Chapter 1

On New Year's Eve, my wife finally agreed to let me join her childhood friends' party.

But while I was lying in the lounge, dizzy from the drinks, something happened.

My wife, who was never affectionate with me, threw herself into the arms of Xander Brooks. He had just returned to the country.

"Xander, you're finally back. Do you know how much I've missed you?"

"If it weren't for you, I never would have agreed to marry into the Sinclair family. Don't worry, I've kept myself pure for you all these years."

As she spoke, she took off her coat and kissed the corner of Xander's mouth.

I used to think she was just cold by nature. Now I finally understood that her heart belonged to someone else.

In that moment, my heart turned to ash. I decided to let go.

But why, after I gave up everything, did she come back crying and begging me to stay?

1

I didn't get up from the sofa until everyone had left. My hands and feet were ice cold. I rushed to the bathroom and threw up everything in my stomach.

When I finally stumbled out, Jocelyn Hayes was already standing by the car. Xander Brooks was right there with her.

She was wrapping her arms around his neck with a smile I had never seen before. "Xander, you're staying for good this time, right?"

For the first time, I saw a hint of desperation on her face.

Xander took her hand and kissed it gently. His movements were so tender that Jocelyn's face turned bright red.

"Of course. I'll stay for you."

Jocelyn didn't notice me until I walked right up to them. She instinctively let go of Xander's hand.

The sweetness on her face vanished instantly, replaced by a look of pure annoyance.

"What took you so long?"

Maybe she was worried I would make a scene. Her eyes flickered with a bit of guilt as she looked at Xander.

"Xander just got back. We were just catching up."

I didn't say a word. I just stared at her.

She frowned and let out an impatient sigh. "Caden Sinclair, what are you suspicious of now?"

"It's exhausting when a man is this paranoid all day long."

She glared at me, then turned back to Xander with a soft expression. "Let's catch up again soon."

As she moved, I saw the dark red marks on her neck, peeking out from under her collar.

I let out a bitter, silent laugh.

Xander gave me a provocative look. Then he turned to Jocelyn and spoke in a whiny, teasing tone.

"Jocelyn, I'm feeling a bit dizzy. Can you drive me home?"

She didn't hesitate for a single second. She turned to me immediately.

"Xander isn't feeling well. I'm going to drop him off first. You can find your own way home."

Her tone left no room for argument. She didn't even look back at me as she followed Xander into the car.

Xander flashed me a triumphant grin through the window.

I stood there in the cold night. Before I could even say a word, the dust from their car settled on my face.

I swallowed the bitter tears stinging my eyes.

Jocelyn had probably forgotten how much I had to drink tonight just to cover for her.

How was I supposed to drive?

The club they chose was in a remote area. There were no Ubers or designated drivers around.

The only way back was to walk.

Rain began to fall out of nowhere.

The cold droplets reminded me of the first time we met. I had just been brought back to the Sinclair family, and nobody cared about me.

It was a rainy day just like this when I met Jocelyn.

She had handed me an umbrella and invited me into her social circle.

That umbrella shielded my heart from the rain and made me fall for her.

I knew she only married me because Xander had moved to Europe. But I thought time would change things. I thought she would eventually accept me.

For years, I secretly supported her family's failing business to keep them afloat.

But after eight years of marriage, there was never any room for me in her heart.

After my fifth call was declined, I received a photo from Xander.

It was Jocelyn. She was kissing his neck with a look of pure devotion.

In that moment, the heavy rain finally drowned my last hope. I finally understood everything. I dialed my secretary's number.

"Cancel all financial support for the Hayes family. Prepare to move our operations to the European market."