Strangers Told Me to Sign the Divorce Papers

After building a business from scratch with my husband, watching him rise to success, he suddenly brought home a college student and demanded I give her an answer.

The girls pregnant, cant wait. We have so much money now, someone has to inherit it.

I felt like Id been struck by lightning. As I desperately refused to sign the divorce papers, a line of text abruptly appeared before my eyes:

[Fool! The male lead is about to face catastrophic bankruptcy. If you dont sign, youll be stuck with a hundred million in debt and thirty years in jail!]

My hand, poised to tear the agreement, froze mid-air.

The hovering text continued:

[The original wife in the book adamantly refused to divorce, thinking she could drag the scoundrel and his mistress down with her. But in the end, she dragged herself down instead.]

[Alas, she didn't know the male lead's company was going to implode in just one month. By then, the male lead would secretly block off the truth, transfer assets, and flee with his true love to live happily ever after.]

[And the original wife, because she didn't divorce, perfectly inherited the massive debt and became the male lead's scapegoat, spending thirty years stitching uniforms in prison.]

[Poor original wife, she wouldn't even divorce in prison. By the time she got out, the male lead's grandson was in kindergarten, and she was left to die miserably in a dumpster]

[]

These revelations jolted me awake. After thirty-two years of life, I realized I was merely a cannon fodder wife in a "feel-good" novel?

And the male lead in the book, who rose from poverty to become a billionaire, marrying a sweet young wife and reaching the pinnacle of life, was none other than my husband, Xavier Blackwood.

Seeing me frozen, Xavier frowned and urged, Selina, I know youve always been strong-willed, and youd never tolerate a three-person marriage. Dont gamble your future away with spite. Just sign the papers, and lets free each other.

Free each other? My heart seethed with resentment as I looked at Xavier.

When I toiled with him for ten years, working day and night to build this business, drinking myself to stomach bleeding for deals, he never said hed let me go because he feared my hardship.

When my career ambitions delayed having children, enduring endless snubs and humiliations from his family, forced to undergo hundreds of IVF injections, he never said he felt for me and would let me go.

Now, the companys listed, the bell has rung, and he's a billionaire CEO.

He casually brings a young girl here, and with a breezy sentence, asks me to let him go.

Why should I?!

I was full of hate! Full of injustice!

But thinking of the fate described in the comments, I couldn't help but shiver.

I couldnt gamble my entire future.

Pushing aside my anger, I smoothed out the divorce agreement in my hand and read it carefully.

Xavier, however, had little patience. He sneered, Dont bother reading. Youve been a housewife for three years, what could you possibly understand? After all these years, I wont mistreat you. Sign the papers, and the house we live in is yours, the car you drive is yours, and the five hundred thousand dollars in your account is also yours. I wont take a cent, consider it alimony. This way, after the divorce, youll be set for life.

[No way! The family company is worth over a billion, and hes only giving the original wife five hundred thousand?]

[Exactly! That house was her parents dowry, and that car is ten years old, used by the housekeeper for groceries. The male lead is seriously being too stingy.]

[This kind of person can be a male lead? I find him a bit disgusting.]

[To the previous commenter, this is just a brainless male-oriented "feel-good" novel. Without the original wife as a stepping stone and cannon fodder, how else would they highlight the male leads decisiveness, ruthlessness, and cunning?]

[Ruthless men thrive; its just a story, as long as its enjoyable, why moralize?]

[Right? Who wants to keep a 'haggard' wife around after achieving success? Of course, hed marry a young, charming wife. The male lead will even have more mistresses overseas later. If you don't like it, just scroll past~]

The comments section was in an uproar, and my heart grew colder, clearer.

I no longer needed to verify if the comments were true or false.

Xaviers calculations, laid bare before me, were enough to explain everything.

I picked up the pen from the table.

Under two expectant gazes, I twirled it twice, then stopped, and spoke calmly: I wont sign. I dont agree to the divorce.

At my words, Xavier and Ava White beside him instantly looked grim.

