Easy Divorce, Hard Remarriage

"Urgent Notice! Urgent Notice! A peacekeeper's been critically injured on the front line. We need help, stat!" Olivia Smith quickly threw on her combat gear, grabbed a first aid kit, and headed out with her team.

Dodging through the smoke-filled battlefield, they carefully avoided enemy fire. As they got closer to Michael Johnson's position, the shelling kept coming, making things super dangerous.

Seeing Michael just ahead but unable to get closer because of the ongoing fire, Olivia took a deep breath, strapped on the medical pack, and crawled forward.

Finally, she made it to Michael's side. His leg was a mess, blood pouring out. Olivia took another deep breath, cleaned the wound, stopped the bleeding, and wrapped it up as best as she could.

"Michael, Michael, stay awake! Don't pass out!" Olivia's voice cut through the chaos, reaching Michael.

Through the pain and the smoke, Michael felt a strange sense of calm. Olivia's voice seemed to ease his pain a bit. He tried to see her face clearly, but his vision was too blurry from the blood. Michael felt himself being moved, then everything went black.

"Mr. Johnson, Mr. Johnson, wake up." A sharp, decisive male voice broke through, followed by more shaking. Michael instinctively overpowered the man beside him, pinning him to the desk.

"Mr. Johnson, it's me." Michael's secretary, David Jones, stopped resisting after a moment. Michael had been a peacekeeper on the battlefield, always on high alert. David knew him well enough to just be restrained; a stranger might not have been so lucky.

"What is it?" Michael let go of David, glancing out the floor-to-ceiling window and shaking his head.

Back in the bustling city, Michael couldn't help but think of those battlefield days. 'Is that female medic still alive?' he wondered.

Michael turned to David. "Did you handle what I asked?"

"It's done." David handed him a folder. Through the clear cover, Michael could see the divorce agreement inside.

"As per your instructions, Mrs. Johnson will get a villa and $20 million. Just sign here, and you can start the divorce process." David paused, then added, "Mr. Johnson, honestly, Mrs. Johnson really cares about you. We all see it."

"Enough!" Michael snapped, grabbing the divorce papers and heading out. David had to jog to keep up.

The city's lights sparkled in the night, with the occasional car horn breaking the silence. Michael walked through the familiar door.

The living room light cast a soft glow, highlighting the cozy sofa. Michael's eyes were drawn to the figure curled up on it. Olivia was asleep, her face peaceful, her soft breathing the only sound in the quiet night.

Michael couldn't help but think of the female medic's voice. It was oddly similar to Olivia's. He chuckled to himself. Olivia was just a simple girl from the countryside. If it weren't for his grandfather Robert Johnson's fondness for her, their paths would never have crossed. So he didn't think she was the decisive medic on the battlefield.

The table was set with a spread of delicious dishes, steam rising and mingling with a faint aroma, a testament to Olivia's feelings.

Michael felt a strange sensation in his heart. He resented Olivia, but because of Robert, he had to marry her. Now that the three-year period was over, he had fulfilled his promise to Robert and could divorce her to marry Grace Hernandez.

As for Olivia, he wasn't leaving her empty-handed. A villa and $20 million were more than enough for her to live comfortably. Since he had decided to divorce, there should be no further complications.

Michael didn't want to disturb Olivia, so he let her sleep on the sofa. As he pushed the bedroom door open, the sound woke Olivia. She rubbed her eyes and looked up. When she saw Michael, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes. "You're back. I thought you were working late again tonight."

"You don't need to wait for me," Michael said coldly.

"It's okay," Olivia replied gently but firmly. She sat up, revealing a warm smile. "I like waiting for you."

"Olivia, our three-year agreement is over." Michael didn't beat around the bush. "Let's get a divorce."

Olivia was stunned, her heart sinking. "Does Grandpa know you want to divorce me?"

"What difference does it make if he doesn't?"

Olivia felt like her heart was being ripped apart, tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn't believe this was happening, like a bad dream she couldn't wake up from.

"Michael, are you really set on divorcing me?" Olivia's voice trembled, despite her efforts to stay calm. She couldn't believe that after three years of trying, she still couldn't win Michael's heart.

"I'm done, Olivia." Michael waved her off, not even bothering to listen. "Marrying you was a mistake from the start. You knew I was rebelling against Grandpa, and you knew I had someone I loved. Now that the three years are up and Grace is back from Celestria, I'm going to marry her. So, I want a divorce."

"Grace." The name was like a dagger to Olivia's heart. "Yes, Grace, who grew up with you. Compared to her, I'm nothing."

"As long as you understand that." Michael's voice was cold and firm, no hesitation.

"I don't want a divorce, Michael! Are our past three years so easily discarded?" Olivia lunged forward, blocking him, tears streaming down her face. She pleaded, "I love you, Michael. I still want to be your wife, even if you have no feelings for me."

