The Transactional Marriage: Her Bitter Ascent

ing about him, the formidable Wall Street titan, in business magazines. They called him brilliant, ruthless, the Midas touch

ung woman, was ut

stance, held a magnetic intensity. I felt an inexplicable pull, a foolish, instant connection that defied all logic. I bel

wo powerful houses, I agreed without hesitation. My parents, practical and shrewd, sa

istie," she'd warned, "Gregory Henson isn't a project

insisted. "Someone to show him what he's missing." I truly believed my love was strong e

white roses and soft candlelight, felt utterly devoid of warmth. Gregory

y marital tenderness. "Let's be clear about this.

h of the room. My naive dreams s

turn, you will have everything money can buy, and the protection of my name." He paused, his gaze harde

fect corporate wife, enduring his countless absences, his cold indifference. Each missed anniversary, each forgotten birthday, each time he cho

ive. It was the only way I could believe he didn't del

protect her. It wasn' t that he was incapable of love. He just didn't love me. The truth, when it fina

uilt on a foundation of self-delusion, crumbled. T

ivorce papers were drawn up swiftly, silently. I needed to hand them to G

lobby, the hushed whispers of his employees – it all felt alien now. The rec

?" I asked, my

her perfect brow. "Mr. Henson hasn't been i

re is he?" The question t

d. "He's... accompanying Ms. Hewitt to

isplay of his devotion to her.

ve itself to the gilded ballroom where the auction was taking place. The valet

ittering chandeliers and the designer gowns, until they landed on them. Gregory, standing tall and imposing, his arm casually draped

his gaze, a possessiveness in his grip. My heart twisted. This was the man I had married. Th

ered something to Gregory. He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. Without a moment's hesi

ic card, the impersonal necklace. He wasn't incapable of gr

ned in, her lips finding his in a soft, prolonged kiss. It was a

knew how to love. He just chose not to love me. The realization was a fresh, ago

my palm. It was time. I walked towards them, each step a delibera

ment ago, hardened instantly. He subtly shifted, pulling Kennedy close

ow growl, devoid of any warmth. "W

lded papers. "I want a divorce, Gregory." My voice was

?-crossed his features, but it was quickly replaced by indifference. "We can discuss this later, C

, a cruel smile spreading across her face. "Divorce papers?" she cooed, her voice

seal. Gregory's personal seal. The one he used for his most private,

she asked Gregory, batting her eyelashes. Then, without waiting for an answer, she

ne. Now, you're officially free, Gregory. Free from her." She toss