He Chose His Secretary Over Me

I had meticulously planned this anniversary trip for nine months.

Ethan insisted on bringing his secretary along.

His reason? Work couldn't wait.

On the third day, I calmly asked for a divorce.

"Emma, this isn't funny."

"Are you serious about divorcing me?"

I nodded.

"Yes. A divorce."

"It's time we both moved on."

Ethan's brows furrowed deeply.

"Reason?"

"Emma, you owe me an explanation."

I stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of our hotel suite.

Outside, the Maldivian sea shimmered in brilliant blue.

This was supposed to be our romantic fifth-anniversary getaway.

I'd spent months perfecting every detail.

Now the dazzling azure only made me suffocate.

"You'll understand soon enough."

The doorbell rang right on cue.

Ethan turned to answer it.

His secretary stood at the doorway.

"Mr. Roscente, the conference call starts at ten."

Olivia's voice dripped with saccharine sweetness.

Her gaze flickered over me with barely concealed triumph.

My expression remained neutral.

"Ethan, you've had over a dozen meetings with her in two days."

"You spend more time with her than me."

"What's the point of this marriage anymore?"

Ethan scowled. "What's the issue? You know how crucial this merger is!"

"The merger?"

I stepped forward, meeting his eyes directly.

"For our fifth anniversary, you packed three suitcases."

"Two were stuffed with documents."

"You didn't pack a single outfit for me."

"Forgot your own swim trunks."

"But remembered to bring Olivia three dresses."

"Care to explain?"

Ethan fell silent.

Olivia interjected with practiced humility.

"Mrs. Roscente, it's my fault."

"I scheduled the meetings poorly."

She lowered her head, letting her bangs fall pitifully.

"Mr. Roscente has been under tremendous stress lately."

"Please don't blame him."

I watched her performance coldly.

Noticed how her fingers "accidentally" brushed Ethan's wrist.

The calculated gesture screamed intention.

Ethan didn't pull away.

"Olivia." My voice turned glacial.

"This is between husband and wife."

Olivia immediately retreated half a step.

"My apologies, Mrs. Roscente. I overstepped."

Her doe-eyed look at Ethan oozed wounded innocence.

"Mr. Roscente, I'll prepare the meeting materials."

"Wait."

Ethan caught her arm.

He turned to me with familiar stubbornness.

"Emma, stop being unreasonable. You know my work demands—"

I countered, "Demands midnight meetings with your secretary?"

I opened my phone gallery.

"Demands she calls you 'Ethan' while your wife needs appointments for dinner?"

Olivia's mask slipped briefly before resetting.

"Mrs. Roscente, you misunderstand—"

"Silence."

I cut her off mercilessly.

Ethan's jaw tightened.

"Emma! How dare you speak to Olivia like that?"

"She's my most capable assistant!"

I laughed mirthlessly. "What exactly has she accomplished?"

"Closed any major deals lately?"

Ethan faltered.

Olivia ducked her head in faux remorse.

"Mrs. Roscente is right. I'm inadequate."

"I've failed to ease Mr. Roscente's burdens."

Ethan patted her shoulder protectively.

Then glared at me.

"Emma, that's enough!"

"Olivia's worked tirelessly on this merger."

"Can't you appreciate her dedication?"

"How dare you question her?"

"Dedication?" I scoffed.