The comments became even more frantic:

[I told you, this original wifes love-struck brain is beyond saving.]

[She wont divorce even after all this; I wasted my sympathy on her. She deserves to die miserably on the streets.]

[This kind of clingy woman is the worst. If I were the male lead, Id prefer the gentle and resilient little white flower like the female lead.]

Xavier pondered for a moment, then spoke in a hoarse voice: Selina, I know you still have feelings for me. But Ava is already pregnant; you have to take responsibility for the child, dont you?

I found it laughable. I didnt get her pregnant, why should I take responsibility?

But before I could speak, Ava tugged at his sleeve, whimpering, Xavier, I told you Selina wouldnt let go easily. Even after youve given her so much, shes still not satisfied.

Clutching Xaviers hand, her eyes filled with heartache, she continued, But shes just a housewife, enjoying life at home every day. She wouldnt still want to shamelessly demand a share of the company, would she? Xavier, you know I dont care about money. I just cant help but feel for you thats your lifes work. She didnt lift a finger, why should she get a share just by saying so?

With that, tears genuinely streamed down her face.

It seemed that when it came to money, her emotions were quite real.

But she was wrong. I, Selina, was never just a simple housewife.

This company, from the day it was registered. Every single business segment was developed by Xavier and me from scratch.

Before I left the workforce three years ago, my prestige within the company and my reputation in the industry were far greater than Xaviers.

In fact, if my mother-in-law hadnt blackmailed me with threats of suicide, insisting I return home to focus on pregnancy, the companys IPO wouldn't have been delayed by two full years.

But even during these three years at home. Whenever the company faced difficulties or crucial decisions, Xavier would still come to me to discuss solutions.

Ava might not know this, but I refuse to believe Xavier was clueless.

Ultimately, he simply felt that with the company listed, he finally dared to burn bridges.

I scoffed, interrupting the two parasites still doting on each other.

Madam.

First, dont call me Selina sis. I dont have a mistress for a sister.

Second, you keep calling me a housewife with no contribution. May I ask what your profession is? And how much effort have you put into Blackwood Group?

Dont tell me your contribution is keeping the chairman happy in bed? Well, that would indeed be a significant effort.

My words instantly made Avas face flush, and she almost lost her balance.

Xavier quickly steadied her, his expression grim. He shouted at me, Selina, why are your thoughts so filthy now? Staying home too long has turned you into a shrew. Can you at least maintain some dignity? Ava is still a student, shes sensitive and has strong self-esteem. Besides, shes been interning at Blackwood for six months and has contributed quite a lot to the company.

Hearing him, I couldn't help but laugh out loud: Sensitive, so she seduces a married man to be his mistress at such a young age? Strong self-esteem, so she dares to get pregnant out of wedlock and force her way in?

Avas face had turned from red to pale, and her tears flowed even more profusely. Why is Selina sis being so hurtful? Xavier and I are truly in love, its not as sordid as you make it sound! You were just lucky to meet Xavier ten years before me You, a woman who revolves around men and the kitchen all day, simply dont understand the storms and struggles Xavier and I went through to bravely defy worldly opinions and be together!

Xavier was deeply moved and immediately chimed in, Selina, Ava is pure and innocent, not like those loose, materialistic women who try to climb the ladder. Shes a poor student I sponsored, and it wasnt easy for her to make it out of the mountains. She interned at Blackwood to repay that kindness, not even asking for a penny in salary. Our relationship is clean and pure, untouched by worldly filth, not disgusting as you imagine!

Honestly.

I was utterly stunned by their shamelessness.

Shes pure and innocent. But after six months of internship, shes five months pregnant.

She didnt ask for a penny in salary. But shes wearing Chanel and carrying a limited edition Herms bag.

What a pristine, peerless snow lotus!

The comments were no less scathing than my thoughts:

[Holy crap, I've never seen anyone describe marital infidelity so fresh and pure before.]

[I used to think the female lead was about mutual salvation between a sponsor and a poor student. Now, what is this garbage?]

