the thought of divorcing Cliff Beaumont made her feel free. * Past midnight, Karina returned home. The alcohol in her system wasn't enough to make her stumble, but it made her bold. She opened the bedroom door, a little shocked to see Cliff sitting inside. His suit jacket was gone, and sleeves were rolled up as if he was specially waiting for her. She muttered against her breath, “How arrogant.” In their three years of marriage, this was the first time he had waited for her. "What?" Cliff's gaze swept across her, "You've been drinking." "So?" His expression darkened. Karina walked to her desk and pulled out a document. Without hesitation, she tossed it onto his lap. Cliff glanced down and the moment he saw the title, his eyes narrowed. [DIVORCE AGREEMENT.] The room became silent. Karina crossed her arms, speaking. "Sign it." Cliff looked up slowly, his face was unreadable, "What kind of game is this?" Karina laughed. “Game?” To him, her love, her devotion, their marriage… Everything was a game. "Not this time around, right now I'm serious." "You've had too much to drink." "I'm sober enough to know I don't want to spend another year married to you." For the first time that night, something changed in Cliff's expression. A flicker of irritation, "You want a divorce?" "I do." "Why?" “You’re asking why? You should know the answer.” Was he serious? After everything he asked why? Cliff remained silent. She met his eyes, "I’ve been blind to my own romance, so I’m severing it.” The room fell quiet and neither moved. When he studied her expression, she was serious which only amused him, though barely. Then Cliff suddenly grabbed a pen. His signature slashed across the paper and within two strokes it was done. He tossed it back onto the desk, his voice cold, "There, you got what you wanted." Karina stared at the signature, her chest tightening. Not because she was hurt, but because of how easy it was. If she had this sooner, would it have hurt less? Their marriage lasted for three years, and he signed away their marriage in less than ten seconds. Cliff stood, his jaw was tight and his expression was unreadable. Before leaving, he glanced at her one last time, "Don't come crying when you regret it." The door slammed shut while Karina looked down at the signed papers. Then she smiled, something she hasn’t done for years. Meanwhile, outside the room, Cliff loosened his tie in irritation. He wasn't worried, not even slightly. Because he knew Karina would come begging for him again. She wouldn’t let go of him. After all… Karina Beaumont loved him too much to leave. Didn't she?