CHAPTER 15
The hallway feels longer than it should. The golden lights from the bar cast shadows on the walls, and the distant echo of the music distorts into something surreal. Maybe it's alcohol. Maybe it's reality crumbling around me. I don't know. All I know is that my steps are unsteady, and the world won't stop spinning.
I take a deep breath, trying to focus. I need to get back to Na. But before I can take another step, I crash into something solid. No, not something. Someone.
The impact knocks me off balance, and I feel my legs give way beneath my weight. But before I hit the ground, a pair of firm hands caught me by the waist, holding me with ease. Time seems to stop.
A masculine scent, intense and elegant, surrounds me. It's not Ge's. It's not sweet or cloying. It's stronger, earthier, with hints of wood and spice. My lashes flutter as I look up—and fall into dark, penetrating eyes.
Wang Kai.
The air between us grows thick, charged with something I can't quite name.
"Careful," he says, his voice deep and resonant, vibrating more in my chest than in my ears.
He's still holding me, steady and firm. His hands are large, warm, their heat seeping through the fabric of my dress and into my skin. I open my mouth to say something, but the words tangle in my throat. My heart is beating too fast—and not because of the alcohol.
"You..." I murmur, my voice thick, tilting my head to get a better look at him. "I know you."
Wang Kai raises an eyebrow. The gesture is subtle, but enough to show his curiosity.
"Do you?" he asks, calm and inquisitive.
I nod slowly, lifting a wavering finger to point at him.
"I'll be needing your services soon."
He doesn't look away. His gaze is intense, analytical, like he's trying to decode every word.
"Why?" he asks, no hesitation in his tone. It's not just curiosity; he knows whatever comes next will matter.
A crooked smile curves on my lips. And while I know it's alcohol talking, I also know I'm telling the truth.
"Because I'm getting a divorce."
Wang Kai doesn't react immediately. But there's a flicker in his eyes. Recognition. Interest. Something new that wasn't there before.
"Is that so?" he asks, tone neutral but holding a subtle tension I can't quite place.
"As real as me standing here," I reply, my tongue sluggish, but the words slide out too easily. "That bastard has a mistress and thinks I'm a fool. But I'm not."
I'm still clinging to him, and he hasn't let go either. The weight of his gaze makes me feel exposed, as if he sees through every layer of composure I've carefully built.
"And what do you plan to do once you divorce him?" he asks with a calm that feels more like precision, as if weighing every syllable I utter.
I smile with a touch of sarcasm.
"Disappear."
Something shifts in his expression. His gaze sharpens, more calculating now, like he's dissecting not just my words but my entire intention.
"I'm going far away... just me and my daughter."
Time freezes. His grip tightens slightly—just a fraction—but I feel it. His eyes narrow, and for a moment, he seems to be processing what he just heard.
"Daughter?" he asks, his voice lower, graver.
That's when I realized I've said it. I said it without thinking.
"Yes," I reply, and though I should feel vulnerable, right now, alcohol gives me a false sense of confidence. "She's still forming... but she'll be beautiful. Like me."
For a second, the air between us shifts again. Wang Kai says nothing, but his expression hardens just a bit—not with judgment or surprise, but with something harder to interpret. Maybe it's curiosity. Maybe it's interesting. Or maybe it's something deeper, something even he doesn't fully grasp.
And then, Na's voice cuts through the hallway.
"There you are, Yifei!" she shouts.
The sound of her voice shatters the moment like glass. She approaches with firm steps and grabs my arm with authority, barely registering Wang Kai at first.
"You've been gone too long," she says, concern and resolve woven into her tone.
But when her eyes lift and she sees who's holding me, her expression changes.
"Oh," she mutters, and in that simple sound, there's surprise and mistrust.
Her eyes are narrow. She doesn't like what she sees.
"Who are you?" she asks, her voice protective.
Wang Kai doesn't flinch. His expression remains impassive, unaffected by her presence.
"Wang Kai," he answers calmly, but with a firmness that allows no challenge.
Na frowns and tightens her grip on my arm.
"Well, Wang Kai, thanks for holding her until I got here. I'll take it from here," she says. Her words are polite, but her tone makes it clear—she's not asking.
For a moment, he doesn't move. His hands are still at my waist, as if he's not quite ready to let go. Then, slowly, he releases me. But his gaze never leaves mine. Not even for a second.
