Divorce—This Time for Good

After my second divorce from Melanie, I applied to be her assistant and passed the interview. Carrying her favorite latte, I pushed open the door to her office with a heart full of anticipation. But what I saw made me freeze. Melanie was sitting on Leonard's lap, kissing him passionately.

Upon seeing that, I couldn't hold back and started beating Leonard up. I had barely landed a few punches before Melanie stood between the two of us.

Outside the office, a crowd had already gathered to watch the drama unfold. Everyone thought I was still their CEO's husband, so they all looked at Leonard with open disdain.

To protect Leonard's reputation and spare him from gossip, Melanie ignored me even when I shook my head at her vehemently with red-rimmed eyes. She snatched my messenger bag from me and dumped its contents onto the floor.

Out came the divorce papers, and it exposed to everyone the true state of our relationship.

From that day on, every time we divorced, Melanie made sure to announce it publicly on her social media. Everyone now knew that Melanie loved Leonard and that I was the shameless one who refused to leave her side.

But this time, her worries were unnecessary.

I grabbed my suitcase without hesitation and said, "Don't worry. I won't bother you two again."

Melanie looked at me suspiciously for a while. But when I pulled up the handle of the suitcase and stepped toward the door, I heard her somewhat anxious voice from behind me.

"Don't forget that we're remarrying on the 13th of next month," she reminded.

I froze for a moment.

What a coincidence. That was the exact date I planned to leave the country.

…

After Leonard returned, Melanie didn't think of me once. I, too, was no longer the pathetic man I used to be. I did not stalk her, nor did I gather every bit of information just so that I could go and wait for her at the location where she might appear next.

Instead, I spent my days with my best friend, Kieran Talbot. We ate and drank as we pleased. At night, we would treat ourselves to midnight snacks and beer. Needless to say, I had a great time.

Time flew, and there were only 20 days left before my flight.

One evening, Kieran and I were at a restaurant waiting for our food. By pure chance, Melanie and Leonard happened to come to the exact same restaurant.

Leonard had his arm around Melanie's waist as they walked in, chatting and laughing. They looked every bit the perfect couple.

"Xavier?" Melanie's gaze locked on to me immediately.

Leonard pulled her close, smiling like he was the happiest man on earth. "What a coincidence, Xavier! Are you having dinner here too?"

Upon noticing my gaze settle on Leonard, Melanie instinctively stepped forward and blocked him from view.

I knew what she was afraid of. She was scared that I might lose control again and start a fight with Leonard like before. However, I didn't. I even stopped Kieran, who was already bristling on my behalf. I gave a small, indifferent smile. "Yeah. What a coincidence."

Seeing me back down, Leonard smiled even more smugly. "Sorry, Xavier. Mel promised to reserve the whole place for me. You'll have to go somewhere else to eat."

He nudged Melanie playfully. "Right, Mel? Tell him, or he'll think I'm picking on him."

Melanie tilted her chin at me demandingly, looking so sure of herself. She seemed to be saying, "Do what he says, or I'll refuse to remarry you in the future."

Kieran was already lifting his hand to hit him, but I gently pressed down on his arm. Calmly, I said, "It's fine. We'll go somewhere else."

I wasn't doing this for them. I was going overseas soon. I didn't want to waste another minute arguing pointlessly with my ex-wife. As a proper ex, I should start treating Melanie as if she were dead to me.

The restaurant manager, who sensed the tension, quickly stepped forward with a flattering smile. "You two look so in love. How enviable."

At his words, Melanie's expression grew complicated as she shot me a glance. She seemed to be wary that I might say something unwanted. At the same time, she seemed to be gauging what I would say next.

I just ignored that comment and stood up like I hadn't heard it at all. Pulling Kieran with me, I made my way out.

Melanie clearly hadn't expected my lack of reaction. She stared blankly after me, watching my back as I walked away.