No Remarriage For The Woman Who Traded Me For My Rival

The New Year's Day dinner was loud, crowded, and already too boozy. My mother, bless her heart, chose that momentright between the turkey and the pieto become utterly weepy. She grabbed my wife, Vanessa, the CEO of the local manufacturing plant, by the hand, her eyes swimming.

Vanessa, honey, thank you. Thank you for making an exception and hiring my oldest boy as the Chief Engineer.

Felix never finished high school; jobs are so hard for him. Its a miracle youhis sister-in-lawhelped him out.

I promise, hell pay you back

I smoothly took the glass of wine from her hand. Mom, easy on the Merlot. Vanessas infamous for being ruthless and playing by the book. She even fired me years ago just to avoid any hint of nepotism. No way shed bend the rules for Felix.

My mother looked genuinely confused. You dont know? Vanessa said you agreed to it.

I froze. I turned my head, staring at Vanessa. She immediately looked away.

Nolan, you know how hard it is out there for Felix with his background. I just felt a pang of pity. He needed a break. But youre different. You have me. A job isnt the most important thing when youre married to the CEO. Her voice was smooth, a practiced balm. Besides, Ive always provided for you. Its my way of making amends, I suppose.

I let out a laugh that tasted like tears. Good. That train ticket, the one tucked away for three years, inviting me south to a fresh start, could finally stop being a secret.

A sharp clink and the wine glass hit the floor, shattering the silence.

Mom instantly sobered up. Did did I say something wrong?

A bitter, scalding flush of tears finally broke free. I swung around, fixing my gaze on the man sitting rigidly opposite me, as agonizing memories roared through my mind.

Vanessa was instantly on high alert, physically stepping in front of Felix. Nolan, this is ancient history. On New Years, you really have to ruin the night for the whole family?

I stared coldly at both of them. So, you admit it?

The room was dead silent. No one answered.

Rage surged. I reached up, tore off the pendant Id cherished for a decade, and hurled it out the window.

Nolan, are you insane? Do you know how expensive that was? Vanessa's voice was a furious crack in the quiet room.

I turned back, my eyes moving past her angry face to settle on Felix, who was shrinking behind her. He was wearing a brand-new leather jacketcrisp, expensive, and a perfect fit. Just last month, when Vanessa went to the city for a conference, she'd told me she was too busy to pick up anything for me. Now I knew where her attention had gone.

Expensive? My voice was unnervingly calm. Is it more expensive than my entire future, CEO Vanessa?

Vanessa's face changed. She walked toward me. Stop causing a scene. We can talk about this later.

Well talk now! I roared, losing all control.

On New Year's? Do you need to be so dramatic? Her tone was infuriatingly level.

Dramatic? How did I lose my job, Vanessa? I hammered the table. You told me if I got promoted, people would call it nepotism. You fired me yourself, in front of everyone, accusing me of trying to get in through the back door!

And now youre telling me you did it all just so Felix could walk into my spot and get the Chief Engineer title?

I waited ten years for a shot at the city office. Ten years! And you wiped it all out with a single lie!

"SLAP!"

A sharp sting against my cheek. Vanessas chest was heaving, her finger trembling as she pointed at me. On a holiday, you want to dredge up old resentment?

Relatives rushed over to grab her arms. Woah, easy there, Vanessa! It's the holiday, talk it out, don't hit him.

Just then, Felix suddenly burst into tears, dramatically throwing himself onto his knees in front of me. Nolan, please, stop arguing with Vanessa. Its all my fault! Only mine!

I'll quit! I'll give up the job! Id rather starve or beg in the street than cause a rift between you two! If you're still not satisfied, I'll just end it! He bolted for the door.

Vanessa grabbed him. What are you doing?

The crowd rushed to restrain him. Felix, hold on, talk it out

Vanessa took a deep, shaky breath, then glared at me, her eyes spitting fire. Look what youve done to Felix!

Don't you know everything I did was for you? If Felix hadn't dropped out of school and handed over his tuition money, would you even have a degree today? I'm just repaying a debt! Can you stop being so selfish for once?

I stood frozen. The truth was, Felix had skipped school constantly, chasing gambling debts. He'd been beaten half to death and come home stealing Mom and Dad's money. They were the ones who finally said he was hopeless and told me to go to college.

