"Happy third wedding anniversary! Come home early, I'll prepare a surprise for you, and I'm sure you'll love it."
After sending the message, Vanessa Mitchell put down her phone and returned to the kitchen, turned off the oven's heat, and went to chop vegetables. Even though she was very busy, she was delighted with the preparations.
He hadn't answered her message, but apparently, that didn't affect her good mood.
The maid told her:
"Madam, let me help you."
"No. That's not necessary, just do your job. Tonight, I want to make him a special meal all by myself.”
“You two are so in love,” said the maid, with a hint of envy.
Vanessa gave a sheepish smile, but didn't respond.
In love? Her and Norman Carter?
It wasn't a relationship of affection, it was more of an act.
At seven o'clock in the evening, Norman came home and the maid retreated to her room to leave the couple alone.
As soon as Vanessa set the table, she felt the man's warm breath upon her. She turned her head and her lips were forcefully sealed by his. Vanessa was stunned for a moment before she pushed him away with her hands.
Norman leaned in and grabbed Vanessa's waist with one hand, while firmly gripping her chin with his other. His blue eyes squinted slightly as he coldly said:
"You asked me to come home early, isn't this what you want?"
"No, today is our third anniversary. Indeed, I do have a gift for you," Vanessa explained softly.
Norman let go and straightened his crumpled shirt.
"A gift? I don't need it. After all, your surprises always end up pleasing me."
Vanessa pursed her lips and returned to the kitchen without a word.
Soon, the final dish was on the table.
Vanessa sat opposite Norman, poured red wine into her glass and filled his.
"To celebrate our third anniversary, cheers," she said lifting the glass.
Under the light, the man's facial features were beautiful. The line of his jaw was clean and profound, and his nose was straight. Norman slightly bit his lip, indicating his dissatisfaction with the celebration.
Vanessa smiled as she didn't expect him to reciprocate her affection, so she raised her glass of red wine and drank it down.
After drinking, she proceeded to pour herself a second glass.
Again and again.
In the end, Vanessa got a bit intoxicated and stared at the man sitting rigid at the table, his expression always serious. Vanessa's smile became a bit wider.
"Norman Carter, can't you even smile at me on this special day?"
"What do you want, for me to become mad like you or to spend this incredibly boring anniversary with you?"
"How could it be boring? How many wedding anniversaries can you have in a lifetime? Maybe this will be the last one."
Seemingly having heard a joke, Norman chuckled softly.
"And you'd allow that?"
Vanessa swirled the glass, her eyes glossy under the dim light.
"I might..."
Norman didn't want to waste time here with her and ascended the stairs, leaving her alone.
Very annoyed, he took off his tie, his jacket, and just as he was about to unbutton his shirt, a pair of soft hands enveloped him from behind and the smell of wine overpowered him.
"Wait a moment. I haven't given you your gift yet," Vanessa whispered close to his ear.
Norman turned around, his hands slipped into his trouser pockets and he silently looked at her.
Vanessa's cheeks were flushed and a pair of wondrous eyes were innocently looking at him, forcing the man to not be able to look away.
Swallowing hard, Norman had to admit, even grudgingly, that the woman in front of him was undeniably beautiful, and had enough allure to bewitch any man.
If that weren't the case, he wouldn't have been deceived by her.
Lower down were those lips stained with red wine.
When her hands slipped into his shirt, he unhesitatingly lifted her chin, pressed his lips onto hers, and then forcefully pushed her away.Vanessa felt pain and sighed gently.
When they reached the bed, her vision was already blurred, and she hung onto his neck.
The man, with narrowed eyes and hands placed on her waist, seemed to be silently mocking her.
"You said you didn't want to."
"Do you not know that when a woman says she doesn't want to, it's actually the opposite?"
Norman grimaced and kissed her again.
It was Vanessa who took the initiative that night. She bit his lips and the taste of blood filled their mouths.
The kiss turned into a game, and whoever won could control the other.
Just as Norman was about to reach for the condom on the bedside table, Vanessa suddenly said…
"Norman. I want a divorce."
The man who was poised above her, asked in shock.
"What did you say?"
Although Vanessa knew he heard correctly, she repeated it again.
"I want a divorce."
In an instant, Norman lost all interest and slowly stood up.
"How much do you want?" he responded in a cold voice.
That’s always how she is, for money, she had endless tricks.
"I don't want a penny."
Vanessa rummaged under her pillow and brought out the divorce papers.
"Read it. You can sign it if there's no problem."
Norman looked terrible.
"Vanessa Mitchell. You better stop this damn game. I don't have time for these stupid tricks of yours."
"I told you I would give you a surprise tonight, look, it's a happy event, worth celebrating, don't you think? Finally, you'll rid yourself of the woman you so hate."
Looking at her with a confused expression, Norman felt uncomfortable with her slightly dazzling smile.
Vanessa laughed.
"Norman, happy divorce."
Norman pursed his lips, and it was a few seconds before he managed to speak.
"Are you serious?"
Vanessa nodded.
"What do you think of my surprise?"
“It's fine. I hope you won't regret it."
After saying that, Norman left the room.
The door slammed shut.
Vanessa stared at the divorce papers that Norman had not even bothered to read. She remained silent for a long time and eventually forced out a chuckle.
"Vanessa, happy divorce to you too."
That night, the woman packed everything. And her belongings fit in a single suitcase.
She didn’t take the jewelry, bags, shoes, and clothes that Norman bought for her because he didn’t give them willingly. These glamorous items became a burden when she decided to divorce him.
For her, things had not worked out at all.
When she left, Vanessa picked up the divorce papers that were on the cold table.
Passing by the dining room, Vanessa glanced at the table, Norman's plate was untouched, he obviously had not eaten at all.
This anniversary was a complete disaster.
But thankfully it was also the beginning of the divorce.
When Norman would remember it later, he would be annoyed, but then it would make him laugh.
This might be the most satisfying thing she had done since they got married three years ago.
In the taxi, Vanessa suddenly felt a great relief as she looked at the scenery passing by the window.
After having been the lady of a rich family for so long, she was now returning to her humble neighborhood, and she couldn't have been happier.
