You Lost Me Forever, Ex-Wife

The day I received my recovery certificate from depression, I went to Gabriela Petersens companysomething I rarely did.

Separated by a glass partition in the conference room, I couldn't resist dialing her number.

But I saw her assistant, sitting beside her, pick up her phone and hang up immediately.

Then, he expertly unlocked the screen and typed.

A message labeled "Wife" popped up. [In a meeting, don't call unless it's important.]

I stared at that line for a long time.

When I looked up again, the man was affectionately adjusting her slightly askew necklace in front of everyone.

I typed calmly, [Okay, then, should you come out, or should I come in?]

The moment our eyes met, the panic on the man's face was perfectly concealed.

He leaned close to Gabriela's ear and whispered something.

The action wasn't inappropriate, but his expression held a hint of grievance.

When the woman looked up at me, she subconsciously frowned.

She patted his shoulder reassuringly and walked towards me.

"What's wrong?" Her voice was cold, carrying the displeasure of being interrupted at work.

The necklace around her neck was the one she'd been wearing a lot lately. It wasn't a gift from me, nor did she buy it.

I heard it was a thank-you gift from her assistant at the company's annual party.

But what I didn't know was that the assistant she was referring to was a handsome new man.

I looked at the man left in the conference room.

"Why didn't you let him come out with you?"

She pinched her brow and sighed. "I told him to hang up the phone and I told him to send the message."

"Leon just graduated from school; he's a bit impulsive, but he meant no harm."

"Don't scare him." Married to Gabriela for five years, I rarely heard her say this much, except at business gatherings.

And all this to protect a man.

A man who knew her phone password before her husband.

The joy I felt on the way here had completely vanished.

I scoffed. Gabriela, do you think Im blind?

I stood up and took a step closer to her, trying to see the true emotion in her eyes, Let him out.

Before the woman could refuse, a tall figure blocked my way. Mr. Davidson, Im right here.

The mans handsome features were filled with an unyielding arrogance. You may not know how important this meeting is to Mrs. Petersen.

From your perspective, I hung up the phone, but from Mrs. Petersens point of view, it could become a stain on the companys bylaws.

Although I am of lowly status, I have an obligation to protect Mrs. Petersens work and ensure its smooth progress.

Mr. Davidson, if you have a problem, come to me. This has nothing to do with Mrs. Petersen.

Looking at Gabrielas admiring gaze, I suddenly felt absurd.

Over the years, many men had intentionally or unintentionally surrounded Gabriela.

Affected, self-absorbed, showering her with money and resources.

I had observed them all and I had tested them.?

But I never knew she liked this kind of chosen working-class man.

"Coming after you? Fine." I glanced at his employee badge with feigned seriousness. "Leon Gilmore, is it? From this moment on, you're fired."?

The man's arrogance crumbled instantly.

"What right do you have to fire me? This is Mrs. Petersen's territory. I work for Mrs. Petersen and I have a clear conscience!"

I sneered, "Because I'm her husband, the second-largest shareholder in this company." Tears welled up in Leon's eyes, threatening to fall.

"Julius, haven't you made enough of a scene?"

The woman's voice was like ice. "This is the company, not your private garden where you can throw tantrums, Julius."

"It's just a missed phone call? Tell me what's the big deal, I'm all ears." The usually aloof and composed woman's eyes reddened with anger.

Even the year she took a bullet for me, I had never seen her so emotionally expressive.

Behind her, the door was open and the room full of executives were silent, their expressions revealing a tacit understanding.

From now on, I, the husband of Gabriela Petersen who had barely shown his face, would likely become the laughingstock of their conversations.

Thinking this, I calmly took the examination form from the table.

Seeing my action, Gabriela frowned. Whats that?

Nothing, just a piece of scrap paper.

Gabriela clearly wanted to say something more, but my phone suddenly vibrated.

The word Mom on the screen silenced her.

My mothers voice was filled with undisguised joy, Julius, have Gabriela stop all her work. Ill personally oversee the project in Bridges.

