His Secretary Controlled My Money, So I Chose Divorce

I was his lawful wife,

yet every dollar I spent had to be approved by his secretary first.

Living expenses required authorization.

Purchases had to be registered.

When my father was rushed into the ICU,

I wasnt even allowed to sign for his surgery.

The night he rented out the entire Disneyland

to set off fireworks for another woman,

I stood in a hospital corridor, calling him again and again.

The moment I sold my wedding ring

and decided to file for divorce

he was the first time he refused to let me go.

After losing control while drunk, I slept with the boy next door.

He's an extremely responsible person, so he proposed to me after sobering up.

It wasn't until later that I found out his most beloved woman had left the country that night.

So I hid my deep feelings and became his obedient and virtuous wife in name only in this wealthy family.

On countless quiet nights, we were incredibly in sync, yet kept our distance.

My friends all said I would never be able to leave him, and I thought so too.

Until one day, when I discovered his second phone.

While he was in the shower, a girl sent a selfie of herself.

"Mr. Sterling, thank you for the birthday gift."

She was a very young girl with delicate features.

But she was wearing expensive clothes that didn't match her age, so she looked a bit uncomfortable.

I stared at it for a long time, until my eyes stung.

I had always known there was someone in Alexander's life, but I never imagined it would be a girl like this.

Beyond my heartache, I was also surprised by my husband's preferences.

I thought to myself, I'm sorry for discovering Alexander's secret.

A moment later, Alexander came out with steam rising from his body.

"How long are you going to look at that?"

He snatched the phone from my hand, glanced at me, and started getting dressed.

There wasn't a hint of embarrassment on his face at being caught by his wife.

I knew his confidence came from his control over the family finances.

Because I was the one being kept at home, even though I used to be a well-known pianist in the country before we married.

I didn't confront him about the photo. I couldn't even if I wanted to.

Seeing he was about to go out, I quickly spoke up.

"Alexander, I have something I want to talk to you about."

He fastened his belt leisurely and looked at me.

"I have five minutes. The driver is waiting downstairs."

I guessed where he was going and my eyes darkened.

"Alexander, I want to go out and work."

Alexander turned to look at me, staring for a while.

Then he took out a checkbook from his pocket, wrote down a number, tore it out and handed it to me.

"Isn't it nice being a full-time housewife at home? Work isn't suitable for you."

He was about to leave after saying that. I chased after him, taking a very humble stance.

"I'm not afraid of hard work. I want to go out and work. I can play the piano."

The man had no patience to listen further. In his mind, I was like a delicate vine.

Used to being taken care of, completely unsuited for working outside, and unable to endure hardship.

Alexander looked at his watch. Time was up.

He left this home without any reluctance.

I couldn't stop him, only managing to urgently ask as he gripped the doorknob.

"My dad's birthday is on Saturday. Do you have time?"

Alexander paused.

"We'll see."

The door closed softly.

A moment later, the sound of a car starting came from downstairs, gradually fading into the distance.

A few minutes later, the housekeeper came upstairs.

"Sir is going to H City for a few days. He said it's for something important."

"Also, a batch of Sir's clothes just arrived for washing. Madam, should we send them to the cleaners or would you like to hand wash and iron them yourself?"

They knew my relationship with Alexander was strained. In this house, they were the messengers between Alexander and me.

I knelt on the sofa, taking a while to come back to my senses before softly saying,

"I'll wash them by hand."

Because Alexander didn't like the smell of dry cleaning solvents.

So almost all of Alexander's clothes, including suits and coats, were hand washed and ironed by me.

Besides this, Alexander had high standards in other areas too.

He didn't like eating out, and he didn't like any mess in the bedroom, so I learned cooking and flower arranging.

He never took this wife to heart, only marrying me because of an accident.

I gradually became the perfect housewife, and my life revolved almost entirely around Alexander.

But Alexander still didn't love me.

I lowered my head and stared at the check.

Last year my family business failed. My father suddenly fell ill from the shock, costing over six figures every month.

Every time I went home, my stepmother complained that I took too little from Alexander.

"He's the CEO of Sterling Pharmaceutical Group, worth billions."

"Elena, isn't he your husband? Doesn't that mean everything he has is yours too?"

I smiled bitterly. How could anything of Alexander's be mine?

Alexander didn't love me and was very cold to me usually.

Our marriage only had sex, no love.

He wouldn't even let me have his child.

Every time we slept together, he would remind me to take birth control.

Yes, I had to take the pills.

I felt for the pill bottle, took one out, and swallowed it numbly.

