Your Love Came After Goodbye

Three years into our marriage, I thought Ethan was just naturally cold and incapable of love.

Then I saw the texts he sent his first love:

Fall for her? No way. She's just a stand-in for you.

Baby, when you come back, we'll get married right away.

Turns out, he wasn't incapable of love; he just wasn't in love with me.

I signed the divorce papers and left with nothing, but he went crazy, searching the whole world for me.

Too bad, Ethan. Your belated affection is just too cheap.

Chloe POV

"Leo, I'm getting a divorce."

I stood by the master bedroom's floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the glittering New York skyline, my voice so calm it even surprised me.

On the other end of the line, my brother Leo was silent for a full five seconds before letting out a cold laugh. "You're finally willing to give up on Ethan?"

I forced a smile, my eyes dry, unable to squeeze out a single tear. "Yeah, I tried for so long, but I couldn't make him love me."

"I told you before, Ethan has no heart. You just had to be with him," Leo's voice held concern, though he tried to sound casual. "Come to Paris. It has everything. French men are romantic and devoted; aren't they all better than that guy? You're so amazing, why waste your time on someone from the Sterling family?"

"Mmm, I'll come once the papers are done."

Hanging up, I turned, my gaze falling on the black backup phone on the vanity.

It was Ethan's phone. Half an hour ago, he went to shower, and the phone vibrated, sliding onto the carpet. When I picked it up, the screen was lit, showing an un-saved text message:

Ethan, my flight home is tomorrow.

On an impulse, I typed in Ethan's lock screen password. It wasn't his birthday, nor mine. It was a regular day from six years ago. The password was correct.

Opening the chat history for that number, I saw the most frequent, most affectionate Ethan Id ever seen in my life.

It snowed in New York today. Is it cold where you are?

I've secured all of Sterling Corp's shares. The board can no longer interfere with my decisions.

She's been docile, a perfectly acceptable ornament. But once this period is over, my wife's position will still be yours.

Ivy, I miss you so much.

Every word was like a poisoned dagger, piercing my heart, twisting the flesh to shreds.

Ivy. Ethan's first love, the woman forced to leave the country because his grandfather had blocked their relationship.

I'd always thought Ethan was naturally cold, a workaholic machine. In three years of marriage, he'd given me endless material comfort. A black card with no limit, haute couture on demand. If anyone in the New York elite dared to cross me, Ethan would ensure their family was ruined by morning.

Everyone said, Mr. Sterling loved me very much.

I used to believe it too. Until today, I finally understood that kind of love was just compensation, an empty gesture, like feeding a prized pet. He reserved all his patience, tenderness, and scheming for another woman. And I? I was merely a "decoration" he used to consolidate his power and protect the woman he truly loved.

The sound of the shower stopped.

Ethan walked out in a black bathrobe, water droplets still clinging to his chiseled jawline, tracing paths down to his firm chest. He glanced at me, standing by the vanity, his gaze as deep and unreadable as ever.

"Why aren't you in bed yet?" He walked to the bedside, casually picking up a watch to wipe it.

I looked at Ethan, at this face Id loved for five whole years. I pursued him for two, and married him for three. I reined in all my temper, learning to be a gentle and agreeable wife, just to be closer to him.

"Ethan," I spoke, my voice a little hoarse.

He paused, looking up at me. "What do you want? That art gallery space downtown? I'll have my assistant send you the transfer papers tomorrow."

See, that was his way. Whenever my mood was off, he'd just throw money at me. Simple, crude, effective.

"No need." I smiled, walking over and handing him the black phone. "Your phone fell earlier."

Ethan's pupils constricted for a split second. I caught it. He took the phone, his knuckles slightly white, his voice steady. "You looked through it?"

"No," I lied. I didn't want to be hysterical, didn't want to question him like a lunatic. If I was a decoration, I should act like one.

Ethan gave me a long, hard look, then tossed the phone into the drawer. "Get some rest early. I have an important meeting tomorrow; I won't be back for dinner."

"Okay." I turned my back to him and lay down.

In the darkness, I lay with my eyes open, listening to the steady breathing of the man beside me. The last flicker of hope in my heart was extinguished completely.

Chloe POV

The next afternoon, I drove to the law firm.

