CEO's Betrayal: Love in Turmoil

After an intense night together, he suddenly told me he wanted a divorce. Because his "one true love" was back in town.

I was stunned.

Then, it hit me – I'd somehow been transported into the world of this book.

In the story, the male lead is married to the female lead, who he's only using to make his ex jealous enough to come back.

And apparently, it worked, because after a year of staying abroad, she's back.

During that year, Jed seemed to thoroughly enjoy his "duties" as a husband.

Even the night before the divorce, he couldn't keep his hands off her.

But, as I would find out later, he was just "enjoying the benefits" while they lasted. And let's just say that, in the end, I found a way to return the favor – by cozying up with his best friend.

You could say, karma's a clever thing.

1

After our night together, Jed Morrison turned his back on me and, just like that, said he wanted a divorce.

His first love, Haley Thorpe, was back.

I sat at the edge of the bed, my mind spinning.

The book did start like this – a passionate night followed by Jed calmly declaring he wanted a divorce.

For dramatic effect, he even lit up a cigarette, probably thinking it made him look brooding and deep.

Ignoring the smoke that was practically stinging my eyes, I looked at him.

His sharply defined face was softened by the haze of smoke – a look that would make anyone want to punch him.

This man was supposed to be hopelessly in love with Haley, his precious "first love." And yet he turned around and married the original female lead, purely as a tool to bring Haley back.

But if he really loved Haley, why go all out with his wife? Why the intense physical affection, night after night?

The original heroine had no idea about Haley when she married Jed. She naively believed she'd found her true love.

"Sign it," Jed said, thrusting the divorce papers into my hands, his tone dripping with entitlement.

"Why?" I asked, playing dumb, feeling it was unfair to the original female lead.

In the original storyline, the female lead was heartbroken and devastated by this moment.

Especially after what happened last night. She still bore the marks of him, of his scent and touch.

One moment in bliss, the next tossed aside.

Who wouldn't be crushed?

"I told you, Haley's back," Jed replied, irritated, as if I was a worn-out rag he'd just realized he didn't need anymore.

Too bad I wasn't the original Zoey Martin anymore.

I snorted, leaning back casually. "You didn't exactly impress me last night, so I'm a little underwhelmed here. Maybe we'll talk divorce tomorrow."

Jed stared at me, dumbfounded.

For a year, I'd played the perfect wife, all smiles and compliance, never uttering a single rebellious word.

But I smirked and ran my bare leg up his side, letting it graze his chest playfully. "Mr. Morrison, I'm done with playing 'good girl.' It's exhausting."

The old Zoey Martin had been raised to be modest and obedient, with a strict upbringing and a mild temperament. She was a picture-perfect, prim-and-proper beauty. But me? I was anything but.

I tapped his chest with my toe, keeping rhythm.

Jed's expression darkened. His tall frame leaned over me, pinning me down, but I pressed a hand to his chest and said firmly, "Mr. Morrison, if Haley's really the love of your life, then shouldn't you be saving yourself for her?"

I could tell my jab hit home. His jaw clenched, his eyes darkening.

Jed finally pulled back, though his eyes lingered, smoldering with a look that said he wanted nothing more than to shut me up.

I stretched out, nonchalantly adjusting the strap of my nightgown.

Jed sneered, "Doesn't matter what you try. This divorce is happening."

I scoffed. Please, I was just admiring Zoey's stunning figure.

When I didn't make a move to sign, Jed stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

I let out a laugh and headed to the guest room to wash up and crash for the night. His bedroom was far too nauseating to sleep in.

The next day, Morrison Group's legal chief, Eric Fuller, personally delivered the divorce papers to me.

It wasn't that I didn't want to be divorced, but a little payback was in order.

I flipped directly to the section on alimony, skimmed it, and raised an eyebrow. "Is Jed trying to hand me crumbs?"

Eric looked startled, clearly not expecting this response.

"Ms. Martin, are you suggesting...?"

2

"You think Mr. Morrison can just deceive my feelings and toy with my body for over a year, then hand me a measly apartment and five million cash as a parting gift? If I remember correctly, that gem necklace he gifted Haley Thorpe six months ago was worth over ten million, right?"

Eric paused, adjusting his glasses with a professional demeanor. "So, Ms. Martin, how much alimony are you asking for?"

I smirked, leaning back. "I've worked at Morrison Group for over two years and closed three deals worth over a hundred million each. I'm not asking for much – just 3% of the company shares, the villa in Willowbrook Heights, a flat in Lakeside Haven, another in Cedarwood Grove, five commercial units on the street, and thirty million in cash. I'll sign immediately after I receive it."

Eric's eyes widened as he processed my demands.

It wasn't surprising; in the story, Zoey was a total pushover. When she divorced Jed, she didn't ask for a dime, claiming that being married to him for a year hadn't contributed much to his success.

What a joke.

During the day, she acted as his secretary, making deals and toasting over drinks, and at night, she sacrificed her sleep and body. Exhausted yet somehow felt like she had struck gold without really putting in the effort.

I could almost hear the collective facepalms from those who knew her story.

After a long moment, Eric finally snapped back to reality and called Jed for approval.

Once the call connected, he relayed my demands. I couldn't hear Jed's response, but Eric suddenly gestured for me to take the phone.

As I grabbed his phone, a mocking female voice came through loud and clear, "Zoey Martin, are you crazy? Clinging onto Jed like a parasite?"

The voice was crisp and piercing, unmistakably belonging to Haley Thorpe.

Clearly, Jed and I weren't even divorced yet, and the two of them couldn't wait to meet.

I chuckled, "Ah, Miss Thorpe, how many gifts have you received from Jed while my marriage is still intact? Don't forget to return them; I deserve my share too."

Haley's voice dripped with indignation, "Zoey, you're just a pawn Jed used to win me back. You think you can act all high and mighty?"

Her words stung, a pang of Zoey's emotions hitting me, but I quickly composed myself, smirking as I shot back, "Miss Thorpe, if he doesn't meet my demands, I'll just hold off on the divorce and let you enjoy being his secret mistress forever."

Haley's tone shifted, sounding almost desperate, "Zoey, just you wait."

I frowned. Was she threatening me?

Eric was about to leave, but I stopped him. "Hang on, Haley and Jed will be here soon."

I quickly changed into a red dress and put on some light makeup, prepping myself with a few stretches.

Eric, seated on the sofa, looked like he was watching a soap opera.

Sure enough, I heard the roar of an engine outside.

Peeking out, I saw a Ferrari pull up.

Haley stepped out, exuding an air of elegance mixed with barely concealed fury. She tilted her head, signaling Jed to open the door for her.

I took a deep breath, adopting a calm and poised stance as they entered.

Our eyes locked first.

Haley's gaze was sharp, like a sword aimed straight at me, clearly seething with hatred.

She didn't say a word, sizing me up disdainfully, probably surprised at how stunning I looked, momentarily left speechless.

Then she shot an annoyed glance at Jed.

Jed, wearing an impassive expression, glanced at me and commanded, "Apologize to Haley."