Chapter 1 Divorce

• "Tyler Glisson, come here!
• "Sign this divorce agreement, now."
• In the sweltering heat of the kitchen, Tyler was busy preparing lunch for his wife, Clarissa Preston.
• His mother-in-law, Willa Lane, slapped a thin piece of paper onto his face, treating him like a dog.
• "What did you say? Divorce agreement?"
• Tyler's expression was one of shock.
• Willa wore a face of utter contempt.
• "What? Are you surprised?
• "Don't you think you're already unworthy of my daughter? To her, you've become a burden. It's about time she kicked you out."
• Tyler remained speechless.
• Tyler found it laughable. "A burden?"
• He recalled three years ago when the Prestons faced a life-or-death crisis. Norman Preston, the head of the family, had knelt before him, pleading desperately for him to marry Clarissa and save the family.
• Now, the Preston Group was worth billions.
• Yet, their first act after reaching such heights was to cast him aside.
• "You pathetic loser, all you do every day is laundry and cooking. You haven't even realized your own worthlessness."
• Smack!
• Willa placed another stack of papers in front of Tyler.
• "These are all the honors Clarissa has achieved in the past three years. A total of forty-eight. She's even been interviewed by Chronicles Weekly and Eldritch Journal. No one can deny that she's now one of Oxbourne's most successful entrepreneurs.
• "But you? You're still a worthless loser.
• "What right do you have to stay by her side?"
• Tyler's face remained expressionless.
• "So, this is the reason she's divorcing me, huh?"
• He never imagined that after three years of silent devotion, Clarissa would be so blind to his efforts. Even a caged bird sings a song of gratitude to its keeper.
• But Willa's face only showed deeper disdain.
• "I know this is hard for you to accept, but it's the truth.
• "Clarissa is destined to stand on the world stage, looking down on the globe. You're not even worthy of carrying her shoes anymore!
• "Be smart and sign the divorce papers.
• "Otherwise, I won't go easy on you!"
• The relentless insults finally pushed Tyler over the edge, and he let out a bitter laugh.
• Tear!
• He ripped the divorce agreement to shreds.
• "Divorce is a serious matter. Have Clarissa tell me herself."
• "Tyler, how dare you!"
• Willa was enraged.
• "Do you think you're someone special? Clarissa isn't someone you can just see whenever you want! If not for her lingering sentimentality, the Prestons would've kicked you to the curb long ago. Do you even know who you are? How dare you not appreciate the favor?"
• Sentimentality?
• Appreciate the favor?
• Tyler smirked at Willa.
• "Then there's nothing more to talk about between us.
• "Don't try to use your position as my mother-in-law to pressure me. I'm done with that!"
• Willa was furious.
• "You *sshole!
• "How dare you ignore me!"
• Willa was about to explode when Clarissa suddenly walked in.
• She was dressed impeccably in a business suit, her face as beautiful as ever.
• But her expression was icy, a cold mask that kept the world at bay.
• Seeing her, Tyler finally let out a sigh of relief. "Honey, you're finally here. I thought—"
• But before he could finish his sentence, Clarissa cut him off. "Tyler, there's no need to talk any further. Just sign."
• Staring at the newly presented divorce papers, Tyler's face hardened.
• "Honey, are you really insisting on this divorce?"
• He had hoped Clarissa's arrival would bring a change of heart, but she was even more resolute than Willa.
• "Don't call me 'honey.' We're not living in the same world anymore." There was a deep revulsion in Clarissa's eyes. "I'm standing at the top now, and I will lead the Prestons to dominate the world. But after three years, I see no hope in you, only utter disappointment."
• The more Tyler listened, the more it stung.
• "In your eyes, my three years of effort mean nothing?
• "Who took care of you when you were drunk? Who took you to the hospital when you were sick, and—"
• Clarissa glared at him.
• "Tyler, enough!"
• Her voice suddenly grew louder.
• "Do you think cooking me three meals a day and washing my clothes is enough to make me happy? For three years, you've been making excuses for your weakness and incompetence. You've never even had any ambition. Do you really think a simple, uneventful life is all there is?"
• "But in my eyes—
• "You, Tyler Glisson, are nothing but a complete failure!"
• Tyler was stunned.
• Boom!
• Her words were like a dagger piercing straight into his heart.
• Tyler's mind went blank.
• "So, in your eyes, I'm that worthless, huh?"
• Clarissa's face grew even colder.
• "Sign the papers.
• "Let's end this peacefully, or you'll become my enemy. And with my current status and influence, going against me won't end well for you."
• Tyler was at loss.
• He felt like every word was a punch to the gut, every sentence a blow to his already shattered heart.
• "Fine, I'll sign!"
• He forcefully signed the agreement, the pen digging into the paper with the weight of his resentment.
• After he put down the pen, Willa pulled out another crumpled piece of paper.
• "Also, here's the 'Property Waiver Agreement' you signed three years ago. After the divorce, don't even think about getting a cent from the Prestons."