After Five Years My Husband Chose His Secretary

In the five years we've known each other, Jaiden never truly trusted me. He believed I manipulated his grandfather, Donald, to gain his favor. Throughout our marriage, I devoted myself to bolstering Armstrong Industries, working tirelessly without complaint. Meanwhile, Jaiden's name frequently appeared in the gossip columns, linked to one affair after another. I never caused a scene, always trying my best to keep Jaiden on track.

For those five years, I counted down the days. If I couldn’t hold on to Jaiden, I decided I would let him go. As the sun set, its warm rays bathed my face and lit up my parents' gravestones. I poured out my grievances from these years, my nose stinging with emotion.

"Dad, Mom, I regret it," I whispered. "Back then, there was a mix of selfishness with my gratitude. I liked Jaiden and let my feelings get the better of me. I have no one to blame but myself for the situation we're in now." I sighed. "If I hadn't been so caught up in Jaiden's looks and had focused solely on my career without marrying, would things have turned out differently?"

As I left, the sinking sunlight stretched my shadow behind me, long and solitary. I slipped into a restless sleep, my mind clouded for days. Initially, I thought it was just years of hard work catching up to me—a persistent fatigue that finally took hold.

Back in New York City, a hospital visit and a diagnosis left me stunned. How could I have only a few months left?

“Ada, don’t forget about tomorrow at the county office,” Jaiden's voice crackled through the phone. I froze, unable to speak or react.

“Why so quiet? Have you changed your mind? Let me tell you…” Jaiden's tone was dripping with sarcasm, and soon all I heard was a buzzing like bees around my ears. I returned home, feeling lost and adrift. Dad, Mom, I miss you. I’ll be joining you soon. After tomorrow, I won’t have a home anymore.

That night, sleep was elusive as I tossed and turned. Who will take care of my affairs when I'm gone? The thought of leaving this world completely alone filled me with fear. The next morning, I faced the mirror, layering foundation until my pallor was masked. With bright red lipstick, I managed to bring some color to my face.

“What time do you call this?” Jaiden grumbled impatiently, looking at me with disdain. “That makeup is over the top.”

“I need to tell you something, I…” I hesitated, choosing my words carefully.

“Ada, why are you so late? Mr. Armstrong has been waiting for you,” Emery timidly emerged from behind Jaiden.

Pain gripped my chest again, and I clenched my fists in frustration. “Jaiden, bringing your mistress to the divorce—could you be any more shameless?”

“Ada, stop with the nonsense! We have business this afternoon—Emery's just here to sign some contracts with me.”

I had hoped to appeal to Jaiden’s compassion, seeking comfort in my fear of death. But faced with this scene, I lost all hope in him. What can you expect from a man who brings his mistress to the divorce?

I strode briskly toward the county office, with Jaiden trying to keep up. Suddenly stopping at the entrance, I pointed at Emery, my voice filled with bitterness. “Are you here to settle your affairs too? Getting divorced and remarried, one-stop shopping?"