On Our Fifth Anniversary, I Asked for Divorce

On our fifth wedding anniversary, I caught my husband kneeling in the VIP section of the mall, carefully helping his first love slip on a pair of flat shoes.

The woman was five months pregnant, smiling sweetly at my husband.

My hand trembled as I held the tray. The perfume bottle clinked against the glass with a sharp sound.

He whipped around. The moment he recognized me, his smile froze.

"What are you doing here?" He stood up, his tone thick with irritation at being caught.

"Did you forget, Mr. Blackwell? I work here as a sales associate."

"Lillian just got back from overseas. Her husband passed away. I'm just helping her out." He lowered his voice. "Don't read into this."

I stared at the shoes he had put on her feet. Suddenly the two theater tickets in my purse felt like a joke.

"Nathan," I said. "Let's get a divorce."

I stood at the counter on the first floor of One World Trade Center, pain shooting up from my heels. My calves felt like they were filled with lead.

Today was my fifth wedding anniversary with Nathan Blackwell.

In my purse were two theater tickets. I'd worked overtime for half a month straight, earned my full attendance bonus, just to afford them.

Nathan used to love this play. But ever since his company in New York had grown and his net worth had skyrocketed, we hadn't set foot in a theater together in three years.

"Frost, what are you spacing out for? There's a customer in the VIP lounge who wants to try the new perfume. Take this over there, quickly." My manager pushed me from behind, her voice urgent.

I responded and forced myself to focus, carrying the velvet tray toward the VIP area.

As I approached the frosted glass door that stood slightly ajar, my feet froze in place.

On the leather sofa in the lounge sat a pregnant woman.

She was looking down at a product catalog, her long hair draped over her shoulders. Her profile was gentle, her entire demeanor radiating the kind of refinement that comes from being pampered.

And Nathan was kneeling in front of her, holding a pair of flat shoes, carefully lifting her foot to change them for her.

"These have soft soles. You're not as mobile now. High heels will tire you out."

Nathan's voice carried a tenderness I hadn't heard in years.

The woman laughed softly and touched her belly. "Nathan, you're too anxious. The baby's only five months along. It's not that fragile."

"Lillian, how could I not worry about you?" Nathan looked up at her, his gaze so focused it made me jealous.

My hand holding the tray trembled violently.

The glass perfume bottle knocked against the edge of the tray with a sharp clink.

Nathan turned at the sound. The smile on his face completely froze the moment he saw me.

The air seemed to solidify.

I looked at this man who'd shared my bed for five years and suddenly felt nauseous.

Lillian. I knew that name all too well.

She was Nathan's first love. When he was at his lowest, struggling financially, she didn't hesitate to leave the country and marry someone else.

During the years she was gone, I'd been by Nathan's side, soothing the hurt in his heart bit by bit. I'd stayed with him as he built his business, step by step, until now.

The years Nathan's company thrived happened to coincide with my brother's serious illness. He needed ongoing hospital care and astronomical medical bills.

I refused to be seen as a leech. I insisted on working, supporting my brother myself, not wanting to add any burden to Nathan.

Because my background wasn't impressive enough, I was afraid of embarrassing him. I kept myself hidden, careful not to draw attention. Few people knew I was Mrs. Blackwell. Only those close to Nathan knew.

But even they looked down on me...

I loved him. I didn't mind the humiliation. I thought of him in everything. But what did I get in return?

Lillian had come back, and she was pregnant.

"What are you doing here?" Nathan stood up, his brow furrowing slightly. His tone instantly returned to its usual coldness, as if that tender, caring man moments ago had been my hallucination.

I took a deep breath and forced a smile that looked worse than crying. "Did you forget, Mr. Blackwell? I work as a sales associate at this mall."

A flash of displeasure crossed Nathan's face. He strode over to me and lowered his voice.

"Lillian just got back to the country. Her husband died in an accident recently. She's alone with a child on the way. It's not easy. I'm just helping her out as an old friend. Don't read into this."

"An old friend?" I stared straight into his eyes, my gaze full of doubt. "So you need to personally change her shoes for her?"

"Frost!" Nathan's voice dropped noticeably. "Don't make a scene in public."

Those words cut into my heart like a knife.

Lillian stood up, supporting her waist, and walked to Nathan's side. Her eyes looked timidly at me. "Frost, don't misunderstand. Nathan only helped me because it's hard for me to bend down. If it bothers you, I won't ask him for help anymore."

