Ten Years of Old Love, March of New Love

I let out a cold laugh, just about to reply, when several voice messages suddenly appeared.

I tapped on them and Peter's voice came through.

"I only made some dishes for Regina, so why are you being so passive-aggressive? If you do this again, don't blame me for being harsh!" His voice was cold and full of irritation.

Regina's voice cut in, trying to soothe him: "Peter, don't be angry. Madeline is just worried that I'll steal you away. Besides, I haven't been hurt in any way. You don't have to stand up for me ..."

Peter scoffed, "Only a useless woman would be afraid of her husband being taken away. If she had the ability to keep me, she wouldn't worry."

Hearing that, my anger flared instantly. I tried to send a message back, only to see a red exclamation mark pop up, he blocked me right away. I hadn't even been given a chance to fight back!

My head buzzed with rage and my hands trembled slightly. Once I calmed down, I quickly contacted a lawyer to draft a divorce agreement.

From today on, anyone who wants to deal with this mess can have it. I, Madeline Lockster, am done!

In the office, I was eager to type out my resignation letter. Before I could even finish, the door burst open.

It was Peter's personal secretary, barging in with a package. She tossed the item onto my desk with a thud.

I glanced at the bag, it held the gown I had worn at our wedding reception. I frowned, puzzled as to why it was now in her hands.

"Mr. Einstein is taking Regina to a banquet tonight. He wants you to have this gown repaired," she announced. "Aren't you always clinging to Mr. Einstein anyway?"

"This is a great chance to see the difference between you two, so you can stop dreaming about him every day!" With that, she huffed and walked out, her disdain palpable.

I was used to this attitude. Ever since I'd joined the company as a 'mysterious hire,' everyone assumed I was Peter's pampered mistress.

I'd tried explaining, but Peter claimed it would cause unnecessary drama and forced me to swallow my grievances.

I had thought that once the company stabilized, I'd be able to clear my name.

But I hadn't anticipated this, the company wasn't stable yet and Peter had already fallen for someone else.

He flaunted his relationship with Regina, even ensuring she wouldn't have to work overtime. Soon, the entire company knew about his new love interest and everyone waited for my downfall.

Unfortunately for them, I was ready to leave. I was done playing my part in this twisted love triangle.

After the secretary left, I sent my finished resignation letter to HR. Not long after, curious colleagues gathered outside my office.

"I told you, Madeline was never going to last with Mr. Einstein. How could a plain woman like her even think she could climb that high?"

"See? A more beautiful woman comes along and she has to leave in disgrace."

"It's a little pitiful, but she brought it on herself!"

"A gold digger trying to win over a prince, who else deserves this more?"

Their mocking comments trickled into my ears, but I felt nothing. After all, once Peter and I divorced, I'd have no ties to any of them.

When I wrapped up my work and packed my things, the moving service called. I rushed home and gathered my belongings.

As I watched the moving truck pull away, a heavy weight seemed to lift from my heart.

Four years of dating, six years of marriage ...