From Neglected Wife to CEO’s Obsession novel Chapter 173

There was a time when I wanted answers so badly, but now, with Remy and I about to go our separate ways, that curiosity just doesn’t matter anymore.

He could come up with a hundred reasons, but honestly, I don’t want to hear them. I’m just glad he never actually crossed that final line with me.

“No, I’m not interested. All I want to say is thank you for never pushing things too far, Remy. Whatever was between us, it’s over now. You know me—once I make up my mind, there’s no going back. Even if it means getting hurt or being miserable, I still won’t turn around.”

Remy just stared at me, lips pressed together, a strange light flickering in his eyes.

I sighed, my voice softening a little.

He cheated. I can’t stand even the smallest bit of betrayal.

We just can’t keep going. That doesn’t mean we have to become enemies.

“Remy, just go home. Take care of Cindy and Julia. You’ve promised Julia your love—see it through. And please, don’t come looking for me again. I’m really, really tired of all this.”

The light in Remy’s eyes faded, something deep and painful clouding his face.

I walked past him, but his voice drifted after me, quiet and raw.

“Avery, what if I said the only person I ever loved was you? That there was never anyone else? That I just… mistook someone else for you? Would you believe me?”

That excuse was so ridiculous, not even a trashy soap opera would use it.

Even if it were true—even if he really did mistake someone else for me—what difference would it make?

A mistake like that just proves he never truly cared. If you really love someone, how could you ever mix them up with someone else?

I drove away, leaving Remy standing in the cold early winter wind, straight and still like a streetlight.

I ordered four light dishes and two bowls of soup.

Marissa sat there, stirring her soup in slow circles with a porcelain spoon. All her usual confidence was gone. She looked lost, her eyes heavy and sad.

Ten minutes went by. I’d eaten half my rice, and she was still lost in thought.

“Mrs. Thompson, my time’s tight. If you’ve got something to say, please just say it. I can’t promise I’ll be able to do this again.”

Marissa finally put her spoon down and looked up at me.

Her eyes, unusually serious, studied my face like she wanted to remember every detail. She gave a faint, weary smile.

“Avery, you should divorce Remy. You were right—there’s nothing sadder than staying with someone who doesn’t love you. I’m already halfway through life, still stuck fighting with Emmanuel. But you’re young. Get out while you can. Don’t waste your years on him.”