"Lillian, sit down. Don't stand." Nathan immediately reached out to support her. When he turned to look at me, his eyes had gone completely cold. "Go back to work. We'll talk when I get home tonight."

I watched their shoulders pressed together and suddenly felt like the two theater tickets in my purse were a joke.

I set the tray down heavily on a nearby table. My voice was oddly calm. "Nathan, today is our wedding anniversary."

Nathan froze for a moment. Regret flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly covered by irritation. "I said we'll talk when I get home. Lillian needs someone with her right now."

I didn't say anything else. I turned around and walked out of the VIP area, step by step.

The pain in my heels had gone numb. It was replaced by an unbearable ache in my chest.

At eleven that night, I sat on the living room sofa.

The two theater tickets I'd spent so much money on were torn to shreds, lying quietly in the trash can.

The door lock turned. Nathan walked in, bringing with him a faint smell of disinfectant.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?" He loosened his tie and glanced at the cold food on the table, his brow furrowing.

"You went to the hospital?" I caught the faint antiseptic smell on him. I didn't look at him. My voice sounded especially jarring in the empty living room.

Nathan's movements paused. He walked over and sat across from me. "Lillian's stomach wasn't feeling well. I took her to the hospital for a checkup."

"Nathan, let's get a divorce." I raised my head and looked at him calmly.

Nathan's expression darkened instantly.

He laughed coldly and leaned back against the sofa. "Frost, are you done throwing your tantrum? I told you, Lillian is a widow now, and she's pregnant. What's wrong with me helping her? Do you have to be this petty?"

"You want to help her, does that require you to buy her a luxury apartment in the best part of New York?" I slapped a copy of a property purchase agreement on the table.

I'd found it by accident in Nathan's study that afternoon.

Nathan's expression shifted, but then he spoke defensively. "I used my personal funds for that apartment. I didn't touch any of our marital assets. She just got back to the country. She needs somewhere to live, doesn't she?"

"Nathan, do you think I'm an idiot?" My eyes reddened. "Do you dare tell me that you and her are just friends?"

Nathan fell silent.

After a moment, he stood up and looked down at me. "Frost, the position of Mrs. Blackwell is yours. No one can take it from you. But I'm warning you, don't go after Lillian. She can't handle stress right now."

With that, he turned and walked into the guest room, slamming the door shut.

I sat in the darkness. Finally, my tears fell.

Turns out five years together couldn't compete with one tear from his first love.

The next day, I went to work at the mall as usual.

I hadn't slept all night. My head felt heavy, and waves of nausea rolled through my stomach.

I'd barely taken my position at the counter when a familiar figure approached.

Lillian wore a loose silk dress and carried the limited edition handbag Nathan had bought her yesterday. She stopped in front of me with a smile.

"Frost, Nathan told me your counter has great skincare. He asked me to come pick out a few sets."

I suppressed the nausea and handed her a product catalog with a blank expression. "Choose whatever you want, Ms. Reed."

But Lillian didn't take it. Instead, she extended her pale wrist. "I'm pregnant. My skin is sensitive. You should test it for me."

I bit my lip and took out a bottle of serum. I dropped some on the back of my hand, preparing to apply it to Lillian's wrist.

Lillian suddenly leaned in close and laughed quietly, her voice low enough that only we could hear. "Frost, do you know? Last night when Nathan was in the guest room, he was actually on the phone with me the whole time. He said your marriage has been an empty shell for a long time. He never loved you."

My hand went rigid.

"He also said that once I have the baby, he'll give you some money and let you leave with dignity." Lillian's tone was full of a victor's pride.

My head buzzed. My fingers trembled. The glass bottle slipped from my hand and shattered against the glass counter with a crash, fragments scattering everywhere.

"Ah!" Lillian suddenly screamed and clutched her hand, stumbling backward. Her eyes instantly reddened. "Frost, even if you're angry at me, you can't cut me with broken glass!"

I froze. I hadn't touched Lillian at all.

Before I could explain, a cold voice cut through the crowd. "What's going on?"

Nathan appeared in a custom-tailored suit, striding toward us surrounded by a group of mall executives.

He was here to inspect the World Trade Center today.

The crowd automatically parted.

Nathan's eyes immediately found Lillian clutching her hand with tears streaming down her face. His expression changed drastically. He rushed over and pulled her into his arms.