I was the one who lost everything, yet I was the one being told to be reasonable?

My job is gone, I whispered. You fired me, gave my life to him, and you claim it was for my own good?

I slammed my fist onto the table, blood immediately welling up between my knuckles.

The relatives clamored, and even my mother got up, speaking in that worn-out, long-suffering tone. The past is the past, Nolan. Why make a scene? Just apologize to Vanessa. Your brother had it rough, too. Its right that Vanessa helped him. Can't you be supportive of your wife? She has it hard!

Vanessa lowered her head, a look of contrived remorse flashing across her face as she reached for my hand.

But Felix was faster. He shoved himself between us, grabbing my bleeding hand. His eyes were wild. Little brother, don't be like this. Its all my fault. I'm a drain on everyone.

Im a curse on this world. Just let me die! Don't fight with Vanessa; she only tried to compensate me, she meant well

He spun around, grabbed a sharp shard of broken porcelain from the table, and lunged it toward his neck. Its my fault! I'll pay you with my life!

Vanessa screamed and threw herself forward, wrapping him in a desperate embrace.

Felix! she sobbed. Why are you taking the blame? If he hadn't stolen your place all those years ago, you would be the one standing by my side!

The naked truth, a tidal wave of genuine feeling, crashed over the silent room.

Vanessa shoved me out the front door. Felix is trying to kill himself because of you! Are you going to stay here and torment him further?

The cold wind whipped against my face, turning the wound in my heart into a burning scar. I heard Felixs hysterical crying behind the closed door. Its my fault! If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be fighting. I'm just a burden. Let me die!

Then, Vanessas voicea tenderness I had never once heard directed at mecut through the noise. Don't talk about dying. You are the man I love most. Don't speak such awful things.

I only recognize you as my husband.

I was hit by a shockwave, yet I started to laugh.

Oh. I was the interloper.

A torrent of memories flooded my mind. I was twenty-two, and the air was full of fireworks as Vanessa and I married. I was broke, but she was the factory's rising star. She chose me anyway.

The men who want to marry me only want my money. But I know you want the man, Nolan. I'm only willing to be tied down by you.

Later, when she became CEO, everyone saw us as the golden couple. I was about to transfer to the city, my career peaking.

Then she shot down my transfer application. Nolan, the factory whispers are getting loud. People say I favor you. If you get promoted here, I'll lose all authority.

For our family, make a sacrifice. Don't quit; I'll fire you. You can collect a severance package.

I was too stunned to argue. She was the CEO, and her signature was law. No one else would touch me.

Afterward, she held me, her eyes swimming with remorse. "Im so sorry, Nolan... but this factory is my life's work. I can't let our marriage ruin my reputation. I'll find you another job. A better one."

I chose to understand, seeing her self-reproach. But she never found me a job. Worse, she made calls, warning off any company that did business with the plant. I was forced into early retirement, spending my days keeping house, cooking, and doing her laundry. I thought I was sacrificing for our future.

I realize now: my destroyed career was just to clear a space for Felix.

I looked at my hand, the wound still bleeding. I wished I had a scalpel right now. Id carve open Vanessas chest and see what was insidewas it stone, or was it iron?

The hysterical crying inside had softened into gentle laughter. I shivered, whether from cold or anger, I couldn't tell. I didn't turn back. I dragged my exhausted body into the street, walking aimlessly.

Passing under a highway overpass, a couple of thugs surrounded me. Look at the fancy coat. Must be a rich boy. Time to hand over some holiday cash.

I frowned. What do you think youre doing? My wife is the CEO of the county plant! You want to rob me? Ill have you locked up.

Who cares about the CEO? God himself couldn't help you now!

They jumped me. A blinding flash of pain, and I was curled on the ground, powerless. I tasted copper. I reached for my tie to wipe the blood from my mouth. One of them raised his foot, aiming for my head. I shielded myself, bracing for impact.

Then a blur of motion. A few sickening thwacks, and the thugs were groaning on the ground. I looked up, a spark of warmth igniting in my chest. Vanessa

She stood over me, looking down with a mixture of disgust and contempt. Well, Nolan. You talk about a future and a career, but here you are, hanging out with bums and lowlifes?

I was blind. I never saw what a useless, pathetic waste of space you were.

