My Life Is One Big Scam, Starting with My Wife

Benjamin picked up his phone and began typing a reply.

A second later, Lily's smartwatch buzzed.

For the next minute, it continued—her watch and his phone vibrating in a relentless back-and-forth rhythm. The two of them stared at their screens, faint smiles playing on their lips. Every so often, they'd sneak a glance in my direction.

I froze for a moment, then realized what was happening—they were texting each other.

I couldn't take it anymore and snatched the watch from Lily's wrist. I skimmed the messages, my heart sinking with every word.

It was exactly as I feared.

Lily, Melody, and Benjamin had a group chat titled "Our Happy Family". Inside, Lily was unleashing a torrent of vitriol against me.

"Why do I have a dad like this?"

"He'd have more dignity if he just went out and begged."

"If he would just die, then Mr. Carter could finally be my dad!"

Meanwhile, Benjamin played the role of the "perfect father" in the chat.

"Lily, don't say such hurtful things, okay?"

"Lily, I know it's unfair to you, but thank you for doing this for me."

"Don't let your dad see these messages, or he'll make a scene again."

I couldn't read any more. I couldn't swallow this level of humiliation.

When Lily realized what I was doing, she began striking at me, clawing to get her watch back. "Freeloader! Give it back!"

In the struggle, I lost my footing. We both stumbled, and the watch fell to the ground. Predictably, Lily burst into tears.

"Just die already! I'm never calling you 'Dad' again!"

Her eyes were filled with nothing but pure, unadulterated hatred.

I looked at the child in front of me and found myself unable to speak.

Seeing the tension escalate, Melody pulled me aside, her voice tight with annoyance. "Sometimes you need to ask yourself if you're the problem. If you had just gone along with things from the start, none of this would've happened. That's enough. Lily already apologized. So, stop making a fuss."

I took a deep breath, my voice surprisingly steady. "I'm not making a fuss. Just sign the divorce papers."

The moment Melody heard those words, she pointed a trembling finger at me. "Do you really have to do this to feel satisfied? Look at how many people are bending over backward to comfort you!"

I looked at her calmly. The sheer hollowness in my eyes made her hesitate for a fraction of a second.

"Are you sure you want a divorce?"

I nodded firmly.

Melody sneered, "Everyone knows I gave you everything. Without me, you'd be worse off than a beggar. Don't come crawling back when you can't even afford food."

She continued, "Let me be clear. You won't get a single penny from me. Lily stays with me. I'll make sure you never see her again."

Melody thought that would scare me. What she didn't understand was that none of it mattered to me anymore. I didn't say a word and just picked up the divorce agreement again.

She stood there, stunned.

"Fine! Lily's custody goes to you. I won't take a single penny from you, either. The house my father gave me before we married is mine—always has been. So, go on. Sign it."

Melody clutched the papers tightly.

At that moment, Benjamin deliberately stepped forward. "Ms. Hutton, please think it through. I know all of this is my fault. I apologize. You can't divorce Mr. Gage because of me. I know I've ruined your family. I'm sorry. If Mr. Gage finds me unpleasant, I'll ask the board to assign you a different secretary."

He turned to me. "Mr. Gage, please don't be upset. I'll leave right now. Please don't argue with Ms. Hutton on my account."