Chapter 3

Their marriage had been a whirlwind. Same-sex marriage had been legal in their country for years, a testament to its progressive values. But why had they married? His father was a scientist, his uncle a military man, and there was no one to helm the family business. He had always idolized his uncle, who frequently took him to the military base, fostering a deep-rooted love for the armed forces.

When his grandfather fell ill, he was asked to leave the military and take over the company. He was on the cusp of joining the National Security Bureau, fully aware that he was ill-suited for the corporate world. Around that time, Brian, a younger relative, had been visiting his sick grandfather regularly. His grandfather suggested a solution: he could stay in the military if he married Brian. As his legal spouse, Brian could legitimately take over the family business. Brian agreed, and so did he.

Then he began his missions with the National Security Bureau, his life became a whirl of activity, and now, they were teetering on the brink of divorce.

"What on earth is Brian thinking?" he pondered.

"You run your company, raking in millions each year. I serve my country, dodging bullets and bombs. There's no conflict here. Why can't we just continue as we are? Why on earth does he want a divorce?"

"Divorce, over my dead body."

"Hey, William, heard you're back. Let's grab a drink," a friend rang in.

News of William Wang's return spread quickly, prompting his friends, who knew his steadfast loyalty, to reach out for a reunion.

"No time for that. I've got a spouse to placate. He wants a divorce, and I can't fathom why," William replied, casually maneuvering his car, a cigarette hanging from his lips, his brow creased in vexation.

There was a pause on the other end.

"William, no offense, but you've been kind of... you know... to Brian."

"What do you mean 'you know'? Spit it out, Theodore. We've been friends since childhood. You were my best man. You barely know Brian. Why are you siding with him? And while we're at it, why didn't you keep an eye on him while I was away on a mission?"

Knowing William's fiery temper, Theodore chose not to argue. "Bro, let's hash this out in person. Meet me at our old haunt tonight, okay?" He quickly hung up, relieved. William was like a powder keg ready to explode.

Muttering curses under his breath, William spotted Brian exiting his office, laptop bag in hand, his secretary and a few others trailing behind him. What could he possibly be working on when everyone else had already left for the day?

Brian stood at the entrance of his office, giving instructions to his secretary and the others. He noticed the missed call on his phone, but waited until everyone had finished speaking before responding. Once they had their answers and dispersed, Brian gave his secretary a few more directives before returning William's call.

As he walked towards the parking lot, engrossed in his call, Brian didn't notice William waiting for him. Irritated, William strode over, grabbed Brian's arm, and yanked him back. Just as he was about to say, "I've been standing here, didn't you see me?" Brian hushed him.

"Apologies, Mr Zhou, I can't make it today. My mother needs me at home. I'll treat you to lunch tomorrow."

"My mom called you, didn't she? I'll drive you home."

Despite his annoyance, William remembered his mother's advice to be kind and pacify Brian. So, he bit back his retort and guided Brian towards his SUV.

"I'm aware of the situation. I'll drive."

"I'm not here to pick up your car, Brian. I'm here to pick you up."

Brian was about to snap back when his phone rang again. By the time he answered, William had already swung open the car door. With one hand on Brian's head, he gently guided him into the car.

"If you're still on the phone while getting in the car and you bump your head, don't come complaining to me."

Brian heard William's soft grumble and shot him a glance as he circled around to the driver's side. He sighed softly. What seemed like a rough shove into the car was actually a protective gesture to prevent him from hitting his head. Beneath William's rugged exterior was a tender side that required a closer look to discern.

...

William wanted to ask Brian, "Why do you want a divorce? Isn't everything fine?" But every time he turned to speak, Brian's phone would ring, the incessant pinging driving him to the edge. When the calls finally ceased, Brian asked him to pull over. He stepped into a cake shop and emerged with a cake, then returned to the car and closed his eyes to rest.

"Are you hungry? Why'd you buy a cake?"

William was merely trying to make conversation.

"Your mom loves it."

"She can buy it herself, can't she? We have a cook at home."

"It's a limited edition from this shop in town."

"What kind of cake is so special?"

Brian gave him a glance and then closed his eyes again, choosing not to respond.

"Why are you glaring at me?"

"You don't even know what your own mother likes. You're a real dutiful son."

William was left speechless. He didn't even know what his own mother liked, yet he expected Brian to remember. He was indeed a negligent son.

The silence lingered, neither of them speaking. The couple had reached a point where divorce seemed not just possible, but inevitable. They were on a path leading to separation.

William hailed from a wealthy family. His grandfather had built a successful company, but none of his heirs wanted to take over, not even his grandson. The newlywed grandson's spouse, Brian, had taken over the large enterprise, managing domestic and international contracts and leading the company to go public.

The Wang family resided in a villa nestled amidst stunning scenery. Ginkgo and maple trees painted a picturesque scene, especially in this season with their golden and red leaves. The castle-like residence should have housed an elegant lady, right?

As soon as William walked in, his mother charged at him with a feather duster.

"Rascal! You have the nerve to come back! I'll beat you to death!"

Nina's attack sent William scurrying from the entrance to the safety of the living room.

"Mom! What are you doing? Why are you hitting me? It hurts! Dad! Your wife's gone mad! Ouch, ouch, you're really hitting me!"

Feathers filled the air as Nina Li's duster made contact with the furniture more often than with William. A single blow to his arm sent him leaping high, tumbling over the back of the sofa and using a cushion as a shield.

"I'll beat you to death, you little bastard! What have you done all these years? Have you been fair to Brian? If he doesn't divorce you, I can't stand it! I'll kill you and be done with it, so your grandfather won't scold me in his dreams for not disciplining you strictly."

Nina Li, or rather, "Forceful Nina" as she should be called, pointed her duster at William and cursed him out. She was panting with rage, feathers stuck in her elegant updo, but she didn't care.

"William, let me tell you, if Brian divorces you, it's all your fault. You've wronged him. If you two divorce, I'll disown you. Brian, don't stop me. I'll beat him to death today to give you justice."

Nina turned to Brian, assuming he was trying to intervene. But when she looked, Brian was nowhere near her. He was still standing at the entrance, a good ten meters away. He hadn't moved an inch towards the scene. He was merely a spectator.

Brian gestured for her to continue.

"Mom, please continue. I won't stop you."

Go ahead, beat him, he thought, keeping his distance from the battlefield. If one of them died, he wouldn't interfere. He definitely wouldn't stop her.