Na pulls me gently, like she's trying to get me out of there before anything else happens. My body wavers slightly, but I still feel his hands on my waist. I still feel his eyes on my skin. And I still wonder why fate decided I had to crash into that man tonight.
CHAPTER 16
Two days later… The bed is empty again.
The space beside me is cold, the sheets still smooth, untouched. He hasn't come home. The first thing I should feel is sadness. The first thing I should do is cry. But no. I feel nothing.
I lie there for a few seconds, staring at the ceiling, waiting for the pain to appear—but it doesn't come. And that's when I understand. Something inside me has changed. I am no longer the woman who cried silently the first time she suspected. I'm not the woman who suffered through every lie, every cheap excuse. I'm someone new now. A woman who has awakened.
There's no grief today. Today, there's a game to play.
I rise from bed calmly, stretching like it's the most ordinary day in the world. I walk to the mirror and look at myself. My face is serene, but there's something different in my eyes. Determination.
I step into the shower, letting the hot water soothe my muscles. Today is a new day, and I have plans. I wash my hair, exfoliate my skin, enjoying the process like a ritual of rebirth. When I step out, wrapped in my silk robe, I take my time with my makeup. Nothing too dramatic, but just enough to make my face flawless, my skin radiant, my lips soft and dangerously tempting.
Today, I won't be the wounded wife. Today, I'll be the woman who hands Ge a slice of hell wrapped in sweetness. A sly smile forms on my lips when I hear the sound of the front door opening. Ah, finally. I walk silently toward the balcony. I don't want him to see me yet. I hide behind the curtain, just enough to observe without being seen. And there he is.
Ge stands at the entrance of our home, as if checking to make sure no one else is inside. Coward. He looks around. He's suspicious. And then he does something that confirms everything. He removes his coat and heads straight to the bathroom. In a hurry. He wants to erase all traces of last night. He wants to wash away the evidence of his infidelity.
I watch him disappear, and my smile widens. Oh, Hu Ge... Today, I won't let you breathe.
With steady steps, I walk toward the bathroom door. I won't give him a chance to relax. I raise my hand and, without hesitation, fling the door open. The sound of it slamming against the wall echoes through the room.
"Good morning, Ge!" I exclaim, with venom-laced sweetness.
He jumps in fright.
"Yifei!"
The panic on his face is exquisite. The water hasn't even started running yet; he's in the process of undressing. And the way he clutches the towel around his waist and steps back like he's seen a ghost… it's delicious.
"Where have you been?" I ask, my voice calm, curious.
I step closer, and he keeps backing away like my presence is suffocating him.
Wonderful.
"Why didn't you come home last night?"
Silence. Pure, absolute, suffocating silence. Ge blinks, and his jaw tightens.
"I was working late," he finally replies, his voice shaky.
I tilt my head with feigned interest.
"Work? Until dawn?"
He swallows hard.
"It was an important meeting…"
"Mmm… interesting." I keep walking, watching his knuckles whiten as he grips the towel.
I stop in front of him, arms crossed.
"Then tell me… why do you smell different?"
His expression freezes.
"What?"
"Your scent," I repeat, leaning in slightly as if I'm about to sniff him, and he takes another step back until his back hits the wall. "You don't smell like you usually do."
His skin goes rigid. I'm cornering him. I'm choking him.
Ge licks his lips nervously.
"It must be the office. Or… or the taxi. You know, street smells."
Pathetic excuses.
"Oh," I say, my smile widening. "Then why the shower now?"
His breathing quickens.
"Because I'm tired."
"And your neck?" I ask, reaching for his skin and brushing over a small red mark near his collarbone.
I feel him tense under my fingers.
"What?"
"This. What is this?" I ask, my voice soft but loaded with intent.
He swallows again.
"It must be a mosquito bite. You know I'm allergic—my skin reacts easily."
"Mosquitoes?" I repeat, biting my lip and shaking my head as if evaluating him. "It doesn't look like a tiny insect bite... more like a bitch's bite."
Hu Ge nearly chokes on his own breath.
"W-what are you saying? It's not—"
I tilt my head, feigning reflection.
"I see... teeth."
I move closer still, and he tries to back away, but there's nowhere left to go. He's trapped. Completely trapped.
