A Dog's Death for a Man's Ruin

The desk calendar had turned to the third year, and Bruce Young swapped secretaries so fast I couldn't even keep their names straight. Counting them up, nine female secretaries—and not one lasted more than three months. Every time he let one go, he'd say, "She seduced me first; I can't betray my wife." At last week's business dinner, his 'deep affection' act hit its peak. Under the crystal chandelier, he took the diamond necklace from the velvet box and fastened it around my neck himself. The flashbulbs kept popping as someone shouted, "Mr. Young is completely devoted to his wife!" Another voice chimed in, "I saw that necklace at the jewelry expo—it's worth seven figures!" Bruce Young tightened his grip on my waist, his fingertips ice-cold: "My wife deserves nothing but the best." But his eyes held no warmth—only a frozen chill. I should have realized something was wrong much earlier. The first time I caught the suggestive messages on his phone, he said, "Just clients joking." The second time I saw him having dinner with his secretary, he said, "Talking shop." I was always deceived by him, choosing to believe him again and again. Until that day, I cut my girls' night short and came home early. Just as I reached the study door, I heard his low voice: "Mom, our plan is going smoothly." My steps froze, my fingertips went cold. "That diamond necklace wasn't wasted. Now who's not praising my loyalty?" He chuckled softly, "Once we attract Chairman Clark's daughter, I'll get a divorce. Then all of the Clark Family's resources will be ours!" "Those female secretaries were just acting. Firing them only proves my innocence." "Her?" He said disdainfully, "She's just a trophy. Once I land the Clark Family's resources, I'll throw her out without hesitation." I steadied myself against the wall and gently pushed the door open. Bruce Young's face dropped, and he quickly hung up the phone. "Why are you back? Didn't you say you were going to a girls' night out?" I took a step back, dodging his hand. "Your plan? To lure Chairman Clark's daughter? And then divorce me?" His eyes flickered. "You heard wrong. It's just a company project to attract investment." "So the project is for you to divorce me and marry a wealthy heiress?" I stared at him. "Bruce Young, how much longer do you think you can keep lying to me?" His expression darkened, the mask shattered: "Since you've heard it, I won't hide it from you. Marrying you was just a calculated move. Your family's little fortune can't help me anymore. If it weren't for appearances and the chance to get close to the Clark Family, I'd have divorced you long ago." I turned and walked toward the door, tears streaming down: "Bruce Young, you truly disgust me." He shouted from behind, "Where do you think you're going? If you dare tell anyone about this, you won't end well!" I didn't look back: "Let's just wait for the divorce." Stepping out the door, the evening breeze brushed against my face. I knew then that three years of happiness were nothing but a lie.