"Why do I still see this trash man in your house?"
A woman with thick makeup and false eyelashes turned to Rose Matthews, who had a flat face as she stared at the presence of Alden Lawson, who had just returned from work.
"Have you not talked to him about your decision?" There was a trace of hatred on the woman's face as she looked at her son-in-law.
In the dining room, Alden paused for a moment to think about the reason behind the sudden arrival of his in-laws and siblings-in-law. They looked like they were ready for a lavish family dinner without his knowledge.
Is this a surprise for me?
The black-haired man tried to think positively, even though he felt awkward.
Rose sighed softly, then turned to her mother. Politely she said, "Sorry, mom. Wait a minute, I'll finish everything."
Rose's brother who sat next to his mother chimed in, "Don't tell me you changed your mind and kept holding on to pebbles instead of reaching for diamonds." The people present in Rose's spacious dining room laughed at that remark while showering scornful glances at the skinny tall man who held a rose.
Suddenly Alden's heart beat fast, his gaze was solely fixed on Rose who looked calm and graceful as usual.
As Rose rose from her seat, everyone looked at the woman who had been crowned as the best descendant in the Matthews family. Brilliantly she had turned her family's situation around from almost bankrupt to an upper-class family in just two years after recovering from paralysis and blindness that she suffered.
According to them, Rose was too good to be paired with a man with no achievements and clear background like Alden.
Rose's family looked at each other with mocking smiles as if ready to eat popcorn for an interesting show that they would see in a moment.
The melodious and firm voice came out of Rose's lips painted with pink lipstick, "Al, there's something I want to talk to you about." Alden nodded and smiled, not minding the impromptu dinner party without his knowledge.
As usual, after work, Alden always gave his wife a red rose as she loved roses just like her name. Unexpectedly, tonight, Rose ignored the flower, even though she would usually be very happy about it.
Why?
Rose's wide eyes stared deep into the tall man in a long coat before her, with a slight tilt of her head. In a flat tone, Rose said, "I'm sorry, Al, I forgot to tell you about my family's visit..." Suddenly, she shook her head, feeling too nervous. That wasn't what she really wanted to say.
Alden smiled understandingly and replied, "Please don't say that. They are my family too—"
Before Alden could finish his sentence, Rose interrupted him. With a firmer tone, she said, "Al, listen to me first." Her eyes gazed seriously.
Alden, who had suspected something was amiss from the sudden family gathering, remained silent and focused his attention on Rose.
After a moment of silence, without hesitation, Rose said, "I've decided to divorce you."
Rose's words made Alden's heart seemingly stop for a moment before he regained his composure.
Both of Alden's hands gripped her upper arms. "Rosy, please don't joke!"
Though her heart was tumultuous, Rose's face displayed a calm, emotionless demeanor. She brushed away Alden's hands and said, "Do you think I'm the kind of woman who plays around with words?”
At that moment, everyone held back their laughter and felt satisfaction seeing Alden's disappointed expression.
Rose's older brother spoke, "A man with no future like you doesn't deserve to be by my sister's side!"
Alden fell silent. He realized that the woman meant every word she said. But why?
He was firmly convinced that he had given his all for Rose, consistently offering unwavering support through a myriad of challenges she faced. Alden had played a pivotal role in her life, being the one who stepped in when doctors had given up hope on her recovery from paralysis and blindness.
He had single-handedly guided her back to health, not only by restoring her physical well-being but also by helping her overcome the obstacles in her career, which ultimately led to the position she holds today, all of this without her realizing his significant contributions.
A deep appreciation for Rose filled his heart, and he refrained from pushing for intimacy in their early stages of getting to know each other. This restraint represented his sincere gratitude to Rose's grandfather, the man who had once rescued his dear friend and later supported him in Rose's miraculous recovery.
With a disbelieving gaze, he locked eyes with the woman in the elegant black dress. "So, you mean to say you've never cherished the moments we've shared all this time?"
Alden was startled. It felt as though time had come to a halt due to the tension between them. He began to suspect if Rose was involved with another man without his knowledge, "Rosy, are you cheating on me behind my back?"
With an irritated expression, Rose replied sarcastically, "Whether I'm cheating or not is none of your concern. What's clear is that our relationship has ended."
Alden's chest heaved with anger, "But you're my wife!"
Meanwhile, Rose stubbornly rejected peace, "But not anymore!"
With a lower yet resolute tone, Rose declared, "Al, I believe our marriage will never succeed." She gazed at Alden, who appeared steadfast without expression. "If this continues, I'm sure it will only cause more wounds between us." The people in the dining room agreed with Rose's decision and showered him with insults.
Ignoring all the clamor that made the luxurious dining room feel noisy and stuffy, Alden responded to Rose's words, "Alright, if that's what you want, I won't force you into a marriage you don't desire." Alden fell silent for a moment, gazing intensely into Rose's beautiful eyes. "But, can you tell me what I did wrong?"
In reality, during their marriage, Alden and Rose had never been involved in arguments. Rose felt that Alden had never hurt her. She just felt lost in her feelings because she believed Alden was too different from her in terms of perspectives and life approach.
She grinned and replied in the same sarcastic tone, "You're not at fault, Al. But you're just poor."
Alden chuckled at himself, and he didn't ask any further. In the past, he had thought that marriage would be so easy as long as he was sincere and faithful. But now, he felt like he had wasted his time with the wrong woman. His heart was tumultuous, and he felt that he needed to end this nauseating game.
Before Alden left, Rose's tiny lips moved again, "The divorce papers are on the table in the bedroom." She appeared completely unshaken, "There's a $50,000 check there that you can take. Consider it compensation for this divorce or a severance from me. It's up to you."
In a cold tone, Alden said as he walked away from Rose, "No need. I don't need your money."
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