Outwitted

No Longer Mrs. Cooley: The Architect's Return

Xiao Xiaosu

I went to the City Clerk’s office for a routine copy of my marriage license to finalize a trust fund audit. I expected a simple piece of paper, but the clerk’s pitying look told me my entire life was a lie. "The license was never finalized, Ms. Oliver. In the eyes of the state, you are single." The three-hundred-guest wedding at the Plaza and the Vogue features meant nothing. My husband, Gray Cooley, had intentionally filed the documents with a "procedural defect" so he could discard me without a legal divorce. Moments later, an iCloud invite titled "Our Little Secret" popped up on my screen. It was a photo of my best friend, Brylee, holding a positive pregnancy test at our Hamptons estate. Gray’s text to her was the final blow: "Happy anniversary, babe. This baby is the best gift. Once the trust unlocks today, we’re done with the charade." I soon discovered they were even stealing my career, reassigning my architectural masterpiece to Brylee while preparing my eviction notice. Gray's mother called me a "barren mule" in a leaked recording, mocking the infertility I suffered after saving Gray’s life in a construction accident. I wasn't a wife; I was a three-year placeholder used to secure his inheritance. How could the man I bled for treat me like a disposable prop? How could my best friend carry his child while pretending to comfort me through my darkest moments? The betrayal burned until it turned into a cold, hard stone of fury. I didn't cry. Instead, I walked into the penthouse of the Barretts, the Cooleys' most powerful rivals. I signed a marriage contract with Kane Barrett, the man the tabloids called the "Beast of Wall Street." "I want a wedding," I told his father, my voice steady and lethal. "Bigger than the one I had with Gray." If they wanted me gone, they would have to watch me become the woman who owns their world.

Modern Revenge Divorce Revenge Female-centered Divorce

Download the Book on the App

Sophia Ye came to a standstill in the corridor of Platinum Hotel when she heard her phone ring.

Her silhouette was beautiful and lips bright red. She ran one of her hands through her gorgeous curly hair as the other dug deep in her bag to find the ringing phone. After fumbling a bit, she finally found her phone. It was Alberta Yue, her agent. Her eyes flashed with ice like coldness. She received the call.

"Sophia, for the final time I am telling this. You must not miss today. If you fail to make it today, you won't be able to secure the role in the TV drama series. The supporting role is crucial! The investor this time is very important. He is really handsome. Make the best of it, alright?"

Sophia smiled maliciously and replied, "Noted!"

Truth be told, Sophia Ye wasn't yet famous. She had been in the industry for two long years, but she had only bagged roles of villains. Her career was extremely rocky and she had been part of many scandals already. There was a rumor that she had dated so many men in the past that they could easily form a human chain all around the earth. People also believed that whatever role she played was because she made dirty deals with producers.

"I am requesting you! Do not mess up this time. You might not give a damn about this gig but I do very much..." Sophia Ye knew that Alberta Yue was again trying to lecture her.

She did not have that patience anymore so she cut her in between and asked, "Which room, please?"

"It is room number 909... Listen to me carefully..."

Alberta began again but before she could even finish the line went dead after a beep. Sophia had already disconnected.

She quickly opened the front camera of her phone and reapplied her lipstick. Then confidently she walked towards room 909 with her hips swaying gracefully.

When she reached the door she tapped on it. But no one responded. So Sophia pulled out a packet of cigarettes and walked in.

The moment she entered she saw the most unwelcoming face in front of her.

But Sophia ignored the man completely. She did not even give him a chance to speak. She sat down on the sofa placed opposite the man and put a cigarette between her lips. As she looked around for a lighter she observed the man in front of her.

Read Now