Ending Our Marriage Was the Best for Me

Three hours before our wedding, my fiance told me not to bother picking her up for the ceremony, and registered her marriage with Khalil instead.

I endured the whispers and judgmental stares of the guests. Just as the humiliation threatened to swallow me whole, her younger aunt, Adriana, pushed open the doors of the hotel.

She arrived with the most extravagant wedding convoy, carrying 9,999 roses. With a sincere gaze, she confessed she had secretly loved me for yearsthat marrying me had been her dream.

Moved by her gesture, grateful for her rescue from public disgrace, I said yes.

We were married for three years. Adriana suffered seven miscarriages during that time, and only recently managed to get pregnant again.

Overjoyed, she stood on her toes and kissed me, promising to take extra care this timeto protect the baby that symbolized our love.

Three months into pregnancy, I accidentally overheard a conversation between her and her private doctor.

Miss Adriana, just like the last seven times, the abortion medication has been mixed into the milk.

I dont understand. You were willing to donate your eggs for Khalil. Why wont you give birth to your husbands child?

Adriana let out a self-deprecating laugh.

Because only the one who gives birth to an heir can take over the company. Melissa is infertileI cant bear to let Khalil suffer because of that.

So all those sweet promises and declarations of love... were nothing but lies.

Fine. If thats the case, Ill leave.

By doing this, you're not only giving up the chance to become the next chairperson of the group, but also abandoning all seven of your children with him.

Youve asked me to forge Miss Melissas medical reports for so long, she still doesnt know that the baby in her womb belongs to you and Khalil. Even when the child is born, they wont call you mom. Is it really worth it?

Adrianas face was full of longing and sorrow as she whispered, So what if it is? Since I couldnt be the one Khalil married, at least Ill protect his happiness for the rest of his life. No one can ruin itnot even the child I had with Allen.

The doctor hesitated.

But youve already had seven miscarriages. One more, and you might never conceive again. Your husband... hes really looking forward to this baby.

Adriana pressed her lips together. After a long pause, she replied softly, Its fine. As long as he has me, thats enough.

I stood outside the study, gripping the doorknob so tightly the veins on the back of my hand bulged and trembled uncontrollably.

Before Adriana could notice I was there, I stumbled back to the bedroom, collapsing to the floor in a daze.

All this time, I thought her miscarriages were my faultthat something was wrong with my body.

I even believed Adriana didnt use contraception because she was desperate to have our child.

But I was wrong.

Her mother had made it clear: whether it was Adriana or her niece Melissa, whoever gave birth to an heir would become the next head of the family business.

To avoid suspicion, Adriana never used birth control. She made me believe she wanted the baby as much as I did. I even felt guilty, thinking I was the one holding her back.

But now I knowall her tenderness was nothing but lie.

In her eyes, my existence and our deceased seven unborn children were just obstacles on Khalils path to happiness.

Allen, why are you sitting on the floor?

Adriana walked into the room and hurried over to help me up, her face full of concern.

Its nothing. My stomach just felt a little off, I lied without batting an eyelid.

She gently rubbed my back to ease my breathing.

Youve been taking such good care of me lately, darling. If you ever feel unwell again, please tell me. Dont keep it to yourself. It breaks my heart.

Ever since I got pregnant, I havent been sleeping well. The doctor said warm milk helps. Once the baby is born, youll have to spank him for meteach him not to let his mommy suffer so much.

I looked at that cup of milk and felt a sharp pain in my chest.

Will I ever get to meet my child?

Before every miscarriage, Adriana had acted exactly like thisdiligently following the doctors advice, eating every meal of nutritious food and taking every supplement said to benefit the fetus.

I thought she wanted this child as much as I did.

I never imagined those were the blades she used to kill them.

Clenching my fist, I said, Honey, youve always hated the taste of milk. Dont force yourself to drink it, okay?

Adriana gave a helpless smile, but her tone left no room for argument.

