Crushed Confidence, Revived Passion

The next morning, Elroy was up before me, preparing a lavish breakfast. This was something so rare from him that it struck me as suspicious. When he saw me coming down the stairs, he looked up with a forced smile and said, “Let’s have breakfast,” while setting the table.

“I’m not hungry and I’m in a hurry,” I replied curtly, barely glancing at him.

To my surprise, he walked over to me and gently guided me to the table, his tone almost unnaturally sweet. “Even if we’re heading for a divorce, you should at least leave with a full stomach.”

His tone was that of a long-suffering servant—humble and ingratiating. I noticed a tiny pinhole camera hidden in the flower vase and a cold smile slipped onto my lips. He was at it again, setting up another piece of his little drama.

After breakfast, he made some excuse about needing to send work emails and retreated to his study, leaving me in the car. In reality, he was busy editing and uploading videos, preparing for his next live broadcast to salvage his public image.

Half an hour later, Elroy rushed back to the car, hurriedly setting up his phone for the live stream. I joined his live stream from my secondary account as soon as it began. During the drive to City Hall, Elroy’s demeanor was almost obsequious, as though he were about to beg on his knees. He constantly checked on me, his voice full of false concern as he asked how I was doing.

In the live stream, I played my part to perfection, portraying myself as the demanding wife who could never be satisfied, while Elroy presented himself as the beleaguered, long-suffering husband.

“Are you done? I want a divorce. Period!” I declared emphatically into the stream.

“Are you absolutely sure we can’t work this out?” Elroy’s voice was laced with desperation. “You know I love you. I can’t imagine living a single day without you.”

Elroy seemed exhilarated by my dramatic performance, clearly using it to enhance his image. “What if I give you ten percent of the company shares? Please, don’t leave me.”

I picked at my nails, maintaining my composure as I haggled. “Twenty percent.”

Elroy was taken aback, clearly not expecting me to push my advantage so boldly. His frustration was palpable, but he struggled to keep his composure, aware of the live audience observing every moment.

The offer of ten percent was merely a tactic. Elroy knew that I was indifferent to material wealth and money; my primary concern had always been his attitude toward me in this marriage. He was counting on me not taking the bait.

I sneered. “Look, Elroy, since our marriage, I’ve been the legal representative of your company. I never complained because I saw us as one entity and who bore the legal risks was irrelevant. Now that we’re about to part ways, we need to establish clear boundaries. Even siblings bound by blood need to settle their shares; how about us, who are soon to become strangers?”

Elroy’s face grew darker with each word. He hadn’t anticipated this twist and was regretting his decision to live-stream, realizing he couldn’t edit or wriggle out of it.

Gritting his teeth, he forced a strained smile. “If I transfer twenty percent of the shares to you, will you reconsider and not go through with the divorce?”

I didn’t hesitate. “And you also need to transfer the role of legal representative to me. I’m done managing your company without compensation. I want out.”

I could almost hear Elroy’s teeth grinding in frustration, but he struggled to keep his composure, fully aware of the live audience watching.

“Sure. No problem. It’s our company anyway; it doesn’t matter who the legal representative is,” he said, trying to mask his irritation. “I love it when you’re so assertive, darling.” I patted his arm, flashing a beguiling smile and giving him a sweet kiss on the cheek.