On our third wedding anniversary, the system confirmed that I had successfully achieved my goal, and my account balance increased by 3 billion dollars. Meanwhile, my husband was playing a drinking game and flirting at a bar with his "first love."
As the amber liquid trickled from their lips, soaking into the neckline of her blouse, I arrived to find him defiantly kicking the coffee table.
"Are you done? We're just friends, playing some games, and you're blowing this out of proportion. Kamari and I grew up together. Even if I wanted to do something, why should it matter to you?"
I watched his indifferent dismissal with a cold gaze. No commitments, no responsibilities.
Calmly, I approached Kamari. Instead of what everyone thought I might do, I pulled out a check. "A million dollars. Take him and get out of my sight."
Time to toss out the trash.
Standing at the entrance of the pub, watching the people come and go, I felt exhausted for the first time. I'd spent over ten hours working overtime today; even the most dedicated worker deserves a break.
Earlier, on my way out from work, I received a photo from Kamari—Remington’s first love. In the picture, Remington's eyes were filled with affection, his lips slightly swollen.
"[Hey, sis-in-law, I'm worried Remington might have had too much to drink. Could you pick him up tonight?]"
Did she think I was a chauffeur? Have their fun, then let me deal with the fallout, trying to prove that Remington still loves her the most?
Suppressing my irritation, I pushed open the door to the private room. Inside, the scene was annoyingly clear. On the couch, the couple was entangled, with Remington downing another swig from his glass before clasping Kamari’s neck to transfer the wine into her mouth, some spilling over and soaking her neckline. Her white shirt turned translucent, contributing to the seductive atmosphere.
The crowd cheered until silenced by my entrance. With arms crossed, I watched Kamari feign modesty, pushing Remington away though their legs remained entwined.
"You're having a blast. Why stop now?"
Kamari propped herself up, "Sis-in-law, don't misunderstand, it’s just..."
With a thud, Remington kicked the coffee table, sending it skidding away. "Are you done being a nag? We're just friends. She came back from overseas, and I wanted to celebrate. What's the big deal? You're embarrassing yourself with all this paranoia."
"We've been friends since childhood, and naturally we're close. If I really wanted to do something, what does it have to do with you?"
The others laughed, reflecting Remington's attitude towards me. Yes, everyone knew that I, Olivia Morrison, had chased Remington Roberts like a fool for three years and married him for another three, handling everything at his company.
I even transferred all company shares to him. His attitude towards me was mirrored by his friends.
"So, Remington, as long as you don’t drop your pants, it’s not considered cheating?"
He arrogantly lounged back, his arm wrapped around Kamari's waist. I stepped forward, and just as everyone thought I would make a move, I pulled out a check and signed it for Kamari. "I’m guessing times are tough for your family. Otherwise, why would a pampered girl who hasn't even graduated be cozying up to Remington?"
As the clock struck midnight, the system confirmed I had completed my three-year marriage task with Remington. The 3 billion dollars were immediately credited to my account. Remington's worth in my eyes had dropped to zero.
"This is a million dollars. Take him and disappear from my sight forever."
Time to toss out the garbage.
Remington hadn't yet processed what had happened. I grabbed his disheveled tie and fixed my gaze on him. "Congratulations, you're free now. I won’t cling to you anymore. See you at the courthouse on Monday."
At these words, Remington didn't react right away, but Kamari couldn't hide her unease.
"Olivia, why are you so aggressive? Remington and I are just friends, and I even asked you to pick him up today. Tossing a check at me like that—aren't you just trying to put me down?"
"If you don't misinterpret Remington's intentions, I'll walk away."
I sneered, openly assessing her attire. "That diamond necklace, the dress, the shoes, the handbag—they're all expensive. Can your family really afford your extravagant spending?"
Without missing a beat, I continued, "Don't tell me you're buying these on credit. With no stable income, how are you planning to clear your debts?"
When the Roberts family was on the edge of ruin, she dutifully followed her family's decision to study abroad. It seemed she had no choice, but the look on her face when the Roberts failed to secure funding is still vivid in my mind.
The tables have turned now, and the Rodriguez family is facing bankruptcy. Does she think she can just swoop in because Remington is getting ahead?
"Forget about Remington. Our marriage certificate still carries weight. Any money he spent on you, I have the right to demand back."
"Enough!"
Remington interrupted us, standing up with disdain and mockery in his eyes. "I've told you, Kamari and I are just friends."
"And let's not forget, you couldn't afford those luxuries either."
"Let's leave. We'll find somewhere else to relax. This is a real mood killer. You should think it over."
As if sensing that my talk of divorce was driven by anger, he stood by Kamari's side in public. I watched them leave the café in small groups, and a knowing smile spread across my face. I slipped off the wedding ring I'd carefully selected for our marriage and casually tossed it into the trash.
Remington has always taken liberties, thinking I love him without conditions. What he doesn't realize is that emotions are unpredictable and need careful nurturing. I can give boundless love, and I can take it back just as easily.
Before bed, my phone buzzed with another photo from Kamari. In the picture, Remington's cheeks were flushed, hands wrapped eagerly around her waist.
[He still loves me.]
I read her message without any emotional stir. In reality, I wanted him to love you. Watching his childhood sweetheart grow wealthier day by day, how could he resist? If he didn’t mess up, how would I ever break free?