After taking the pill, I gently pulled open a small drawer.

Inside was a thick diary, filled with 18-year-old me's deep love for Alexander.

Ten years. I had loved him for a full ten years. I quietly closed my eyes.

This one-sided play seemed like I could no longer keep acting it out.

I didn't wait for Alexander to come back.

My dad had another acute attack and entered the ICU. The situation was very critical and he needed immediate surgery.

I stood in the hospital hallway calling Alexander over and over, but no one answered after several tries.

Just as I was about to give up, Alexander answered.

Afraid he would lose patience and hang up the next second, I spoke rapidly:

"Alexander, my dad"

But my words were still cut off by Alexander. His tone carried a hint of impatience: "Do you need money?"

"I've said many times, if you urgently need money just ask Secretary Mason. Elena, are you listening?"

I looked up at the electronic screen, my expression dazed. It was playing today's news.

The CEO of Sterling Pharmaceutical Group had rented out the entire Disneyland for a night of fireworks to please a beauty.

Under the dazzling fireworks, a young girl sat in a wheelchair, smiling sweetly and innocently.

And my husband Alexander stood behind the wheelchair. He was holding his phone, talking to me.

I blinked slowly. After a long while, my voice carried a hint of brokenness: "Alexander, where are you?"

There was a pause on the other end. He seemed very unhappy with my questioning, but still perfunctorily said:

"Still busy. If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up. Contact Secretary Mason."

He didn't notice my near-tears tone, but his gaze looking down at the person beside him was very gentle, so very gentle.

My vision blurred. So Alexander could be this gentle after all.

My stepmother's voice came from behind: "Did you get in touch with Alexander? If Alexander doesn't help, there's no way we can handle this."

But her words stopped abruptly, because she also saw the scene on the electronic screen.

After a while, my stepmother finally found her voice again.

"Elena, I just don't believe that when Alexander was in a coma, this Sophia girl playing the piano could wake him up."

"Even if that's true, is this how you repay someone? He can't even remember your birthday."

My stepmother got more and more angry as she spoke. Thinking of the Miller family's situation, she couldn't help but shed tears.

"But Elena, you have to be clear-headed. Don't cause trouble with Alexander at a time like this."

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms, but I couldn't feel any pain.

Cause trouble with Alexander? I wouldn't. Not because I'm a sensible Mrs. Sterling who knows better.

But because I have no right as the unloved wife. The title is just an empty shell.

I stared at the sky full of fireworks and said very softly:

"All those fireworks must cost a lot of money, right?"

My stepmother didn't understand what I meant. I lowered my eyes and started dialing Secretary Mason's number.

Disturbing someone's sleep in the middle of the night is always unpleasant.

Secretary Mason had been by Alexander's side for a long time and held a high position.

Moreover, he knew Alexander didn't care about this wife.

So after hearing my request, his tone was cold and aggressive.

"Mrs. Sterling, you need to apply first and have Mr. Sterling sign off before you can get a check."

"Just like the jewelry you wear, it needs to be registered before use."

"Madam, do you understand what I mean?"

I hung up the phone. I lowered my head, very quiet.

After a while, I looked up at myself in the glass, gently raised my hand. On my slender ring finger was my wedding diamond ring.

This was the only thing on me that didn't need to be requested from Alexander, didn't need to be registered and reported to his secretary.

How pathetic I was as Mrs. Sterling.

I blinked dazedly and suddenly said: "Help me find someone to sell the wedding ring."

My stepmother was stunned: "Elena, have you gone crazy?"

I slowly turned around. In the desolate lobby late at night, even my footsteps sounded lonely.

After walking a few steps, I paused, then said firmly:

"Aunt Clara, I'm very clear-headed. I've never been this clear-headed before. I want to divorce Alexander."

Three days later, Alexander returned home.

Alexander pushed open the bedroom door to see me sitting at the dressing table organizing items.

He put down his luggage, loosened his tie, and sat on the bed examining me.

After marriage, I always enjoyed doing housework, organizing things, making snacks.

If I didn't still hold the title of Mrs. Sterling Group, in Alexander's heart I was really no different from a housekeeper.

For a long time I didn't speak. Alexander was also tired from his business trip. Seeing I didn't speak, he was too lazy to say anything.

He went straight to the closet, took a bathrobe and went to the shower.

While showering, he probably thought that with my weak personality, by the time he finished I would have calmed down.

Then I would continue to be a gentle wife.

He was so certain I would always love him like this.

So when he walked out of the bathroom and found his suitcase still in its original place, he felt it necessary to talk to me.

