The Special One

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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ALDREN

My sister was alone in her room, slowly I climbed upstairs while carrying the cake that I made myself. It's a chocolate cake, I practiced so hard to bake this perfectly until I can make a delicious perfect cake for her birthday. Standing and staring at her bedroom door, I cleared my throat and immediately knocked. As I opened the door, a cold wind breeze greeted me and saw my sister sitting and facing the windows of her balcony room, looking at her looks like she enjoyed the breeze of fresh air.

"Good morning, Manda" Manda is the nickname that I gave to her, she likes it anyways. She immediately reacted from the way I called her, her head moved a little to the side, allowing me to see her side profile.

"Aldren, is that you?" she used her hand to hold the armrest and side drawers to help her stood up, I let out a giggle a little as I looked at her slowly walking towards me, following my voice.

"Happy birthday!" I greeted at her with a wide smile, saw her lips forms into a curl and smiled a little.

"Here, It's a cake" I gave her the cake while I approached her a little, helping her to carry it into her small and soft hands until she got good grip on it and I let go "I hope you like it"

"there's no doubt" she smiled, and I looked at her confused on what she says

"Hmm? Why is there something wrong?" I looked at the cake but there was nothing wrong

"Are you the one who baked it, Aldren?" she took a little icing and she tasted it and she smiled

"Ah, well. Is it delicious?" I smiled but also, I'm a bit nervous on what would be her response, knowing that I tasted a little earlier and it was very sweet. I hope she has a sweet tooth

"It's delicious, however. It tasted like burnt a little, but it's okay. Thank you" she smiled widely making me feel happy, this kid doesn't know how to lie, really.

"But, don't worry" she said smiling "I know it's made with love" She puts down the cake at the side drawer. I just smile at what she says and let go a little laugh until she tries to find something

"What are you looking for, Manda?”

"Your hand?" my hand? I gave her my hand and she held my finger; I flinch a little bit "Did you burn your fingers, again?"

"I know it's my birthday, and you want to give me a cake that I would like but, burning your fingertips many times? You can buy a cake next time." she smiled and let out a little laugh "Just make sure next time you won't burn your fingertips anymore, or else mom will cut them”

"Amanda." I looked at her and I felt sorry for my sister who was blind, I didn't want to cry in case, I cried, all I did was hug her tightly

"Why? what happened?" I didn't answer, I just hugged her tightly like she was still my small sister "Are you crying?" I immediately wiped my tears

"I didn't cry, there's a dust or something in my eyes" I immediately wiped my tears and excused myself, I looked at her and held her shoulders and greeted her a happy birthday once again, she smiled but right now she gave me a wild smile with her eyes sparkling. "Want to come with me in the garden?”

* * *

AMANDA

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