Allen, stop being silly. The doctor said the more you dislike food, the more it means your body is lacking it.

If I cant sleep well, the baby wont rest well either. Dont you love him the most? For you and our baby, I have to drink it.

Without giving me a chance to stop her, she lifted the glass and downed the milk in one swift motion.

Adriana... were you really that afraid my child would stand in Khalils way?

Or was it simply that, in your heart, only a child with him was worth having?

I shut my eyes in despair.

Not even thirty minutes later, the effects of the drug began to show. Adriana curled up on the bed, her body trembling in agony, sweat pouring down her face.

She had barely finished her call to her private doctor when he stepped through the dooras if he had been waiting right outside the whole time.

Even though Id been through this seven times before, losing another child still felt like having my heart torn apart.

In a daze, I heard the doctor say, Sir, this time, the bleeding was more severe than any of the previous miscarriages. Im afraid her reproductive system may be permanently damaged. She likely wont be able to conceive again.

I felt the blood in my veins freeze. My hands went ice-cold.

Adriana said nothing. Her eyes were red as she looked at me with guilt.

Allen, please dont worry. Even if we cant have children, I still love you. Ill take care of you for the rest of my life.

This womanwho had grown up as a pampered heiresshad just suffered another miscarriage, and yet she held my hands against her chest, gently trying to warm them with her own body. Even in sleep, she refused to let go.

Late that night, she murmured in her sleep, Khalil, dont be afraid. Ill make sure you get the happiness you deserve.

The tears I had been holding back finally burst forth.

At our wedding, she had also promised to give me happiness.

But now I seeit was just a lie to stop me from interfering with Khalil.

And I realized, everything about our marriage had been one enormous, cruel joke.

Inhaling sharply, I sent a message to my childhood friend overseas.

[You mentioned wanting me to travel the world with you. Ive made up my mind. Ill come find you in Australia the day after tomorrow.]

As I put down my phone, the pain in my chest became unbearable.

I had just lost another childand this time, it had been murdered by his own mother.

I locked myself in the bathroom, memories of the past three years with Adriana flashing through my mind.

Silent tears slid down my face.

As I stood, my phone slipped from my hand and fell to the floor.

When I bent down to pick it up, I noticed something hidden beneath the sink cabinetwrapped layer after layer in expensive silk, as if it were a treasured artifact.

I unwrapped itand found a thick photo album.

It contained every photo of Khalil from the age of 15 to 28.

I recognized the coverit was the same one Id once seen in Adrianas office.

Adriana had always loved photography.

Though technically Melissas aunt, she was only a few years older than us. When we were kids, she always carried herself with a cold, aloof demeanorwatching Melissa and me play from the sidelines, as if our games were too childish to bother with.

Then, when we were fifteen, Khalil approached me, asking if we could be friends. I saw he was always alone, so I introduced him to both Melissa and Adriana.

Looking back, it must have started then.

From that moment on, Adriana began joining our outings. She also started learning photography.

I thought it was just part of growing upher coming out of her shell.

But now I understandshe had met someone she liked.

Most of the photos in the album were ones I had never seen. They captured Khalil in moments even I hadnt noticed: every smile, every frown, every glance, even a casual stretchshe had preserved them all through her lens.

Ever since we got married, Adriana never touched a camera again.

Once, I asked if she could take a photo of me, but she brushed it off, saying her camera had been lost. Then she recommended a famous photographer instead.

Turns out it wasnt lost at allshe just didnt want to use that lens unless it was for someone she truly loved.

My eyes were too dry to cry anymore. I quietly placed the photo album back where I found it.

On my phone, I booked a plane ticket and drafted a divorce agreement.

If she loved Khalil so much, then Id set her free.

The next morning, my eyes were swollen like walnuts.

Adriana looked genuinely distressed. She personally made me a nutritious breakfast and even boiled eggs to reduce the swelling around my eyes. She peeled them with care and pressed them gently to my eyelids.

