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718words2026-01-26 11:21

On our third wedding anniversary, I bought a cake to celebrate alone.
There, I saw my wife, Evelyn, who always prioritized work. But today, she was patiently helping a young man pick out a birthday cake.
The man affectionately rested his head on her shoulder and whined,

“Sweetheart, let's get this little swan one—it symbolizes our loyal love.”
Evelyn chuckled, “You do know I have a husband, right?”
The young man sneered, “Him? He's just some broke guy you keep around. What would he know about real love?”
Evelyn nodded in agreement, “Yeah, you get me.”
So, this was how my wife saw me after all I'd given – a pathetic lapdog, begging for scraps of affection.
My heart turned to ice.

This marriage I've been desperately holding onto—it's time to end it.
The boy kept running his mouth and insulting me, while Evelyn just stood by, smiling like it was nothing.
I strode over, grabbed the swan cake from the counter, and smashed it right into his face.
He yelped, wiping cream from his eyes. When he realized it was me, he snarled with rage.

“What's your problem, you loser? I'll make you pay for this!”
People turned to stare. Evelyn's elegant brows furrowed in displeasure..
“Are you following me?”
The man wiped his face clean.
“Evelyn, look at this guy, making a sense! You need to put him on a leash before he embarrasses you even more.”
His eyes, red-rimmed and glistening, that distinct charming shape… just like Evelyn's first love—
The guy who brought me both happiness and nightmares.
Three years ago, Evelyn's first love vanished overseas with some girl from his program, leaving no explaination with Evelyn.
Evelyn drowned herself in alcohol for three months. I was by her side every single day.
When she finally sobered up, she looked at me and asked, seriously, “Liam, will you marry me?”
Back then, seeing the determination in her gaze, I thought she'd finally seen my worth.
My heart leaped. I nodded firmly.
I trid for three years. But I never overtook that first love in her heart. Maybe I never had a place there at all.
Evelyn pulled out a tissue, gently wiping the remaining cream from the man's face.
“What's this about now? Need more money? Or did you hear something?”
“Stop making scenes. From the day I agreed to marry you, you became my lawful husband. No one can ever replace that.”
Lawful husband. The words felt like a mockery. I clenched my fist, thinking about this absurd marriage.
I remember our wedding night—I was full of hope, but she coldly sent me to sleep on the couch.
I told myself she just wasn't used to being with another man.
But then she started showing up everywhere with all kinds of handsome men—yet never allowed me into her bedroom.
It was as if she chose me just to have a loyal, obedient pet.
Suddenly, I felt exhausted.
I raised my hand and smoothly slid off the wedding ring that had never truly fit. I held it out to her.
“You bought this for me. Now I'm giving it back.”
Evelyn glanced at me and smirked.
“A ring worth millions, and you're throwing it away just like that? You've grown some nerve.”
She took the man's hand and slid the ring onto his finger. She admired it on him.
“South African diamond. Looks better on you. Some broke guys just don't know the value of fine things.”
Her dismissive tone felt like needles stabbing my heart. The pain spread through my whole body.
Pleased with his “new prize”, the man taunted:
“Mr. Liam, why are you causing trouble? I never expected to marry someone like Evelyn like you did.”
“Just being by her side is blessing enough for me.”
His fake humility worked. Evelyn praised him:
“You're so understanding. Not like some people who keep getting greedy.”
“Wait outside. I'll celebrate your birthday with you later—and get you an even bigger swan cake.”
The man nodded and left.
Just then, a server approached.
“Sir, your anniversary cake is ready. Should I bring it out now?”
Evelyn looked confused.
“It's our anniversary today?”
I gave a cold laugh and told the server calmly:
“Sorry, my wife and I just broke up. Please, have the cake..”