"Nathan, it hurts..." Lillian leaned against his chest and showed him her hand.

There was indeed a small red mark on the back of her hand. Whether it came from glass fragments or she'd pinched herself, I couldn't tell.

Nathan's eyes turned ice cold. He whipped his head toward me, his voice suppressing fury. "Frost, what did I warn you about last night?"

His low roar drew attention from everyone around us. All my coworkers looked at this scene in confusion.

"I didn't touch her." I straightened and looked directly into his eyes. My voice was hoarse.

"If you didn't touch her, how did she get hurt?" Nathan didn't believe me. His eyes were full of disappointment and disgust.

"You usually act out at home, fine. But now you're hurting customers at work? Frost, when did you become so vicious?!"

The onlookers gasped. This didn't sound like a manager reprimanding an employee!

I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood.

When I ate instant noodles with him, when we lived in a basement apartment, he'd said I was the kindest woman in the world.

Now that he was successful, one tear from his first love and I'd become a vicious, jealous wife...

Nathan, who'd never publicly acknowledged my identity in five years, was now losing control in public over a scratch on Lillian's hand, letting strangers speculate about our relationship.

It felt like being slapped across the face. My cheeks burned.

"Mr. Blackwell, this might be a misunderstanding..." My manager stepped forward, trying to smooth things over.

"A misunderstanding?" Nathan laughed coldly, his eyes boring into me. "Apologize."

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. "I told you. I didn't do it. I won't apologize."

"Frost, don't make me humiliate you in public."

Nathan stepped closer and lowered his voice so only I could hear. "If you don't apologize, you're leaving the World Trade Center today. And that brother of yours in the hospital? He won't be able to use any of my resources again."

My whole body shook. I looked at him in disbelief.

He was threatening me with my brother's life!

For Lillian, he was willing to push me to the brink!

My heart felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. The pain made it hard to breathe.

All around me, coworkers and customers watched like it was a show. Their whispered conversations rose like a tide, drowning me.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

When I opened them again, the light in my eyes had completely died.

I bent at the waist and bowed deeply to Lillian. My voice was wooden. "I'm sorry, Ms. Reed. It was my carelessness."

Lillian hid in Nathan's arms, a barely perceptible smile playing at her lips. But her voice remained aggrieved. "It's fine. You didn't mean it. Nathan, let's go. My stomach feels a little off."

Nathan immediately grew concerned. He wrapped his arm around Lillian's waist and turned to leave without giving me a single extra glance.

I maintained my bowed position until their figures completely disappeared from view.

I slowly straightened. My stomach churned. I covered my mouth and rushed to the restroom.

Leaning over the sink, I dry-heaved for a long time but couldn't bring anything up.

I looked up at the pale, disheveled woman in the mirror. She suddenly seemed like a complete stranger.

I took out my phone and called the hospital. "Dr. Stevens, how much more do we need for my brother's medical bills?"

After hanging up, I leaned against the cold tile wall and slowly slid to the floor.

Nathan, since you're this heartless, there's nothing left between us worth holding onto.

After apologizing at the mall that day, I never spoke to Nathan again.

I quit my job at the mall. During the day, I worked at a coffee shop. At night, I promoted drinks at a bar. I needed to save up enough for my brother's medical expenses as quickly as possible and break free from Nathan's control completely.

Two weeks of nonstop work made me lose a lot of weight. Clothes that used to fit now hung loosely on my frame.

Late one night, I dragged my exhausted body through the front door.

The living room light was on. Nathan sat on the sofa, his expression dark enough to drip water.

"You've been leaving early and coming home late for two weeks. What kind of tantrum are you throwing now?"

Nathan slammed the documents in his hand onto the table. "You quit the mall too. Frost, are you trying to test my limits?"

I didn't stop changing my shoes. I didn't even lift my eyelids. "Didn't you not want me there anyway? I'm just doing what you wanted."

My cold attitude stung Nathan. He shot up and walked over to me, grabbing my wrist. "If you need money, why won't you ask me? I'm your husband!"

"Husband?" I laughed softly and looked up at him. "The husband who threatened me with my brother's life?"

Nathan froze. Regret flickered across his face.

He softened his tone and tried to take my hand. "I was impulsive that day. I've already transferred this month's medical expenses to the hospital account. Quit the bar job tomorrow. That kind of place isn't suitable for you."