Her tenderness and concern made me doubt everythingwas last night just a bad dream?

Seeing that I hadnt touched a single bite, she sighed.

Allen, we lost our baby. I know youre heartbrokenI am too. But you still need to take care of yourself. Please eat something, dont make me worry, okay?

Wheres the babys body? I want to see him.

Three months inmy child shouldve been fully formed by now.

But hed never have the chance to come into this world.

And just like seven times before, her answer was the same.

I already arranged for the baby to be buried properly. Youre too emotional right nowI didnt want you to see it and feel worse.

Mom and Dad are also devastated. Lets go to the old house tonight for dinner and spend some time with them.

...

As soon as we arrived at the old family estate, I saw Khalil holding onto Adrianas mothers arm, acting playful and affectionate.

When he spotted me, he raised his eyebrows with a smug grin.

Allen, youre here? Long time no see. Come, sit down. I heard your tadpoles didnt pass the quality check againpoor Adriana had another miscarriage. You mustve cried all night, huh? Try not to wear yourself out.

Since the wedding incident, things had fallen apart between me, Melissa, and Khalil. I usually avoided coming here when they were around.

But today, luck clearly wasnt on my side.

I thought of the photo hed postedMelissas six-month baby bump. I thought of the truth: that child was Adrianas. My heart twisted painfully.

Adriana had never let my child survive past the third month.

When her mothermy mother-in-lawsaw me, her expression immediately soured.

Useless piece of trash. How many times has this happened now? And you still have the nerve to look tired? How did my daughter end up with someone like you?

She was Adrianas biological mother, but only Melissas step-grandmother. At fifty, she was still ambitious, and watching the CEO positionoriginally meant for Adrianafall into Melissas hands, filled her with bitterness.

In the past, Adriana might have spoken up for me.

But now, her eyes were fixed on Khalil, filled with longing and devotion. It was like she couldnt hear anything else being said in the room.

Grandma, dont be angry, Khalil said with false concern. Its not Allens fault he wasnt born to be a father. Its not like he meant to lose that many babies.

My mother-in-law scoffed coldly.

Hes a walking curse. All he does is drag my daughter down.

Then, Khalil put on a pitiful act and started to standbut suddenly stumbled, pretending to twist his ankle.

Even though he quickly regained balance, Adriana rushed to his side, shoving me aside without hesitation.

Right in front of her parents, she touched his face and asked anxiously, Khalil, are you okay?

He looked over at me with a mocking smile, then said in a pitiful tone.

Adriana, I think I twisted my ankle... It really hurts~

Without a second thought, Adriana wrapped her arm around his waist and helped him upstairsstraight into the second-floor bedroom without even sparing me a glance.

My mother-in-law looked at me meaningfully, her words sharp as knives. Youve got weak seed and cant even hold onto your wife. If Melissa hadnt married Khalil first, you think my daughter wouldve looked twice at you? You still have the gall to sit here and eat? Get upstairs! Just looking at you kills my appetite.

I had always known that my mother-in-law disliked me.

To her, I was the man Melissa didnt wantsomeone clinging pathetically to her precious daughter, a disgrace to Adriana. After so many miscarriages, her disdain for me only deepened.

Still, because she was Adrianas motherand because I believed the problem might truly lie with my own bodyI swallowed the guilt and endured her scorn.

And Adriana at least she used to defend me, even if just a little. That was enough to keep me silent.

But now, her heart and attention were entirely on Khalil.

She didnt even remember I existed.

For a fleeting moment, I wanted to scream the truth, to reveal everything. But in the end, I didnt.

I had already decided to leavewhat point was there in fighting back now?

Wordlessly, I turned and went upstairs.

Thats when I noticed Khalils bedroom door was slightly ajar.

Something compelled me to walk toward it.

Inside, what I saw nearly tore me apart.

Khalildisheveled and half-dressedwas pressed against Adriana, who lay beneath him.

