hapter 8
The next day, I took the divorce papers to Jaxon’s office.
The receptionist looked surprised to see me.
“Mrs. Sterling, it’s been so long since you’ve visited.”
“Is Jax in?”
“Yes, but…” She hesitated.
“What is it?”
“Ms. Rivera said Mr. Sterling is very busy today and isn’t taking guests.”
“I’m his wife, not a guest.”
The receptionist looked ufortable. “But Ms. Rivera said…”
“I’ll go up myself.”
Taking the elevator to the top floor, I saw Melody waiting as soon as I stepped out.
“Iris! What brings you here?”
“I need to see Jaxon.”
“Jax is in a meeting.” She blocked my path. “A very important meeting that can’t be interrupted.”
Through the ss doors, I could see Jaxon was indeed in the conference room.
But he was alone, looking at hisptop.
“Move aside.”
“Iris,” Melody sighed, “you’re just going to make Jax resent you. A sessful woman supports her husband’s career instead of…”
“MOVE.<b>” </b>I pushed past her and walked straight into the conference room.
Jaxon looked up, frowning. “What are you doing here?”
I just stepped forward and ced the divorce papers in front of him.
“Sign these.”
He stared for a few seconds, thenughed coldly.
“This routine again? Iris, are you addicted to threatening me?”
<b>“</b><b>It’s </b>not
threat. It’s a decision.”
He picked up the papers and flipped through them, his expression darkening.
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Hell Yeah Forgot the Other Women My Short House Was Cheating On Mol
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“All because of Melody?”
“It’s not just her.”
I said calmly, “It’s because in your heart, I’ve never been first. Workes first, logices first, even Melody is more important than me.”
“That’s ridiculous!”
“Then tell me–in three years of marriage, do you remember my birthday? What I like to eat? The name of even one of my
friends?”
He opened his mouth but couldn’t speak.
“But you remember every client’s preferences, that Melody’s allergic to pollen, that she likesttes with half the sugar.”
“That’s for work!”
“Right, everything is work to you!”
I smiled bitterly.
“Including our marriage–just another part of your stupid work!”
“I won’t agree to divorce!” He tore up the papers. “You’re my wife, always will be!”
“That’s just your wishful thinking!”
“This isn’t over.” <b>I </b>turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm.
“Iris, let’s talk.”
“There’s nothing to talk.”
“What if… what if I fired Melody? Would you still want a divorce?”
I looked back at him. “Could you bear to?”
He fell silent.
“See? You can’t even make that promise.”
I shook off his hand.
“Jazon, you don’t love me. You love the idea of a perfect wife who fits your life n. Unfortunately, that’s not me.”
Walking out of the conference room, Melody was still waiting outside.
She smiled smugly. “Have a fight?”
“None of your business.”
“How is it not my business?”
She followed me to the elevator.
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“Did you know, Iris? Jax and I were up all night talking–didn’t finish until 3 AM.”
I pressed the elevator button, ignoring her.
“He said you don’t understand him, that all you do isin.”
She whispered in my ear: “He also said if it wasn’t for duty, he would have already…‘
The elevator doors opened. I stepped in and turned to look at her.
“Melody, his appreciation for you is conditional. When you’re no longer ‘excellent, capable, and rational,‘ you’ll be the
next me.”
The doors closed, cutting off her stunned expression.