"No need." I pulled my hand back. My voice was as flat as still water. "I haven't used your money all these years. This time is no different. I'll pay you back every cent."

Nathan's brow furrowed again. He was about to lose his temper when the guest room door suddenly opened.

Lillian walked out wearing an oversized men's dress shirt, rubbing her eyes. Her voice was soft. "Nathan, you're home? I'm a little thirsty."

My eyes fell on that shirt.

It was Nathan's favorite shirt. Even the housekeeper had to be careful when ironing it.

Nathan noticed my gaze. He looked somewhat uncomfortable as he explained. "Lillian's new place just finished renovations. The formaldehyde levels are too high, not good for pregnant women. I'm letting her stay here temporarily."

"Temporarily?" I looked around.

The living room now had Lillian's favorite lilies. Lillian's maternity pillow was tossed on the sofa. Even the cup on the table had been replaced with Lillian's personal mug.

This wasn't temporary. This was an invasion of my territory.

"Also, the guest room mattress is too soft. Lillian's back hurts when she sleeps on it. Move to the guest room and give her the master bedroom." Nathan spoke in a tone that suggested this was completely reasonable.

I looked at him. I suddenly found it funny.

This was the man I'd loved with everything I had for five years.

For another woman, he was trampling my dignity into the ground step by step.

"Fine." I didn't make a scene. I simply nodded calmly.

Nathan froze.

The next day, I moved my things into the cramped guest room.

When I came home from work that evening, my steps stopped short near the trash can.

In the trash lay a pair of shattered ceramic mugs.

They were cheap, the edges chipped with peeling paint. Five years ago, when we'd just gotten together, we'd bought these matching couple's mugs from a street vendor for ten dollars.

Nathan had pointed at those mugs and sworn he'd treasure me for the rest of his life.

"Oh, Frost, you're home."

Lillian came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of fruit. She glanced at the trash can and said casually, "Those two mugs were so broken and old. They really didn't match the decor. I threw them out. You don't mind, do you?"

I crouched down, my hands trembling as I reached for the fragments.

The sharp ceramic edges cut my finger. Blood immediately welled up, dripping onto the white shards, a shocking sight.

The front door opened. Nathan walked in.

Seeing this scene, he strode over and grabbed my hand. "Are you crazy? Why are you picking up garbage?!"

"Garbage?" I looked up, my eyes red, staring at him intently. "Nathan, this was the first gift you ever gave me."

Nathan paused, his eyes falling on the pile of fragments. He seemed to finally remember something.

But he quickly covered it up, his tone impatient. "It's just a broken mug. It doesn't matter. Tomorrow I'll have my assistant buy you a set of Herms tableware from the boutique. Don't make such a big fuss over this junk and scare Lillian."

I looked at his cold face. Suddenly I laughed.

I laughed so hard tears streamed down my face.

"You're right." I yanked my hand back violently, letting blood drip onto the floor.

Right in front of Nathan, I picked up the largest fragment I'd been holding and threw it hard back into the trash.

"It is garbage. Should have been thrown out long ago."

Along with my pathetic devotion from these five years. All of it should be discarded.

An inexplicable rage rose in Nathan's chest. "Frost, who are you putting on this show for?! Keep treating me with this attitude, and don't blame me for being heartless!"

I looked at his twisted face, feeling more and more cold toward this five-year relationship.

I didn't say another word. I walked past him and went straight to my room.

The moment the door closed, I heard Lillian's gentle voice comforting him outside.

He'd already become heartless long ago.

My brother Sebastian's condition suddenly deteriorated. He needed a bone marrow transplant immediately.

The surgery plus post-op anti-rejection treatment would cost at least eight hundred thousand dollars.

I went to every lending company. I even tried to sell our family's old house. But the money still wasn't enough.

The hospital notified me that if I couldn't pay within three days, the surgery would be postponed indefinitely.

I had no choice but to go to Nathan.

His phone went straight to voicemail every time I called. I had to call his assistant and learned that Nathan was hosting a dinner tonight at Nightfall, New York's most exclusive private club.

When I arrived at the private room, the lighting was dim and cigarette smoke hung in the air.

Nathan sat in the main seat. Lillian was leaning against him, holding a glass of juice.

Around them sat a circle of Nathan's business associates, laughing and talking.

The door to the private room opened. Every eye turned to me.

I wore a faded old jacket. My hair was messy. My face was pale as paper. I looked completely out of place in this decadent setting.