A bitter taste rose in my throat, and before I could deny it, she grabbed my wrist. Enough. Get up and come home. Do you have any idea how worried Felix is?

Back home, Felix sat innocently in the corner chair. Vanessa pulled a document from her pocket and slapped it onto my chest. Sign this. After the holidays, you won't need to show up at the plant anymore.

It was a resignation form. What is this?

She frowned, impatient. Ive secured Felix's position. He cant stay in that dumpy old house. I'm arranging for him to replace you, so I can officially apply for one of the larger factory houses.

She saw my expression and added, softer, When Felix is settled, this house will be a testament to your contribution. A form of compensation.

Ten years of marriage, ten years as her subordinate, ten years in a tiny shack. I'd asked for a bigger place when I was fired. She said, as CEO, she had to consider the employees first and couldn't be seen taking a bigger house for her husband. Now, the status I'd never attained was easily handed to Felix.

My world collapsed, finally.

Lets get a divorce, I said, quietly.

She didn't answer right away. She was too busy nuzzling into Felix. Red, you're the best, Felix murmured. Vanessa stroked his hair, a tender, chastising look on her face. Stop being silly with me.

Watching their sickening intimacy, and contrasting it with her coldness toward my despair, I was done.

I walked to my room, only wanting the box of train tickets.

Vanessa looked up, instantly alert. What are you looking for?

Are you trying to hide the necessary paperwork so Felix cant get the job? She rushed over, pulled the file from the cupboard, and clutched it. Give it up! I promised Felix I wouldn't let him suffer!

Seeing her zeal, a dull ache started in my chest. There was no point hiding it anymore. I'm not looking for files. Im getting my train tickets.

She laughed out loud. Tickets? Are you kidding? You think a weak threat to leave is going to scare me?

Where are you going to go without me?

Yes, where could I go? She'd taken my job. But staying felt like a fate too brutal.

I laughed through my tears, my voice raspy. Vanessa, we are getting a divorce.

She paused, a genuine look of surprise on her face. You you know?

Her expression turned jubilant. I was planning to hold a small wedding for Felix and me during the holidays. But since you're still my legal husband, I couldn't make a big show of it.

Since you agree to divorce, that simplifies things.

She took my hand, a rare gesture of warmth. Don't worry, it'll just be a temporary legal formality. If you agree to sign the papers, I can give Felix the grand wedding he deserves. After hes settled, we can get back together. How does that sound?

She spoke casually, as if asking me to pick up milk. My heart was bleeding.

No need, I told her. I only want the divorce. I won't be coming back.

She was too high on the excitement to notice. Don't be silly. I promised I'd be with you forever.

Even if we divorce, its temporary. In my heart, you'll always be my only husband.

I was disgusted. I wasn't interested in being a placeholder.

She frowned impatiently. Since you agree, you must come to the wedding tomorrowit's at the biggest hall in the county. Felix and I will be there.

Oh, and the money you had saved with me? I've used it. It's for the wedding. Felix deserves a good ceremony so no one looks down on him.

I froze. She then took the pendant I'd thrown out earlier, retrieved by one of the relatives. This is the necklace you threw. Take it. Don't lose it again.

I took it in silence. She gave me a satisfied smile.

The next day, after signing the divorce papers, I walked straight out into the freezing storm.

Vanessa felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of emptiness, a crucial piece ripped from her core. She wanted to chase me, but Felix called out to her. The ceremony was about to begin. She stopped.

That afternoon, firecrackers popped, and bells chimed. Friends and family congratulated Vanessa on her new life.

And I was on the southbound train.

Later, back at home, she and Felix celebrated. She glanced at the pendant on the coffee table, and a deep, cold dread settled in her stomach. The image of Nolan's face, cold and final when he said he wouldn't remarry, flashed into her mind.

She felt heavy, unable to breathe. She threw open a window.

Toot

A whistling sound, the steam from the old green train, pierced the air.

She looked at the metal box on the bedside table. It was empty. The tickets were gone.

She realized everything at once and ran to the bedroom. Nolan!

Nolan? She screamed my name, but only silence answered.

What's wrong? Felix looked up at her from the couch.

Nolan Nolan is gone.

Felixs eyes grew wide, a sudden flicker of concern. He didn't come to the wedding today. I knew he was still angry at me.