Page 3 of My wife divorced me over a stuffed toy

"A live-in son-in-law asking for a divorce? Doesnt even know how lucky he ishes dumber than a pig."

"So what if PresidentCronin likes cuddling a teddy bear to sleep? Thats not weird. I do it too!"

"He probably got bored of her after she gave birth and her figure changed a little. Wouldnt be surprised if hes keeping a harem of mistresses on the side."

The way they looked at me was full of disgust as though I were some vile criminal.

I hadnt even opened my mouth to respond when a familiar voice rang out from behind.

Enough! Who gave you permission to speak like that? Get back to work!

It was Cora.

Only then did the employees reluctantly scatter.

She walked up to me with a warm smile. Honey, she said, I bought you a new watch. Try it on.

From her bag, she took out a pristine wristwatch.

Gasps erupted around us.

"A Patek Philippe limited edition! Only three were ever maderumor is, they were all snatched up by mysterious collectors!"

"PresidentCronin mustve gone to great lengths to get her hands on this. Shes so thoughtful..."

Everyone looked on with admiration and envy.

But my response remained cold.

I came to collect my family heirloom, I said, stepping back. You can save the watchfor your teddy bear.

The words hit like ice water.

Cora froze, stunned.

The crowd erupted again, only now with outrage.

What an ungrateful bastard!

He doesnt deserve anything good!

I ignored every word and headed upstairs.

When my parents passed, they left me with only one thinga pendant they said would ward off evil. Id worn it around my neck ever since.

A while ago, Cora had complained that her office felt eerie, that strange noises kept happening.

So Id taken off the pendant and hung it in her office. From that day on, everything went quiet.

But now? She didnt deserve to keep it.

As I entered her office, I saw Amos playing with a little girl.

President Jason, he greeted with a grin. Youre finally back. Nothing matters more than a happy family. Come, take a look at your daughter.

Shes adorablehow could you bear to walk away from her?

He walked over with the child in his arms.

Move, I said with a frown of pure disgust.

Shes your daughter, Amos insisted, his voice rising. You wont even spare her a glance?

Get out of my way! I shoved him aside impatiently and walked straight in to retrieve the pendant.

I turned.

Amos and the girl had both fallen to the floor.

At that exact moment, Cora walked in with several senior executives and saw everything.

She rushed to the child, checking her from head to toe. Only when she confirmed there were no injuries did she breathe a sigh of relief.

What happened? she asked, eyes darting between me and Amos.

Amos hung his head. I just wanted President Jason to look at his daughter, but he refused. He pushed me... I wasnt steady on my feet, and I fell.

What?

Before I could react, Cora slapped me hard across the face.

"You've become heartless!" she screamed. Thats your own daughter!

Shes barely a year old. What if she had been seriously hurt?

My face remained indifferent. Say whatever you want. Even if she had died from the fallits not my problem.

Her expression collapsed.

Tears streamed down her face.

Amos pointed at me, shaking with rage. What the hell is wrong with you?! Cursing your own daughter to die? Youre beyond help!

Enough, Cora choked out, trembling with fury. Im done.

Get out.

Get out of my life! I can raise our daughter on my own. She doesnt need a father like you.

Well settle this in court.

Cora's final words were practically screamed at the top of her lungs.

I didnt respond. I simply turned and walked away.

Not long after, news of my divorce with her exploded online.

One expos after another flooded the internet.

Some claimed I was keeping dozens of mistresses.

Some said I was a regular at shady clubs.

Others even alleged I had an illegitimate child.

Photos were posted as so-called evidence.

I was crucified on the internetlabeled a heartless scumbag who abandoned his wife and child.

Still, I remained silent.

No explanations. No statements.

Until three days later, when I appeared in court.

Because the trial was public, the gallery was packednot just with friends and family, but with reporters as well.

Jason, Cora said, fists clenched tightly, Ill give you one last chance. Admit your mistake, and lets move on with our lives.

Amos chimed in beside her. You dont have a leg to stand on. Youll lose everything in the divorce. What then? Whos going to want anything to do with you?

Just give in, he sneered. Unless you want to end up sleeping on the street.

Cora's parents sat stiff-faced.

Jason, her father said sternly, think carefully about the consequences.

If your whole argument for splitting assets is that Cora sleeps with a teddy bear, you have no chance of winning.

In the face of their criticism, I said nothing.

I simply walked to my seat beside Kelly.

The entireCronin family scoffed in unison.

The hearing began.

After reviewing Coras submitted evidence, the judge turned to me.

Sleeping with a teddy bear doesnt constitute a fault in a marriage, he said.

However, the plaintiff has submitted over fifty photos of you in intimate situations with other women.

If you cannot provide new evidence, the court will rule you at fault based on the current facts.

I stood up calmly.

I have evidence.

Now the real show was about to begin.