Youre feeling better now; the most important thing is to go on a two-day trip to rekindle your relationship. Ill fly back in a couple of days

I looked at the impatient woman in front of me, my voice strained. Mom, no need.

The voice on the other end of the line paused for a moment, sounding somewhat anxious. "What's wrong? Tell me, did Gabriela do something to betray you?"

Turning away, I forced back a sob. "Don't worry, Mom, I'll handle it."?

After a long pause, a sigh, tinged with age, came from the other end of the phone.

A woman who had navigated the business world for years was exceptionally perceptive when it came to matters concerning her children, yet she was also helpless.

Just like six years ago, when I endured my first beating for marrying Gabriela.

That slap clearly landed on my face, but it brought tears to the eyes of the woman nearing fifty.

"Julius, your father never suffered such hardship, how can I bear to let you suffer?"

My father had a good life, but a tragic one.

In that feudal era, under my mother's protection, he married into the Davidson Family, yet he wielded immense power within the family, dominating the region.

And on the first day he met Gabrielas mother, she meticulously listed the virtues and habits a son-in-law should possess.

Gabriela remained silent, but my mother nearly crushed her wine glass.

But I didn't caremarriage was a matter between two people.?

The Petersen Family background was simple and even with a difficult mother-in-law, I was confident I could live a good life every day.

Besides, what was not to like about a woman who saved my life?

Leon's voice came from behind me, "Mrs. Petersen, I just received a message from a client. They'll be at the company in five minutes."

The woman's voice returned to its usual calm. "Okay."?

The footsteps faded into the distance. I took a deep breath and put down the phone, which I had already hung up.

Suddenly, a pair of leather shoes appeared in front of me.

It was Leon.

He chuckled, a mocking tone in his voice. "Mr. Davidson, Mr. Petersen said that you can tell me directly if you need anything in the future and I can relay it for you."?

Communication between husband and wife had to be relayed through an outsider.

The implication was obvious.

The man stood there, observing my expression, a hint of smugness in his eyes.

"Mr. Davidson, let me be frank. Mrs. Petersen has been incredibly kind to me and I cherish the opportunity to work with her. I also deeply understand her passion for the company, so I won't leave her easily.

"Unlike people like you, everything I've achieved is through my own hard work. Rather than being a decorative figurehead, I value having real worth in a woman's eyes."

His gaze was mocking, a stark contrast to the gentle yet firm demeanor he displayed towards women earlier.

I couldn't help but clench the report in my hand, a cold laugh escaping my lips.

"You have quite the nerve. Gabriela has never lacked people to work for her. Your so-called value is negligible to her."

He wasn't annoyed. Instead, he calmly opened his phone's photo album, which was almost entirely filled with screenshots of my chat history with Gabriela.

"You might not know, but since last month, Ms. Petersen has given me her phone password. That means, since then, I've been on the other end of your chat list."

"By the way, on your wedding anniversary, that diamond-encrusted watch you really likedit was my suggestion that Mrs. Petersen buy it."

"That time you told her to go home early and shared pictures of your new four-piece bedding setit was also me who persuaded Mrs. Petersen to go home and that's when she finally put down her work and went back."

"You know, I stayed up all night in the office that day and the next day I received a watch from the same brand as yours, but I never wear it to avoid suspicion..."

Slap!

The crisp sound of a slap echoed in the air, together with my fingertips and heart went numb.

My proud composure crumbled at that moment.?

"Who do you think you are? Daring to interfere in my marriage?"

He covered his face, only showing surprise for a moment, then laughed.?

"Are you afraid?"

Seeing my silence, he grew smug. Dont worry. Im not the kind of man who uses dirty tricks or meddles in other peoples marriages.?

His tone shifted, his smile widening. Unless the other person makes the first move. Then Ill take the remaining ninety-nine steps without hesitation.

His eyes blazed with a fanatical light, which suddenly brought me to my senses.

