The Nasty Side of Love

On every holiday, Blake would surprise me with thoughtful gifts, eager to show me off to his friends.

When we were apart, he'd text "I miss you" countless times a day.

He'd also seethe with jealousy if anyone so much as looked at me, his eyes burning with rage.

Once, he told me, "Karen, do you know? My family is full of twisted monsters. You're the only one who's ever shown me what true love really is."

Blake's insecurities ran deep. He constantly needed reassurance, asking me over and over if I still loved him.

All I could do was hold him close each time, my heart heavy, until he finally drifted off to sleep in my arms.

I was certain we would stay like that forever.

So when he suddenly became distant, I was completely thrown off balance.

Myra was a recent university graduate.

The first time I heard her name was when Blake's secretary mentioned her. "The young women today have no creativity," she said. "Spilling coffee on the CEO? That's such an outdated cliché."

I laughed it off, thinking it was just some office drama.

But soon after, Myra was appointed as Blake's personal assistant, breaking all the usual rules.

Blake then began taking her horseback riding.

She didn't know how to ride, so he held her from behind, the two of them sharing a horse as they rode through the open fields.

She was completely unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the business world. Thus, Blake took the time to guide her patiently, even showing her how to make a cup of coffee.

One day, a disrespectful business partner cracked a crude joke at Myra's expense.

Blake, usually so composed, snapped in an instant. He ended up sending the man to the hospital.

Blake didn't even try to hide it. Everyone could see how he lavished attention on Myra.

By the time the rumors reached me, they were already attending public events hand-in-hand, exchanging kisses under the playful stares of onlookers.

As I looked at the photos people sent me, I lost my temper with Blake for the first time.

He just sat quietly in his executive chair, staring at me. His eyes seemed to suggest that I was being the unreasonable one here.

"Karen, you're almost 30. Why are you getting jealous of someone younger?

"Back when you were in your 20s, I treated you just the same, didn't I?"

In that moment, it felt like I had plunged into a freezing abyss.

That's when it finally dawned on me—Blake's love was always exclusive, but it was only ever for younger women.

I had already passed that stage.

I had planned to divorce him, but I soon found out I was pregnant.

With my child and family in mind, I chose to give our relationship one last try. I asked my father to arrange for Myra to be sent abroad.

As expected, the outcome was inevitable.

Nine years together, and I meant nothing to Blake.

I felt completely defeated.

My father asked for three days to sort things out.

With our relationship with the Sullivan family irreparably damaged, there was no longer a place for us in this country.

I used that time to schedule an abortion for the same day.

The love Blake and I once shared had disappeared, and there was no reason to carry his child any longer. After all, there would be no shortage of young women eager to have his children.

But when I met with the doctor, I found out that my gestational sac was too large. As such, I would need an induction procedure, which required hospitalization.

With only three days left in the city, I had no choice but to delay the procedure for now.

On my way back, I consulted a lawyer about divorce.

The moment they heard it was Blake's case, they all hesitated, pulling back immediately.

"Ms. Irving, Mr. Sullivan's company has a team of elite lawyers. We're afraid we're not equipped to handle this case."

I understood and didn't press them any further.

When Blake and I married, I chose to be a full-time housewife.

He insisted he didn't want me in the public eye, and, naively, I listened for five long years.

Now, all my connections were tied to him. Even if I wanted help, there was no one left to turn to.

But that was fine.

Once he brought Myra into the picture, divorce would be easy enough.