My eyes lock onto his, and he avoids my gaze with desperate discomfort. The silence between us is heavy, dense, filled with everything left unsaid.
Then… I smile. A sweet smile, sharp like the blade of a dagger wrapped in velvet. Ge remains silent, staring at me like I've just punched the air out of his lungs. He knows I saw the mark on his neck. He knows I smelled the foreign perfume on his skin. He knows I've cornered him.
And still, in a pathetic attempt to regain control, he runs a hand through his hair, as if that simple gesture could undo the nose tightening around him. He straightens his posture and lets out a hollow laugh, echoing awkwardly against the tiles.
"Darling, what's wrong with you today?" he says, his voice slightly shaky, though he tries to hide it. "You're being so inquisitive." His eyes scan mine with caution, searching for any sign that I know more than I let on. He wants to believe this is just a coincidence, that I haven't connected the dots. But deep down, he knows better.
I hold his gaze with an innocent expression, as if this were just a simple couple's conversation. My eyes are filled with deceptive sweetness, as if I were truly concerned for his well-being.
"I'm only worried about your health," I admit, with a voice almost maternal. "It's true… I've noticed your skin's been more sensitive lately." I smile, leaning in just enough for him to feel my closeness, but not enough to invade his space. "Maybe you should see a doctor?"
Hu Ge blinks, surprised by my comment. He knows it's not a genuine suggestion. He knows I'm pressing him. And it bothers him. His lips tighten into a thin line, and for a moment, it looks like he's going to say something, defend himself, strike back. But he doesn't. Instead, he moves away from me abruptly, as if my presence is suddenly too much to bear.
"I'm going to take a shower," he mutters, with more firmness now, though his voice still carries a faint tremor. "It's been a long night."
"Ah, yes. I can imagine," I reply sweetly, unbothered, as if my only concern is his well-being.
He waits for me to leave and give him privacy. I do—slowly, counting each step toward the door. Then, I turn back. I look at him and smile. And with the same deliberate calm, I close the door in front of me, never taking my eyes off him.
Once he's out of sight, my face changes completely. I'm no longer Snow White. I'm the witch now. And I intend to destroy the unfaithful prince.
CHAPTER 17
The room is thick with a strange heaviness, dense and saturated with silence and unspoken lies. I haven't slept much. Not because his absence kept me awake, but because my mind kept sketching moves, drawing up strategies in which Hu Ge is nothing more than a pawn I can shift at will.
I open the glass wardrobe doors and choose my favorite white cashmere coat. It's soft, luxurious, lightweight yet enveloping. It gives me a sense of control, of power. And this morning, I need it.
I slip it on with deliberate grace and descend the stairs in silence. In the kitchen, I make myself a decaffeinated coffee—no sugar—the only thing that truly helps me wake up. The house is quiet, but I know it won't last.
I take my cup and step into the garden. The morning air is crisp, cutting, but pleasant. Sunlight filters through the willows lining the back garden, casting elongated shadows over the dark wooden pergola. The white roses are at their peak, but I no longer see them as I once did. They no longer symbolize love or devotion. They are just petals—doomed to fall and be replaced.
I settle into a wicker chair beneath the pergola, crossing my legs and enjoying the stillness. Ge will be out of the shower soon, rushing to see me, desperate to ensure all is calm, that our marriage remains intact.
He has no idea what awaits him...
Just moments later, I hear the sliding door open. I don't turn. I don't need to. His presence wraps around me—a blend of discomfort and feigned normalcy. He approaches and sits across from me, legs crossed, wearing the air of a man who believes he's come out unscathed. He pretends calm. Pretends nothing happened. Pretends he wasn't cornered just minutes ago.
"Why are you having breakfast out here? I thought you'd be waiting for me in the dining room," he says, his voice relaxed, casual. Perfect. I pretend, too.
I shrug naturally.
"I just wanted to be surrounded by the peace this place offers."
We lapse into silence for a few seconds. But it's not comfortable silence. Ge watches me discreetly, waiting for me to mention our earlier confrontation. But I won't. I won't make it that easy. I want him to believe the danger has passed. I want him to lower his guard.
And just when he does…
"I was thinking of visiting our new neighbor," I say, my voice soft, almost innocent.
