Chapter 1

1.

I drove through the night to surprise my husband for his birthday.

I expected a warm welcome, but when the door opened, his secretary was standing there.

She was wearing my silk pajamas.

"Oh, Joanna, I was just here to give Mr. Sinclair a report," she said, her voice dripping with fake innocence. "I got caught in the rain and had to take a shower. Please don't misunderstand."

"There is nothing to explain."

My husband, Grant, stepped out of the bedroom in his own robe. He didn't even look at me with guilt, only annoyance.

"I thought you were on a business trip," he snapped. "Why are you back?"

I went quiet for a second, then let out a sharp, cold laugh.

"Nothing. I just came back to pick up some files."

I walked over to the trash can and dropped his carefully chosen birthday gift inside. Then, I pulled out my phone and messaged my lawyer.

"Draft the divorce papers. Now."

……

The two of them didn't even care that I was still in the room. Their flirting was shameless.

I ignored the ache in my chest and walked into the study. When I came out with my documents, they were already tangled together on the couch.

Grant's hand was sliding under the hem of Mindy's pajama top.

He pulled it out reluctantly when he saw me, even stopping to catch a scent of her on his fingers. It was revolting.

Mindy's face was flushed as she chirped, "Sorry, Joanna. I was shivering after my shower, so Grant was just helping me warm up. Don't get the wrong idea."

What a pathetic excuse.

Grant glared at me, his eyes full of impatience.

"You got your files, didn't you? Then leave. Do I have to throw you out?"

I felt like the air had been knocked out of me.

When did he become this monster?

I remembered when we first got married. If I went away for even a weekend, he'd follow me to the airport, kissing me and begging me to come back soon.

Now, he acted like my presence was a chore.

"Fine. I'm leaving."

I turned toward the door, but Mindy couldn't help herself. She had to take one last jab.

"Joanna, remember to shut the door tight. I wouldn't want the neighbors to hear us if we get too loud."

My eyebrows twitched. I turned back and stared at her until she shifted uncomfortably.

Finally, I smiled.

"Try to keep it down. That sofa was expensive."

She immediately put on a victim act.

"Joanna, you're misunderstanding again. We're just going to… work out together later, so…"

Grant's temper flared instantly.

"Joanna Sterling, what the hell is that supposed to mean?!"

"Just a joke. Why are you so defensive?"

I brushed it off with a smirk, but inside, I was bleeding out.

Grant rolled his eyes and scoffed at me.

"If you have a problem, take it up with me. Stop bullying Mindy. It's pathetic."

Mindy stood up, acting like she was about to cry. "I'm so sorry, Grant. Please don't fight because of me. I'll just leave."

"No!"

Grant pulled her back into his arms and looked at me with pure disgust.

"Can't you go one day without being a drama queen?!"

"You're ruining everything over a few files. You're exhausting, Jo."

I looked at him one last time, then turned and walked out without a word.

The moment the door slammed behind me, a dull pain throbbed in my chest. I bent over, gasping for air as if I were drowning.

Five years.

It only took five years for our perfect marriage to turn into this graveyard.

I pulled myself together, ignored the muffled giggles coming from inside, and walked away.

By the time I reached the airport, my phone buzzed with a text from Grant.

"Look at yourself. You're pathetic."

"Mindy came through a storm to bring me work. I was just being a good boss. Stop being so small-minded. Learn some grace."

I stared at the screen, my vision blurring. Before I could even type back, he called.

"Are you blind? I sent you a message!"

"Apologize to Mindy right now. She's so upset she can't even focus!"

In the background, I heard Mindy's exaggerated sigh. "It's okay, Grant… I'm just really hurt."

I took a deep breath, forcing my voice to stay level.

"I hope you two have a blast."