How to Win Her Back

As I stepped through the company doors, I saw my husband deeply engrossed with his long-cherished ideal, Charlotte. It hit me like a ton of bricks. The reason my mother-in-law insisted I work at the company was to prevent her son from ruining his reputation, without having to play the villain in front of him. If she won't do it, neither will I. Not only did I refrain from breaking up her son and his muse, but I also swiftly divorced him and sincerely wished them a long and happy life together. Yet, my ex-husband grabbed my hand. "I was wrong, honey, let's remarry." "Get lost, you jerk, don't touch me." Ever since I married into the Sinclair family, Julian would leave early and return late, locking himself in the guest room, treating our home like a hotel. He never gave me a proper look, let alone any intimacy. Three years passed, and there was no sign of pregnancy. A while ago, my mother-in-law subtly suggested I get a gynecological check-up. When I placed the report in front of her, I saw the usually decisive mother-in-law momentarily stunned. The next second, her face turned angry, and she shifted her focus to Julian. "Charlotte!" After some investigation by my mother-in-law, it was revealed that my husband's muse had returned to the country a month ago and joined his company as an assistant. With a decisive gesture, my mother-in-law urged me to start working at Julian's company. "That homewrecker is trying to get close to him by being his assistant? You better keep a close eye on her and don't let her succeed!" I wanted to refuse, as Julian's heart had long been wagging its tail in Charlotte's embrace, so what was there to keep an eye on? But seeing the monthly salary, I gritted my teeth and agreed. Three hundred thousand yuan! As I stepped into the company, the HR manager led me to the logistics department. Just as I settled in, Julian appeared in the company, with Charlotte by his side. She was the very muse who, on our wedding night, lured my husband away with news of going abroad. On what should have been a joyous day, I sat and cried all night. Two marriage certificates alone couldn't tie down Julian's heart. Ultimately, I chose to let go. Being someone who can't sit still, I felt stifled being placed in the logistics department with nothing to do by my mother-in-law. During my free time, I took the opportunity to get closer to the sisters in the logistics department. With my intentional guidance, the conversation shifted from company background to some half-true, half-false gossip. Charlotte had been at the company for less than three days and was already commuting with Julian. Every day, she acted like a queen, doing nothing but looking pretty by Julian's side. "I heard Mr. Sinclair is married?" one sister whispered. "But it seems Mrs. Sinclair isn't in this company; Mr. Sinclair has kept it well hidden." "666, a master of time management indeed." Seeing their teasing expressions, I decided to start a little betting pool. "Come on, let's bet on when Mr. Sinclair will get divorced. I'll put 500 on him definitely divorcing within three months! Place your bets!" I opened WeChat and added a few people to a group chat. Watching the red packets rolling in the group, I was grinning from ear to ear. At that moment, Charlotte seemed particularly grand in my mind. If they don't divorce, it would be a disservice to the bet I started. Humming a tune, I came out of the restroom and almost bumped into Charlotte. "Sorry..." She hesitated for a moment, wanting to apologize graciously, but upon seeing me, she gave an awkward smile. Talk about perfect timing. I beamed with a bright smile, and an idea popped into my head. "How about we strike a deal?" She frowned warily, thought for a moment, and then nodded. "Go on." "Let's put a price on information about the Sinclair family." I displayed the WeChat payment code, adjusted the amount, and indicated for her to scan it. Charlotte was really shocked and quickly scanned the code to pay. "That's expensive." She hesitated for two seconds, staring at the 300 amount on her phone. She pressed her finger down on the screen. "The Sinclair family knows you're at the company and sent me to keep an eye on you," I leaned in close to her ear, and I could see goosebumps rising on Charlotte's neck. "But I've decided to lend you a hand." She turned to look at me, full of disbelief. "Why? Are you crazy?" I shrugged, "So, do you want my help or not?" Charlotte's eyes were fixed on me, as if trying to determine if I was telling the truth. "Let's add each other on WeChat." Charlotte was tempted and took the initiative to add me on WeChat. As soon as the friend request was accepted, Charlotte immediately transferred two thousand yuan. Wow, big spender! After work, I strolled home. Julian was unexpectedly sitting on the sofa watching TV, and when he heard the door open, he turned his gaze toward me. Evangeline was sitting nearby, sipping tea with a displeased expression. "Mom, I'm back." The atmosphere was too tense, so I quickly greeted to ease it a bit. Evangeline huffed in annoyance and glared at Julian. I quickly found an excuse to send Evangeline away; now was not the time