Chapter 3After my divorce, my ex-husband had nothing.

The call disconnected.

I didn’t sleep a wink all night. Sporting dark circles under my eyes, I dragged myself to the office. My mind was still blank when Maya sidled up to me, eager to continue last night’s gossip. “Something definitely happened between Mr. Alexander and Serena last night.”

I frowned slightly.

Then she continued, “Mr. Alexander’s clothes were all wrinkled this morning, and… he was wearing the same outfit as yesterday. Doesn’t that mean he didn’t go home at all last night?”

I nodded, too drained to praise her for her keen observation.

She went on, “Serena was late this morning too, and she looked like a woman utterly blissful, almost glowing. She’s usually so sharp and decisive, but today she seemed completely transformed.”

I asked her, “Transformed how?”

She thought for a moment. “Brighter, sexier, and… almost delicate. See for yourself.”

I looked up.

I saw Serena walk in, wearing a figure-hugging dress. I’d seen that dress before.

I’d spotted it when I was out shopping with Alex.

But they didn't have my size, so I paid for it and pre-ordered it, asking them to ship it to Alex when it arrived.

Now, it seemed the dress had arrived.

But it seemed the intended recipient of the gift had changed.

Serena was in a great mood. She walked in and immediately asked everyone what they wanted to drink; her treat.

Everyone cheered excitedly.

I sat in my corner, a mix of emotions churning inside me. I tried to numb myself with work.

But it didn’t help.

I drifted through the morning until noon. I sat at my desk, eating my takeout lunch.

Serena, meanwhile, carried several large, exquisitely packed lunch bags into Alex’s office.

She stayed in there all afternoon.

She didn't emerge until late afternoon, almost closing time.

Maya, sitting beside me, ‘tsk-tsked’ twice, sighing, “Seriously, what has this world come to? Of all the people Serena could fall for, it had to be a married man. Little Jane, who sits closer to the CEO’s office, said Serena practically threw herself into Mr. Alexander’s arms the moment she walked in. They nearly turned the office into a hotel!”

After that, Maya even sent me a photo Jane had secretly taken. Serena was sitting on Alex’s lap, feeding him.

The intimacy in their expressions and body language was undeniable.

“I wonder how Mr. Alexander’s wife would feel if she saw this scene,” Maya whispered with a soft sigh.

Mr. Davies, sitting across from us, frowned. “They’re clearly smitten with each other. Why are you two getting involved?”

Maya didn't catch Mr. Davies’s meaning and playfully added, “Oh, absolutely! A mistress, without a doubt!”

Mr. Davies looked annoyed. He tossed a stack of audit reports at Maya. “Since you’re so idle, finish these. No going home until they’re done.”

Maya’s face fell.

I quietly sent her a SnapChat message: [Mr. Davies and Serena go way back. He’s definitely on her side, so don’t say things like that anymore.]

Maya sent back a crying emoji.

I comforted her: [I’ll help you with that report. Let’s finish it quickly and get out of here. I’ll treat you to some lobster.]

She brightened up immediately.

Later that evening, just as we finally finished our overtime tasks and were about to head out for lobster, Mr. Davies called out to us again.

“Hard work, you two. How about we all grab some supper together?”

Mr. Davies didn’t even give us a chance to refuse. He turned and led us to a restaurant near the company.

After dinner, we were then dragged to a KTV.

We were reluctant.

But there was nothing we could do. Interns had little say.

Huddled in a dark corner, we started playing some mobile game instead. We were so engrossed.

We didn’t even notice several people slowly entering the private room.

Until I heard a familiar voice.

Then I saw Alexander, surrounded by a group of industry big shots, seated at the head of the table.

At first, everyone talked about projects.

Later, the conversation shifted to personal lives. About kids, wives, in-laws… and of course, mistresses.

“I saw Serena’s Ins post, something about true love finally finding its way. What’s up? Did you finally come to your senses and officially make Serena yours?” someone asked.

I unconsciously perked up my ears.

Alex said calmly, “You guys don’t understand the situation that day. I had no choice. Serena was forcing my hand. If I didn’t want her, she’d resign. And you know, Serena has been with the company for so many years; the company can’t function without her. Of course… you could also say I can’t function without her.”

“But Serena is okay with being a mistress? Alex, don’t mess this up for yourself later.”

“Right, how much effort did you put into marrying that young girl? We all saw it. Never mind if your ‘side chick’ is stable, but if your wife back home finds out, she’ll tear the place apart!”

“It’s not like that. If Serena doesn’t mind, why should the other girl?”

“You’ve spoiled that girl for years, Alex. How could she go back to an ordinary life? Even if she found out about the ‘side chick,’ she wouldn’t dare make a fuss. She’d at least hold onto the ‘Mrs. Alexander’ title. It guarantees her a comfortable life, a life of privilege.”

Everyone chimed in, one after another.

Ultimately, they concluded that as long as Alex kept Serena happy and quiet, his wife wouldn’t be able to cause a stir. They even congratulated Alex on having the best of both worlds.

Maya listened, her face crumpled in disgust. She couldn’t help but whisper to me, “Disgusting.”

Then she added, “Even though Alex is a total jerk, what they’re saying isn’t completely wrong. That girl probably hasn’t even graduated yet, no family connections, no capabilities. Making a fuss wouldn’t do her any good. What do you think…?”

I nodded. “There won’t be any fuss. In this day and age, everyone wants to be civil.” All matters could be discussed calmly.

Even divorce.

Just then, Alex put down his drink and spoke:

“Yes, Chloe brings nothing to the table besides her youth. Compared to her, Serena is so much more sophisticated.

“But with Serena’s proud nature, I wonder how long she’ll put up with it.

“I’m actually starting to regret getting married. It barely costs anything to keep a young girl on the side, but a divorce now? That’s a huge financial hit.”

So, he was calculating his losses. Right, Alex and I were legally married. A divorce would mean splitting his marital assets.

Fine. If that’s what Alex wanted.

I’d walk away with absolutely nothing.

But the price he’d pay for my departure… that was a debt he would absolutely have to settle.

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