Ex-wife, I Don’t Need Your Charity for Love!

After three years of marriage, she still hadn't gotten over her childhood sweetheart.

When my old injury flared up, she coldly pushed me aside and ran off to him.

Heartbroken, I dropped my wedding ring and walked away for good.

It wasn't until I moved on with someone else that she snapped out of it and tried to win me back.

But her love, coming too late, meant nothing now.

1

I stared down the woman in front of me, clearly wasted. Dark circles under her eyes, her face still flushed from the booze.

Rosalie Griffin looked me straight in the eye. "How many times do I have to repeat myself before you drop it?"

Her voice grew more impatient. "Shawn and I grew up together. We're not just ordinary friends. If I wanted to be with him, I wouldn't have married you."

After saying that, she turned to leave.

I couldn't keep my cool anymore and went after her, grabbing her arm. "You remember we're married, right? What kind of wife disappears for days without a word?"

Rosalie jerked her arm away hard. "I was just blowing off some steam, and you're making it sound filthy.

I'm sick of this nonsense. I've said my piece. Stop making a scene. I'm really tired."

Then, she went upstairs, arms crossed.

I rubbed the bridge of my nose, feeling my temples pulsing.

Rosalie and I had been married three years. It started with deep affection and trust. Now, we can barely look at each other.

I wondered how long we could keep this up.

My thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a new message on my phone on the coffee table.

It was from Shawn Miller.

Shawn had sent over a bunch of photos showing him and Rosalie from their days as kids to now, as adults.

I got the message loud and clear: he had been Rosalie's longest companion.

My eyes stuck on the last photo.

It was blurry, and their features were unclear, but I could still make out them kissing.

Shawn's messages followed: [Colton Stewart, know your place. You can't force what's not yours,] and [You just took advantage when I was gone. I'm not letting go this time.]

I couldn't help but chuckle bitterly.

I'd moved into the Griffin residence as a son-in-law, all to be with Rosalie.

I just couldn't wrap my head around how things had gotten this bad.

I started doubting myself, wondering, "Did I screw up from the get-go?"

Rosalie's voice came from behind. "Colton, don't be mad. I swear it won't happen again."

She gently wrapped her arms around my neck, her breath warm against my skin.

"I wasn't thinking straight. It won't happen again," she murmured, nuzzling against me.

Rosalie knew just how to pull my strings. It worked every single time.

"Alright," I found myself saying automatically.

But I shoved the photo Shawn had sent right in front of Rosalie's face. He face drained of color.

"Colton, let me explain!" she pleaded.

Inside, I was all storms, but I kept my voice steady. "I'm listening."

Rosalie looked me straight in the eye. "It wasn't a kiss. I twisted my ankle, and he was just helping me."

She lifted her leg, showing me her foot. "See? It's still swollen," she said with a pout.

I took a deep breath and gently touched her ankle.

I had to admit, I had my biases. As a man, I couldn't just pull myself out of this marriage.

Rosalie pulled her foot back, grabbed my hand earnestly, and declared, "Colton, I love you. I wouldn't betray you."

Instinctively, I wanted to ask whether it was me or Shawn she loved.

Before meeting Shawn, I believed Rosalie loved me.

But seeing him, it struck me how similar Shawn and I looked.

I had always felt like Rosalie was seeing someone else when she looked at me.

So, I was right.