1|Failed Mission

[Camari]

'I'm on my way home.'

I smiled as I read the message from my husband. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My blonde hair was neatly combed, and my face was clean without makeup. I wore a transparent nightgown, leaving nothing to the imagination. I couldn't afford to waste my chance tonight.

I sprayed his favorite perfume on my neck and wrists. The delicate scent of red roses entered my nostrils. My cheeks flushed at the thought of our activities tonight. I chuckled, embarrassed by my wild imagination.

I walked out of the walk-in closet to the bedroom and smiled at the red rose petals decorating the bed. My heart beat with happiness. Finally, after three years together, we had the chance to make out like husband and wife.

Farrell had been very busy with his family company since we got married. Business trips had become his habit. Moreover, I also worked for another company that demanded attention and time. But he wouldn't be that busy anymore. So, it was the perfect time for our first night.

Hearing the door knock, I stood in front of it and smiled. That wasn't Farrell's habit. Maybe he wanted to surprise me. "Come in."

The person who opened the door wasn't the one I was waiting for. I quickly covered my chest and lower abdomen with both hands. The maids were used to seeing me in underwear, but not this thin.

"Good evening, Madam," greeted the maid, her eyes fixed downward. "Master awaits you in the reading room."

I was stunned to hear that. Why was Farrell waiting for me there? "I’ll be there. Thank you." I tried to sound neutral, though I was disappointed with the report. But I couldn't be angry with her. She was just doing her job delivering her employer's message.

I wore my robe and headed for the study on the ground floor. Usually, Farrell went straight to our room when he came home. Why was today different? He'd never asked to meet in that room before. Did something happen at work?

Ah, I got it. Probably, that was what happened. As a good wife, I should listen to his complaints and not blame him if he makes a mistake. Everything would be fine. He needed time to adjust to leading his family's company.

The butler was standing by the door. He greeted me kindly before opening the study door for me. I thanked him. Seeing Farrell standing at the window, gazing at the view outside the house, I approached.

"Hi, honey. How was your day?" I greeted cheerfully.

"Read and sign the documents on the table," he said, stopping me in my tracks.

I glanced at the nearby coffee table. "What's this?" I took the folder and opened the cover. The letterhead made me read it repeatedly because I couldn't believe it. "A divorce agreement?"

"You can write any amount on the blank check, but don't exceed our agreed limit. I don't want any drama. The sooner you sign the document, the better," he said coldly.

My eyes heated up. That sentence was like a sharp needle piercing my heart, making me almost lose consciousness. The paper suddenly shook because my hand trembled. I took a breath to calm myself down. It must have been a misunderstanding.

"My lawyer has prepared all the files. I've checked all the points in the agreement. Everything’s there following our prenuptial. Since we don't have a child, this divorce can be finalized faster," he casually declared.

"We just celebrated our third wedding anniversary. Everything was fine last night. Why do you suddenly want a divorce?" I asked in confusion.

"I told you, I don't want any drama," he repeated.

"What are you talking about? You’ve suddenly asked for a divorce without any problems that occurred recently. Don't you realize you've created the drama?" I retorted.

"I haven't touched you all this time. Isn't that proof enough? Our marriage is not okay. You are the one who is too blind to see," he replied.

That sentence slapped me hard. Didn't he leave early in the morning and return late at night because of his time-consuming job? Did he take business trips every weekend to avoid me? I didn't believe it.

"I love you, and so do you. We can't get divorced. You can't do this to me," I said in a shaky voice.

"Don't lure me into forcing you to sign that document, Camari." He finally turned his head and looked at me sharply.

A jolt of electricity shot down my spine as I met his gaze. Farrell had never looked at me like that. During our time together, he had always looked at me gently and lovingly. What had happened to make him change this drastically?

Divorce was never a topic during our three years of marriage. We were rarely together due to his busy schedule. However, we spent every encounter talking about the future of our little family.

Our last conversation was about children. That was why I was delighted he came home earlier than usual. I thought tonight was the night we started our child-bearing program and our first night as husband and wife.

"Why? I have a right to know why my husband suddenly filed for divorce," I demanded. "I accompanied you faithfully and met all your needs for three years. I was also responsible for your grandfather and mother. Even the judge will be surprised by this divorce."

"Haven't you ever heard of an uncontested divorce? The judge doesn't want to know the real reason for it. When both husband and wife sign the papers and attend the hearing, the divorce will be granted. Again, I don't want any drama," he exclaimed sternly.

I felt my anger rise to the top of my head, but I restrained myself. The question wasn't difficult because he was the one filing for divorce. He was being evasive in answering my question. I couldn't accept him divorcing me without any logic explanation.

"In that case, I refuse the divorce." I put the folder back on the table.

"Don't provoke me, Camari," he threatened again.

"What will you do to force me to sign that document?" I challenged, not wanting to be cowed by his threats.