Hu Ge, who was leaning against the doorframe with the ease of a man in control, suddenly falters. His elbow trembles, a slight but telling movement.
"Our new neighbor?" he repeats, tense.
I nod with a small smile, as if it were an innocent remark.
"Yes, the actress. I mentioned her a few weeks ago. I want to meet her myself. I'd rather not trust gossip."
He blinks, clearly disoriented.
"Gossip?" he asks, though his tone betrays the fact that he already knows what I'm talking about.
I take a sip of my coffee, letting the bitterness rest on my tongue before I reply.
"They say her lover is someone from this very neighborhood. That he bought her the house so he could be closer. It makes it easier to sneak out at night and slip into her arms."
Just as I saw him do…
The air between us shifts. Subtle. Slow. But I feel it. Hu Ge goes still for a moment. Then, with an effort I can see in his posture, he leans back and tries to laugh.
"Yifei, you've always been such a reasonable woman. You never got involved in sordid affairs like these. If it's true she's the mistress of some married man here, your reputation could be at stake."
His voice trembles slightly under the weight of his forced concern.
I smile sweetly at his false worry.
Silence. Only the birdsong in the garden fills the space between us. The breeze rustles the trees, and I take my time enjoying my coffee. Ge, on the other hand, sits stiffly. For the first time in our relationship, he has no immediate response. I run my fingers along the porcelain of my cup, never taking my eyes off him.
"Na said the same thing when I mentioned her," I add casually.
His face pales at the mention of my friend. Now he knows. Na is aware. My friend knows there's a mistress nearby.
That his mistress lives just steps from our home.
He shifts uncomfortably in his seat. I see him swallow hard.
"You should listen to your friend and forget such nonsense," he insists, trying once more to sway me.
"Perhaps you're both right," I reply, my tone light—teasing even—"But I'll confess something. If I run into her on my way out of the house, I won't just look the other way. I'll approach her. Say hello. Try to find out who the bastard is that's keeping her. We can't let the poor wife live in a lie, can we?"
The breeze plays with my hair and lifts the hem of my cashmere coat. The color drains from his face for a fleeting second. And then… he knows he's lost. I've won this round.
I rise slowly, stretch my body, and walk back toward the house without looking back.
I leave him there, seated, buried under the weight of my words and crushed by the truth he now knows I hold.
*****
The door closes softly behind me. The warmth of the house contrasts with the chill of the garden air, but the atmosphere remains just as cold. I don't need to look back to know Hu Ge is still outside, trying to pull himself together. It's amusing to watch desperation begin to settle into his body like a disease without a cure.
I walk slowly down the hallway, trailing my fingers along the smooth surface of the marble console. Ge is starting to lose control. And he hasn't seen anything yet.
I stop in front of the living room window, the one that looks out to the front of the house. I know he'll come in. I know he'll walk in wearing a defensive attitude, trying to make sure everything seems normal. And just as I predicted, Hu Ge appears. But he's different now. His stride is no longer confident. His gaze is no longer relaxed. He's finally realized the game has changed.
I ignore him and make my way to the kitchen. I still have coffee in my cup, but I leave it on the counter with careful ease.
"Would you like some breakfast?" I ask with apparent innocence, switching on a soft light.
Hu Ge hesitates for a moment before replying.
"I'm not hungry."
Liar.
I walk slowly into the dining room and settle into one of the chairs. He watches me in silence. I can feel it's analyzing my every move, looking for a clue, a signal that I know the truth. But I won't give him one.
"You know," I say casually, "this morning, when I looked out from the balcony, I saw something curious."
Ge lifts his head but says nothing. I take another sip of the coffee I've just poured back into my cup.
"There was a car parked near our house… a black one."
He doesn't blink, but his fingers tense against the table.
"Uh-huh," he replies, trying to sound indifferent. "And what's so curious about that?"
I smile without looking at him.
"It reminded me a lot of ours, but if I'm not mistaken, ours is parked at the north property, isn't it?"
Silence stretches out between us like a shadow. Ge doesn't know what to say. He doesn't know whether I'm guessing or if I saw something. I rise slowly and lean across the table, bringing my face close to his.
"Sometimes life gives you unexpected surprises… don't you think?"
My voice is a whisper, laced with malice. Ge looks away and stands abruptly.