"Miss Hayes, are you sure you want to draft these divorce papers?" My acquaintance, Mr. Davidson, looked at me, full of disbelief. "Your marriage to Mr. Sterling the outside world has always been very optimistic about it."

"I'm sure. The sooner, the better." I sat on the sofa, stirring my coffee. "Regarding assets, I don't want anything. I'm leaving with nothing, as long as he signs."

Mr. Davidson sighed, starting to take notes. "Alright, I'll expedite it."

Emerging from the law firm, the sky had already darkened. The evening breeze in New York carried a hint of chill. Instead of going home, I drove to The Velvet Lounge.

In three years of marriage, I hadn't stepped foot in a place like this. Ethan didn't like the smell of smoke or alcohol, didn't like me dressing too provocatively, didn't like me hanging out with those friends. So I'd thrown out all my sultry dresses and replaced them with elegant suits.

Today, I wore a deep V-neck, wine-red slip dress, ten-centimeter heels, and aggressive, heavy makeup as I pushed open the bar's door.

The deafening music instantly enveloped me. I walked to the bar and ordered the strongest drink.

"Well, well, isn't it Chloe? Long time no see." My best friend, Sophia, came over with her drink, scrutinizing me, her eyes lighting up. "You look amazing today! So beautiful! Ethan actually let you out?"

"Don't even mention him." I tilted my head back, downing the drink in one gulp. The burning liquid traveled down my throat to my stomach, forcing out tears from the corners of my eyes.

I slid onto the dance floor, twisting my body wildly to the music. The men around me swarmed like sharks scenting blood. I didn't refuse; I smiled, dancing intimately with them, savoring the long-lost feeling of abandon and freedom.

Upstairs, in the VIP section on the second floor.

I only found out later that Ethan was up there, watching my every move.

On the dance floor, I grew tired, pushed away the men around me, and stumbled towards the restroom.

As I reached the corner of the corridor, my wrist was suddenly grabbed. A strong force pulled me into a dim private room, and then I was slammed against the cold wall.

"Ethan, isn't this Chloe?" Liam, standing nearby, widened his eyes. "Chloe's outfit is really hot! Those guys were practically glued to her. Aren't you going to do something, Ethan?"

Ethan glanced at him, then expressionlessly averted his gaze, his voice icy. "I trust her."

"Ethan! You're really letting your guard down." Liam sighed. "Still, Chloe looks stunning today, like a completely different person. I always thought you were too demure, never knew you had this side to you."

Ethan turned to face me, his body leaning in. The familiar scent of fir trees wafted over me.

"Had enough fun?" Ethan's voice, laced with suppressed anger, sounded above me.

I looked up, seeing the man's handsome face in the faint light filtering from the corridor. I suddenly laughed, a terribly cheerful laugh, and hooked my arm around his neck. "Mr. Sterling, what's wrong? Only you get to come here? I can't?"

Ethan's brows furrowed tightly. He inhaled in distaste, smelling the alcohol and cheap perfume on me. "Come home with me."

"Home? Which home?" I leaned closer, my warm breath fanning his Adam's apple. "The gilded cage you built for me, or the spot you're saving for someone else in your heart?"

Ethan's body stiffened, his eyes instantly turning sharp. "You're drunk."

"I'm not drunk." I pushed him away abruptly, the smile vanishing from my face, leaving only cold indifference. "Ethan, don't touch me. You make me sick."

With that, I walked out of the private room without looking back.

Chloe POV

Ivy was back.

I didn't hear this news from Ethan; I saw it on Twitter.

SterlingCorpCEOspottedatairportlateatnight,mysteriouswomanallegedlymistress

The photos were blurry, but I recognized that tall back instantly. Ethan had draped a large suit jacket over the petite woman, his head bowed as he shielded her into the car. The gesture showed a tenderness and carefulness I had never seen before.

Today was our third wedding anniversary.

I sat in the empty restaurant, looking at the cold steak on the table and the nearly burned-out candle, and suddenly found it all a bit laughable.

I picked up my phone and dialed Ethan's number.

It rang for a long time before he finally picked up. The background was quiet, with only the occasional beep of medical equipment.

"Something wrong?" Ethan's voice was low.