"Your father borrowed a sizable sum of money at Haworth Finance." He smirked. "I can demand repayment of his bad debts. You know what happens if I do that, right?"

"Wh-what?" Did I hear it right? Dad borrowed money from his company?

"Fifty million dollars. You can write that number on the blank check. Then you can use that money to pay off the debt." He put his right hand in his pants pocket. "Bring the documents to the courthouse tomorrow at ten a.m.."

He smiled sarcastically, then turned around. He walked haughtily toward the door. I was suddenly cold as he walked out of the room, considering I was only wearing a thin nightgown under this robe. My eyes heated up. The celebration I had planned turned into a disaster.

The night I expected would be full of laughter and jokes turned out to be gloomy. I glanced at the document and then sat down. Maybe the reason for our divorce was on this paper. Tears fell on my cheeks, but I quickly wiped them away.

Droplet after droplet ran down my face, making it difficult for me to read. So I put the document back on the table and covered my face with both hands. My chest hurt like hell. I couldn't believe he'd be so willing to file for divorce without any significant problems.

The final blow from him was when I entered our room. He wasn't in the bedroom, bathroom, or closet. I was sitting on the carpeted floor. My fortress of defense was crumbling. I couldn't hold myself back anymore and let my tears break out.

My last hope to persuade him not to divorce me failed miserably. I wouldn't meet him in another room and demean myself any more than this.

Gosh. I loved him so much. That made his rejection hurt like hell. His gaze, tone of voice, and cold demeanor broke my heart. I couldn't imagine life without him after being together for so long and going through everything together.

"Good morning, ma'am," greeted the butler as I entered the dining room.

"Good morning." I noticed that Farrell's usual chair was empty. "Has my husband left?"

"Yes, ma'am," he replied politely.

We weren't divorced yet, but he was already sleeping in the other room and not waiting for me to have breakfast together. What else would he do to ignore me? I hadn't done anything wrong in our marriage. I would continue to refuse to divorce him.

Accustomed to driving my car, I didn't use a chauffeur like my husband. I wasn't going to the courthouse but to my office. He couldn't force me to do his will. After all, there was no way I could suddenly ask for permission from work.

I stopped before the red light and waited patiently. I swept my gaze around. The pedestrians crossing showed different expressions. Some were happy, flat, cold, and sad. Then my gaze fell on a couple embracing very happily.

I blinked my eyes, but I saw it right. It was them, two people who were very close to me. No matter how far away we were and what clothes they wore, I could recognize them from their body shape and the way they walked.

My eyes heated up. Seeing that the green light was about to turn on, I changed my mind. I parked the car as soon as I pulled over and passed the street they were on. I scanned the shops and cafes for their whereabouts.

Once I found them at a bakery, I watched them intently. The woman talked enthusiastically while the man was listening and stroking her hair. I clenched my fist at the sight.

To confirm my guess, I called the woman. She looked down at her bag and then took out her cell phone. She glanced at the man, and they shared an amused laugh. The woman put her index finger in front of her lips.

"Hi, Camari!" I heard her voice in my ear.

"Hi, Bella!" I replied with equal enthusiasm.

"Why are you calling me?" she asked. "Ah, let me guess. You're at the office and haven't seen me at my desk, have you?"

I was relieved that she helped me come up with a topic. "Please buy me a cup of coffee if you drop by our favorite cafe."

"Ah, what a coincidence! Do you want your favorite one? I'll buy it for you. Wait in your office, I'll have security deliver it," she replied. She glanced at the man at her side, and they laughed silently.

She was lying. This café wasn't our regular spot. My eyes heated up seeing them so intimate, not looking awkward like casual acquaintances. Unable to take it anymore, I left and hurried to work.

My phone vibrated for the umpteenth time, but I ignored it. I continued the work that had been piling up. Official letters, permission letters, agreement letters, and supporting documents for each division's activities had to be completed before I left work.

I didn't have time to take care of my household, which was in crisis. My hands instantly clenched into fists, remembering the scene on the street earlier. I took a deep breath as I felt my eyes heating up. I couldn't cry here.

I was walking to the elevator for lunch when my phone vibrated. I glanced over and saw Farrell's name on the screen. He was relentless. I stopped walking to answer the incoming call.

"Did you think I'm kidding!?" Farrell scolded angrily. "I waited for two hours, and you didn't come. You were embarrassing me!"

"I’ve told you I don't want a divorce," I replied, trying to speak calmly despite my pounding heart. Farrell had never spoken to me so harshly.

"I'm no ordinary man, Camari. I’m Farrell August Haworth, CEO of Haworth Incorporation. I give you one last chance. If you don't show up tomorrow, at the same time, you will regret it!"

"Bella can't wait to marry you.” I asked just before he ended the call. “Is that the reason for this rushed divorce?"