After Funding His IPO, He Married His Assistant

As soon as I arrived at the office, my phone buzzed with a WhatsApp notification from Caleb. He sent over images of two movie ticket stubs. Clearly, he was trying to patch things up, knowing full well that the future deal with Armani Burke hinged on the chip I had created.

"We haven't caught a movie together in forever. How about tonight?" he messaged.

After a moment's thought, I replied, "The project team isn't swamped tonight. I can meet you at the theater after work."

I planned to use this movie outing to talk about our divorce. But after finishing work, I noticed Vera hopping into Caleb’s car once again. Minutes later, another WhatsApp message popped up: "Something urgent came up at the office. You head to the theater on your own."

I didn’t hang around. I headed straight to a law office and got in touch with a lawyer to draft a divorce settlement. By the time I made it back to the theater district, the film Caleb had picked was already halfway through. A romantic movie—my least favorite, but I always stuck it out for him.

I snagged a ticket for a different screening and grabbed dinner before heading home.

Flipping through Instagram later, I stumbled on a picture Vera posted. She was at a swanky restaurant—steak and red wine on the table—with two hands clasped across it. Only the hands were visible, but I instantly recognized them as hers and Caleb’s. The caption read, "Reciprocated love is the best gift. Thanks, love, for the special present."

Not long after I got home, Caleb returned as well. "I got you a scarf, check it out," he said.

Whenever he broke a promise, he’d try to smooth things over with a gift. And every time, I’d act thrilled, fussing over it to his delight. Caleb never tired of this routine.

"Just toss it in the closet," I replied casually.

Caleb bristled at my unexpected response. "Amelie, I messed up tonight, but I got you a gift. Why are you acting like this?"

"Caleb, isn’t that scarf just a giveaway?" I asked, observing how his face reddened with anger.

"What are you implying, Amelie?"

I used to never question his gifts, interpreting anything from him as a sign of affection. But now, having received the divorce papers from my lawyer, I didn’t bother to look up. "It’s nothing."

Caleb thought a tantrum would make me cave, but this time, despite his icy glare, I remained composed. After verifying the agreement with my lawyer, I finally shut off my phone.

"Caleb, the label on that scarf says 'Not for Sale.' Do you really need me to spell it out? I’m not interested in leftover promo items."

"Amelie, who do you think you are? You spend all day tucked away in the development department, acting like you have a clue! I was being thoughtful with that scarf, but if you’re not interested, fine!"

Ignoring Caleb’s further protests, I got up and headed to the guest bedroom. With divorce decided, I wouldn't let Caleb’s words affect me anymore.

I stayed in the guest room the rest of the night, and Caleb didn’t come looking for me either.