Cheat on Me, Lose Everything

On our wedding anniversary, Lena Dante ditched me to attend her ex-husbands welcome dinner.

The video went viral that day.

Lena, usually so reserved and proud, gently embraced her ex-husband.

I looked at the unknown text message on my phone:

Mr. Thompson, there was never any love between you and her, but my son needs a mother.

I chuckled. I, Alistair Thompson, the sole direct heir of the Thompson family.

Anything I desired was within reach.

I wouldn't play the clown, fighting a man for a woman.

1.

At the welcome dinner, photos of the couple embracing were posted online by busybodies.

Rumors of the Dante family heirs marital woes.

Quickly shot to the top of the trending list.

Before I could do anything.

The "hot" tag that had just been there instantly vanished.

Dante Corporations official account quickly issued a statement.

And served court summons to the most aggressive commenters.

All within ten minutes.

After all, Lena Dante wouldnt let anyone disrupt the alliance between the Dante and Thompson families.

No sooner had I put down my phone than all the large screens across the city displayed intimate photos of Lena and me.

Proclaiming my status as her rightful husband.

But I found myself lost in thought, staring at the neon lighthouse.

In five years, this was the first time.

A woman always so meticulous, so orderly in everything she did.

Had missed our anniversary.

The next day, as I was about to leave.

I saw Lenas car pull into the driveway.

Lena stepped out of the car, carrying an Ultraman backpack that seemed at odds with her elegant demeanor.

She held a small boy by the hand.

She knelt, pulling the little boy into a hug.

Her eyes held a softness I had never seen before.

Behind her stood a fair-skinned man in a white shirt.

I recognized him, Lenas ex-husband.

She saw me by the car, paused, and then stopped.

Alistair, Tommy has to go to school here in the capital because of enrollment issues, she said, her gaze lowered, as if explaining to me.

Before I could speak, the man beside her interrupted.

Mr. Thompson, Im sorry, Im just a single father with my child, I really had no other choice.

I stood in my dress shoes, looking down at him, a hint of sarcasm in my demeanor.

When my wife and I are speaking, why do you interrupt?

Lena frowned but said nothing.

Seeing the mans face flush, I then turned to the somewhat serious woman.

Because of this mornings photos, the joint ventures between the Dante and Thompson families have already dropped 10 percentage points.

My face was stern, scaring the little boy in Lenas arms to tears.

Go away, youre a bad uncle trying to break up my mommy and daddy!

Lena frowned, quickly patting Tommys back to soothe him.

She looked at me with a touch of helplessness.

Alistair, it was just a hug. Ive already arranged for someone to handle the joint venture crisis. Her tone was resigned, but it tightened my chest.

Just like the past five years.

She would only protect my reputation as her husband.

But it seemed she had forgotten that I also needed love.

I had once taught her how to make me happy.

Now, I realized.

If this relationship still needed me to teach it, it was too much of a failure.

Before I return tonight, send them away. I turned, leaving Lena with that one sentence, then drove to the office.

After all, as the Thompson family heir.

I didnt have much time to waste on dealing with outsiders.

I worked until late into the night.

I was confident that Lena, knowing what was important, would handle the two of them.

But the moment I pushed open the door, my certainty abruptly ended.

Mr. Thompson, Ethan Davies was wearing my casual pajamas, Youre back. Ive asked the butler to prepare dinner for you.

My eyes narrowed.

He was acting like the master of the house?

I walked over, a sarcastic smile plastered on my face.

I reached out and tugged at his collar. You like wearing hand-me-downs?

Ethans face stiffened. Clearly, he hadnt expected me to be completely unfazed by his provocation.

Can you give her back to me? You two dont love each other, but my child needs his mother.

I paused my ascent up the stairs, turned, and raised an eyebrow.

Family heirs only need interests, not love, I said with a mocking smile. Your perspective is too narrow.

My disdainful gaze deeply wounded Ethans sensitive pride, his face paling.

I curved my lips, preparing to leave, but the man, losing control of his emotions, blocked my way.

You know she was with me yesterday, right? But do you know what we did? He then tapped his phone, and a hotel bedroom photo appeared on the screen. Mr. Thompson, can you really tolerate that?

I lowered my gaze, instantly recognizing Lena Dantes hand.

The ring on that hand, I had placed it there myself.

My fingers unconsciously clenched slightly.

But my face remained that of the perpetually stern Thompson family scion.

Too much fine dining, sometimes you need a little wild grass, dont you?

Ethans breathing hitched, his face flushing with humiliation.

Back in the room, I looked at the woman who was already asleep.

Her usually perfect hair was a little disheveled.

I unconsciously stroked the ring on my hand.

My fingertips traced from her forehead, over the bridge of her nose, finally resting on her thin lips.

Lena, dont disappoint me.

2.

Waking the next day, the space beside me was cold.

Opening the door, I heard laughter.

It was a sound this usually quiet villa had never known.

I stood at the railing, looking down at the scene below.