"Well, if it isn't Mrs. Blackwell. What are you doing here dressed like that?" One of the wealthy men who'd always looked down on me spoke mockingly.

"What are you talking about? Can't you see who Mr. Blackwell is holding? I have been saying all along, only someone like Lillian, a true socialite, is worthy of our Mr. Blackwell."

"What is Frost? A sales associate. Like she belongs in our circle."

Another person chimed in, drawing laughter.

"Mr. Blackwell, you should have listened to us long ago. Dump this sales girl already! She's an embarrassment to you!"

Nathan frowned, looking at me with clear displeasure. "What are you doing here? Who let you in?"

I ignored the mockery and walked straight up to Nathan. My voice was hoarse. "Nathan, Sebastian's condition got worse. He needs eight hundred thousand for surgery. Can you... lend it to me?"

Nathan laughed coldly. He pushed Lillian aside and leaned forward to look at me. "Lend? Frost, weren't you so proud a few days ago? Didn't you say you wouldn't spend a single cent of my money? What happened? Can't keep up the act anymore?"

I bit my lip hard. Humiliation gnawed at my heart like a venomous snake.

But for my brother's sake, I had to endure it.

"I'm begging you. I'll pay you back for sure."

"Pay me back? With what? By selling drinks at a bar?" Nathan's words stabbed at my pain like knives. The laughter around us grew louder.

Lillian tugged at Nathan's sleeve, looking understanding. "Nathan, Frost is desperate. It's someone's life. Just help her."

Nathan patted Lillian's hand. His gaze returned to me, carrying a hint of cruelty. "Fine. Since Lillian's pleading for you, I'll give you the money."

He poured a glass of red wine and pushed it to the edge of the table.

"That day at the mall, you frightened Lillian. Then at home, you kept giving me attitude and making Lillian uncomfortable."

"Today, in front of everyone here, kneel down and pour Lillian a drink. Consider it a formal apology. As long as you drink it, I'll have finance transfer eight hundred thousand to the hospital account immediately."

The room went silent. Everyone stared at me like I was part of a show.

My whole body went stiff. I looked at Nathan in disbelief.

He wanted me to kneel in front of all these people and pour a drink for his mistress?

He wanted to crush what little dignity I had left under his heel!

"What? You're not willing?" Nathan looked at me coldly. "If you're not willing, get out. Don't ruin everyone's fun."

Tears welled in my eyes, but I forced them back.

An image of my brother in the ICU, tubes running through his body, flashed through my mind.

What was dignity? Compared to life, it was worthless.

I took a deep breath. My legs bent. I dropped to my knees on the cold marble floor with a thud.

A few sharp intakes of breath sounded around me. Even the wealthy man looked away, unable to watch.

With trembling hands, I picked up the glass of red wine and held it up to Lillian. My voice was numb, devoid of any inflection. "Ms. Reed, I'm sorry."

Triumph flashed in Lillian's eyes. She reached out to take the glass.

Just as our hands were about to touch, Lillian suddenly cried out. Her wrist twisted.

The entire glass of red wine splashed across my face and body.

The red liquid ran down my hair, as glaring as blood.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Frost. My hand slipped." Lillian covered her mouth, putting on a look of panic.

Nathan immediately grabbed Lillian's hand to check it anxiously. "She's definitely fine. Are you okay? You're pregnant. Be careful."

From start to finish, he never once glanced at me, kneeling on the floor, completely humiliated.

After confirming Lillian was fine, Nathan pulled a bank card from his wallet and tossed it at my face like he was dismissing a beggar.

The sharp edge of the card grazed my cheek, leaving a red mark, before falling to the floor.

"The password is Lillian's birthday. Take the money and get out. Stop embarrassing me." Nathan's voice was utterly ruthless.

I slowly lowered my head and picked up the wine-stained bank card.

I didn't wipe the wine from my face. I didn't look at Nathan again. Supporting myself on the table, I stood up and dragged my stiff legs one step at a time out of the room.

The moment the door closed, I heard Lillian's sweet voice inside. "Nathan, weren't you too hard on her?"

"It's the punishment she deserves." Nathan's voice held no warmth at all.

I leaned against the hallway wall, gasping for air. My heart felt like it was splitting apart.

Nathan, what you owe me, I don't want it anymore.

Consider this eight hundred thousand the price for my five years of youth.

From now on, we're even.