"I'm going to my office," he says quickly, not giving me a chance to respond.
I smile.
Run, Hu Ge. Run while you still can…
*****
Ge comes down the stairs with his phone in hand, thinking he can slip through the storm without getting wet.
Mistake.
I am in the storm.
From my seat on the sofa, I watch him calmly, playing with my coffee cup between my fingers. He says nothing. But I see everything. The tension in his jaw. The way he presses his lips. The nervous twitch in his fingers as he locks his phone and slips it into his pocket. His expression is perfectly composed. Too composed. And that, in itself, is a mistake.
I lift the cup with grace and take a sip before I speak.
"Work's been keeping you busy lately, hasn't it?" I ask, my voice soft, almost innocent.
Hu Ge stiffens for just a second, just enough for me to notice.
"Yes," he replies as if nothing's wrong. "The company's been demanding a lot. It's been a complicated month."
I smile sweetly and set my cup down on the table.
"I know. They call you so often, and at such odd hours, it almost feels like you have a lover."
The air between us freezes.
Hu Ge blinks slowly, as if his brain needs a few seconds to process what I've just said. His lips part slightly, but no words come out.
He's disarmed.
I lean back into the sofa and cross my legs, giving him time to search for an excuse. I wait. I watch him drown in his own thoughts. And just when it seems he's about to say something…
His phone vibrates.
The sound cuts through the air like a sharp knife. The cold sweat that must be sliding down his spine is almost visible.
"Again?" I shake my head with feigned concern. "Since when do you take calls after ten at night?"
Ge doesn't know what to say. His chest rises and falls more quickly now. His fingers slide across his trousers, but he doesn't take the phone out. It keeps vibrating. Insistent. Demanding.
"Must be work," he mumbles, but his voice sounds different now.
Rougher. Tense.
Lying.
"Oh…" I nod slowly. "That's odd."
I lean forward, never taking my eyes off him.
"You know… stress isn't good for you. Maybe you should ask your assistant for help."
Hu Ge swallows hard.
"I'm fine."
The phone vibrates again.
And then I see it. I see the decision flash in his eyes.
He knows that if he doesn't answer, it'll look suspicious. He knows that if he answers here, in front of me, I'll destroy him with a single look.
So, he runs.
"I'll take this," he says quickly, and walks away without looking at me.
He climbs the stairs with firm steps and disappears down the hallway.
I remain on the sofa, savoring my triumph.
I've won again.
Welcome to my game, Hu Ge.
CHAPITRE 18
The law firm's building rises imposingly before me, its reflective glass façade catching the last rays of the afternoon sun. It's not the first time I've stepped into a place like this but today is different. Today, I'm not here as Hu Ge's wife, nor as the renowned architect who runs her own company. Today, I'm here as a woman who's ready to leave her marriage behind and reclaim her life.
The interior is exactly what I expected: luxury, discretion, and a pristine atmosphere where every detail seems carefully calculated. I approach the black marble reception desk, where a perfectly dressed receptionist greets me with a practiced smile.
"I have an appointment with attorney Wang Kai," I say, keeping my voice steady and firm.
She checks her computer and gestures for me to take a seat in the waiting area. I settle into a black leather armchair, taking in the details around me. Others are waiting as well, all with tense or pensive expressions. A man in a designer suit flips through documents. Two middle-aged women whisper in hushed tones, likely discussing the terms of some legal agreement. Only a few minutes pass before an assistant approaches me.
"Mrs. Hu, Mr. Wang is expecting you. Please, follow me."
I rise and follow the woman down a carpeted hallway. The lighting is soft, elegant, designed to convey a sense of calm. Everything here is intentional. When the office door opens, I step inside—and that's when I see him. My heart skips a beat.
It's him.
The man from the bar. The one who caught me when I stumbled. The one who looked at me as if he could read me with a single glance.
Wang Kai.
He recognizes me too. I see it in the subtle shift of his expression, in the imperceptible pause before he stands with effortless grace. His presence is imposing, not because of his size, but because of the confidence that emanates from his every move.
He's impeccably dressed: dark suit, crisp white shirt, and a minimalist designer watch on his wrist. His hair has that deliberately tousled look that gives him a dangerously attractive edge. But what strikes me most are his eyes: dark, focused, analytical.