The woman who had never once entered the kitchen in our five years of marriage was making eggs.

The young man and the adorable child were playing on the sofa.

I felt a mix of mockery and a pang in my eyes.

For a moment, I even felt.

I was the outsider.

When I came downstairs, the harmonious atmosphere instantly shattered.

Alistair, Lena said, carrying a plate, her expression showing no change.

When are you sending them away? It was the first time I had spoken to her in such a tone.

Lena didnt answer. Instead, she settled Tommy in his high chair, and only after he was comfortable did she look up at me.

With that look of restrained impatience that I despised.

I told you, he needs to go to school here.

I felt a surge of irritation.

Dont tell me, President Dante, you cant even sort out school enrollment! I grew more uncontrolled with each word. Do you want to keep the child close, or the man?

Alistair! Lena interrupted me, her voice firm. Watch your words. Ethan is Tommys father. Hes still so young; how can he be without his father?

At this, the little boy immediately spilled a bowl of hot porridge on me, crying.

I hate you, youre a bad uncle breaking up Mommy and Daddy!

Feeling the hot burn on my leg, I winced and frowned.

My piercing gaze instantly shot to him.

Im sorry, Tommy didnt mean it. He just misses his mom too much. Ethan quickly interjected, blocking my view.

I suppressed the suffocating breath in my chest.

It was only then that I realized how much the three of them looked like a family.

And I, ridiculously, stood in opposition to them.

A momentary surge of anger made me lose all reason. I looked coldly at Ethan.

Do you think the Dante family would welcome a child who, at five years old, still doesnt know proper manners, a foolish

Alistair Thompson! Lenas voice, cold as frost, instantly extinguished my rage.

Her demeanor carried an iciness I had never seen before, confronting me without emotion.

Tommy is my son, Lena Dantes son. As my husband, you must accept his presence. And, you were out of line today.

With that, she picked up the tearful little boy and turned to leave.

And Ethan, behind her, naturally took her bag.

He turned back, a triumphant smirk on his face.

The noisy villa instantly fell silent again.

A bitter taste rose in my heart.

In Lenas mind, I was the perfect Thompson heir, and a proper, sensible husband.

So I couldnt have my own emotions.

And I certainly couldn't lose my composure

Listening to the roar of the car fading into the distance, my previously straight back finally slumped.

Lena, you still disappointed me.

Five years ago, there was a financial crisis.

The Dante and Thompson families, as the leading powers in the capital, proposed an alliance through marriage to counter overseas capital.

As the only son of the Thompson family, I chose Lena Dante, who had just divorced.

I knew she had an ex-husband and a son.

But at the time, I thought, who doesn't have a past? Who doesn't have someone they cherish?

After marriage, Lena was an almost perfect woman.

But when such a self-controlled and disciplined woman suddenly had her exception by her side.

I realized then that I couldn't be as calm as I thought.

The next day was Grandfather Dantes birthday banquet.

As Lenas husband, I had to attend.

In the evening, she appeared at the villa door punctually.

After getting in the car, there seemed to be an invisible boundary between us.

After a while, perhaps with a sigh,

Lena sighed, closed the partition, and sat beside me.

Alistair, she broke the silence, My husband will only ever be you.

Feeling the warmth in my hand, I was somewhat lost in thought.

I knew this was her way of making amends.

The kaleidoscopic reflections from outside illuminated the womans chiseled features.

Her deep eyes now mirrored only me.

After getting out of the car, Lena held my hand the entire way.

Leaving me somewhat dazed.

But this daze was quickly shattered.

Lena, Ethan, dressed in a traditional Chinese suit, greeted guests flowing in and out like a host.

He naturally took the birthday gift from her hand, then feigned surprise, speaking timidly, Mr Thompson.

I frowned, not losing my composure amidst the crowd.

I simply looked at Lena, my eyes filled with accusation.

Hes Tommys father, and Grandfather wants to see his great-grandson on his birthday. Lenas eyes were completely frank as she spoke.

The flowers that had just begun to revive in my heart.

Withered once more.

He appears so openly in the Dante family, where does that leave me?

Lena then looked at me as if startled.

I let go of her hand, the warmth in my palm gradually replaced by coldness.

Lena, a perfect heir who had fought her way out of the cutthroat world of powerful families.

How could she not understand Ethans intentions?

She simply didnt intervene.

She simply indulged him.

Looking at the curious, scrutinizing guests around us.

I wiped the bitterness from my face.

And became the perfect arranged marriage partner.

Amidst the flickering lights, my thoughts felt muddled, a tangled mess.

Unknowingly, I found myself on the long corridor of the Dante familys back garden, sobering up.

This was also where Lena and I first met.

Our tenderness began in late autumn; we came together in summer.

But now, in the depths of winter, we were drifting further apart.

Mr. Thompson, still putting up with being provoked right to your face? A clear, bell-like chuckle came from behind me.

I glanced sideways. It was Serena Thorne, the current head of the Thorne family.

