Ditched Rotten Ex and Married the Billionaire CEO

On the day of the divorce, Arabella Bourbon made a point to wear a red sweater and put on a full face of makeup, looking exactly as she hadtwo years ago.

At 10:00 AMsharp, she arrived at the courthouse.

Anthony Watson was already there, waiting.

Despite it being early autumn, he wore a light gray trench coat. His tall frame and handsome features were striking enough to catch anyone's eye.

"Did you bring the divorce papers?" he asked.

Arabella nodded. "I did."

"Good."

Anthony stepped into the courthouse.

Arabella's mind driftedback to the day they got married at City Hall two years ago. They walked in hand in hand, eyes shimmering with happiness During their vows, Anthony's eyes even welled up with tears as he promised to love her forever.

But now...

The clerk asked, "Irreconcilable differences, no chance of reconciliation?"

Arabella said, "Yes."

Anthony said, "Yes."

No kids, no property disputes.

The process was surprisingly simple. The clerk stamped and signed, and it was done.

Arabella looked at the divorce certificate in her hand, feeling a deep sense of bitterness.

Same time, new people.

The Anthony who had vowed to take care of her forever was now walking away.

Maybe it was for the best.

She hadn't known a single day of happiness in the past two years.

The Watson family was wealthy and influential, while she came from an ordinary background. Marrying Anthony had always felt like reaching for something out of her league.

To fit into the Watson family, she quit her job, devoted herself to being a homemaker, and worried about everything from household chores to family matters.

But after two years of trying, she hadn't conceived.

Her mother-in-law was critical, her sister-in-law was difficult, and tensions ran high both with her in-laws and with Anthony.

For Anthony's sake, she endured it all.

But recently, Anthony's first love, Cassidy Sanders, returned to the country.

Ultimately, the partnerby your side is no match for the idealized first love.

In this loveless triangle, she chose to let go with dignity.

They walked out of the courthouse, trailing one another, without a word.

Cassidy was waiting outside, dressed in a white dress with her long hair flowing, ethereal as a fairy.

She didn't look at Anthony but instead turned to Arabella with teary eyes, apologizing, "Arabella, I'm really sorry. I don't know how things ended up like this... I never meant to ruin your marriage."

Arabella's voice was soft, "No need to apologize..."

Before she could finish, Anthony interrupted, displeased, "The divorce was my decision. It has nothing to do with Cassie. If you're unhappy, take it out on me, not her."

Arabella fell silent, consistent withthe past month's cooling-off period. She had argued, she had pleaded, and now she was simplynumb.

Cassidy, upset, said, "Anthony, Arabella did nothing wrong. We owe her an apology. Don't talk to her like that."

Anthony's eyes softened with affection, "You're so kind. What would you do without me?"

Watching their display of affection, Arabella felt like her heart werebeing torn apart.

On their second wedding anniversary, she had caught Anthony and Cassidy in a hotel room. Cassidy had cried and begged for forgiveness, and Anthony had protected her then, just as he was now

In Anthony's eyes, Cassidy was always kind and innocent.

But would a truly innocent person be in a hotel room with a married man?

Arabella had no desire to expose them, but she wasn't blind. Now that the love was gone, no sense in holding on or arguing.

She forced a bitter smile, "You two are meant to be. I wish you happiness."

Her calmness surprised Anthony, who looked up at her.

Arabella nodded at him, "Goodbye."

Just as she was about to turn away, Anthony suddenly spoke, "You didn't ask for the house or the car. What are you going to do now?"

Arabella paused.

Anthony pulled out a check, "Take this. Consider it compensation for the past two years."

With a complicated expression, "Take care of yourself. If you ever need help and it's not too much trouble, you can call me."

Arabella looked at his hand, the same hand that had once cradledhers, long and slender.

But the wedding ring he had worn for two years was gone.

She pushed his hand away, "No need."

Cassidy, looking pained, added, "Arabella, please take it. It'll make me feel better."

Arabella shook her head, "Really, it's not necessary."

Anthony's hand remained suspended as he watched her walk away, feeling strangely unsettled.

Cassidy, sounding guilt-ridden, asked, "Anthony, do you think Arabella will blame us?"

Anthony ruffled her hair, "She won't."

Cassidy's eyes reddened, her voice sad but firm, "Even if she does, I'll accept it. For you, I'm willing to face the world."

Anthony, moved, pulled her into his arms, "Silly girl."

A relationship has no room for a third person. Arabella, with her back to them, finally finally succumbed to her tears.

Love doesn't follow a timeline, but if she had known Anthony's heart was belongedto someone else, she never would have entered this marriage.

He was the one who said he loved her, who proposed, who promised to give her a home and protect her forever.

Turns out, love can fade and even be a lie.

Arabella stopped by a pillar, wiped away her tears, and made a call.

"Hey, are you here? I'm by the entrance, wearing a red sweater."

A few minutes later, a tall man approached her, silhouetted against the light.

"Ms. Bourbon."

"Mr. FitzRoy?"

Arabella froze in surprise.

The bar had been dimly lit last night, and she hadn't gotten a good look at him.

Now she saw how strikingly handsome he was.

Dressed in black shirt and tailored slacks, with sharp, clean-cut features and deep, mysterious eyes, he exuded an air of restraint and control.

After a moment of distraction, Arabella regained her composure and politely asked, "Is now a good time?"

Her eyes and nose were still red, and her voice was hoarse. Alexander FitzRoy studied her for a few seconds before nodding, "It is."

Arabella said, "Let's go."

As they were leaving, Anthony and Cassidy emerged from the courthouse and saw them.

Cassidy gasped and covered her mouth, "Arabella, is this your new boyfriend?"

Arabella hesitated.

Anthony's gaze swept over Alexander, his face darkening as he frowned at Arabella, "What are you up to now? We're over. I suggest you handle this with dignity. I don't want things to get ugly."

He didn't believe Arabella could find a new boyfriend so quickly, especially since she had been tearfully asking him just a week ago why they couldn't go back to the way things were.