Sorry, You Can't Have Me Now

The story began at Robinson Villa, Elderwood. "Emily, let's get a divorce. I'll give you fifty million, three shops, and a villa," Joseph Robinson said flatly, his words slicing through the air like a knife. Emily Robinson's eyes flicked over the divorce agreement, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she read through the compensation clauses. "Well, well, how generous to your ex-wife." Across from her, Joseph's expression was as cold as ice, and his tone betrayed no feelings. "If you don't think it's enough, we can negotiate." Emily jumped in, finishing his thought. "But the divorce is a done deal, right?" After three years, it was clear to Emily that Joseph had never loved her. Beside him, Anna Green spoke in a soft tone, "Emily, I know you and Joseph have been together out of obligation, but there's no love. Forcing it won't make you happy, and it's just torturing both of you." Emily raised her gaze to Anna. The woman looked stunning in a black mini-dress, and her golden waves cascaded over her perfect hourglass figure. Her striking features made Joseph appear even more ruggedly handsome. Emily had once tried hard to mirror Anna's every move, from her style to her makeup. Even now, she wore a black mini-dress, desperately trying to fit herself into the "Anna" mold and hoping to catch Joseph's eye, even if just for a moment. But it had all been in vain. "Emily, you know I married you because my grandfather demanded it. I have no interest in you," Joseph said, not bothering to look her way. The words hit Emily like a punch to the gut. She still remembered that night, their very wedding night. Joseph hadn't even stepped into their bedroom; he stood at the door, his voice icy as he declared, "Our marriage will last three years, and after that, I'll divorce you, no matter what." Those three years were just a commitment made to his grandfather. From the start, marrying her had never been his choice. Suppressing the ache in her chest, Emily fiddled with the divorce agreement in her hands. "So, once we're divorced, you'll be marrying Anna, right?" Joseph frowned slightly, his voice low and dismissive. "Emily, this isn't your concern." Anna flashed a gentle smile and said, "Emily, even if you and Joseph can't be lovers, you can still be friends, right?" There was a glimmer of triumph in Anna's eyes, and Emily couldn't help but feel ridiculous. She remembered the text Anna had sent a couple of days ago. In the message, Anna politely stated that Emily had held the title of Mrs. Robinson for too long and that it was time to hand it over. Clearly, Joseph was head over heels for her, unable to even wait another day. Seeing Emily remain silent, Joseph furrowed his brow. "Do you have any other demands?" Before returning to the country, Joseph had anticipated that this divorce wouldn't be smooth sailing. When they first entered into their marriage, he had been reluctant; it was Emily who had pulled out all the stops to charm his grandfather. The old man had laid down the law, forcing him to comply. Now, getting a divorce wouldn't be easy either. But if it came to that, he would have to reach out to a lawyer and go through the legal motions, which would be too messy for his liking. After all, Emily was recognized as the favored granddaughter-in-law by his grandfather, and Joseph didn't want to escalate things unless absolutely necessary. With a deep breath, Joseph said, "Aside from what's in the divorce agreement, I can add another twenty million." He confidently tore off a check and continued, "This should be enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life..." "No, thanks." Before he could finish, Emily's voice cut him off, sharp and clear. She closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them, only cold indifference remained. She had never wanted money! She had put in the effort for this marriage, but now that Joseph was so determined, she had no reason to keep fighting. "Use the money for your second wedding," Emily said, pushing the check aside. She picked up a pen and decisively signed the divorce agreement. The sound of the pen closed echoed in the room, marking the end of her one-sided pursuit over the past decade. Yes, she had been in love with Joseph for over ten years, but... From this moment on, Emily's life would have nothing to do with him anymore! "Well, I won't keep you from your future wife," she said, standing up. With a small smile, she added, "Wishing you both happiness." With that, Emily turned around and walked away from the place she had clung to for three years. The moment she signed the papers, all her ties were severed. "Wait," Joseph called out to her. Joseph has no idea why, but an unexpected surge of irritation rose within him as he watched Emily agree to the divorce so decisively. He thought he'd feel relieved, but instead, he found himself unsettled. There was no doubt that Emily had held her own over the past three years. A little over a year ago, when Joseph's grandfather suffered a stroke and fell into a coma, the Robinson family had been thrown into chaos. Ironically, Joseph was on a business trip overseas, and it was Emily who managed to stabilize things in his absence. Before that moment, Joseph had seen her as just a dutiful wife, but that day opened his eyes. He found out that Emily had another side he'd never noticed. She was, without a doubt, a capable Mrs. Robinson. If it weren't for Anna, he could imagine spending his life with someone like her. But he had promised Anna he would make her happy. Besides, Joseph didn't love Emily. Keeping her in a loveless marriage wasn't fair to either of them. "I'll have your things packed up later," Joseph said. "And even after the divorce, my grandfather asked me to look after you. You've helped Robinson Group, so if you need anything in the future, don't hesitate to call me." As soon as he finished speaking, Anna's expression shifted slightly. Anna opened her mouth to respond, but Emily's cold voice cut through. "No need." "Since we're cutting ties, let's make it clean. Just toss my stuff out," she said, not even bothering to look back as she walked away without hesitation. Emily stepped out of Robinson Villa, and the bright sunlight stung her eyes, making them water. Just then, her phone buzzed. It was her best friend Jolin, who said the ruby she had been working on was nearly done and asked when Emily would pick it up. Emily paused for a moment and took a sigh. Joseph's birthday was in two weeks. He loved the color red, and she had gone to great lengths to win a beautiful ruby at auction, planning to have it crafted into an eagle brooch as a gift for him. But now, just like the wardrobe full of clothes she'd bought trying to imitate Anna's style, it was all unnecessary. "Just keep it for me," Emily said. "I don't need it anymore. Joseph and I are divorced." As soon as she finished, Jolin's excited scream nearly pierced her eardrum. "Really? Girl, you finally got it! Thank goodness you're no longer with that arrogant, cold jerk! But can you really let go?" Emily rubbed her ears, still ringing from Jolin's enthusiasm. "Of course." She knew she had to let go. It wasn't a choice. "Oh my goodness! We need to celebrate this!" Jolin exclaimed. "Midnight Haven just got a fresh batch of hot guys—everything from sexy men to gorgeous boys. I'm treating you tonight to celebrate your new beginning!"