When he extends his hand to greet me, mine meets him in a firm handshake. His skin is warm, but what surprises me most is the unmistakable sense of absolute control he radiates.
"Mrs. Hu," he says, his voice deep and composed. "A pleasure to meet you formally."
The slight emphasis on formally tells me he hasn't forgotten our first encounter.
"The pleasure is mine," I reply with equal neutrality.
He gestures for me to sit. I settle into the chair with care, crossing my legs and setting my bag neatly beside me.
The office is spacious, with shelves lined with perfectly arranged law books. Behind him hangs a piece of Chinese calligraphy with a phrase I recognize instantly:
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
I don't know why, but those words strike something deep inside me. Wang Kai sits across from me, fingers laced atop his desk. He observes me calmly, but his eyes analyze with surgical precision.
"Tell me how I can help you."
His tone is professional, but there's something in his gaze that keeps me on edge. I clear my throat.
"I want a divorce."
He doesn't react immediately. He takes a moment before nodding slowly, as if he already knew.
"I see," he says, his voice remaining neutral. "Is it mutual, or are there circumstances that might complicate the process?"
My jaw tightens.
"It won't be mutual," I say bluntly. "My husband doesn't know yet."
Wang Kai lifts a brow, a flicker of interest in his eyes.
"So, you want to catch him off guard."
"Exactly."
The intensity of his gaze sharpens.
"May I ask why you've made this decision?"
I clasp my hands in my lap.
"Infidelity."
He doesn't appear surprised.
"How long has it been going on?"
"I believe they've been together for about three years."
This time, I notice a subtle change in his expression. Not surprise—but something else.
"And you've known all this time?"
"No." I pause, meeting his eyes directly. "I found out a few weeks ago."
Wang Kai leans back in his chair, arms crossing casually.
"And what kind of divorce are you seeking?"
"A quick and clean one," I reply without hesitation.
He tilts his head slightly, intrigued.
"Are you sure you want to do this quietly? It's not easy to keep a divorce discreet when there are assets involved."
"I'm aware," I answer seriously. "But I want to make sure he has no time to react before it's too late."
Wang Kai doesn't look away. It's as if he's measuring my resolve.
"How difficult is your husband?"
The question makes me let out a bitter laugh.
"He's a man who doesn't know how to lose."
He nods slowly, as though something has just been confirmed.
"Then we have a problem."
His words are simple, but they land like a sentence.
"I know," I say without flinching. "But I'm not backing down."
The silence that follows is heavy, filled with something I can't quite define. Finally, Wang Kai picks up his pen and begins to write.
"We're going to need absolute discretion. Are you willing to follow my instructions to the letter?"
"Yes."
"Good. Let's begin."
His pen glides over the paper with precision, but I barely notice. I'm too focused on him. Now that he's in front of mean the full light of day, without alcohol clouding my senses—I can truly see him for what he is. And somehow, I know. He'll change everything.
Wang Kai is not just an attractive man. He's the kind of man who commands a room without raising his voice. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a posture that screams discipline. His suits are tailored, fitted perfectly to his body without a single crease out of place. Black suits him well—though I'm sure any color would. His face strikes a perfect balance between strength and refinement: a defined jawline, firm lips, and a straight nose that lends him a severe air. But what's most striking are his eyes—dark, sharp, with an intelligent gleam that seems to analyze everything in a matter of seconds. He doesn't show expression. He doesn't smile or frown. And yet, his presence is overwhelming. He's the kind of man who never seems to lose control. The kind who never shows weakness.
Yifei. Focus.
I clear my throat and lower my gaze to the folder in my hands. Yes, I brought the information about my assets myself, Na's suggestion.
"I've made a list of everything I own jointly with Hu Ge," I say, sliding the documents across the desk. "I don't know how well-protected everything is, but I want to make sure he can't touch anything once the divorce is final."
Wang Kai flips through the pages swiftly, missing no detail.
"Do you have joint accounts?"
"Not many. Most of my assets are in my name. My father always insisted I maintain financial independence."
"A wise decision," he comments, jotting something in his notebook before meeting my gaze. "And what about your company?"
My shoulders are stiff.
"That's my biggest concern. If Hu Ge finds out about my plans too soon, he might try to sabotage me."