"A marriage without love is not what I want." Michael's voice carried a hint of weariness. He placed the divorce agreement on the table. "I've signed it. You should too, as soon as possible. Before Grace returns, I want all the legal procedures completed."

With that, Michael turned and headed to the bedroom. "As compensation, I'll give you $20 million and a villa in Crystal Haven. After all, if you have no assets, I can't explain it to Grandpa."

That sentence, like a sharp blade, completely severed the connection between Michael and Olivia. Olivia was utterly heartbroken, tears uncontrollably streaming down. She turned away, unable to look at him any longer, her heart filled with helplessness and despair.

As the door closed completely, Olivia's frail body could barely stand. She clung to the edge of the table, whispering through her tears, "Michael, can we not get a divorce?"Olivia's murmurs were drowned out by the ringing of a phone inside the house, unheard by anyone. The night passed in silence.

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over everything. But when Michael walked out of the bedroom, he was greeted by an empty home. Olivia's familiar presence was gone, along with the warm aroma of breakfast. Only a few cold dishes and an empty breakfast bowl on the table remained, a stark reminder that the home had lost its former warmth.

Michael frowned, a wave of unease rising in his chest. He instinctively walked to the kitchen, hoping to find something Olivia had left behind. But the fridge contained only a few fruits and vegetables, and the lavish breakfast Olivia usually prepared for him was conspicuously absent. He felt a pang of emptiness, realizing that what he had lost was not just the delicious food, but the Olivia who had tirelessly cared for him.

"Good morning, Mr. Johnson." David's voice pulled him from his thoughts. David had a professional smile on his face, yet at that moment, it only caused Michael a pang of discomfort.

"Morning," Michael responded curtly, his complex emotions leaving him no room to focus on other matters. Just then, David's words hit him like a bolt from the blue.

"Mrs. Johnson's already left," David said softly.

Michael's expression darkened, memories of his time with Olivia flooding his mind. The Olivia who always quietly took care of him, never complaining, had left.

"So eager to leave?" Michael felt a suffocating sensation, thinking he should feel relieved, but instead, he couldn't hide his regret. He remembered Olivia's tear-filled eyes, her despair.

Suddenly, Michael realized that he hadn't heard anything from the bedroom all night. He thought, 'Did Olivia leave without packing her things? Does she really think she can come back later?'

David seemed to sense Michael's confusion and explained, "Mrs. Johnson didn't take anything. She left me a small notebook and was picked up by a black sedan."

Michael scanned the living room, spotting a signed divorce agreement on the table, stained with tears. He didn't expect that Olivia, who was in tears last night, would leave so eagerly this morning!

Michael felt betrayed, irritably asking David, "David, find out whose car it was!"

"Yes, Mr. Johnson." Five minutes later, David said, "Mr. Johnson, I've found out. It was the car of Samuel Harris, CEO of Stellar Innovations Group!"

'Olivia, a girl from the countryside with no money or background, has no social connections in the past three years with me, yet she manages to hook up with the heir of the Harris family?' Michael thought to himself, 'Did she already find a new date so quickly?'

"Mr. Johnson, did you really propose a divorce to Mrs. Johnson today?" David asked tentatively.

"What's the deal? Why can't I divorce Olivia today?" Michael's voice was tight with anger, feeling totally betrayed.

David replied, "Mr. Johnson, today is Mrs. Johnson's birthday."

Michael paused for a second, then scoffed, "So what? Consider it a birthday present! Let's head to the airport and pick up Grace!"

Meanwhile, in the sleek black car Olivia was in, Samuel held her hand gently, his eyes full of concern. He kept glancing at the calluses on her fingers and her simple clothes, his heart aching for her.

Then, Samuel stared out at the brightening sky, feeling a deep pain for his sister Olivia. Ever since he found out her marriage with Michael was over, it felt like a heavy weight was crushing his chest. He couldn't wrap his head around how Michael could be so heartless, making Olivia suffer so much.

Samuel's fists clenched, his anger burning inside him. He pictured Michael's cold face, feeling a mix of helplessness and rage. He wished he could make Michael feel all the pain Olivia was going through, but he knew he couldn't. He couldn't let her endure any more harm, especially from Michael.

"Isabella," Samuel called her by her real name softly, his voice full of warmth. He held her hand tighter, giving her a reassuring smile. "Don't be sad. I'm here for you. No matter what happens, I've got your back."

"I'm not sad. I'm not Olivia anymore." Isabella closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face. When she opened them again, there was no trace of longing for Michael, just determination.

Isabella said firmly, "I've survived this hell. If I regret anything, I deserve to die. I'm back, and this time, it's Isabella Harris!"

Now back as the Harris family's daughter, Isabella leaned on Samuel's shoulder. Despite the heartache, she was grateful to still have her family.

She casually tossed aside the phone she used to cling to, no longer caring about messages from Michael. She didn't even notice the taunting message from Grace in her inbox.

