Chapter 4: Award Ceremony

Hugh’s POV

The day after Shelia left, I called her twice, but she hung up both times. Did she think avoiding me would prevent the divorce?

In the past, she always found ways to make me compromise - forcing me to marry her, quit drinking, eat carrot cake... But this time, I wouldn't give in. I asked Grandma about places Shelia might go and sent my assistant to search, but we couldn't find her. The owner of the car that took her away remained a mystery.

On Saturday morning at 9 AM, an unexpected visitor arrived.

"I'm Shelia's lawyer. She asked me to deliver this divorce agreement. Please review it, and if there are no issues, you can sign," he said, politely handing over his business card and the document.

"Cliff Law Firm" - one of the best in the country, with connections to our company. How could Shelia afford such an expensive lawyer when she left empty-handed three days ago? It must be that man helping her.

I skimmed the agreement. She wasn't asking for any property but added one clause:

"Both parties must keep this marriage completely confidential. If either party discloses information leading to media coverage, they must pay a $100 million penalty."

What did this mean?

Was she ashamed of our marriage? Was it to facilitate her remarriage to that man? Or to blackmail me later?

Her signature sprawled across the last page.

"The terms are unreasonable. Tell her to explain them to me herself," I said, tossing the document on the table.

"Which parts are unreasonable? I can negotiate with her. She's given me full authority to handle this," the lawyer replied.

"Tell her I won't sign unless she comes in person."

The lawyer left awkwardly. Angry, I stormed into the bathroom for a cold shower.

This afternoon, I had to attend an award ceremony for peacekeeping troops. Esther was also invited; her work as a Doctors Without Borders physician for nearly a year was just as commendable as ours.

Esther and I donned our uniforms and drove to the designated hotel.

"Did she ask for a lot of compensation in the divorce agreement?" Esther asked tentatively on the way.

"No, she didn't ask for anything."

"Then why were you so angry this morning? Why didn't you sign?"

I didn't answer. Suddenly, a car cut in front of us, forcing me to brake hard.

“F*ck!” I honked angrily.

"Ah, slow down!" Esther cried out.

"Are you okay?" I turned to see Esther clutching her injured arm.

"I'm fine," she smiled reassuringly.

"Don't worry, I'll sort out the divorce issue soon."

At the ceremony, there were 37 soldiers and medical personnel, with Esther being the only woman. Having such a brilliant woman by my side filled me with even more respect for her.

After the ceremony came a banquet, mostly attended by government officials and sponsors. I've never enjoyed these so-called elite gatherings, but my father, David, was here today, proudly introducing me to his political and business friends.

"Like father, like son, indeed."

"He really looks like you when you were young."

Their flattery made David laugh heartily.

I smirked inwardly, remembering when I was 15, and my sick mother brought me to seek help from this so-called father. We waited outside the estate for over two hours in the cold. I'll never forget the look in his eyes when he first saw me - embarrassment, pity, and a hint of disdain.

Esther seemed more at ease in this setting, chatting effortlessly and earning praise.

Just then, I spotted a familiar face.

Shelia, who had been missing for three days!

She wore a form-fitting black gown that accentuated her curves, looking more mature. Her voluminous red hair was hard to miss. She was drinking and chatting with some men, seemingly having a great time.

I gripped my glass tightly, wanting to confront her about the divorce agreement but hesitant to leave Esther.

"Wait until the banquet ends to talk to her," Esther whispered, seemingly reading my mind.

Soon, the entertainment began with a performance by a somewhat famous singer. Many guests started dancing. Shelia was pressed close to a man, laughing radiantly.

I recognized him - Army Major Travis Warner, who had presented medals at the ceremony. Was he the one who took Shelia away that day? She certainly moved fast.

When the music ended, I could no longer contain myself. I rushed over and grabbed her arm, pulling her away from the crowd.

"I need to talk to you," I said.

"Whatever you have to say, say it here," she retorted, shaking off my hand.

"What's with that divorce agreement? Are you trying to cause trouble?"

"Show some respect to Shelia. Keep manhandling her, and I'll throw you out," Travis stepped in, shielding her.

“Is the confidentiality clause for him?” I glanced at Travis, mocking myself for ever feeling guilty towards her. Now it was clear that this marriage meant nothing to her. All her sweet words had just been her usual tactics to seduce men.

"That's none of your business. Why are you shouting? Do you want everyone to know about your affair? You're the one who brought your lover home before divorcing, not me."

"Esther and I..." Before I could finish, Travis led her away, his arm around her waist.

Esther came to link arms with me, but a bitter feeling welled up inside me.