Wang Kai rests his elbows on the desk and laces his fingers together with calm precision.
"Then we'll need to play with his perception of reality."
His tone is so calculated, it sends a chill down my spine.
"What do you suggest?"
"Make him believe you're emotionally vulnerable. Act like the devoted wife who's afraid to lose him. Distract him with guilt… with nostalgia."
A humorless laugh escapes me.
"You want me to use his own weapons against him?"
He nods slowly.
"Exactly."
His response gives me goosebumps. Not because I find it wrong—but because I realize how ironic it is. Hu Ge has manipulated me for years. Now it's my turn.
"I can do it," I say, holding his gaze.
Wang Kai studies me for a few seconds.
"I thought so."
He opens a new folder and shows me the documents inside.
"This is the divorce agreement. I've altered the cover to make it look like a routine asset transfer—something boring enough he won't look twice."
I examine the document carefully. At first glance, it looks like a property sale request. But as I flip through the pages, I see the real divorce clauses subtly hidden in the content. It's brilliant.
"What if he decides to read it?"
"He won't—if you choose the right moment."
I remain silent. Hu Ge has always been careless with the documents he signs when he trusts the person handing them to him. I was the one who managed his schedule for years. I know when he's distracted, when he's in a rush, when he signs without even reading. Wang Kai is right. If I play this right, Hu Ge won't suspect a thing until it's too late.
I look up and meet his eyes.
"Any other suggestions?"
He exhales lightly, as if considering it carefully.
"Yes. Make sure your assets are protected before the divorce is official."
He passes me another stack of papers. These are different—more technical.
"What's this?"
"A list of joint assets and accounts. You'll need to ensure that nothing can be frozen or blocked if he tries to act against you."
My eyes scan the pages carefully. When did he have time to compile this? Did he start after confirming I'd come to him? I focus on reading, then lift my gaze to meet him.
"You want me to transfer assets to a separate account?"
"Exactly."
I stack the papers and slide them into my bag.
"I'll do it."
We sit in silence for a moment. He watches me with an intensity that makes me want to look away. But I don't.
"What is it?" I ask.
Wang Kai leans back in his chair.
"Nothing. I just think you're an incredibly strong woman."
My heart skips, but I don't show it.
"I haven't always been."
"Maybe you just forgot that you were."
We lock our eyes for a moment that stretches longer than it should. I rise from my chair, and he does the same. He walks me to the door, and when he opens it, his hand rests briefly on the small side of my back, guiding me toward the exit. It's a courteous, professional gesture… but something in the touch leaves an echo on my skin.
Before stepping out, I turn slightly and look at him one last time.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me just yet," he replies with a faint smile. "There's still a lot to be done."
I leave his office with a strange feeling in my chest. I don't know what just happened—but I'm certain my life has just taken a turn from which there is no return.
CHAPTER 19
The sound of my heel's echoes on the polished marble of the lobby. The company my father built through years of effort rises imposingly before me, its tall windows reflecting the city that stretches beyond. Today, I'm not coming as an architect or as a boss, but as a woman with a meticulous plan to sever the last bond that ties me to my husband.
The employees greet me respectfully, but I catch a few curious glances. They've likely noticed that something in my demeanor has shifted these past few days. I'm not the same woman who used to walk into this building with a complacent smile, pretending everything was fine. Now, every step I take is a silent declaration that something is about to happen.
As I cross the glass doors, the air conditioning wraps around me, cool and comforting. The receptionist, a young woman with a kind face, greets me with a smile.
"Good morning, Mrs. Hu."
"Good morning," I reply with a polite smile, though my mind is already elsewhere.
I walk down the main corridor, nodding at the employees I pass. Their greetings and smiles are automatic, but today I don't have time to stop. Each step brings me closer to my office, to the list of tasks I must complete before it's too late.
When I reach my office, I close the door behind me and lean against it for a moment. The silence is comforting, but I know it won't last long. I walk over to my desk and turn on the computer. While I wait for it to boot up, I take out the folder Wang Kai gave me and lay it out in front of me. I open it and begin to go through the documents, line by line.
The list of assets is long. Properties, bank accounts, investments, vehicles... Each one is another tie to Hu Ge, a bond I must break. I pick up a pen and begin marking those in my name and those we share. Most of my assets are solely in my name, thanks to my father's insistence that I maintain financial independence. Now, more than ever, I'm grateful for his wisdom.