to make things more difficult for me. I was determined to have an amicable divorce, so we could negotiate the division of assets more easily. "Evangeline, I bought some salmon today. Could you check with Mrs. Wang to see if they're fresh?" Evangeline's hand trembled as she put down her teacup and walked into the kitchen, fearing she might lose control and throw it at Julian. Only then did Julian speak: "Sophia, I…" He only managed a few words before falling silent. I gently approached Julian, encouraging him to finish what he wanted to say. "I'm here, what's up?" "…Nothing." He actually pursed his lips and said nothing more. I almost spat out a mouthful of blood, taking several deep breaths to calm down. Just say it! Say it already! Say the word 'divorce' for me! Marrying Julian was already a stretch for me; my family was just ordinary working class. When I married Julian, not only did the Sinclair family disapprove, but even my own parents sighed repeatedly. They believed it was a mismatch and that marrying into a wealthy family would surely bring suffering. Now, gaining Evangeline's approval was the result of my relentless efforts day and night. If Julian offered me money to leave the Sinclair family, I would bow three times respectfully, thanking Julian for his kindness. Julian's hesitation was infuriating, making me sigh repeatedly. As I was sighing, Evangeline came out of the kitchen. Julian blocked most of my body, so Evangeline could only see my shaking shoulders. "Julian, just try bullying Sophia and see what happens." Both Julian and I were stunned, Julian snorted coldly and walked away, while I quickly explained the situation. During dinner, Evangeline vented her frustrations to the air, criticizing Julian's various faults. "Sophia, don't worry. Julian is immature; don't hold it against him. No matter what, he can't divorce you, and as his mother, I won't allow it!" No! I wish he would just bring the divorce papers for me to sign right now. Who knows what he's been up to these past three years; I find it filthy. I nodded repeatedly on the outside: "Of course, Mom, I'll keep an eye on Julian." Keep an eye on Julian and Charlotte, wishing them a harmonious and everlasting relationship. I took the chance to message Charlotte: "Julian stormed off without dinner. Seize the opportunity." Three seconds later, Charlotte sent two red envelopes, making me beam with joy. This money is just too easy to earn. I had just opened the red envelope and hadn't had a chance to check the amount when my mother-in-law signaled me to look up. "Isn't tomorrow Saturday? You and Julian should go out for a day, relax, and get things sorted." She opened her phone and sent me an itinerary. I looked at the hotel name on the itinerary, oh wow, a couple's hotel! Mother-in-law is quite open-minded. "No problem, Mother-in-law, I'll make sure Julian and I have a great time." Mother-in-law was very pleased, put down her chopsticks, and went back to her room to rest. I immediately messaged Charlotte: "Julian's Saturday schedule, three thousand." Charlotte transferred the money swiftly. I quickly forwarded the itinerary and sent a fist-bumping emoji in return. Most of The Sinclair Group's shares are in my mother-in-law's hands, so even if Julian has major complaints, he wouldn't dare disobey. "Why is Mom sending us on a trip for no reason?" Julian sat in the car complaining, resting his head as we got closer to the resort. The scenery was beautiful, the sun was shining. I opened WeChat and saw Charlotte saying she had arrived. Good that she's there. As soon as we got out of the car, a soft voice caught Julian's attention. "What are you doing here?" It was Charlotte, wearing a long dress that made her look more gentle compared to her usual business attire. Julian's previously drooping face immediately lit up, looking radiant. "Charlotte, what a coincidence?" He had just finished speaking, but hesitated and glanced at me. Charlotte immediately caught on: "Yes, I just happened to be passing by, so I won't disturb you?" Charlotte spoke very slowly, and just as she finished, my phone rang. "Hello?" I answered, "What? I'll be right there." After hanging up, I apologized to Julian: "I'm really sorry, Julian, my friend needs my help, I have to go right away." Julian looked troubled, hesitated for a moment, then nodded, his tone rather helpless: "Be careful on the road." I nodded quickly and drove home. If Julian could just hide his smile a bit more, it would better show his supposed difficulty. In the evening, after I finished washing up, I received a transfer from Charlotte. Ten thousand yuan. Along with a photo of Julian wrapped in a towel. Looks like she succeeded. "Remember to open the curtains at seven in the morning to increase exposure," I messaged Charlotte. If she wants to marry Julian, she has to cooperate with me. Julian, in three years, we've never consummated our marriage. So this empty title should be discarded. At seven in the morning, the alarm rang, and I instantly opened my eyes, my gaze clear. I called Julian: "Did you have fun?" There was a rustling sound on the other end before Julian's lazy and hoarse voice came through. "I'm back