Alexander sat down on the sofa, casually picked up a magazine to read. After a while, he looked up at me and said:

"How is your father's condition?"

"I've already reprimanded Secretary Mason about that night."

He spoke lightly, without much sincerity.

I put down what I was holding and looked up to meet his gaze in the mirror.

In the mirror, Alexander's features were deep-set and his aura was noble. Even a bathrobe looked better on him than others.

I looked for a long time, until my eyes were sore, before saying very calmly:

"Alexander, let's get divorced."

Alexander was clearly stunned. He knew I must be unhappy about that night.

Alexander turned and took a cigarette box from the coffee table, shook out a cigarette, put it between his lips, and lit it.

A moment later, he slowly exhaled a thin wisp of smoke.

"A few days ago you said you wanted to go out and work. How come after just a few days you're now making a fuss about divorce?"

"Tired of being Mrs. Sterling for so long, want to go out and experience life?"

"Go out and see how many people are working overtime for just a few thousand salary, having to watch others' facial expressions."

"Elena, you live in a 5000 square foot villa, being Mrs. Sterling. What more are you unsatisfied with?"

His tone was heartless and cold. I finally couldn't hold back anymore and smiled bitterly.

"Mrs. Sterling? Is there a Mrs. Sterling like me?"

I suddenly stood up and pulled Alexander to the closet, yanking open the doors with a whoosh.

Inside was a whole row of jewelry cabinets, but they all had password locks.

I didn't know the passwords. These were all managed by his secretary.

I pointed at those things, mocking myself sarcastically.

"Is there any wife who needs to report and register with her husband's secretary just to use a piece of jewelry?"

"Is there any wife who needs to write an application to her husband's secretary to use any money?"

"Is there any wife who doesn't even have cab fare when going out?"

"Alexander, you tell me, is this how one is supposed to be Mrs. Sterling?"

"Yes, you give me 1 million every month."

"But every time I receive the check, I feel like it's just a favor after you use me for release."

Alexander coldly interrupted me: "Is that how you think?"

He gently pinched my chin: "You want a divorce? You think you can live what kind of life without me?"

I was in pain from his pinch and raised my hand to push him away.

The next second, Alexander caught my hand, his cold gaze fixed on my empty ring finger: "Where's your wedding ring?"

"I sold it."

My tone was bleak: "So Alexander, let's get divorced."

Those words almost exhausted all my strength.

Alexander was the man I had loved for six years.

If it wasn't for that night, if I hadn't seen those fireworks in the sky,

Perhaps I would have stayed in this loveless marriage for many more years.

But I saw it. I don't want to be with him anymore.

Maybe life after divorce will be harder than now, like Alexander said.

But I don't regret it.

After I finished speaking, I gently pulled my hand away. I pulled out a suitcase and started packing my things.

I knew in his heart he probably never imagined I would have such a rebellious day.

Actually saying I want to divorce him so resolutely.

But I couldn't care about anything anymore.

Just as I finished packing and was about to leave with my suitcase,

The next second, I was picked up by him, carried a few quick steps, and thrown onto the bed.

Alexander's tall body pressed down on me.

His face was tightly against mine, eye to eye, nose to nose.

Hot, intense breath swirled between us.

After a while, his thin lips moved to behind my ear, his tone frivolous: "You're making a fuss with me just because of Sophia? Elena, why can't you be more honest?"

"Isn't this Mrs. Sterling title what you schemed for?"

"Why don't you want it now?"

I trembled at his words. Even now, he still thought I had orchestrated that night's events.

The phone rang. Alexander ignored it, lowering his body to kiss me.

I refused, shaking my head trying to break free.

The phone kept ringing persistently. Finally Alexander answered irritably. It was his savior, Sophia, on the other end.

"Alexander, my leg hurts so much. Can you come keep me company?"

The coquettish voice came through the phone. Alexander didn't answer immediately.

He seemed to consider for a moment before saying to the phone:

"I'll be over in a bit."

After hanging up, he got up and changed clothes.

"I have to go out for a while. We'll talk about the divorce when I get back."

With that, all he left me was the dull sound of the door slamming.

I lay limp on the bed, powerless.

After a while, I finally got up, silently changed my clothes.

I took the luggage I had packed earlier and left this place.

I returned to my father's home.

Every day I was busy with my stepmother taking care of my dad in the hospital, running around non-stop.

One day, my stepmother had just finished cooking and was preparing to take it to the hospital.

Seeing me still at my parents' home for several days in a row, my stepmother couldn't stay calm anymore.