"Where are you?" I asked.

"Working late at the office. An urgent project to handle." He lied, his voice steady.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. "Ethan, today is our wedding anniversary."

Silence on the other end for two seconds. "Sorry, I forgot. I'll make it up to you tomorrow. Buy whatever you want, just use my card."

"No need," I said softly. "You must be busy."

Hanging up, I called the waiter for the check. I didn't go home. Instead, I drove to an upscale downtown apartment complex. It was one of the properties Ethan owned.

I parked the car by the roadside, quietly watching the apartment building.

Half an hour later, Ethan's car pulled up. He got out, walked to the passenger side, opened the door, and carefully helped a pale woman out.

Ivy.

She looked very weak, leaning into Ethan's embrace. Ethan's head was bowed, whispering something to her, his eyes full of tenderness. He even bent down to straighten the hem of her skirt, which had been ruffled by the wind.

I sat in my car, a street away, watching the scene unfold.

I didn't cry, nor did I rush over to cause a scene. I just watched quietly, as if observing a movie unrelated to me.

So, he wasn't incapable of love; he just didn't love me.

He could drop a billion-dollar project to pick up Ivy from the airport, stay with her at the hospital until midnight, and bend his proud waist for her.

And all I got was a dismissive, "Just use my card."

I started the car, turning around to leave. In the rearview mirror, the embracing figures grew smaller and smaller, until they completely disappeared into the night.

Back at the mansion, I started packing.

I didn't take anything Ethan had bought me. All those designer bags, haute couture dresses, and expensive jewelry, I left them all in the walk-in closet. I only packed a few old clothes I'd brought before the marriage and the laptop that had been with me for years.

My suitcase was empty, just like my three years of marriage. Aside from countless scars, nothing remained.

The next morning, Mr. Davidson delivered the drafted divorce papers.

I didn't even glance at them, signing my name on the last page without hesitation.

"Miss Hayes, are you truly not going to reconsider?" Mr. Davidson looked at my calm face, unable to help but ask.

"No need," I said, putting the papers into a folder. "Please deliver this to Ethan for me. Tell him I don't want anything, just his signature."

Ethan POV

I've been extremely busy these past few days.

Ivy wasn't well. She'd just returned to the country and hadn't adjusted, her old illness flaring up, landing her back in the hospital. I spent my days at the office dealing with mountains of paperwork, and my nights at the hospital caring for her.

Ivy was always delicate. She'd frown if the IV drip was too slow, or pout if the medicine was bitter. Though I was exhausted, I had to patiently coax her, given her frail health.

For three consecutive days, I didn't return to the mansion.

I expected Chloe to call me frantically, text me, demanding to know where I was, just like before. But to my surprise, my phone was eerily silent.

No calls, no messages, not even a routine "Good morning."

At first, I didn't pay much attention. Work was too overwhelming, and I couldn't leave Ivy's side. I even felt a subtle sense of relief C Chloe not making a fuss saved me a lot of trouble.

She had probably finally learned to be sensible, to give me space, no longer clinging to me like a piece of gum.

But her continued silence it made me a little uneasy.

I sat behind my desk, frowning at my still phone screen.

"Mr. Sterling, these are the transfer papers for the downtown art gallery you requested." Mark, my assistant, knocked and entered, placing a document on my desk. "Regarding Miss Hayes"

"Send them to her." I rubbed my forehead. "Tell her I'm busy these days, but I'll take her to a fashion show in Paris in a few days."

Mark hesitated for a moment before saying, "Mr. Sterling, Miss Hayes isn't home. The mansion staff said she left three days ago with a suitcase."

I shot up from my seat. "Left? Where did she go?"

"I don't know. She didn't take anything, just a small suitcase."

My heart sank instantly, a sudden, inexplicable panic gripping me. I grabbed my car keys and stormed out of the office.

I sped all the way back to the mansion.

Pushing open the door, the house was eerily silent. No sign of Chloe bustling in the kitchen, no sound of her voice, not even a faint trace of her usual perfume in the air.

I rushed upstairs, pushing open the master bedroom door.

The bed was neatly made. In the walk-in closet, all the clothes and bags I'd bought her were quietly arranged. On the vanity, there was a brown paper envelope.