in the south of the city, didn't have fun." A message popped up on WeChat: "Didn't go out, still at the resort." It was from the photographer I hired. Ha, that scumbag thinks he can still fool me. "Coming back for breakfast?" "No, you go ahead and eat first." I hung up and texted the photographer. Charlotte pulled open the curtains, letting the sunlight flood the room. Julian quickly moved to close them. The two of them, barely dressed, were caught on camera by the window. On Sunday, Charlotte asked for my help because Evangeline invited her over. "Advice costs three thousand." We always have clear prices. Charlotte didn't hesitate. I gladly took the payment and gave her a clear tip. "Be genuine and charm Mrs. Sinclair." In less than two hours, Charlotte sent me a voice message. Curious, I opened it. Charlotte's voice was calm but with a hint of excitement. "Thanks for your help, Sophia, but Evangeline offered too much." Look at you, so pathetic! I almost blacked out from how infuriating Charlotte is. That evening, when my mother-in-law came home, Julian trailed behind her, grinning and carrying several luxury shopping bags. Before Julian could speak, my mother-in-law excitedly pulled him over to me. "Here, Sophia. Julian picked these gifts just for you." I looked down to accept them, not wanting to spare Julian even a glance. Once the meal was ready, my mother-in-law unusually opened a bottle of red wine and poured some for Julian and me. "Is there something special today?" I asked, feigning ignorance. Both my mother-in-law and Julian shook their heads, with a hint of nervousness in my mother-in-law's voice: "Nothing at all, just try it, it's good wine." Oh, keeping secrets from me, are we? My mother-in-law clinked glasses with me: "Sophia, Julian's assistant resigned, and he's been quite busy lately. Why don't you step in as his assistant and help him out?" Julian paused, then raised his glass with a bright smile: "Yes, Sophia, you're so capable. Together, we can achieve anything." I suppressed my nausea and smiled, clinking glasses with Julian. Charlotte, you better get back here! That night, Charlotte sent me a message: "Sophia, I need your cooperation." By Monday at work, the photos were known to everyone. Given my mother-in-law's nature, this would never have happened. I looked at Charlotte, who arrived at the company with a nonchalant expression, and gave her a mental thumbs-up. Classic you. You want to have your cake and eat it too. Julian seemed quite surprised by Charlotte's presence. He awkwardly looked at me and started to explain: "Honey, this isn't..." "Honey?!" Before Julian could finish, a nosy colleague interrupted, and suddenly I became the center of attention. They couldn't believe that the wife of The Sinclair Group's boss would bet on her own divorce. "Is there a problem?" Julian was a bit angry but also confused. I desperately signaled to the people surrounding Julian. From the back of the crowd came a shout from someone enjoying the spectacle: "The boss's wife is betting on when you'll divorce her." I could just faint. Julian reached out to take my hand: "Sophia, we won't get divorced." I quickly dodged, thanks, I have a thing about cleanliness. Julian's hand froze in mid-air, thinking I was bothered by Charlotte's presence, he quickly turned and scolded: "Why are you still here? You've already resigned." Charlotte lowered her eyes, squeezed out a couple of tears, and left. Seeing Charlotte had left, Julian wrapped his arm around my shoulder and walked me to the office. Julian just decided on his own to make me his assistant, and I lounged on the sofa watching him bustle around. Charlotte acted like she owned the place, so I wasn't going to foolishly help Julian with his work. Julian never complained, even buying me all my meals, along with drinks and snacks, all of which I loved. When I complained about the noise from his work, Julian had a separate space set up with soundproofing. I lounged on the new recliner he got me, happily texting Charlotte. "How's it going?" This time, Charlotte didn't reply immediately, the screen showed "typing..." for a long time. Finally, Charlotte sent a message: "Sophia, you need to promise." "I, Sophia, promise to divorce Julian." My fingers flew over the keyboard as I quickly typed out the message. Honestly, I had to admire Charlotte for coming up with such a plan; she's ruthless. Bam— A dull crash sounded not far away, followed by people's screams outside. "There's been a car accident!" "Someone's dead! So much blood!" Julian and I quickly ran outside to see what happened. The ambulance arrived with sirens blaring, and I saw Charlotte on a stretcher, covered in blood and unconscious. Julian went pale with fright and was about to rush to the ambulance. But seeing me there, he stopped halfway. "Charlotte..." he stared intently in the direction the ambulance was leaving. I suggested, "You should go." Julian hurriedly explained, afraid I'd misunderstand: "Charlotte and I are just friends." I was also anxious: "Your friend got hit by a car, aren't you going to check on her?" Go quickly! If you wait any longer, she'll wake up! Julian sped off to the hospital like the