Divorce

"We should get a divorce."

Claire Miler had just returned from the hospital when Gilbert Watson stepped out of the bathroom. He was wrapped in a deep navy bathrobe, loosely tied at the waist. A few strands of hair fell over his forehead, lending him a lazy allure. Beneath the robe, his sculpted chest and firm waist, paired with those strikingly handsome features, were nothing short of perfection.

"Divorce?" Claire's mind buzzed, going completely blank.

In the three years of their marriage, divorce had never once crossed her mind. She had devoted herself entirely to him.Loving him with all her heart, managing the powerful Watson family with flawless care.

"No. I won't divorce you," she blurted out stubbornly, her face pale.

Gilbert paused, his tone softening a little.

"Name your terms, whatever you want, I'll give it to you. But don't overstep. Don't be greedy."

A bitter smile touched Claire's lips.

Lately… 

She had heard that Emma had returned to Heidelberg.

"Why? Is it because of Emma?" She bit her lip, tilting up her small, delicate face with an unyielding gaze.

Gilbert's charming features turned cold and sharp in an instant. He raised his hand and harshly gripped her chin.

"Claire, my personal life is none of your business. Know your place. To me, you're just a housekeeper. I have never loved you."

Bruises formed immediately on Claire's chin, the pain sharp as if dislocated. But instead of letting go, Gilbert's fingers tightened even more.

Her lips turned purple from the pain, and her heart felt as though it had been whipped raw, bleeding.

Just then, his phone rang.

Gilbert glanced down with a chill in his eyes. At the sight of the caller ID, he suddenly released her chin. A rare softness flashed across his face as he quickly answered.

"Mm, don't move. Lie down and wait for me. I'll be right there." With a gentle command, he hung up and strode to the walk-in closet.

Moments later, he reappeared, impeccably dressed in a suit and tie, rushing out the door.

"Gilbert, I need to talk to you." Claire, snapping out of her daze, fought through the heartache and quickly chased after him, grabbing his arm tightly.

The doctor had told her today,her mother, Lara Smith, was in the final stage of uremia. They had to find a matching kidney as soon as possible.

She had come home to discuss her mother's illness with Gilbert. After all, in Heidelberg, he was still her husband and her only support.

"Whatever it is, wait until I get back."

Impatient, Gilbert forcefully yanked her hand off.

She must be up to one of her little tricks again. So annoying.

Without another word, he flung open the door and stormed out like a gust of wind.

Claire was thrown to the ground. By the time she struggled to her feet, Gilbert was already gone.

She collapsed on the floor, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face.

In front of the presidential suite at St. Heaven Hotel.

Claire stood pale and trembling, but her eyes burned with determination.

Gilbert had been gone for three whole days and nights.

He had been here the entire time with the woman he truly loved: Emma Miler.

Claire had just received a call from the doctor, her mother had fallen unconscious.

In all of Heidelberg, no one wielded more power or influence than Gilbert Watson. Without his help, there was simply no way she could secure a matching kidney in time.

For her mother's life, she had no choice but to beg him. Even if it meant getting down on her knees, she was willing.

Raising her hand, she reached for the keycard and swiped.

Suddenly,the door swung open.

A strong, muscular arm shot out, yanking her inside.

The next moment,she was slammed hard against the wall.

Gilbert's heated, solid body pressed forcefully against hers. He lowered his head and seized her lips in a searing kiss. His hands tore at her dress, his voice thick and fervent:

"Give yourself to me."

Without waiting, he swept her into his arms and carried her straight to the bed.

Claire was completely stunned.

Before she could react, the man had already pinned her down on the oversized, soft bed... A faint, familiar scent of gentian enveloped her senses. It was Gilbert Watson!

Her heart pounded wildly.

All these years, he had treated her with indifference, what was happening today?

His scorching hands began to tear at her dress… his rose-colored lips pressed hard against hers…

Claire's mind buzzed.

No, something was wrong. Gilbert must have mistaken her for Emma! Otherwise, why would he want her?

She had loved this man for ten years and never once had she received his heart.

As heat radiated from his touch, her thoughts began to spiral.

Gilbert Watson, don't blame me, this was your doing.

After all these years of marriage, you still owed me a wedding night!

Suddenly, she reached up, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him back…

When Gilbert Watson woke up, dawn had already broken.

He sat up, looking around with tightly pursed lips and a darkened expression.

Last night after a business dinner, someone had drugged him.

He had lost control and slept with a woman.

But who was she?

Looking down at his body, he recalled the intensity of the night before. A strange stir of emotion flashed through him.

Just then, the bathroom door opened.

A tall, beautiful woman stepped out.

"Emma," he stiffened in surprise.

"You're awake," Emma said, glancing shyly at him before giving a soft, alluring smile and sitting down beside him.

Gilbert's dark eyes grew even deeper.

"Emma… was it really you last night?" His low, magnetic voice carried a hint of guilt and inquiry.

Emma's cheeks flushed a brilliant red, like a blooming rose. She nodded gently and buried her face in his chest.

"Gilbert… last night, you kept calling my name…"

"Emma, I'm sorry. I'll take responsibility," Gilbert said after a brief pause, his voice low and resolute as he pulled her into his arms.

At the hospital.

When Claire arrived after getting the call, the doctor had already issued a critical condition notice.

Her trembling hands held the document, her legs gave out, and she collapsed to the floor.

Last night, after everything was over and she'd woken from near unconsciousness, she hadn't had the courage to face Gilbert.

She couldn't imagine how furious he would be when he discovered the woman he had slept with wasn't Emma but her.

So, she had quietly left.

It was already morning now. He must have woken up by this time.

With shaking fingers, she dialed Gilbert's number…

In the presidential suite.

Gilbert was in the shower.

The phone rang, and Emma was right beside it.

Her face darkened instantly, a chilling glint flashing in her eyes.

Claire, you shameless bitch, you slept with my man and still dare to call him?

She swiftly picked up the phone, rejected the call, deleted the call log, then blocked Claire's number and turned off the phone.

…

Claire kept calling Gilbert's number over and over again at the hospital, but the calls went unanswered or the phone was turned off.

The stress and despair overwhelmed her until everything went black, and she passed out.

…

One week later.

By the dark, stormy sea.

Claire stood pale-faced, cradling her mother Lara's urn in her arms, her eyes vacant and hollow.

Her mother was gone.

Gilbert Watson,how could you be so heartless, so cruel?

Since that night, she hadn't seen him once. Word was, he had been with Emma every day.

A cold, mocking smile curved her lips.

Gilbert Watson, from now on, I'll never beg you again. I won't be foolish enough to live for you.

One day, I'll rise so high you won't even be able to reach me.

She drew in a deep breath, unaware of the pair of sinister, venomous eyes watching her from behind.

Clutching her mother's urn tightly, she turned around, ready to leave.

Suddenly, a powerful force shoved her hard.

"Ah!" she screamed, losing her balance and falling toward the sea.

A crashing wave surged forward.

And she was swallowed by the ocean.