I walked over and picked it up.

Inside, was a Divorce Agreement.

Her name was clearly written in the signature space for the wife.

I stared at her name. Then, I violently tore the agreement into shreds, throwing them forcefully onto the floor.

"Chloe, you've got guts!" I roared.

I pulled out my phone and dialed her number.

"We're sorry, the number you have dialed is currently switched off"

The cold, mechanical female voice echoed in the empty room. I slammed the phone against the wall, and the screen instantly shattered.

I thought she was just throwing a tantrum, that she just wanted more attention. I never imagined she would actually leave.

Chloe loved me so much, loved me to the point of sacrificing her dignity. How could she bear to leave me?

"Find her! Get her out here!" I yelled at Mark, who had rushed in. "Even if you have to use every resource, find her!"

Chloe POV

I didn't leave the country; I moved into a small apartment on the outskirts of New York.

It was a place I'd bought in college, small, only fifty square meters, but quiet enough.

I changed my phone number, severing all ties with my past. Every day, besides painting, I'd go downstairs to buy groceries. Life was simple, yet it had a peace I'd never experienced before.

A week later, I received a call from Leo.

"Chloe, Ethan has gone insane," Leo's voice held a hint of amusement. "He's been looking for you non-stop. Sterling Corp's stock has been crashing disastrously these past few days. He's not even attending board meetings, just wandering around like a madman."

My hand, holding the paintbrush, paused slightly, then resumed its normal movement. "Everything about him is irrelevant to me. I've already signed; his search is useless."

"You've truly let go?" Leo asked.

"I've let go." I looked at the gray, desolate ocean on the canvas, my voice as light as a breeze. "I don't love him anymore."

After hanging up, I walked to the window, looking down at the bustling street.

I expected to be in pain, to suffer from insomnia. But strangely, I slept wonderfully. Without the agony of waiting, without the torment of fearing loss, my heart was completely empty.

In the afternoon, I went grocery shopping.

As I stepped out of the apartment building, a sleek black Maybach suddenly pulled up in front of me.

The car door opened, and Ethan emerged.

He had lost a lot of weight, his eyes were bloodshot, and a shadow of stubble darkened his jaw. He looked utterly wasted and agitated.

The moment he saw me, his eyes lit up fiercely, like a dying man spotting an oasis in the desert. He strode over, pulling me tightly into his embrace.

"Chloe, I finally found you" His voice was terribly hoarse, with a hint of an almost imperceptible tremble.

I was squeezed so tightly I couldn't breathe. I didn't struggle, just spoke coldly. "Let go of me."

Ethan's body stiffened. He slowly released me, looking down at me.

My gaze was calm, as if I were looking at a stranger. No love, no hate, nothing at all.

"Come home with me." He reached out to take my hand, his voice holding a hint of almost pleading desperation. "Stop this, okay? I'll give you whatever you want. Let's go home."

I avoided his hand, stepping back.

"Ethan, you must have seen the agreement." I looked at him, my voice flat. "Sign it. It's better for everyone."

"I won't sign!" Ethan's voice suddenly rose, a hint of madness flashing in his eyes. "Chloe, you'll always belong to me! There's no way you're getting a divorce!"

I looked at Ethan, so hysterical, and suddenly felt a bit pathetic.

"Ethan, what exactly are you so angry about?" I forced a cynical smile. "Your pretty little ornament isn't playing nice anymore, and you don't like it? Or perhaps I didn't obediently vacate my position for your Ivy?"

Ethan's face instantly went pale.

"You you knew?"

"Yes, I knew." I looked at Ethan's suddenly bloodless face. I felt no sense of satisfaction or revenge, only a profound weariness.

"That backup phone, those texts, I saw everything." My voice was soft. "Ethan, you disgust me."

Ethan's breathing grew ragged. He stepped forward, trying to grab my shoulders. "Chloe, listen to me, things aren't what you think"

"Aren't what?" I cut him off, my eyes cold. "Were you not marrying me to protect Ivy, using me as a mere decoration? Were you not leveraging my family's influence to consolidate your power? Or did you not throw me aside like garbage the very day Ivy returned?"

Ethan opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

Because everything I said was true.