wind. When I got home that evening, I found Julian kneeling in the living room, with his mother sitting on the sofa holding a clothes hanger. On the sofa beside her, a long-haired woman in a hospital gown was half-leaning. I looked closely, it was Charlotte. Oh, what's this drama now? Julian knelt down, solemnly bowing three times to his mother. "No matter what, we can't ignore Charlotte." His mother, furious, lifted the hanger to strike him: "Do you know what you're doing? Bringing a woman home after getting married? You've really grown up!" Julian didn't dodge, letting the hanger hit him. When he saw I had returned, he turned his body slightly towards me, enduring the pain with a twisted expression, and apologized. "I'm sorry, Sophia, I'm sorry." I caught a whiff of fresh grass from above. Charlotte struggled to sit up and turned to me: "I'm sorry, Sophia." She hesitated and glanced at Mrs. Sinclair, "The doctor found out..." Before she could finish, Julian's mother, already fuming, turned to strike Charlotte. "This is not your place to speak!" Julian, who had been kneeling upright, immediately jumped forward to shield Charlotte. "Mom! Don't hit Charlotte! She's carrying my child!" "What?!" Both Evangeline and I were stunned. Could Julian really be that certain? I didn't know what Evangeline was thinking, but I couldn't help glancing at a certain part of Julian. Evangeline was furious: "What could possibly be confirmed in just over a month?" Julian hurriedly explained, "I met Charlotte abroad half a year ago." In an instant, the atmosphere became awkward. So... I've been played for half a year? Let's end this marriage quickly, no point in dragging it out. I gave Charlotte a look, and she understood. "Auntie! Julian and I are truly in love. Even if you don't care about us, think about the child I'm carrying!" I was floored; what kind of soap opera line is this? There's no way Evangeline would fall for that... right? I mechanically looked at Evangeline, and she hesitated! She actually hesitated! It's too outdated for me, but just right for Evangeline. The drama among the three of us seemed to be paused. Evangeline and I tidied up the mess, and Julian carried Charlotte back to the room. We all went to our rooms, and the night passed without a word. The next morning, I came out for breakfast. Evangeline, Julian, and Charlotte were all sitting in the living room. Seeing this setup, I was overjoyed inside. I approached the three of them, and the air faintly smelled of ink. Two divorce agreements were neatly laid out on the table. I reached out and touched them; they were still warm. Julian divided four of his properties and twenty million in cash to me. It was enough, and I happily signed my name. Evangeline looked at me, her eyes full of guilt. She sighed, "Julian, don't regret your decision. Once this marriage is over, you two are really done." Julian nodded firmly, placing his hand on Charlotte's belly. He lowered his head and said, "We'll go to the civil affairs bureau later." Julian's eyes were red, and as we left, I smelled a strong scent of smoke, making me frown. "Sorry." Julian moved aside. His voice was extremely hoarse. I held back my laughter, feigning concern as I offered a few comforting words. When I successfully got the divorce certificate, I couldn't help but burst into laughter. Julian stopped me at the entrance of the civil affairs bureau: "Sophia, let's remarry." What a dreamer! I slapped his hand away. "Don't touch me, you scumbag." In the afternoon, I contacted a moving company to move all my belongings to the house I had prepared long ago. I turned and called my best friend, telling her I'd be back at the company tomorrow. On the other end of the line, my best friend was overjoyed, finally seeing the dawn of my return after being exploited for so long. Thanks to these three years of a hollow marriage, I made connections with many industry bigwigs as the nominal Mrs. Sinclair and paved several paths. I almost exhausted my savings to start a trading company. I let my best friend act as the boss to cover for me, while I operated behind the scenes. This time, upon my return, my best friend threw a grand night banquet to celebrate my liberation from the scumbag. When I arrived at the hotel, I was stunned. My best friend had invited almost everyone we knew in the circle, including Julian, of course. Charlotte was holding Julian's arm, and when he saw me, he instinctively withdrew it. "Sophia, I didn't expect The Miller Group to be yours." I smiled and raised my glass in acknowledgment: "Thanks, Mr. Sinclair, for coming to my party. Wishing you and your wife happiness and prosperity." After that, I pulled my friend to a corner of the venue. The gossip was irresistible, and many people turned their attention to me, Julian, and Charlotte. I remembered the previous bet and quickly posted the theme of the banquet in the group chat. I happily pocketed three thousand bucks. Just as I slipped out of the banquet hall, someone quickly approached me. I turned abruptly and met a pair of intensely penetrating eyes. I felt like I was back in the past, caught skipping class, and I awkwardly greeted, "Hey there, Elliot."