That year, if Gabriela hadn't taken that first step, it would have almost cost her her life.

I would never have walked the remaining 99 steps with tears in my eyes.

And the woman before me, strutting around arrogantly, was even proud of it.

I had a powerful family background to back me up, but what about him?

"This makes you so angry until you can't speak?" The man's voice sounded relentless.

Before turning away, I chuckled softly. "What can I say? Can I just wish you success?"

Leon, of course, assumed I was just furious.

As I left, I saw him, his face swollen and red, walk straight towards the VIP room where Gabriela was.

He knew how to exploit a woman's sympathy to gain her favor.

At least, he was much smarter than I was back then.

At the age of 20, I met Gabriela standing behind my mother.

At that time, she was just like everyone else, politely bowing and greeting me with "Nice to meet you, Young Master."

Initially, I only thought she was pleasing to the eye and appointed her as my personal assistant.

But she never became arrogant because of my favor, nor did she show the slightest displeasure at my unreasonable demands.

She was diligent and conscientious in her work, but always politely distant towards me.

Later, I was kidnapped by my enemies and she bravely took a bullet for me.

That bullet almost killed her on the spot.

It also made me completely fall for her.

During the days she was unconscious, I dreamt of the fresh scent of soap she carried me in her arms.

When she woke up, her eyes red and swollen from crying, I accused her of incompetence.?

Blushing, I pointed to the scrape on my shoulder and demanded she take responsibility.?

The excuse was clumsy, but she nodded anyway.?

I was overjoyed.

Completely unaware of the arduous path I had chosen for myself.

When I returned to the Petersen house, Gabrielas mothers voice carried from the living room.

Young people today are so lucky! In our time, what son-in-law would dare give his mother-in-law trouble?

Did you see how angry he got? His eyes turned red just because I asked him to bring me a basin to wash my feet?

I really regret it. If he hadnt clung so hard to his money, Gabriela would never have chosen such a sickly man.

Depression, mental illnessits all just an excuse for not being able to have children.

Her voice echoed through the room. Who would believe otherwise?

I pushed open the door.

The room fell silent.

Gabriela's mother, who had been sitting on the sofa eating sunflower seeds, stood up first, forcing a smile. "Oh, you are finally back.

Have you eaten? There's some leftover food from lunch. Shall I heat it up?"

"No need." Seeing my cold attitude, Gabrielas mother also became angry.

"Julius, there's a ton of stuff waiting for you at home. Why did you rush out so early without even saying goodbye?"?

The Petersen Family's rules were strict and feudal.

As a son-in-law who married into the family, my only value was to produce heirs and serve as the Petersen Family's most convenient tool in the backyard.?

On the first day after the wedding, Gabrielas mother shoved a broom into my hands and made me sweep the entire house, claiming it was to make a good impression on my first day.

I had tolerated it for five years, trying my best to please her. But I never expected her to be so ungrateful.

I sneered, "Two live-in maids, two cooks, a gardener and a family doctor."

"Tell me, what else is there for me to do personally?"?

She probably didn't expect my usual docile attitude to suddenly turn hostile.

She was speechless for a moment, her face turning bright red.

"Don't you need to take care of this whole family? Don't you need to check every nook and cranny of the house?

Besides, what if someone with bad intentions takes something? Do you even know what's going on?"

These words were harsh. Gabriela's mother, standing nearby, frowned and carried her plate to the kitchen.

I looked at her calmly.

"Aren't you here in this house? I hired them, I paid for it and Gabriela is busy. So, as their mother, you can't just lend a hand, can you?"

Gabrielas mother realized she had said the wrong thing and tried to take it back, but it was too late; she became even more furious.

"Why should I serve you? You can't even have a child!"

I looked at Gabrielas mother's distorted face, my eyes cold.

She had patted her chest and guaranteed that living together was only temporary and she wanted to take good care of us.

Gabriela had also asked me to understand.

That understanding lasted for five years.