[You women don't understand, men inherently have a hero complex for saving damsels in distress. He's just following his true heart, valuing love above all else. Besides, he gave the original wife a car, house, and money, what more could she want?]

[The previous commenter is beyond evaluation Nothing more to say except, I wish them a happy ever after, like two peas in a pod.]

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes, unwilling to look any further.

Seeing my prolonged hesitation, Xavier completely lost patience. He said coldly, Selina, to be frank, even if we dont divorce, Ill never touch you again. Clinging on is pointless. Just tell me, what will it take for you to agree to divorce?

I opened my eyes and looked at him mockingly: Fine, since you two are so innocent. Whether the child in her belly appeared by telepathy or was placed there by an ancestral dream, I dont care. If you want me to agree to divorce, the agreement must be redrafted by my lawyer. Otherwise, no deal!

After saying all that.

I opened the front door and showed them both out.

Initially, I was furious, hateful, and unwilling to simply let them off easy.

But now, I was completely clear-headed.

This man, who was less than useless, wasn't worth wasting my precious life on.

After they left, I immediately asked my best friend to contact a renowned divorce lawyer.

While waiting for the lawyer to arrive, I pulled out my notebook and repeatedly reviewed the companys recent performance.

I wanted to unravel the mystery puzzling me. Why would Blackwood Group, a company that had always developed steadily and had just gone public, face a sudden, catastrophic implosion?

Just as I was drawing a blank, the comments reappeared:

[The original wife shouldn't bother with company accounts. That rotten company is a hot potato; whoever takes it on will regret it.]

[Blackwood has been ruined by Xavier for three years. He secretly brought in all those relatives without the original wife knowing, and not one of them is any good. Colluding internally and externally, they've been siphoning off money like crazy. Blackwood is now hollowed out, merely a shell, and even the IPO was based on false accounts! Xavier himself doesn't even realize it!]

[Luckily, Xavier, in his attempt to sideline the original wife, quietly changed the legal representative to himself a year before the IPO. He even tricked the original wife into transferring her shares for him to hold in trust. As long as they divorce, she won't be implicated at all.]

So thats how it was.

After reading all this, my hatred for that scoundrel Xavier intensified a hundredfold.

But a heavy burden was also lifted, at least partially.

Thankfully, his machinations had inadvertently allowed me to escape disaster.

A top-tier legal team came with top-tier fees, but it was well worth it.

In just one afternoon and evening, the team, following my instructions, drafted a divorce plan most advantageous to me.

The next morning.

I placed the re-drafted divorce agreement, already signed, before Xavier.

Ava picked up the agreement first. After just a few lines, she exclaimed, Xavier, Selina sis is demanding all the villas, commercial properties, and cars under your name, plus a hundred million dollars in cash? Shes an old woman who cant even lay an egg, how dare she ask for so much!

Ava, overcome with anger, clutched her chest, gasping for air.

Xavier, hearing this, was also furious. He looked at me mockingly and scoffed, Selina, I never thought you were so greedy and materialistic. You used to always say you loved me for who I am, but it turns out it was just a pretense of purity; in the end, its all about money.

I didnt hold back, retorting instantly: You also always said youd only love me for life, but didnt you turn around and blow that off like a fart? If you two arent materialistic, then dont fight me over it.

Stung, Xavier was left speechless with anger.

Ava quickly helped him calm down.

Then, she stared at me intently, saying, Xavier, is Selina sis making these unreasonable demands because she doesnt want to divorce you at all? It makes sense; women her age find it hard to remarry after divorce, and shes just an idle housewife. Of course, she wouldnt want to give up a top bachelor like you. But Selina sis, emotions cant be forced. If you truly loved him, youd know to let go, not drag Xavier through this agony with you

I wasnt angry at all; instead, I smiled, playing along with her words: Yes, I dont want to let go, I wont give up, so you might as well abandon hope. If I dont agree, your illegitimate child will forever be an outcast, and you will forever be a despised mistress!

