Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 46 Marriage of Convenience and Hidden Divorce

Wu Zhiyuan's heart skipped a beat, sensing that this secret might be extraordinary, so he nodded solemnly: "Coco, don't worry, once it comes out of your mouth, it goes into my ears, and no third person will ever know."

"I believe you." Lin Keke took a sip of her drink, as if to encourage herself, and then slowly said, "My marriage is a sham!"

Wu Zhiyuan was taken aback: "Fake?"

"Yes," Lin Keke's smile was bitter, "Tao Yong and I, Tao Sizhong's son, are in a marriage of convenience."

Or rather, it used to be, but now it's not even a marriage of convenience anymore; we've already secretly divorced, just last month.

Lin Keke added, "The secret divorce happened before I met you."

Wu Zhiyuan never expected that behind Lin Keke's glamorous marriage was such a truth!

Lin Keke continued, "Tao Yong is gay, not bisexual. He has been gay for a long time."

His parents didn't know he was gay, or at least I don't think they did.

Who would tell their parents about this secret quirk?

My father was also a policeman, and he was Tao Sizhong's subordinate.

Tao Yong and I actually grew up in the same government compound, which was a housing project funded by the work unit.

In my heart, Tao Yong is like an older brother. He is a really good person and has treated me like a younger sister since I was little.

To be honest, you can't tell from his appearance that Tao Yong is gay.

Tao Yong is four years older than me and is of marriageable age, but he doesn't date, which worries his parents a lot.

Actually, I later found out that he had a boyfriend in Jiangzhou, the provincial capital.

Tao Sizhong introduced me to Tao Yong. I had a good impression of Tao Yong; we were old acquaintances. I agreed.

Perhaps because he was afraid of being pressured into marriage by his parents, Tao Yong agreed to date me.

During our relationship, I sensed something was off about him. He wouldn't hug or kiss me, or even hold my hand, but I couldn't tell that he disliked me.

At the time, I didn't think too much about it, and I certainly didn't think the worst of it; I assumed he was just shy.

Two years ago, we had a grand wedding, but on our wedding night, he didn't touch me. Even when my body accidentally touched him, he recoiled as if he had been electrocuted.

Our honeymoon was almost over, and he was still the same. I had to admit one thing: he was gay.

Because there are too many similar cases online, I questioned Tao Yong.

He finally told the truth: he was gay and had no interest in women. He apologized to me, saying he was sorry.

He said he wouldn't have gotten married if his parents hadn't pressured him.

He knelt down before me, begging me not to divorce him and not to tell the truth, otherwise, he would be looked down upon by others.

He said he would treat me like a good younger sister and even encouraged me to find a lover.

I don't want to maintain this abnormal marriage, but I'm also afraid of hurting Tao Yong's feelings.

Tao Yong was so good to me! He treated me like a brother to his sister!

That went on for two years. Last month, Tao Yong and I divorced. I promised him I wouldn't announce it to anyone.

Lin Keke picked up her wine glass and drank it all in one gulp. "Zhiyuan, what seems like a perfect marriage to outsiders is actually a complete mess."

Wu Zhiyuan asked softly, "Why didn't you leave sooner?"

"Leave?" Lin Keke gave a bitter smile. "It's easier said than done. I can't get past my parents."

They thought I had married into a good family and were overjoyed. Then came the sudden divorce. What was the reason?

To say that Tao Yong is gay is like detonating a bomb. It will not only ruin his family, but also be a huge blow to my parents. They will lose face in the entertainment industry, and it would be a disservice to Tao Yong for all the care he has given me over the years!

"You mean there's a discord in our relationship? In public, Tao Yong treats me very well; in fact, he really is."

Wu Zhiyuan said solemnly, "Coco, thank you for trusting me so much. Don't worry, I'll keep this to myself. You've really been through a lot, and you're very strong. What are your plans for the future?"

