Darkholme

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

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In the evening, heavy rain poured over Owathe as Belinda Wright made her way to Dream Club, soaked through but somehow keeping the cake she held untouched by the downpour.

Upon reaching the private room's entrance, Belinda nudged the door open.

"Verena, throughout the three years you vanished, not once did Lucas cease his search for you. And now, you are finally back!"

Hearing that from inside the room, Belinda froze mid-step.

Verena?

The same Verena Reed who used to be Lucas Clark's girlfriend?

"But hasn't Lucas already gotten married?" queried a soft female voice.

"Ah, Verena, there's no need to concern yourself with that woman Lucas married. Lucas was coerced into that marriage by his father, who threatened to kill you if Lucas didn't get married. Lucas married that woman only to protect you."

"Really?" Verena's doubt was evident.

"Absolutely! Why else would Lucas choose someone like Belinda? She is so unappealing and overweight. Besides, she is an illegitimate daughter. Marrying her was Lucas's attempt to annoy his father, to get back at him!"

Outside the private room, Belinda felt cold; her complexion drained of color.

Recalling the night when Lucas had proposed, she remembered her heart had soared. She had been blissfully unaware of the harsh truth. She had believed herself incredibly fortunate, not realizing she was merely a pawn in a revenge plot. It turned out Lucas had only married her because she was ugly and fat.

Belinda couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh, her body wavering slightly.

She clenched the door handle to steady herself.

"Speaking of Belinda, it has been five hours since she left; it's doubtful she will ever show up. Delight Desserts is way out in the eastern suburbs, and just getting there and back takes more than three hours. Besides, that place is notorious for its long queues. Surely, Belinda isn't foolish enough to go there."

"If Lucas requested it, Belinda would go there even if Delight Desserts were in another city. Everyone knows how deeply she loves Lucas. She is so pathetic."

Upon absorbing these scornful remarks, Belinda inhaled deeply, put on a stoic expression, and thrust the door to the private room open, making her entrance.

Her gaze quickly settled on the figure of confidence and charm at the center of the room.

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