Ava almost fainted from anger, collapsing into Xaviers arms and wailing, Xavier, she admitted it! She just wants money! You cant let her get away with it so easily; why should she get so much just by opening her mouth? Youll be left with nothing!

Xaviers face was extremely grim. It seemed he felt the same as Ava, completely unwilling to sign the agreement.

Fine, I said with a slight smile, nodding.

I snatched the divorce papers, tore them in half, and tossed them into the air.

Since you think Im getting a raw deal, then I wont divorce.

Perhaps not expecting my sudden change of attitude.

Xavier and Avas faces paled. They exchanged glances, looking even more anxious than before.

Selina, cant we discuss this calmly? Why are you rushing?

I ignored him, continuing to smile: Im not rushing. Anyway, I dont want a divorce, so if we cant agree, then we wont divorce. Actually, I think dragging it out is more satisfying. After your love child is born, Ill go to Blackwood Group, to Ms. Avas school, and to Ms. Avas hometown village. Ill put up posters, hang banners, and bring a row of influencers to live-stream your celebration. Let everyone see that the Blackwood family has an heir, and its from the pure and innocent Ms. Ava, conceived through telepathy!~

My words made even the surrounding lawyers chuckle.

Ava was so mortified she couldn't even lift her head.

Xavier, finally provoked, couldn't listen anymore. He suddenly roared, Sign! Ill sign!

With that, he snatched the divorce agreement from the lawyers hand and started flipping through it.

He read faster and faster, his hand trembling more and more.

He looked as if he might explode from rage on the spot.

But I didn't miss it: after reading all the property division clauses, the corners of his mouth twitched into an uncontrolled, slight smirk.

Others might not know.

But I knew he had fallen into my trap.

Xavier, having climbed the corporate ladder for so many years, quickly regained his composure.

He hastily scanned the agreement, sighed, and in a negotiating tone, said to me, Selina, weve been married for years. If you want everything of mine, Ill give it. But this amount is too much; I cant produce it from my account right away. Could we

No, I interrupted before he could finish. Not a single cent less, cash upfront, or no deal.

Xavier glanced at his lawyer, then frowned and explained to me, The company recently invested in a large project, so cash flow is tight. My personal account doesnt have much either, only a few tens of thousands, as you know. How about we sign the divorce first, and Ill gradually raise the funds later?

[Original wife, don't believe him. When the company collapses, he won't just fail to pay up; he'll even make you take the fall.]

[He's been guarding against you for a long time. That's why he pays himself a salary of a hundred dollars a year, and all the actual money he earns is transferred to his mother's account.]

I scoffed coldly: Xavier, dont treat me like an idiot. With Blackwood Groups market value, you know very well that what Im asking for isnt much. In fact, you could say Im being very generous. I dont want shares, only cash, simply because I want no further ties with you all. A hundred million to buy all my shares is a great deal for you. Blackwood just went public; if I were to fight you for company control now, the impact on the stock price would be far more than this.

Xavier fell silent.

He had actually wavered just now.

My original shares, if traded on the market, would definitely be worth more than a hundred million.

So, when he saw the clause stating I wanted cash instead of company shares, he relaxed.

This was also the trap I set for him.

If I held onto those shares, they would become worthless paper and a death warrant when the company exploded next month.

And if I demanded too much, Xavier would be reluctant to pay and would delay.

A hundred million was my prediction for his psychological breaking point.

This amount of cash flow was indeed substantial for him, but it wasn't impossible to scrape together.

Ava, seeing him waver, grew anxious and angry, repeatedly tugging at him, signaling disapproval.

But I, too, had lost patience and rose to leave.

Since youre not in a hurry to divorce, then lets just leave it. Im not in a hurry either. Oh, by the way, Xavier, I officially inform you that starting tomorrow, I will return to work at the company

Having said that, I was already at the door, about to turn the doorknob, when a voice, gritted through teeth, suddenly came from behind me.

Fine, I agree.