My wife's first love returned to the country.
That guy stood before me, chest puffed out. You're truely pathetic. Your wife never loved you. She's always loved me!
I didn't pause flipping through the ledger. Didn't even grant him a glance.
He sent me photo after photo on snapchat.
Him kissing my wife Vivian Sterling. their tangled body. Lost in passion.
Urging me to step aside.
I smiled.
Silently gathered her cheating proof.
Ready to show them
Their love built on money? Was cheap as dirt!
...
The first thing my wife's first love did after returning back to Winston was visit her at the office.
Right in front of me, he kissed Vivian Sterling.
Like a conquering hero, he announced, "I'm back!"
I closed the file in my hands. Watched Chase Donovan pull Vivian into a possessive embrace, declaring his claim.
Face blank, I said, "Ms. Sterling, I'll brief you on work tonight."
After my client meeting, an uninvited guest waited in my office. Chase Donovan looked me up and down, oozing arrogance. "I know it's a marriage of convenience. How sad. Vivian doesn't love you."
I smiled faintly. "Not as sad as watching your lover become someone else's wife."
Chase stiffened, fury flashing across his face. "You'll divorce soon enough!"
He stormed out, slamming the door. I calmly sipped my coffee.
Everyone knew Vivian and I married for business.
She didn't love me. I didn't care.
Because I didn't love her either.
I almost looked forward to Vivian divorcing me. Our prenup stated: whoever filed for divorce left with nothing.
Her walking away empty-handed? Perfect. I'd inherit everything both families built.
Power beats beauty any day.
The clock neared midnight. Vivian didn't return. I showered and slept without calling her once.
I woke the next morning.
Vivian was already at breakfast. I freshened up quickly and went to update her on yesterday's unfinished work.
She looked up, beautiful eyes blazing. "Aren't you curious where I was yesterday?"
I shook my head. "Your business. I care more about winning next week's bid."
Vivian leaned back, crossing her legs confidently. "Relax. That project is ours."
I nodded, pulling out my phone to check financial news. Found a friend request from Chase Donovan.
Accepted. He immediately sent a photo: him and Vivian hiking yesterday.
Chase held Vivian close. My usually icy wife melted in his arms.
See? Your wife spent all day with me.
I saved the photo silently. Muted his notifications.
Half an hour later, Vivian and I entered the conference room on time.
Sitting in as an observer... Chase Donovan.
Department heads looked confused. Vivian cleared her throat. "Meeting start."
She opened the PPT. "This bid requires 200million.Companyfundscover150 million. Mr. Donovan will provide the remaining $50 million. Thank him."
Thunderous applause. Chase lifted his chin, proud.
After the meeting, Chase took Vivian's hand right in front of me. "Vivian, it's been so long. The city's changed. Show me around?"
Vivian glanced at me, unreadable. I smiled. "Go ahead. Ms. Sterling should entertain our $50 million donor."
"You!" Chase's temple throbbed.
But he had no comeback.
Deflated, he dragged Vivian away.
Unfazed, I finished work and checked my phone. Chase's chat bubble popped up againmore photos of him and Vivian shopping, watching movies. I saved them all silently.
If Vivian and I ended up in court, these would be solid evidence.

Working late, I got home to find Vivian unexpectedly there.
After I showered, she put down her book.
"Ethan, should we have a child?"
I stared, surprised. "What? You never wanted one."
Early in our marriage, I'd considered it.
Vivian always said she'd just taken over Sterling Corp. Career came first.
Now she rubbed her temples. "My grandpa's getting old. He wants a grandchild soon."
I thought for a moment. "I'll explain to Grandpa. After the IPO, we can try."
A calculated excuse.
Truthfully, I no longer wanted a child with Vivian.
Ours was a marriage of convenience. We didn't interfer in each other's personal lives, but I knew Vivian had her share of boy toys.
This arrangement of ours wasn't built to last.
Now Chase was back.
He was Vivian's college ex. They lost touch when she went abroad for her MBA. He followed two years later, but she'd already returned to take over the family business... and married me.
The bidding proceeded as planned. We went head-to-head with our competitors, laid our final offers on the table, and just as Vivian predicted, we secured the project with a bid of two hundred million.
The company threw a celebration dinner. As colleagues teased Vivian and me, Chase arrived late in a tailored gray suit, grabbing Vivian's hand. "So sorry I'm late, the traffic was a nightmare."
I noted his careful grooming. "No. We just started."
Whispers spread. People speculated about Chase and Vivian.
Vivian cleared her throat, subtly pulling her hand back. A crimson-lipped smile played on her lips. "Since you're late, you'll have to buy a round of drinks for the table."