Chapter 2 Can never have what I want

Sylvia had heard similar criticisms countless times over the past three years. Back then, she would always blame herself, thinking she must have done something wrong. Her love led her to lower her self-respect and cater to his family’s every whim, no matter how demeaning it felt. But now, having made the decision to walk away for good, it was time to put an end to all those foolish things she once did. “You’re right, I have decided to divorce your son,” Sylvia stated bluntly before hanging up. She gathered her belongings and documents and headed out the door. Sylvia shot Cyril a message giving him two hours to meet her there. Otherwise, she would release all the evidence she had gathered over the years proving Karina was his mistress. The superstar’s reputation would be ripped to shreds. Sure enough, Cyril showed up under the two hour mark, his expression thunderous. He had never been threatened like this before, least of all by his wife. But Sylvia remained composed, not bothering to soothe his ruffled temper like she used to. The past was dead to her. “Do you have the paperwork?” she asked. “Must you make such a scene?” Cyril demanded. “I already told you when we married – no one can shake your position. But you must understand there are certain things I can never give you, no matter what you sacrificed back then to become my wife. Can’t you just tolerate it?” His mocking tone cut through Sylvia even as she kept her face impassive. Their marriage did have extenuating circumstances that she had tried explaining countless times over the years. But Cyril stubbornly believed only his version of events. Sylvia decided not to waste her breath. “Spare me the excuses. Like I said, if we don’t finalize this divorce today, I will ruin Karina’s career for good. I’m not joking around.” Cyril scoffed, unable to believe Sylvia actually had any leverage over someone like Karina. “Since you clearly don’t believe me, maybe these will convince you otherwise.” Sylvia took out a stack of photos from her bag. Cyril’s gut clenched with apprehension as he flipped through them. The candid shots were taken from intrusive angles that clearly showed Karina’s face along with Cyril in compromising intimacy. If leaked, they would undoubtedly ignite scandal. “I have plenty more where that came from. Still think I don’t have enough to force this divorce through?” Sylvia challenged. Cyril crumpled the photos, glaring venomously. “Where did you get these? I can’t believe you would actually stoop so low just to smear Karina’s name and keep your status!” Just as she expected. Sylvia didn’t even bother reacting as she headed straight into the administrative office. Cyril chased angrily after her. “At least tell me where the hell you got those photos!” But Sylvia had no more energy left to waste on him. She just wanted this sham of a relationship severed for good. Karina herself had sent Sylvia all those photos over the years, never including a single word. But the images told a thousand heartbreaking tales. Sylvia only had to stand in Cyril’s shadow while Karina basked under the spotlight. That told the whole story – she was the one forever abandoned and looked down upon. Left with no choice, Cyril signed the divorce paperwork. He was convinced Sylvia would regret this, but he would never give her the chance to come crawling back. In this world, opportunities only came once. Miss it, and there were no second chances. With the last legal tie between them dissolved, a dazzling smile lit up Sylvia’s face – the brightest she had smiled in years. “I won’t wish you happiness. I’ll just wish that you never get what you truly want in life.” The venom in her words made Cyril grit his teeth in hatred. Clearly he had underestimated the depths of Sylvia’s loathing for him now. When Sylvia was gone, Cyril glanced at the divorce settlement. She hadn’t taken a single penny of the assets she was entitled to over their marriage. He scoffed disdainfully. So she was just a vain social climber after all, to discard everything that tied her to his wealthy family. If only Cyril knew the truth – in their three years of marriage, he had never once gifted Sylvia anything meaningful. He allotted her a monthly allowance, but she refused to touch that credit card, always using her own money instead. Other than the decor and clothes she bought herself for the house, this marriage had not enriched her whatsoever. But Sylvia never expected anything from him in the first place. Marrying Cyril was not about gaining his wealth. As Sylvia returned to the mansion she once called home, she heard laughter coming from inside. She recognized the voices of her mother-in-law and Karina. “This morning when I called her, she said she’s divorcing my son! As if that greedy woman would actually let go of this family’s wealth!” “It was all just an unfortunate misunderstanding back then. If only you two had a bit more time, the truth would have come out and you’d be our daughter-in-law by now instead of Sylvia!” “Oh don’t say that, auntie. Sylvia and Cyril seem very well-matched and so loving even after all these years of marriage.” Sylvia nearly gagged hearing Karina’s words. Loving? Which eyes did she use to observe their so-called blissful marriage?