Chapter 1 Divorce

"Superstar actress Karina spotted at the airport with Cyril in intimate photos - their love seems so enviable!" It was 8PM when Sylvia saw this headline, and though she thought her heart couldn't sink any lower, she still felt a stab of pain. The couple in the photo looked blissfully happy together. If Sylvia didn't know the man was her own husband, she might even think they made an adorable pair. Sylvia's expression soured. This wasn't the first time something like this had happened, but it was the first time that made her feel so heartbroken. She had reminded Cyril that morning that today was her birthday. He had promised that he would be home tonight to have dinner with her. Yet here he was, at the very hour he should have returned, going to pick up another woman instead. And not just any woman - Karina held an extraordinary place in Cyril's heart. Sylvia had heard they were once engaged to be married until various circumstances got in the way. In the end, it was Sylvia who ended up walking down the aisle with him. She tossed her phone aside, her mood as heavy as the night outside. The dining table was still laid out with the meal and cake she had carefully prepared, expecting to celebrate with her husband. Now she just felt like the butt of some joke. Her phone lit up with another notification - a photo sent by Karina. It showed her snuggled up to Cyril, an amused yet affectionate smile playing about his lips. No caption was needed. The image pierced Sylvia's heart. She bit her lip as a storm of emotions churned inside - hurt, humiliation, resentment. She had given up her affluent background and loving family for this man she adored. Her friends had warned her too. But after three years of marriage where Cyril made her feel insignificant, she wondered if she had just been living in a fantasy. Sylvia took a deep breath to steady herself. She was once admired and courted by so many suitors who would have done anything for her hand. Yet she had spurned them all and rushed headlong into Cyril's embrace. If only she had known this would be her fate, she never would have taken that first step. With trembling hands, Sylvia opened her chat with Cyril and typed a simple sentence: "I saw the photos and news. Let's get a divorce." Cyril immediately called her back but she declined the call. As soon as she sent the message, it was as if a crushing weight had lifted from her chest. When her phone rang again, Sylvia finally answered. Cyril launched straight into scolding her. "What more do you want from me? I know it's your birthday but Karina is finally back in the country. You need to know your place and not meddle in things that don't concern you! And divorce? How many more tricks must you pull just to get my attention? I'm sick of these manipulative games!" His words affirmed what Sylvia already knew deep down - that his feelings for her were reluctant and forced. No matter how she tried to earn his affection, it was always going to be a one-sided performance. Heart shattered, Sylvia willed herself not to cry. Her voice turned icy cold. "Have the paperwork ready first thing tomorrow morning. If you don't show up or can't finalize the divorce, I will expose the truth about Karina being your mistress all these years. I'm sure you wouldn't want your precious superstar girlfriend facing public scandal, especially when you've protected her reputation for so long." Sylvia immediately ended the call before Cyril could retort. As she looked at the untouched dinner on the table, she tossed everything straight into the trash. There was no point keeping up pretenses when no one cared anyway. She had known for a long time about the other woman who occupied Cyril's heart. But as his lawfully wedded wife, Sylvia convinced herself she could make him fall for her instead, if she just devoted enough time and love. So she kept lowering her self-respect, to the point everyone ridiculed her behind her back. Too late, Sylvia realized the more she debased herself, the more Cyril felt entitled to hurt her. Their relationship was irreparably toxic. Well, no more. After three bitter years, she refused to let him keep grinding her dignity into the dirt. If Cyril wanted to be with Karina instead, so be it. Sylvia gazed around the mansion that was meant to be their marital home. Cyril barely spent any nights here since their wedding. To him, this was just a convenient pit stop. Only she had nurtured hopes of building a home and life together, waiting in vain for her husband to return. The greater her expectations, the deeper the wounds. Now, she was finally ready to walk away from the sham of their marriage. … After a sleepless night, Sylvia examined her haggard reflection in the mirror. She covered up as best she could with makeup. Packing her essential documents, she prepared to head out just as her mother-in-law called. Cyril's mother was a narrow-minded, caustic woman who cared only about status and wealth. She vehemently opposed his marriage to Sylvia instead of some well-connected socialite who could be useful to the family business. Over their years of marriage however, his family had always treated Sylvia as an unwelcome intruder. Her mother-in-law even bossed her around like a servant. Hearing that grating voice again, Sylvia realized that if Cyril valued her even half as much as he did Karina, he would never have allowed his mother to belittle her so. In the end, it all boiled down to his lack of love for her. If she and Karina swapped places, there's no way he would have let Karina endure the same disrespect. "Where are you right now?! I already told you to be here by 8AM sharp. It's 10 and our guests will be arriving any minute. Are you deliberately trying to embarrass me? Don't forget, you stole your way into this family. My son could have married someone far better than the likes of you. Maybe it's better if you two just hurry up and divorce already."