For years, I endured my wife's cold words, my mother-in-law's veiled insults and sarcastic remarks.

Gradually, I came to truly understand the helplessness in my mother's eyes all those years ago.

"Child?" I asked with a half-smile.

Ignoring her calls behind me, I went straight back to the master bedroom.

Perhaps due to the sudden emotional turmoil after stopping the medication, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep soundly.

When I woke up again, it was already quite dark.

From the living room came Gabrielas mother's unusually loud laughter and a woman's highly recognizable voice.

Gabriela had been back?

As I listened, I sensed something was wrong.

I opened the door and the harmonious atmosphere in the living room was immediately apparent.

Gabriela was unusually talking to his mother, while Leon was smilingly massaging her feet.

Gabrielas mother sighed, "Where can you find such a perfect child? So filial and sensible and this massage is even more comfortable than in the shops."

"Gabriela, you'd better treat him well, or I'll let Leon work for us. Anyway, your husband is just a decoration..."?

The woman frowned slightly, her eyes filled with helplessness. "Mom, what are you saying?"

"What nonsense! He's increasingly disregarding me. What's the use of having so much money?

All these years, he hasn't produced a single child, making me feel ashamed in the Petersen Family."

"I think he's a jinx! He always dresses up so extravagantly and goes out every day... What if he's having an affair and you're still in the dark"

Bang!

The vase I threw shattered at their feet.

The woman's scream instantly pierced our eardrums.

Gabriela looked up at me in disbelief, her face contorted with rage, "Julius, are you insane?!"

I crossed my arms and looked down at her, chuckling softly. "Insane?"

"No, I'm more clear-headed than ever before."

Gabriela's face was ashen and her mother was deathly pale, unable to speak.

Only Leon maintained his composure, rising to shield the two behind him.

"Mr. Davidson, it's understandable that your mother, as an elder, would criticize a younger one. How could you get so angry over such a trivial matter? Don't you even respect your mother-in-law?"

I spoke casually, "What's it to you?"

"You came here, giving massages and flattering me. What, is the Gabriela path too difficult? Are you trying to find another way?"

He hesitated for a moment, then Gabriela suddenly spoke sharply, "Julius, what nonsense are you spouting?!"

"I brought Leon home. You slapped him in public this morning and you still owe him an apology. He only chatted with my mother a little and when he heard she wasn't feeling well, he gave her a massage, since he knows a bit."

"His good intentions have turned into something else entirely in your mouth?"

I didn't speak, only coldly glancing at the cups on the table used to serve Leon.?

Those were a pair of coffee cups I bought at an Elite auction.

One for me and one for Gabriela.

Leon, his eyes red, picked up his briefcase. "Auntie, Mrs. Petersen, I'm sorry."

"I only wanted to clear up the misunderstanding with Mr. Davidson, but I'm a man of principle. Since I'm not welcome here at all, I don't think I'll ever come again."

He turned to leave.

"Wait." I called after him, throwing the cup and coaster he had used into the trash can. I hate it when people touch my things without my permission. Since you touched these two items, you'll have to pay for them.

If you cant afford it, have them pay for it. I pointed to the mother and daughter sitting on the sofa.

Gabriela glanced at the things I had thrown away, a fleeting look of relief mixed with helplessness on her face.

Fine, Ill pay.

Gabrielas mother finally couldnt hold back any longer, pointing her finger at me and starting to yell, You, surnamed Davidson! This is our Petersen Family home. Im using my own things to entertain guests, why should I pay?

I ignored her outburst and slowly sat down on the sofa.

This house was indeed bought by your Petersen Family, but everything inside was furnished and decorated by me.

From the hard furnishings to the soft furnishings, from small pots and pans to large furniture and appliances.

Everything was designed bit by bit based on my vision of a wonderful married life.

Gabrielas mother, while feeling that I was extravagant and wasteful, also enjoyed the sense of superiority that came with my luxurious lifestyle.

