Chapter 3

3

Uriah had always looked down on me for being a chef. In his eyes, I wasn't romantic; I was just a servant who thought about nothing but chores. Even so, I had poured my heart into this marriage, only to get nothing in return.

He was truly heartless. He belittled me in front of his first love while choosing to escort her to court instead of helping his own family.

"My sister was sentenced to three years because no one would speak for her. She died in her cell last night."

I delivered the news with a cold, sharp edge, wanting to hurt him. Just as I was about to hang up, I heard him let out a cynical laugh.

"Nice try, Valerie. You're really going this far because I didn't show up? Lying about your sister being dead is a new low, even for you."

Uriah never used to call me first. This was the first time, and it was only to harass me for another woman's sake.

Since Sienna died, I had gone numb. I was done with him. I was done being the person who dropped everything to apologize the moment he got angry.

Then, I heard Shannon's voice, honey-sweet and mocking. "What's wrong? If Valerie has an emergency, you should go. I can handle things on my own."

"She's a cook. What emergency could she possibly have that compares to a high-profile lawyer like you?" Uriah replied.

"Her sister was always a weird loner. Anyone could see she was trouble. She nearly killed a classmate, and Valerie tried to force me to lie for her. Now she's claiming the girl is dead just to get my attention. It's pathetic."

Uriah spoke loudly. He knew I was still on the line, and he was performing for Shannon, using my trauma to flirt with her.

Even though I was numb, hearing him call my sister's death a "stunt" made a fresh wave of pain ripple through me.

Five years of marriage, and this was all I was to him.

"It's my fault," Shannon sighed. "I shouldn't have asked you to keep our decade pact. She wouldn't be acting out like this if it weren't for me."

"It's not about you. Valerie is just small-minded and bitter."

Before the call ended, they shared a laugh. It sounded like they were mocking a clown.

I had given him everything, and yet Sienna and I were worth less than a high school promise.

I forced myself to look up at Holden, who was still standing by my side. His eyes were red, and he looked genuinely devastated. I realized he had been crying quietly in front of Sienna's portrait.

A man I barely knew felt more grief for my sister than her own brother-in-law did.

Uriah knew she was innocent, yet he blamed the victim just to satisfy his own ego.

"Holden, can you draft a divorce settlement for me? I want out."

Five years of my life were ending like this. I was done with that cold-blooded monster.

"Are you sure about this?" Holden asked, looking shocked but concerned.

I nodded. To others, ending a five-year marriage might seem impulsive.

But I had lost my only family. There was no one left in this world for me to live for but myself. If he didn't love me, he could go to hell.

Seeing my resolve, Holden straightened up. "Fine. I'll handle your divorce personally."

After the funeral, I brought the urn home and placed it in Sienna's room. Just two weeks ago, she had promised to cook a special meal for me. Now, she was gone.

I collapsed onto the floor and wailed, letting the grief consume me.

Suddenly, the front door slammed open. Uriah's voice boomed through the house. "Valerie! Get your ass out here right now!"

I struggled to my feet. Before I could move, Uriah burst into Sienna's room with Shannon right behind him.

He looked like he was about to explode. He hurled the divorce papers at my face.

"You're asking for a divorce over a little argument? Who the hell do you think you are?"

"You're the one who chased me like a dog in college. You were happy to be my backup. Did you really think you could threaten me with a divorce?"

A divorce was exactly what he and Shannon wanted. I didn't understand why he was so furious. His voice was actually shaking.

Then I realized. To him, I was a loyal pet. He couldn't stand the idea of a dog biting back.

I watched his mouth move as he humiliated me in front of Shannon. My ears were ringing, and I felt a bone-deep exhaustion.

"Yes. Divorce," I said firmly.

"I want the house and the diner. You can have everything else."

The diner belonged to my parents. It held all my childhood memories.

The house was the first thing I bought with my hard-earned savings. It was filled with traces of Sienna's life. I wouldn't let him bring another woman here to disturb her spirit.

"Ha! You think you're worth that much?" Uriah sneered. "You think I'm afraid to leave? Fine. Let's do it. Just don't come crawling back begging for a reconciliation later."

Shannon smirked, tucking her arm into Uriah's. "Honey, if you want, I can represent you. We can take the house and the diner. You shouldn't let her walk away with so much."

My heart tightened at her threat.

"Who wants this dump or that greasy spoon anyway?" Uriah waved her off arrogantly. "I'll let her have them so she doesn't go around telling people I'm a monster."

"I want to see how long you last. I bet you'll be crying before I even reach the car."

Uriah pulled Shannon close and walked out, throwing one last condescending look over his shoulder.

He was wrong. I would never beg him again.

The girl who loved him with all her heart died in that courtroom.

Uriah didn't deserve my love. From this day on, we were strangers.