Grace: [I told you, you took my place, and sooner or later, I'll make you give it back. Michael is mine, stop dreaming!]

Isabella thought to herself, 'Let those two jerks have each other!'

"Daniel heard you were back and set up a fireworks show worth millions for tonight," Samuel said softly. Isabella just smirked.

Back at the Harris Manor, Isabella settled in while Michael had already picked up Grace from the airport and brought her home. At the welcome dinner for Grace, who was Michael's mom Zoey Johnson's niece, everyone in the Johnson family seemed to be in high spirits. Except for Michael, who sat alone, frowning, with no appetite.Michael was still thinking about Isabella leaving with Samuel, taking nothing with her—not even the twenty million dollars or the villa.

"Where's Olivia? Why didn't she come with you?" Michael's dad, Ryan Johnson, couldn't help but ask.

Michael replied, "We got divorced. She's not coming back."

"How dare you?" Ryan's voice boomed, his eyes blazing with anger. He pointed a finger at Michael, his face a mix of fury and disappointment. "Don't you know your grandfather's health is fragile? What you did will only break his heart more!"

Michael felt a sharp pain in his chest, Ryan's words cutting deep. He knew this decision would hurt the family's reputation, but he couldn't stay in a loveless marriage any longer. "I need to make my own choices," he said, trying to keep his emotions in check, but his voice was shaky.

Meanwhile, Zoey seemed unusually calm. She smiled slightly, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Ryan, I've told you before, Michael and Olivia were never a good match. Their marriage was forced by Robert. Olivia endured for three years, and now that she's willing to let go and divorce Michael, it's actually a good thing for both of them. You know Michael has always loved Grace."

Michael frowned, irritated, and cut Zoey off. "Dad, we've signed the divorce papers, and Olivia has already left, taking nothing with her."

"Olivia has some pride,"Ryan's daughter Lily Johnson sneered. "Is she playing the victim? She better not go around saying the Johnson family mistreated her."

Ryan nodded, "Lily's right. You must remember the family's reputation! This divorce could cause us problems!"

Ryan's face was a mix of anger and confusion. A three-year marriage ended just like that, and if word got out, Michael's reputation would be in shambles.

On the other hand, Grace was thrilled. She had been waiting for this moment, hoping to marry Michael soon. She loved him with a fiery intensity, and now she finally had her chance. But she had to keep her excitement in check.

"Ryan, don't blame Michael. If anyone's at fault, it's me. I shouldn't have come back into his life. I'll head back to Celestria first thing in the morning. Michael, you should try to patch things up with Olivia. I don't want to be the reason you two split," Grace said, tears in her eyes.

"Grace, it's not your fault," Michael said, his eyes darkening as he took her slender hand. "It's completely over between Olivia and me. You've waited for me for three years; I won't let you suffer anymore."

The dinner ended on a sour note, but Grace and Michael were finally reunited. Grace couldn't take her eyes off the handsome Michael. From now on, he was hers, and she would be his wife.

Grace gently linked her arm with Michael's, pressing close to him. For some reason, Michael felt a slight discomfort rather than joy from this intimate contact.

"Michael, I heard there's a fireworks show at Willowbrook River tonight. Let's go see it," Grace said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Michael smiled at her, his heart full of affection.

"Alright, whatever you want," Michael said without hesitation, his eyes full of tenderness. Grace's face lit up with a radiant smile, her heart filled with sweet happiness.

The black luxury car slowly drove towards Willowbrook Riverbank.

As night fell, the riverside was already bustling with people, and the fireworks were about to start. Grace excitedly pulled Michael's hand, running towards the best spot to watch the show. Her heart was full of anticipation, imagining the spectacular display.

When the fireworks burst in the night sky, Grace's eyes lit up instantly. The brilliant fireworks bloomed above as if specially prepared for their reunion. She couldn't help but cheer, and Michael felt a warmth in his heart. He liked Grace's cheerful personality, so different from Olivia's dull demeanor. In his view, other than being obedient and compliant, Olivia had nothing to offer.

Michael really didn't know what magic Olivia had to make the always upright Samuel fall for her. It seemed Michael had underestimated Olivia.

Suddenly, four fireworks exploded simultaneously, forming the words "Happy Birthday" in the sky!

"So it's someone's birthday. I wonder who is lucky enough to get such a gift." Grace sighed enviously. "Can you prepare birthday fireworks for me too?"

Michael didn't respond to Grace's excitement. His lips were pressed tightly together. He thought to himself, 'Today is also Olivia's birthday. Is this fireworks display a gift from Samuel to Olivia, or just a coincidence?'

A dull ache settled in Michael's heart. His gaze swept over the crowd, and suddenly, his heart tightened. He saw Olivia and Samuel standing not far away, very close to each other, looking quite intimate. A surge of anger rose in Michael's chest, almost uncontrollable.