This isnt like you. She then draped her lily-of-the-valley-scented jacket over me, warding off the chill. Just say the word, and I can make him disappear.

I didnt find anything wrong with that; after all, without such ruthlessness.

One would have long become a casualty in family feuds.

No need, he cant stir up much trouble.

Serena suddenly moved closer, her sweet scent enveloping me.

Then why are you drowning your sorrows here? She placed both hands on my shoulders. When you got into that arranged marriage, I wasnt able to resolve the obstacles in the Thorne family in time. But now, can you consider me?

Serena had always been flippant in front of me.

Now, seeing her so serious, I suddenly realized the woman before me had long shed her childish innocence.

Lena and I arent divorced yet?

Serena looked unconcerned. I can be the other woman for love, Id be thrilled.

I smiled, pinching her arm a couple of times, just about to speak.

But I was suddenly pulled into a strong embrace.

Lena stood there, her face grim, glaring at Serena with ill intent.

Two formidable women confronted each other, the temperature around them dropping noticeably.

Lets go home. After a while, Lena spoke first.

In the car, Lena closed the partition.

To my surprise, she leaned down.

Unlike her usual gentle kisses,

This time, the intensity made me frown.

After a while, Lena, breathless, pulled away from me, her deep eyes holding an emotion I had never seen before.

Alistair, stay away from her.

3.

The pain on my lips made me push her away.

But I also felt a surge of anger.

I had only exchanged a couple of words with Serena.

Yet, she brought Ethan into our home, what right did she have to demand anything from me?

Why? My tone was cold.

Lena looked up at my words, her deep eyes like a whirlpool, drawing me in.

Because you are my man.

I frowned, Im not, Ethan is.

Lena laughed at my words, her usually cool face softening.

Mr. Thompson, youre jealous.

I pushed her away, with an unreasonable tantrum I despised even myself for.

Send them away.

The atmosphere instantly froze.

Lenas smile vanished, as if the earlier intimacy was just my imagination.

Alistair, she smoothed her hair, sighing with extreme helplessness, He wont threaten you.

Besides, Tommy is my son. I cant abandon him.

I looked out the window at the retreating streetscape.

It was then I noticed a light drizzle falling outside, blurring my vision.

I never stopped you from looking after Tommy.

Lena looked at me as if I were an unreasonable child.

Ethan raised our child alone abroad. I owe him for these five years.

A sudden, indescribable bitterness rose in my heart.

So youre telling me I have to accept him constantly hovering in my life, is that it?

Lena lowered her gaze, turning my body towards her.

Her palm gently covered my slightly reddened eyes.

I hope you can understand me. No matter what they do, my husband will only ever be you.

Listening to her defensive evasions.

I suddenly found it all incredibly tedious.

Including those moments I had genuinely given my heart, they now seemed so pointless.

In this grand expectation, she still disappointed me.

Just then, my phone rang. It was an unknown number.

Mr. Thompson, Lena and I were inconsiderate today, my apologies.

The message came with a photo of Lena holding Tommy in the moonlight, with him standing beside them, laughing.

My eyes narrowed.

A suffocating tightness filled my chest.

A low-level tactic, but highly effective.

I tossed the phone to Lena, my tone cold.

It seems Im the third party between you two, isnt that right?

She froze, glanced at the phone, but still instinctively defended him.

He just thought you might be uncomfortable and wanted to apologize.

I let out a laugh of anger, laced with furious sarcasm.

Lena Dante, are you playing dumb or do you truly not understand? Do I have to catch you in the act for you to admit it?!

Alistair, Lena said, her voice deep, with a warning tone, Watch your language. Theres nothing improper between Ethan and me.

I scoffed, a choked sound only I could hear.

Nothing improper?

Only when clothes are off does it count as improper, right?

The car instantly fell silent. The look in Lenas eyes beside me was an icy coldness I had never seen before.

Alistair Thompson, dont tell me you lack even this much tolerance!

I don't know how to describe the feeling at this moment.

Only that the field of flowers that once bloomed for her in my heart.

Had become barren.

I suppressed the bitterness in my heart, my eyes reddening.

I lack tolerance? Ha

If I did, I would have kicked them out on the very first night! Would he still be provoking me with your bed photos?

If I did, the Thompson family would have already dealt with her when your social media photos went viral!

My sudden burst of emotion.

It all stemmed from a feeling of being misunderstood.

This situation was like the thorns on a rose.

Pricking my heart, yet outsiders found it beautiful.

Lena looked somewhat lost, turning to look at my bloodshot eyes.

I turned my head, lowering the car window.

Letting the drizzling rain hit my face, masking my weak tears.

Mom and Dad said I was the only one they truly cherished, the only one.

I took a deep breath, resuming the proud demeanor of a Thompson scion.

So, if to you, I am merely a dispensable product of your cost-benefit analysis, then we will inevitably part ways.

Lenas face paled at my words, a panic she herself found startling rising in her.