Adriana, you really do love me the most. Melissa cant have kidsif Allen has a child first, shell lose her right to inherit the company. Who knows how much Ill suffer because of that.

Adrianas breath was uneven, her cheeks were flushed with lust. She asked gently, Is Melissa treating you well? Has she been mean to you?

No, he chuckled. Ever since we successfully combined our fertilized egg, she thinks shes really pregnant. Keeps praising how manly I am, spoiling me like crazy. She's also afraid that I'll be tired so massage my feet, and even treating me better in bed.

Adrianas smile faltered. There was a trace of bitterness in her voice.

As long as she treats you well... as long as youre happy... then I have no regrets.

Adriana, youve done so much for me. I cant marry you, but I can give myself to you. Tonight, Im yours.

Adriana finally gave in, lifting her face to meet his lips. The two fell into a frenzied embrace, losing themselves in each other.

I had never imagined that the always cold, restrained Adriana could be so recklessso lost in passion.

Tears fell silently as I turned and stumbled back to the guest bedroom.

She didnt come back the entire night.

The next morning, Adriana looked at me with an apologetic smile.

Allen, I really meant to come back last night. But Mom pulled me aside to talk for hoursI just couldnt get away.

I didnt expose her lie. I simply turned toward the door and waited for her.

Thats when a bucket of cold, greasy slop came crashing down over my head.

Khalil stood in front of me, still holding the empty slop bucket, grinning like the devil.

So, Allen... howd you like the way Adriana looked under me last night? he taunted.

He had left the door open on purpose.

Smirking, he added, Losing a child hurts, doesnt it? But hey, that wont be a problem for you anymore. Adriana cant carry your children ever again.

You had the audacity to keep getting her pregnant? Trying to compete with me for the role of Lawson Groups CEOs husband? Keep dreaming.

Adriana gave everything up for me. She willingly forfeited her inheritance, endured countless painful extractionsjust so she could fuse with my sperm. Even those dead babies of yours... they became my nourishment.

My head shot up, my voice trembling.

What did you say?

He sneered, lips curling in triumph. Why do you think Adriana never let you see the babies after she miscarried? She always said they were buried, right? Noshe just didnt want you to know. I told her eating them would strengthen my body.

A wave of despair, rage, and disbelief crashed over me.

Thats why she never let me see the babies?

For Khalil... she went that far?

He laughed cruelly.

Dont give me that pitiful look. Who can you blame but yourself? Useless father, useless man. Your kids were only ever good enough to feed me.

I couldnt take it anymore.

With all the strength in my broken heart, I raised my hand and slapped Khalil hard across the face.

But the slap never landed on Khalils face.

Adriana yanked him behind her and took the blow for him.

She shoved me hard to the ground, glaring at me with fury.

Allen! What are you doing?!

Khalil pouted, eyes full of a fake grievance. Adriana, I was just trying to comfort Allen... I didnt want him to feel too sad about losing the baby.

But he got jealous and said I stole the future position as chairmans husband, then tried to dump slop on me. I panicked and pushed himit wasnt on purpose! I even apologized, but he tried to hit me. He said he wanted my child to grow up fatherless!

Before I could say a word, Adriana turned to me, her face was clouded with gloom. Allen, I never knew you were such a vain, petty man.

You couldnt protect our child because youre weak. Why take it out on Khalil? He was just being kind to you. Stop coveting what doesnt belong to you. Apologize to him. Now.

Im weak?

I looked at her faceso familiar, yet suddenly so foreign.

Adriana, I asked quietly, those babies I lost... where did you really send their bodies?

She frowned.

Of course I buried them properly. Ive told you that before.

Tsk. The Oscars owed her an award. She was a remarkable actressher lie almost sounded sincere.

I took a slow breath.

Youre right, Adriana. I shouldn't have wished for something that was never mine. Dont worryI wont fight Khalil anymore.

With that, I turned and walked away without hesitation.

Adriana stared after me, a flicker of unease flashing across her face. She opened her mouth to call out to mebut Khalil tugged on her arm.

