Cheers to the New Year and the End of Us

"You want a divorce?" To my surprise, Harry didn't explode in anger when he heard those words. Instead, his brow furrowed, confusion flickering across his face.

"Grace, you have no reason to divorce me. I'm just looking out for Sally because I see her as a sister. Unless there's something else at play here, and you've fallen out of love with me."

"Think whatever you want. The divorce is happening." I didn't even glance at him. Arguing now would be pointless.

My indifferent tone made Harry's expression change. He thought I was just making a scene again, but it dawned on him that I was being completely serious this time.

He reached out and grabbed my arm. "Grace, stop this. Let's just..."

I yanked my arm away, disgust flashing across my face. "Don't touch me!"

With that, I turned and walked off.

Harry stumbled back. Then, he finally lost his temper and shouted after me, "Grace! Where the hell are you going to go after divorcing me? Back to your parents? Don't forget, you cut ties with them years ago!

"Get back here! I never agreed to a damn divorce!"

I ignored him, got in my car, and drove straight to the office. After clearing my desk, I marched to HR and handed in my resignation.

"Mrs. Grant, are you sure about this?"

Daisy Newell, the HR manager, took one look at my expression and guessed what was happening. Her grip tightened on the form as she hesitated.

"Yes," I replied.

I understood her hesitation. Everyone knew I was the CEO's wife even if I'd always kept work and personal life separate.

Sure enough, Daisy looked uneasy. "I... I'm sorry, but this requires Mr. Grant's sign-off. Maybe we should wait for him?"

"No need. My position doesn't require his signature. Just process it."

Five years ago, when Harry founded this company, I was one of the first hires.

Back then, with barely a dozen employees, I did everything—tech work, running errands, and handling clients. I'd put in the grind.

But once the company took off, Harry kept me in an entry-level role and paid me even less than Sally was paid.

Daisy let out a sigh.

My position really didn't need CEO approval. She was probably just dreading Harry's inevitable outburst later on.

As I carried my cardboard box past the cubicles, I caught the pitiful looks and hushed whispers.

"She's really leaving?"

"I always liked Mrs. Grant. She trained me when I first started."

"She must have left because of Mr. Grant's assistant. He's gone too far."

My face stayed blank. Then, as soon as I stepped outside, I saw Harry pulling up with Sally in the passenger seat.

The moment he saw me with the box, he exploded. "Grace, how far are you going to take this? You're really leaving me? You're even quitting your job?"

"Grace, just calm down. I heard that you've been here for years. Don't be rash," Sally said.

I ignored her completely.

Upon seeing my indifference, Harry took several deep breaths to steady himself. "Fine! You're dead set on this divorce? Then fine! I'll sign the papers right now! Don't you dare regret this, Grace!"

I paused, finally reacting. "If you're signing, let's go to the courthouse this afternoon."

...

By that evening, the divorce was finalized.

Harry, still fuming, stormed off with Sally in tow.

I didn't bother with goodbyes, I just felt relieved that it was over.

As I stood outside the courthouse, I took a deep breath and pulled out my phone to call a number I hadn't dialed in three years.

The phone barely rang before a stern, surprised voice answered.

"Hello? Grace?"

I pressed my lips together and hoarsely said, "Mom, Dad, I want to come home."