She pointed at the suitcase that had been placed in the room and spoke in an unpleasant tone.

"What couple doesn't fight? It's normal for men to occasionally cheat."

"That Sophia girl comes from a poor family and is blind. I've asked around, she's even divorced before."

"Someone like that won't affect your position at all."

What position did I have with Alexander?

I smiled self-mockingly, took the food from my stepmother's hands, packed it in a thermos, and said to myself:

"Aunt Clara, you rest today. I'll go take care of Dad."

My stepmother glared at me. After a while, seeing I wouldn't budge, she angrily said:

"Your dad will probably be furious to death if he finds out you want a divorce."

"Elena, let's take a step back. Even if you really can't go on with him, can you survive after divorce?"

"With the Miller family in this state now, what do you have to support yourself?"

I slowly screwed on the thermos lid. After tightening it, I lowered my head and said softly:

"We'll find a way. The money from selling the wedding ring is enough to cover Dad's medical expenses for a year."

"I plan to sell this house, and I'll also go out to work to support the family."

As I finished speaking, my eyes grew moist. This house was left to me by my mother. Even in the hardest times before, we never touched it.

My stepmother was dumbfounded. She didn't try to persuade me anymore, but clearly still didn't approve in her heart.

I cleaned up the kitchen, then went to the hospital with my stepmother.

After treatment, my dad's condition had largely stabilized.

I also hadn't mentioned the divorce to my dad.

In the afternoon, the attending physician Dr. Bennett came to do rounds.

After the examination, he glanced at me: "Let's talk outside."

I was startled.

Then I put down what I was holding and said gently: "Dad, I'll step out for a bit."

A moment later, we walked to a quiet hallway.

Dr. Bennett saw my nervousness and gave me a reassuring smile, then lowered his head to look at the medical records.

"Last night, I discussed with several chief physicians from the surgery department and we unanimously recommend:"

"Mr. Miller needs to receive customized rehabilitation therapy going forward, otherwise it will be very difficult to recover to his previous state."

"It's just that the cost is a bit high, about 150,000 per month."

150,000 was an astronomical figure for me now, but I didn't hesitate to open my mouth: "We accept the treatment."

Dr. Bennett closed the medical records and was about to speak when a cold voice sounded from across:

"Elena."

It was Alexander. Alexander was dressed in business attire, looking like he had come from the company.

He walked towards us, his calfskin shoes making crisp sounds on the hallway floor.

Shortly after, Alexander came up to them and extended his hand, his voice lazy with a hint of contempt.

"Why aren't you staying properly at home? What are you doing here?"

Guessing he probably hadn't had time to go home for several days in a row, having been by someone else's side,

I couldn't help but feel a wave of weariness.

Not wanting to show a black face in front of others, I could only turn to leave.

Alexander saw me leave and followed.

We walked towards the ward together, neither of us speaking.

Ever since I wanted a divorce, I no longer carefully tried to please him and make him happy like before.

Near the ward door, Alexander suddenly grabbed my hand, trapping me between himself and the wall.

His gaze was complex, his voice hoarse: "What did you talk about with him?"

I wanted to break free, but Alexander used a bit more force and I was pressed back again.

"Alexander, this is a hospital."

"I know, of course."

Alexander didn't budge. He pressed his body tightly against mine.

His face was also pressed close to my ear, his voice carrying a hint of danger.

I guessed his hidden thoughts. As the CEO of Sterling Group,

With status and position, he wouldn't allow his wife to be too close to other men.

I smiled bitterly: "Alexander, I don't have your filthy thoughts. I don't have that mood either."

"Rest assured, before we divorce, I won't get involved with anyone else."

After saying that, I pushed him away and turned to enter the ward.

Alexander followed, pushing open the door. As soon as he entered, he frowned: "It's actually not even a private room."

My stepmother brought over a chair, speaking softly: "Sit down quickly. I'll have Elena cut some fruit for you."

For the sake of my dad's health, I could only reluctantly serve Alexander.

Alexander sat down to chat with my dad. He was usually cold to me, but performed flawlessly in front of my dad.

He had been in the business world for years. As long as he wanted to please someone, it was easy for him to make people feel good.

My dad had always liked him.

But when Alexander suggested changing hospitals, he still refused, smiling at Alexander:

"Let's not move around. It's fine here. That Dr. Bennett is very responsible."

Alexander grasped the right degree and didn't insist: "It's good if Dad is used to it here."

After some small talk, when I handed him the cut apple, he didn't take it but instead stood up and said to my dad:

"Well then, I'll take Elena home first. Dad, take care of yourself."

