Chapter 1

My wife, who always hated plush toys, suddenly bought a large teddy bear and started sleeping with it every night.

She left me out in the cold.

I couldn't take it anymore, so I proposed divorce at our daughter’s first birthday party.

Everyone was stunned.

Vivian grabbed a glass of wine and splashed it across my face, her voice seething with anger:

“You’re jealous of a teddy bear? Are you out of your mind?!”

I calmly wiped the wine from my face, my voice flat.

“Didn't you tell the teddy bear you wanted to be with it forever? I'm granting your wish.”

“Ryan Henderson!”

“Our daughter just turned one, and you’re using such an absurd excuse to divorce me. You’re an absolute jerk.”

Vivian’s eyes were red, and her entire body trembled with rage.

“Sign it.”

“Nine AM tomorrow, the divorce is final.”

I couldn’t be bothered to say another word. I tossed the divorce papers onto the table and turned to leave.

All the guests were dumbfounded again.

No one understood why our seemingly perfect marriage, one everyone envied, was suddenly falling apart so spectacularly.

A flicker of panic and disbelief crossed Vivian’s eyes. Her parents frowned, their faces instantly darkening.

They clearly hadn't expected me to be so resolute.

Her assistant, Jeremy Stone, grabbed my arm, pulling me back and trying to reason with me:

“Don’t all girls love plushies? Don’t be crazy, Ryan. Apologize to Vivian, now.”

“Don't forget, Vivian nearly died giving birth to your daughter. She held on without an epidural and was unconscious for two days from the pain.”

“She slept in a separate room and took care of Lily herself because she didn’t want to disturb your rest. Why can't you see how much she sacrifices?”

The guests chimed in, chastising me.

“Jeremy’s right. You two have a great life, why are you messing it up? Do you know how many people envy you for marrying such a good woman?”

“If something’s wrong, you should sit down and talk it over. You shouldn’t take your frustrations out on your wife and threaten divorce.”

Vivian took a deep breath, composed herself, and rushed forward to hug me. “Honey,” she said.

“We’ve known each other, fallen in love, and stayed together for twelve years. I know you’re usually so gentle, you never get angry.”

“Did something happen at the company? Are you afraid of implicating me, that’s why you want a divorce? Please tell me, we can figure it out together.”

Seeing her defend me like this, everyone praised her, making me seem even more ungrateful.

“Ryan, even though I’m retired and haven't handled business in a while, people still respect me.”

“We’re family. Just say what’s on your mind, don’t keep it bottled up.”

Vivian's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke, still choosing to believe in my character.

After all, I was the son-in-law they had carefully chosen.

Ignoring everyone’s stares, I pushed Vivian away, my voice icy.

“It’s simple. I don’t love you anymore.”

A hush fell over the entire room.

“What? Say that again…”

Vivian froze, tears slowly welling up in her eyes.

“I said, I don’t love you anymore!”

“Did you hear me clearly this time?”

With that, I walked past Vivian, ready to leave.

“Hold it right there!”

The next second, Jeremy grabbed my collar, shouting:

“Stop making a scene, okay? Even I, your assistant, can’t stand this.”

“Have you forgotten how much you loved Vivian? You chased her for three whole years! And it took another six years for you to get married!”

“Have you forgotten what you said at your wedding? You promised to be together forever, until old age.”

“And your daughter is one year old! Do you want her to grow up in a broken home?!”

Seeing him stand up for Vivian, I gave a mocking smile.

“What’s it to you? Why are you so eager? Could it be…?”

Jeremy cut me off, becoming even more aggressive.

“Anyone with a conscience would be disgusted by a monster like you.”

“You came from nothing, but Vivian never looked down on you. Instead, she brought you into her family’s company.”

“If it weren't for the Hendersons, would you have the good life you have today? Would you be sitting as CEO?”

*Smack!*

I slapped him directly, challenging him:

“You’re just an assistant. You don’t get a say.”

Vivian immediately panicked.

“Ryan Henderson, are you insane? Why did you hit Jeremy?!”

She shoved me hard, rushing to help Jeremy, who had fallen to the ground.

Her eyes were filled with concern.

“He deserved it!”

I clenched my fist, feeling no guilt at all, my tone righteous.

Instantly, I drew everyone’s disgust.