But there are some we share, and those are the ones that concern me most. An apartment downtown, a vacation house by the coast, several joint accounts... I need to ensure he can't touch any of them once the divorce is finalized. I decide the fairest solution is to split everything fifty-fifty, just as the divorce agreement states. I don't want to give him any reason to fight for more.
As I go through the list, I can't help but think about how we got here. Hu Ge and I bought that vacation house years ago, when everything seemed perfect. Now, the thought of going back there makes me nauseous. Maybe I should sell it after the divorce. I don't want to keep anything that reminds me of him.
Once I finish reviewing the documents and making sure everything is in order, I get up from my desk and walk to the window. From here, I can see Mei Ling at her desk, talking to one of the managers. She's been by my side for years, ever since she was a freshly graduated young woman, eager and determined to learn. Now, she's one of the most capable and trustworthy people I know.
I watch her for a moment longer, remembering all that we've been through together. Mei Ling has stood by me during the toughest times for the company: when we lost a major client, when we had to lay off staff during the crisis, when we managed to close the biggest contract in our history. She's always been there—discreet, efficient, and loyal. She's never questioned my decisions, never spoken out of turn. She's the kind of person who knows her place and respects it.
I decide not to wait any longer. I call Mei Ling into my office. When she walks in, I motion for her to sit in front of me.
"Mei Ling, I need to talk to you about something important," I say, keeping my voice calm, even though my heart is beating faster than usual.
She nods, her eyes filled with curiosity but still composed.
"Of course, Mrs. Hu. How can I help you?"
"I'm going to be away for a while," I begin, choosing my words carefully. "I need you to take over the company while I'm gone. I know it's a lot to ask, but I trust you."
Mei Ling blinks, surprised, but doesn't hesitate.
"It's an honor, Mrs. Hu. I'll do everything I can to make sure everything runs as it should."
I nod, grateful for her loyalty.
"I know you won't let me down, Mei Ling. That's also why I've decided to amend your contract and give you a raise." I pause, watching her closely. "You'll be receiving an additional 30,000 yuan a month."
Mei Ling's eyes widen slightly, clearly surprised. It's a significant amount, and she knows it. But as always, she remains composed.
"Mrs. Hu, I don't know what to say…"
"There's no need to say anything," I interrupt her with a small smile. "You deserve it. You've stood by me for years, and I know I can count on you to manage everything that's coming."
She nods, thankful but measured.
"Thank you, Mrs. Hu. I won't disappoint you."
"I know," I say. And for a brief moment, the silence between us feels warm—full of mutual understanding.
Mei Ling seems to want to ask something but holds back. I notice the curiosity in her eyes, the way her lips part slightly before she closes them again. But she says nothing. She knows that if I want her to know something, I'll tell her. That discretion is one of the reasons I value her so deeply.
"That's all for now," I say at last, breaking the silence. "I'll keep you informed of any changes, but I trust that everything is in good hands."
Mei Ling nods and stands up.
"Thank you again, Mrs. Hu. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"I will," I reply, watching her leave my office with the same elegance and grace she came in with.
Once the door closes, I lean back in my chair and close my eyes for a moment. A wave of anxiety mixed with relief washes over me. On one hand, I'm excited to start over; on the other, I know it won't be easy to leave this life behind. But I have no choice. I have to protect my daughter and make sure she has a better future.
I pick up my phone and dial the number for my gynecologist, Dr. Chen. She's a kind and professional woman who has treated me before. When the call is answered, the receptionist's voice is warm and reassuring.
"Dr. Chen's Gynecology Clinic, how may I help you?"
The sound of her voice pulls me back to reality.
"This is Bai Yifei. I need to schedule an appointment with the doctor."
"Of course, Mrs. Bai. What type of appointment do you need?"
I inhale deeply before replying.
"A pregnancy check-up."
The woman on the other end types swiftly.
"We can see you today at five p.m."
"Perfect. I'll be there."
I hang up and place the phone back on the desk. My hands instinctively move toward my belly. Today, I'll see my daughter for the first time. I close my eyes for a moment, allowing myself to feel the emotion, the fear, and the certainty that although my life is about to change forever… I am not alone.