Lin Keke forced a smile: "Although I'm still acting, at least I know in my heart that I'm free. I'm just waiting for the right time to really leave."

I hope to have a normal romantic relationship in the future.

Lin Keke's voice carried a hint of longing, but more so confusion and exhaustion: "But to be honest, Zhiyuan, after experiencing all this, I'm a little afraid of marriage, and even of men."

I don't know if I can still completely trust someone, and I don't know what kind of feelings are truly reliable.

She chuckled self-deprecatingly and took another sip of her drink: "Sometimes I think I'm ridiculous. I wear a police uniform and seem efficient and decisive on the outside, but when I return to that empty so-called 'home,' I feel empty inside."

"After acting for so long, I've almost forgotten what my real self should be like."

"Coco, you can't deny all possibilities just because of one bad experience."

Genuine feelings exist; they just need time and opportunity to be encountered.

You are now free. Although it was a secret divorce, at least you are free in your heart. This is a new beginning.

Lin Keke wanted to drink more, but Wu Zhiyuan stopped her: "Keke, you can't drink anymore! I'll take you home!"

Lin Keke's residence is in a high-end villa area in Longcheng New City.

This place is all villas, with an elegant environment, and the residents are all wealthy and powerful.

When they arrived at the villa, Lin Keke said, "Zhiyuan, come up and have a seat."

Wu Zhiyuan hesitated and said, "It's too late, maybe we shouldn't go?"

Lin Keke retorted playfully, "What are you afraid of! I'm all alone!"

Wu Zhiyuan agreed.

If Lin Keke were not divorced and were a married woman, he would never have gone to her house.

Even if the two of them did nothing, if word gets out, they'll be in a situation they can't clear their name of.

But now, Lin Keke is single, and so is he.

It's not a big deal if two single men and women, even if they just chat, have an intimate relationship.

The villa's interior is luxuriously decorated but lacks a sense of life, appearing cold and deserted.

"Zhiyuan, don't be afraid. Tao Yong spends most of his time in Jiangzhou, doing business there."

Even if he suddenly came back, he wouldn't care about me. Besides, we're already divorced.

Even if we don't divorce, he has said many times that he won't interfere in my private life, just as I don't interfere in his.

The villa has three floors.

There is a reception room on the second floor.

The two chatted while drinking tea.

Just then, Lin Keke's phone rang.

Upon closer inspection, it was a call from Tao Sizhong.

"Dad, is something wrong?" Lin Keke frowned.

"Coco, I'm at your villa. I have a key, and I was just letting you know in case I suddenly went in."

"Huh? Dad..." Lin Keke was taken aback. "Why did you come all of a sudden? I... I was just about to rest."

I have something I'd like to talk to you about, it's about Xiaoyong. That's all for now, we'll talk when we meet.

Downstairs, the sound of a door opening could be heard.

Lin Keke had a sudden idea: "Zhiyuan, go hide by my bedroom window and draw the curtains. He won't come into the bedroom."

Lin Keke quickly threw Wu Zhiyuan's disposable water cup into the trash can.

Lin Keke led Wu Zhiyuan into the master bedroom.

It's spacious, with a private bathroom and a large bay window.

The bay window, with its heavy double-layered curtains, is an ideal hiding place.

He immediately hid in the corner of the bay window and drew the curtains.

Just as Lin Keke was about to go downstairs, Tao Sizhong went up the stairs instead.

"Dad, let's talk about it in the living room." Lin Keke looked a little nervous.

Tao Sizhong, cunning and shrewd, with keen insight, asked with a wicked grin, "Keke, Xiaoyong is rarely home. You wouldn't be keeping a mistress, would you?"

Lin Keke quickly denied it: "Dad, how could that be!"

Tao Sizhong grinned wickedly: "That's good, that's good. You're so beautiful, I don't know how many men are eyeing you. I'm just afraid you won't be able to stand the loneliness."

Oh dear, look, I've been drinking tonight and I'm starting to talk nonsense!