Gabriela, on the other hand, rarely cared about what I truly cared about.?

Even love was pitifully scarce.

I decorated the house to Gabriela's liking and portrayed myself as the kind of understanding and considerate husband she admired.

But an act was still an act.

"You spent money, but no one forced you to! Your things are in my house, shouldn't they be for people to use?

According to you, if anyone touches anything in the house, should we all have to pay you?!" Gabrielas mother became more and more agitated.

Leon, who was standing to the side saying he was about to leave, pretended to be concerned and came over to help Gabrielas mother.

"Auntie, don't get upset, please sit down."

Seeing that Gabrielas mother was about to give in, I spoke up, "Excuse me, I bought the sofa. If you want to sit, you have to pay."?

Gabrielas mother's eyes widened and Gabriela frowned, "Julius, that's enough."

"My mother went a bit too far, but you don't need to argue with her, we're family after all."

I leisurely picked up a cherry and put it in my mouth. It wont be like that anymore.?

The three people opposite me suddenly fell silent.

The cherries burst sour on my tongue. After a moment, I spat them into the trash.

If something wasnt right, it could be returned. People were the same.

Julius, what do you mean by that? The womans voice was low, carrying a hint of impending storm.

I calmly wiped my mouth before answering, It means exactly what it says.

Gabriela, I want a divorce.

A hint of surprise flashed across the womans face.?

She quickly regained her composure and sighed helplessly.

Julius, stop making a scene. How can you just casually say something like divorce?

I quickly retorted. When have you ever seen me mention divorce?

When Gabrielas mother loved playing cards and the cards table kept me on the verge of a nervous breakdown from morning till night, I never mentioned divorce.

When I was forced to drink folk remedies every day to regulate my body, which resulted in food poisoning and hospitalization, I never mentioned divorce.

Gabriela was away on a business trip for a month, almost completely out of contact and I never mentioned divorce.

She forgot my birthday, but remembered a client's wedding anniversary and I never mentioned divorce then either.

For years, I swallowed all my grievances, just for a moment's glance from a woman.

Gabriela was silent for a moment, then said earnestly, "I apologize to you on behalf of my mother and Leon. Don't say such hurtful things again."

"The economic ties between the Petersen and Davidson families are complex. If the media sensationalizes and exaggerates, it will be a huge loss for both families."

Gabriela was truly something else.

Not only did she have absolute confidence in herself, but her first thought was always about profit.

The woman suddenly moved closer and I caught a strong scenta somewhat familiar men's fragrance.

I quickly realized it was Leon's cologne.

A wave of nausea suddenly washed over me.

I rushed to the bathroom.

After an uncontrollable bout of vomiting, a woman entered, her voice tinged with worry. "What happened?"

I shook my head violently, wanting her to leave quickly.

But unexpectedly, Leon followed me in.

He seemed quite unconcerned, bending down to hand me a bottle of water.

"Mr. Davidson probably ate something unclean. Drink some water to rinse your mouth."

He was wearing a loose-fitting shirt, revealing some skin as he leaned closer.

But I immediately noticed the tattoo on his chest.

I froze.

Leon's voice was innocent and questioning, "Mr. Davidson?"

I held my breath and suddenly yanked open his collar forcefully.

"Ah!"?

With a man's gasp, I saw it clearly.

The bullet wound was incredibly realistic, the details and location exactly the same as Gabriela's

He had actually tattooed Gabriela's scar onto his own body.

Gabriela shoved me to the ground and draped her coat over Leon.

She roared angrily, "Julius, you're completely unreasonable!"

I stood there stunned, tears streaming down my face when I looked up at her.

Gabriela's deepest regret was that scar. It was only after countless reverent kisses and caresses that she opened her heart to me.

But Leon, only a few months into her job, knew exactly how to tattoo it on his heart.

What I once considered a treasure was, in someone else's eyes, obtained effortlessly.

I looked at Leon behind the woman, my voice trembling. "What's with the tattoo on your chest?"?