He married me back then because his grandfather was pressuring him, and my family background was good. Plus, I loved him so much, making me the perfect candidate.

What, is he coming to me now because he regrets it?

"Chloe, I admit I did use you at first." Ethan's voice trembled slightly. "But later later I really was"

"Really what?" I sneered. "Really got used to having someone circle around you like a loyal dog? Ethan, save your 'deep affection' act for your Ivy. I find it filthy."

With that, I turned and walked away.

"Chloe!" Ethan abruptly embraced me from behind, his arms clamping tightly around my waist, as if trying to merge me into his own body. "I won't divorce! I'd rather die than divorce! You won't leave me!"

I forcefully pried open his fingers, one by one, resolute and unfeeling.

"Ethan, don't make me hate you."

I broke free from his embrace and walked into the apartment complex without looking back.

In the following days, Ethan acted like a madman, waiting downstairs by my apartment building every day.

He didn't dare to disturb me, only sitting in his car, chain-smoking.

He sent me messages on his phone, telling me he had broken off things with Ivy.

He said he couldn't lose me.

I looked at the messages on my phone coldly, my heart completely unmoved.

Whatever he wanted to do was irrelevant to me.

Chloe POV

Ethan didn't give up.

It seemed he'd poured all his energy into winning me back.

He bought me my favorite art gallery, presenting me with the property deed; he canceled all his engagements, showing up promptly downstairs at my apartment every day, bringing me my favorite pastries from that downtown bakery.

But my reaction remained as cold as ice.

The gallery deed was returned untouched; the pastries were directly tossed into the trash.

"Ethan, what's the point of all this?" I stood by the trash can, looking at Ethan. "What were you doing before? Now you're putting on an act of loving me, it just makes me laugh."

Ethan looked at the scattered pastries in the trash can, a flicker of pain in his eyes.

"Chloe, I know I did a lot of wrong things before," he pleaded humbly. "Please, give me one chance to make it up to you, okay?"

"Make it up?" I laughed. "Alright, then sign the divorce papers right now. That would be the best compensation for me."

Ethan's face instantly darkened. He gritted his teeth, firmly saying, "Anything but divorce."

We were at a standstill.

Until half a month later, I received a call.

It was Ivy.

"Chloe, let's meet," Ivy's voice carried a hint of triumph. "Regarding Ethan, I think we need to talk."

I didn't intend to respond, but I changed my mind. Maybe this was a chance to finally get rid of Ethan.

We met at a secluded private coffee shop.

Ivy wore a white dress, looking very gentle, but her eyes were full of provocation.

"Chloe, don't think that just because Ethan is clinging to you now, he truly loves you," Ivy sipped her coffee slowly. "He's just not over it. After all, you chased him like a loyal dog for so many years, and suddenly you're ignoring him. It's just a man's possessiveness kicking in."

I looked at Ivy expressionlessly. "Are you done? If so, I'm leaving."

"Wait!" Ivy pulled out a document and pushed it towards me. "This is the deed for the mansion Ethan just bought me yesterday. He said it was compensation for me."

I glanced at the property deed, my heart completely unmoved.

"Congratulations then," I stood up. "I hope you two stay together forever. You two deserve each othera scheming witch and a blind fool. Everyone loves a good show."

Ivy's face changed. She suddenly stood up, picking up the coffee cup on the table and splashing it towards me.

I dodged sideways, the coffee splashing on the hem of my skirt.

Just then, the private room door was violently pushed open.

Ethan strode in, pulling me behind him, glaring darkly at Ivy. "What are you doing?!"

Ivy instantly put on a wronged expression, tears streaming down her face. "Ethan, I just wanted to explain things clearly to Chloe, but she not only insulted me, she also tried to hit me"

Ethan didn't even look at her, nervously checking my clothes. "Are you hurt?"

I coldly pushed his hand away. "Don't touch me."

I looked at Ethan, my eyes full of mockery. "Mr. Sterling, you certainly have a way. Clinging to me, refusing to divorce, while buying mansions for your mistress. Do you want to have your cake and eat it too?"

Ethan's face went pale. He quickly tried to explain, "Chloe, listen to me, that mansion is"

"Enough!" I cut him off. "Ethan, I came here today to tell you that I've filed for divorce in court. We'll see each other there."