Adriana... the slop splashed on me. I think Im having an allergic reaction. Will you take me to the hospital?

She hesitated for two seconds. Then she stayed with him.

Back at home, I gathered everything Adriana had ever given me over the yearsevery gift, every letter, every memory.

I tossed it all into a metal burner.

Just as I pulled out our marriage certificate, my phone buzzed with a message.

I glanced at it and saw Khalil's name popped up.

[Allen, I pretended to have an allergic reactionand Adriana panicked. She called the top dermatologists from all over the country to rush in and treat me.]

[Even if they werent local, she insisted on flying them in by helicopter. Arent you jealous?]

I didnt reply.

I watched our marriage certificate curl and blacken in the flamesreduced to ashes.

I wasnt worried Adriana would see. Because I knewshe wasnt coming home tonight.

Sure enough, her call came later that evening.

Allen, Khalils allergic reaction got worse. Hes really uncomfortable. Melissa is overseas on bed rest, so as her aunt, I have to help take care of him. Dont be upset.

I remembered the picture Khalil had sent earlier.

He was lounging comfortably, eating fruit that Adriana had cut herselfhis skin was glowing, without a trace of discomfort.

I understand, I said calmly. The patient comes first. Take good care of him.

She paused, then softened her voice.

Allen, I didnt mean to be harsh with you today. I know youre grieving the baby.

But Khalil is the father of the Lawson familys future heir. You and I... we cant carry on the family line anymore. If anything happens to him, and Melissa gets upset, Im afraid my parents wouldnt be able to bear it.

I almost laughed.

Why bother making so many excuses?

Just stay home, okay? Tomorrow is your birthday. I booked the best hotel and prepared a big surprise. Ill come pick you up first thing in the morning.

But morning came and went.

And stillshe didnt return.

I placed the signed divorce papers neatly on the table.

Then I scheduled a voice recording to send to her automatically.

Recipient: Adriana.

After tying up all the loose ends, I picked up my suitcaseand headed for the airport.

Just as I arrived at the airport, Adriana called again.

Sorry, Allen. A few partners suddenly showed up at the company to discuss the next seasons fashion collaborationsI really cant get away.

Ive asked my assistant to pick you up and take you to the hotel. Remember how you always wanted me to design a suit for you? I finally did. Im sure youll look amazing in it.

Mm. Okay.

I hung up.

My eyes drifted to two nearby girls who were huddled over the phone, looking at pictures and chatting excitedly.

Wow! I cant believe Miss Lawson is not only good-looking but also such a talented menswear designer. Id go be a man just to wear those clothes!

As if being a man is enough to get one. This entire fashion show is exclusiveevery single outfit was designed by Miss Lawson for her husband. Hundreds of pieces, all one-of-a-kind, made from the finest fabrics.

And its a private event tooshe didnt want to disturb her husband. Thank God your boyfriend works as a department head at Lawson Group, or wed never get to see these sneak peeks.

In the photo, Khalil had his arm around Adrianas shoulder, grinning widely as they strolled through a display of elegant, custom-made garmentsevery single one crafted just for him.

The Lawson Group was a major player in the fashion industry, and Adrianas talent as a designer was extraordinary.

I used to tease and beg her, hoping shed design just one suit for me.

She always said she was too busy.

That she couldnt spare the time.

And yet she had designed hundreds for Khalil.

I remembered her earlier message about designing me a suit as a surpriseand that self-satisfied tone she used to announce it.

It all felt like a cruel joke.

My flight began boarding. I powered off my phone and stepped onto a plane bound for Australia.

At that same moment, Adriana had just finished helping Khalil pick out his outfits and arrived at the hotel where shed arranged Allens birthday celebration.

She pictured him walking through the doors in the suit she had designedhandsome, glowing, and radiant.

But he never came.

Only her assistant showed up, flustered and pale.

Miss Adriana... something is wrong. Mr. Hudson is gone.