Chapter 1

1

I'd been married to Ford Jameson for five years. He treated me like his entire world, making me the envy of every woman I knew.

They all said I'd found the most devoted husband in the world. That was until I discovered he had a second home.

He was keeping a younger woman there like a secret pet. When I confronted him in a hysterical fit of rage, he didn't even look guilty.

"She's just a distraction, Jane," he replied casually. "I'm just looking for a bit of excitement. You're still the only wife I want. What more do you want?"

But Ford, you've become something I can't stand to touch. I feel sick just looking at you.

In the end, I decided to terminate the pregnancy I'd been so happy about. I turned my back on our life and walked away.

......

I walked through the door to find a beautifully wrapped box on the table. Ford was sitting on the sofa, flipping through a magazine.

He hadn't been home for a week. We'd had a massive blow-up after I found out about his little mistress.

I hadn't spent the week crying or tracking his every move. If he hadn't shown up today, I might have forgotten he even existed.

When he saw me, he stood up and tried to wrap his arms around my waist. I flinched, stepping back to avoid his touch.

The embrace I used to crave now made my stomach turn. Ford's expression stiffened for a second, but he didn't say anything.

He picked up the box and held it out to me. "I remember you saying your watch was broken. I bought you a new one. Do you like it?"

I knew what this was. This was Ford's way of bowing his head.

For the past five years, every time we fought, he'd buy me a trinket. I was always expected to take the peace offering and move on.

Even if I'd spent countless nights crying myself to sleep, I'd act like nothing happened as soon as he showed a sign of regret. But I was exhausted now.

I didn't even glance at the box. I walked straight past him toward the stairs.

Ford sighed, sounding frustrated as he grabbed my hand and pulled me into a hug. "Are you still not over it?"

I pried his fingers off my skin. I didn't want to give him an answer.

My silence finally seemed to snap his patience. He frowned, anger starting to cloud his face.

"It's been a week, Jane. Haven't you thought this through? Stop acting like a spoiled child."

His words were full of blame. He made it sound like I was the one being unreasonable.

I looked at the man I'd loved for five years. A bitter smile touched my lips.

"So, you stayed away for a week just to wait for me to get over it? You think I'm making a big deal out of nothing?"

Ford didn't answer. His silence said everything I needed to know.

He thought I was the one at fault. I closed my eyes, trying to ignore the sharp pain in my chest.

"In that case, let's get a divorce."

Ford grabbed my wrist with a force that hurt. His eyes flared with genuine rage.

"Jane, I told you she's just a plaything. Once the novelty wears off, I'll pay her off and send her away. She's not a threat to your position."

"I've given you all the money and attention you could ever want. I just have a woman on the side to blow off steam when work gets stressful. Can't you try to understand me?"

I couldn't believe such disgusting words were coming from his mouth. He was the man I had adored.

What did he think women were? Dogs that you could whistle for and then kick away?

I struggled to break free, staring at him in disbelief. "When did you become this person, Ford? You make me want to throw up."

Ford's face twisted with impatience. Every trace of his former tenderness was gone.

"This is normal for a man with my net worth. We've been married five years and I've only had one mistress. I'm practically a saint compared to most guys."

"Look at Mr. Lawson. He's had a string of mistresses since the day he got married. His wife doesn't throw a tantrum about it. Everyone turns a blind eye. Why can't you?"

I was so angry I actually laughed. His twisted logic was almost funny.

"If that's the case, I've been married for five years without a single side piece. I'm really missing out, aren't I? Maybe I should go find some toy boys to keep me company."

That was the breaking point. Ford's grip on my wrist tightened until it was white.

"I won't allow it!"

See? Men and their double standards.

They can go out and party with whoever they want. But they expect their wives to stay home and play the perfect, loyal spouse.

On what grounds? I let out a light laugh.

"If you can't accept it for me, why do you think you have the right to ask it of me? Let's just divorce. Looking at you makes me feel sick."