Chapter 2 Let's Get a Divorce

Mallory grew increasingly worked up as she spoke. Emily forced down the suffocating ache in her chest, answering with feigned indifference, "Just handle it according to the normal procedures. Thanks for covering my shift tonight." "Don't mention it. It's the least I can do." Mallory rambled on a little more, but Emily barely heard a word. She hung up the phone in a daze. Soon, a notification popped up on her phone. When she clicked on it, she saw a photo of Gabriel and Amelia on the trending news. The headline screamed in bold letters, "Shocking! The president of Holton Corp was spotted at a hospital late at night with his secretary! Mr. Holton attentively cares for her, stirring envy." The comments below were flooded with blessings for them. Some praised them as a perfect match, whereas others said they were made for each other. Emily took a deep breath and turned off her phone. In truth, those comments were right. Gabriel and Amelia were well-suited to each other in every way. She was the intruder who had barged in at the wrong time. It was high time she made her exit. … When Gabriel returned, it was already 6:00 am. Instead of going to the master bedroom, he headed straight for the study to retrieve some documents. When Emily heard his footsteps, she followed him to the study. The door wasn't fully closed, leaving a slight gap. Emily pushed it open, and her eyes met his deep, dark gaze. It was as cold and detached as ever. She had once believed Gabriel was indifferent by nature. It was only then that she understood it was simply the difference between love and its absence. With Amelia, no matter how icy cold Gabriel usually was, he burned for her like embers. Emily no longer wanted to waste her life on a meaningless marriage. She drew in a deep breath and said firmly, "Let's get a divorce, Gabriel." He studied her for a moment. "Are you serious?" "Yes." "Give me a reason." "You and Ms. Waverly are in love. She can be with you openly once we get a divorce." Emily held back her tears and continued, "You wouldn't want her to be the other woman hidden in the shadows all her life, would you?" A chuckle escaped Gabriel. His eyes had a frosty glint in them as he said, "You're wrong. I've never publicly announced you as my wife. So, in truth, you're the mistress hidden in the shadows." Emily's breath hitched as she paled. Gabriel showed no concern for her distraught state. He casually pulled a document from the drawer and tossed it on the table. "Do I need to remind you how you managed to marry me two years ago? "The Sterling family had been on the verge of bankruptcy. It was Holton Corp that injected funds and brought it back to life. And let's not forget Cole Sterling, your good-for-nothing brother. He racked up tens of millions in gambling debts last year, and you begged me to cover for him." He leaned back in his chair, his tone full of mockery. "You've taken every advantage, and now you think you can just walk away with a divorce so easily? Emily, did you think I was running a charity?" Every word Gabriel spoke struck a raw nerve in Emily, merciless and cruel. "What happened back then was the Sterling family's fault, but I was a victim, too. I'll work hard to pay back every penny I owe you after the divorce. I just don't want to stand between you and her anymore." "Don't flatter yourself. You could never affect my relationship with Amelia." Gabriel stood up, picked up his documents, and headed for the door. Before leaving, he gave her one final warning. "Don't ever let me hear you say something like this again. Even if we divorce, it'll be because I've grown tired of you. You have no right to make demands of me." The door clicked shut, and Emily stood frozen as if plunged into an icy abyss, a chill seeping deep into her bones. Two years ago, Emily's father, Maurice Sterling, in a desperate attempt to save his failing company, set up a dinner where he drugged Gabriel. Emily had been the sacrificed pawn, delivered straight to Gabriel's bed. After a night of recklessness, Maurice had men take photos of Gabriel and Emily in bed to blackmail the Holton family. He had threatened to release the photos to the media if they didn't comply with his wishes. As the most powerful family in Crestmont, the Holtons had forced Gabriel to marry Emily to protect their reputation. Hence, this marriage had been nothing but a transaction steeped in resentment and loathing right from the start. What Emily couldn't fathom was why she, also a victim, was blamed by everyone. Why did she have to bear all the consequences alone? She covered her face and wept bitterly until finally, in despair, she made up her mind. Whether it was the Sterling family or the Holton family, none of them mattered anymore. She would stop caring about all of them. She was determined to end this marriage. … At 2:00 pm, Emily arrived at the hospital. Although she was only 27, she had already been appointed the specially designated Head of Cardiac Surgery at the municipal hospital. No one could question her professionalism in the medical field. "Mills! You're finally here!" Mallory, who had just finished an operation, collapsed exhaustedly into a chair. "I'm dead tired." Emily washed an apple and handed it to her. "Here. Have something to perk you up." "You're the only one who cares about me, Mills." Mallory took a bite of the apple and immediately launched into gossip. "Did you see the trending news? The one about your husband and that secretary of his."