My dad nodded.

Alexander took me downstairs. The setting sun dyed the luxury car a blazing red, dazzling and noble.

I was pushed into the car by Alexander. I wanted to get out, but my wrist was pressed down by him.

Alexander's expression was composed. From outside the car, one absolutely couldn't tell he was using such force.

I couldn't move at all, showing the clear difference in strength between men and women.

When I gave up struggling, Alexander finally let go and quietly started smoking in the car.

My breathing was slightly ragged as I looked at his profile.

The dim light cast a shadow on his profile.

Alexander was born with good looks, and with his status, he could easily make women's hearts flutter.

I vaguely recalled back then, it was just such a face that made me lose my mind.

After a while, he put out the cigarette and took out a velvet box from his pocket, opening it to reveal a diamond ring.

My throat tightened. This was the wedding ring I had sold that night. Alexander had bought it back.

Alexander stared at my face the whole time, not missing any subtle changes in my expression.

As if he wanted to see through my skin and flesh.

After a long time, he spoke flatly: "Hold out your hand, put on the ring, then come home with me."

"I'll pretend the previous things never happened. You're still Mrs. Sterling."

He was rarely so generous and gracious, but I refused.

I curled my palm, this direct action expressing my rejection of him.

Alexander's patience was limited: "What do you really want?"

I answered in a low voice: "Divorce. I want to divorce you."

As soon as the words fell, silence pervaded the car.

For a long time, Alexander fastened his seatbelt and glanced sideways at me.

I turned my face away, not giving him a single look.

Alexander stared for a while, then lightly stepped on the gas.

The car drove smoothly, the lights on both sides slowly receding.

He clearly wanted to chat about something, but I didn't engage at all.

About five minutes later, Alexander spoke.

"Tomorrow I'll arrange for your father to be transferred to Sterling Hospital. He'll have the best team of experts treating him."

"And in the future, just tell me if you need money."

His tone was quite gentle, considered a concession.

He didn't love me, and still cared about how I had schemed him back then.

But he didn't intend to change wives. This would cause trouble for his life and the company's stock.

Thinking of this, I couldn't help but smile self-mockingly. Alexander looked over puzzled, but didn't care.

He continued while holding the steering wheel:

"From now on, Secretary Mason won't come to the house anymore. You can keep those jewels yourself. I'll instruct him."

I listened quietly. The air conditioning in the car was very strong. I hugged myself to avoid shivering from the cold.

I had been married to Alexander for five years and understood his personality quite well.

To be honest, these concessions were considered favors from him. I should have been grateful and moved to tears,

But I wasn't.

He said quite a lot and made concessions, but he didn't mention Sophia at all.

Which meant if I accepted his arrangements,

Sophia would still appear in our lives in the future, with no changes.

I was tired. I didn't want to be trapped in a marriage I loved anymore.

I flatly refused: "No need. My dad's current doctor is fine."

Alexander heard my meaning. I didn't accept his goodwill and insisted on divorce.

He couldn't help but get angry too.

"Elena, don't forget, we signed an agreement when we got married. If we divorce, you won't get a penny."

"I know."

I answered quickly.

Alexander's patience was exhausted. He pulled the car over to the side of the road.

One hand on the steering wheel, the other rubbing his brow, his face showing impatience.

"How long are you going to make a fuss?"

Even now, he only thought I was making a fuss.

My heart turned cold as I sat up straight, looking ahead.

After a while, I said softly: "Alexander, I'm serious. I don't want to be with you anymore."

I stared straight into his dark, shining eyes, not giving an inch.

He was handsome, with well-defined features. I used to be quite infatuated with this face.

But now I felt nothing. Nothing at all.

For the first time, I saw an unhappy expression appear on Alexander's face. Before I could marvel at it,

His phone rang. It was Secretary Mason calling.

Alexander answered, his tone not very good: "What is it?"

On the other end of the phone, Secretary Mason dutifully informed him:

"Miss Sophia just fell when getting out of bed. She's in a very bad mood now."

"Mr. Sterling, do you want to go see her? If you go, she'll definitely be very happy."

Alexander held the phone without the strength to speak, clearly considering me beside him.

His phone volume wasn't low. I heard it.

I just found it funny. Then I opened the car door and got out, leaving without looking back.

A gust of cold wind blew over me, chilling me to the bone.

I'm glad that when Alexander took out the wedding ring earlier, I didn't waver.

Didn't have a change of heart, didn't want to go back to that suffocating married life.