Chapter 4

The matching couple's slippers I kept by the door were gone.

In their place were a pair of men's dress shoes and the heels Vivian loved, the ones Julian had given her for her birthday.

It hit me then: Vivian and Julian were inside.

Weren't they supposed to be back in two days?

As I pondered this, Julian heard the noise and walked out, wearing my slippers and even my pajamas. He had a languid, proprietary air, as if he owned the place.

"Caleb, what are you doing back so early? I thought the company hadn't closed for the day yet."

As he spoke, he deliberately flicked cigarette ash into my water glass beside him.

I recognized it. It was one of the matching couple's mugs Vivian had given me.

I used to cherish it, often cradling it in my hands.

Vivian emerged from the living room then. She saw Julian using my mug as an ashtray, but merely pretended not to notice.

She, who used to gag at the slightest whiff of smoke and vehemently ordered me to quit, now showed not an ounce of discomfort.

Being with Julian had indeed changed her significantly.

When she saw me, her expression was complex for a moment.

Then it darkened.

"You skipped work again?"

"Caleb Stone, even if you're my husband, you can't keep doing this!"

"That's the company, not our home. If you don't follow the rules, how can I manage everyone else?"

Rules?

I almost laughed.

When it came to breaking rules, who was a bigger culprit than Vivian Hayes herself?

A year ago, soon after the company stabilized, Vivian made an unprecedented move, parachuting Julian—who had zero industry experience—directly into a management position.

Though I was puzzled, when Vivian insisted Julian had great potential, I diligently mentored him.

But Julian spent his days playing games and sleeping. After dragging his feet during work hours, he'd deliberately stay until the early hours, posting a 'working late' photo in the company SnapChat group.

I reported it to Vivian, but she just brushed it off, saying he was probably just tired and needed to unwind with a game.

I asked Vivian to keep an eye on him, and she said she didn't have time. I suggested installing surveillance cameras, and she said it wasn't legal.

Later, projects began to fail one after another, costing us millions. Julian remained unrepentant, and I eventually lost my patience and demanded he be fired. But Vivian fiercely objected.

Finally, she asked me, "Are you just jealous, afraid Julian is too good and will surpass you?"

Julian stayed, and immediately began poaching my clients and projects. Vivian saw it all, yet turned a blind eye, instead praising Julian as an exemplary employee and holding me up as the 'jealous colleague' to be avoided.

I used to feel wronged.

But now, looking back, with that level of patience, I could have thrived at any other company, instead of being stuck in this mess.

I didn't speak. Julian gently patted her back, soothing her in a soft voice. "Maybe Caleb knew you were coming back and rushed home for you."

Vivian clearly believed him, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.

"Fine, but don't let it happen again. Still, how did you know I was coming back today?"

Julian chuckled. "Vivian, sweetie, didn't you forget? HR booked your return flight. She probably told Caleb."

Vivian scoffed lightly. "Caleb Stone, you spend all your time meddling in idle matters instead of focusing on work."

"But don't think I'll forgive you just like that."

"You threw a tantrum and froze the bank card, making me lose face with our partners. Julian had to go around borrowing money to settle the expenses."

Seeing my prolonged silence, Vivian thought I was reflecting, as usual, and her tone softened a few degrees.

"I might forgive you."

"But first, we need to properly compensate Julian."

"His current apartment is being renovated and isn't livable for a while. If you clear out this bedroom for him to stay in for some time, I won't hold this against you."

I shook my head. "But I've already sold this house."

"Sold it?" Vivian's eyes widened.

Before she could ask, Julian quickly interjected, "Is Caleb going to sell this house to buy a bigger one to make it up to you, Vivian?"

Vivian found this plausible, and her face instantly lit up with joy.

"Indeed, we've lived in this house for quite some time; it's time for a bigger one. I'll contribute some money for it. Don't sell this one yet; Julian can use it."

"Oh, that's too much. How much is the rent? I'll pay market price."

"Pay rent for what?" Vivian's face darkened. "I'm your boss; do you think I'd make you pay rent?"

"But that's not right. No, the rent must be paid."

"Then a few hundred dollars will do."

The two of them chattered, back and forth, Vivian acting as if the rent was negligible.

This house was in the city center, with market rent nearly ten thousand dollars. She found that negligible?

Yet, when we dated, she meticulously calculated our shares for even dinner and movie expenses.

The difference between being loved and not being loved was stark.

"So, what do you say? If you agree, I might reconsider the divorce."

"No need to reconsider…"

"How can that be? If I forgive you so easily, without teaching you a lesson, what if your bad habits resurface?"

Vivian interrupted me, still thinking I wanted her to drop the idea of divorce.

Julian giggled from the side. "Vivian's right, but please, on my account, forgive Caleb."

"Besides, you and Caleb have been married for so many years; it would be such a pity to divorce now."

Vivian feigned contemplation.

Julian simply reached out, gently swaying her, showering her with affection.

Vivian playfully said, "Stop it," but her face was beaming.

"Alright, then."

She finally looked at me, satisfied. "Since Julian is also speaking up for you, I'll forgive you this once."

"You should really thank Julian. After how you treated him, he's still helping you out."

"Fine, then this divorce…"

"You've misunderstood."

I cut her off blandly, handing her the divorce papers.

"What I mean is,"

"We're already divorced."

Vivian's smile froze.

"What do you mean? You want to divorce me?"