Chapter 2Happier Without My Cheating Ex-Wife

That night, Chloe, true to form, didn't come home. Yet, the very next day, at the university's Founders' Day celebration, I saw her. Hand in hand with Liam, they ascended the stage to present a donation. Hearing her shamelessly introduce Liam to the host as "the most important person in my life," I felt a sudden, bitter relief that when we married, I'd respected Chloe's wish for a low-key ceremony and hadn't invited a single classmate.

As if sensing my presence, she turned and looked out into the audience, our eyes locking. A faint frown creased her brow, but her hand remained tightly clasped in Liam's. I lowered my head, the bitterness a tangible weight, and turned away, walking towards the grassy expanse by Unity Lake.

Soon, footsteps sounded behind me. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming to the celebration? I would've picked you up." No mention of holding hands, no explanation, no hint of panic at being caught. I laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "Is there even room for me in your car anymore?"

Chloe rubbed her temples, feigning exasperation. "Alex, do you have to be so aggressive? What happened to the considerate, sensible man you used to be?"

Used to be? What was I like before? I was the one who saw her as a goddess, pulling me from the depths of despair. I laughed when she laughed. I worried when she worried. My entire being revolved around her. I'd lost myself, lost my purpose, all to follow in her footsteps.

The truth was, if Chloe had just told me she wanted to be with Liam, I would have willingly stepped aside. This marriage, after all, had been her impulsive decision, born from a desire to spite him after their breakup. I, the silent admirer, had seen it all clearly, yet still plunged into that abyss willingly. Now that their old flame had rekindled, she should be desperate for me to leave. But this evasiveness... I couldn't understand it.

"Chloe, there you are!" Liam's voice chimed, his polished leather shoes making soft thuds as he approached from behind her. He paused, looking at me with feigned surprise. "Alex, you're here too?" As he spoke, he moved to stand in front of Chloe, casually adjusting her collar. "The university president wants a photo with you. Shall we go?"

Chloe glanced at me, seeing no response. She gave a quick, almost worried instruction: "Wait for me, we'll leave together later."

"Didn't you forget about your meeting? I'm afraid Alex will have to take a taxi home," Liam cut in, a seemingly apologetic smile on his face as he looked at me.

Chloe hesitated. Then, Liam cried out, "Snake!" Chloe instantly pushed me away, scrambling to pull Liam onto the paved path, panic etched on her face.

I, standing so close to the lake's edge, was shoved straight into the water. The summer water of Unity Lake should have been warm. Instead, it was icy, seeping into my bones, a chilling cold. Through the shimmering surface, I met Chloe's gaze—guilty and panicked. She rushed toward me, but I pulled myself onto the bank before she could reach me.

"Alex, I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking."

I smiled, a hollow, bitter smile. "It's fine. I'm used to it." Without a moment's hesitation, I turned my back on her, my body and soul soaked, and walked away. Chloe's hands, clenched at her sides, trembled slightly. For the first time, she felt me so close, yet impossibly distant. She wanted to chase after me, to grab me and demand answers, but she couldn't bring herself to leave Liam. She only sent a text: "Go home first. I'll explain later." I let out a soft, derisive scoff. Explain what? Explain why she instinctively protected Liam? Or why she pushed me into the lake? Whatever it was, I didn't want to hear it. I was sick of her self-serving excuses.

That night, Chloe, her mind swirling with questions, came home early. Seeing the cold, empty kitchen, and me ordering takeout, a strange sense of calm settled over her. "Is this how you take care of yourself when I'm not home?" she said, her voice laced with feigned concern. "Maybe we should hire a housekeeper. All this housework, it'll wear you out. It breaks my heart."

My hand, holding the chopsticks, paused. What a thoughtful, wonderful woman! She had always used these seemingly caring words to make me believe she'd fallen for me over time, binding me tighter and tighter to her. But a lie, no matter how convincing, is still a lie. I wiped my mouth and spoke slowly. "Let's get a divorce."