After My Husband Chose Her Over Me

During the prosperous days of my family, I was the beloved darling of the Evans clan. Everyone adored me.

That changed when I met Amos Kelly. I was smitten at first sight. Tirelessly, I pursued him, despite his apparent disinterest. I believed that persistence would eventually win his heart.

Back then, people gossiped behind my back, calling me foolish for chasing him, squandering my status as a wealthy heiress. As my family's fortunes dwindled, those whispers turned into open mockery. They sneered that Amos's heart belonged to his old high school flame, Hailey Peterson, who was abroad. They said I didn’t stand a chance — Amos would never love someone like me.

Amos never refuted these rumors, but he also never discouraged me. I mistakenly took his apathy as a sign of hope. But in hindsight, it was painfully clear he didn’t care for me.

Hailey had given him a simple little trinket that always dangled in his car. He kept a photo of Hailey in his phone case, and even used her birthday as his lock screen password. I made excuses for him, thinking these were merely habits.

Now, I finally see the truth. Amos never loved me. He married me purely out of obligation to my grandfather.

I naively imagined we could live happily ever after. Whenever I brought up having a child, Amos flatly refused. I used to think he just wasn't ready. But now I understand he simply couldn’t bear anything that tied him to me.

“I’ve made up my mind. I want a divorce.”

Kendall, sitting beside me, squeezed my hand. “You’ve finally come around. Let’s leave this city. Get away for a while. Don't pin your hopes on Amos. He’s not worth it.”

I nodded, agreeing, and picked up my phone to call Amos. It took several attempts before he finally picked up.

“What do you want now? Flora, don’t you have anything better to do?” His voice dripped with irritation.

I was too numb to cry, though my eyes burned with the effort.

“Amos, let’s get a divorce.”

He let out a mocking laugh. “Oh, Flora, is this because Aaron Lewis fired you? Just because you lost your job, you’re making a scene about a divorce? Do as you please. I don’t have time for this.”

He hung up, leaving a sharp pain in my chest, making it hard to breathe. I lay in bed for a while, trying to pull myself together. Kendall, seeing my state, went out to get us some food.

My phone buzzed continuously. Checking it, I found messages from Aaron Lewis.

Aaron: Flora, we think this position might not be the right fit for you. Maybe it's best if you resign? How about we pay you your full salary for this month, does that seem fair?

Aaron: Please, don’t make this difficult for me.

I replied with a simple "Okay."

Meanwhile, Amos's friends' group chat was buzzing with activity.

Yusuf: Haha, Amos’s darling is back in town, and someone’s already getting Hailey's heart broken. Such a stone-hearted man!

Yusuf: It’s a shame Amos doesn’t even care about you.

Brandon: Where are you? Amos and Hailey are here, enjoying the fireworks together.

Brandon: Honestly, what difference does it make that you married Amos through scheming? You’re just a side act.

Amos’s friends never liked me. Their contempt ranged from snide remarks to completely ignoring me when we met.

I stared at the photos they sent, showing Amos and Hailey side by side. His blazer draped over Hailey’s shoulders. Even from the back, they looked like the perfect couple.

While they watched the fireworks and shared sweet words, our unborn child was lost due to one careless push from its father.

I closed my eyes and gently touched my stomach.

I’m so sorry, Everlee.

In the chat, I typed a few words. The previously lively group chat finally fell silent.

Flora: Amos and I are getting divorced soon. You can start calling Hailey your sister-in-law.

I sent the message and immediately left the group.