Chapter 1

1

Xavier handed me the divorce papers the moment his childhood sweetheart's depression flared up again.

I signed my name without a word and told him I was moving to Europe.

He looked at me with surprise, which quickly turned into a smirk.

"So you've finally realized that throwing a tantrum doesn't work? Is this your new way of trying to win me back?" he asked.

"Actually, it's better if you leave. Your presence only triggers Nina. Once she's better, I'll come get you."

I handed him back my wedding ring. My eyes fell on the jagged scar on my wrist.

"Don't bother," I said flatly. "Let's just let each other go. Stop the torment."

……

The news of Xavier and the rising star Nina West's romance topped the trending charts for three straight days.

I kept the news from my mother for just as long.

As their popularity soared, I stayed by my mother's side, never leaving for a second.

She lay in the hospital bed, her face pale, her eyes constantly drifting toward the door. "Where's Xavier?" she whispered.

I swallowed the bitterness in my throat and forced a smile. "He's tied up with a big project. He'll come as soon as he's done."

Mother smiled faintly. "It's just been a while since I saw him. Don't be difficult with him while he's busy. Focus on your marriage."

I smiled back, though my heart was breaking.

Once she fell asleep, I checked my phone. It was empty.

Xavier hadn't sent a single text, made a single call, or offered a single explanation.

I sat on the plastic chair outside the ward. The coldness of the seat seeped through my skin and into my bones.

A notification popped up. It was a video posted by Nina West.

In the video, she and Xavier were in a private karaoke room, singing a love song together.

They were wearing matching outfits. The way they looked at each other was so intimate it felt like a slap in the face.

When the song reached its peak, Nina leaned over and kissed Xavier's cheek.

It was just a light touch, but the room cheered.

The video went viral instantly, labeled with a bright red "TRENDING" tag.

The comments were full of heart emojis. "They're so sweet!" one read.

"A brilliant scientist and a beautiful actress―this is the power couple we deserve!"

I stared at the blessings like a total stranger.

I was Xavier's legal wife, yet I felt like a ghost.

I closed the video and leaned against the cold wall, closing my eyes.

With shaking hands, I called Xavier. My mind was filled with images of him and Nina together.

He didn't pick up.

A long time passed before he finally called back.

"What is it?" he asked.

The background noise on his end was loud. It sounded like a celebration.

"I saw the news about you and Nina..." My voice was dry.

Xavier sounded annoyed. "That's it? It's just publicity for Nina's new movie. Don't make a scene."

"Publicity?" I almost laughed, but my throat hurt like I'd swallowed sandpaper. "Xavier, you're in matching outfits. You kissed in front of everyone. That's publicity?"

I heard Nina's voice in the background, asking who was on the phone.

Xavier's voice immediately softened as he spoke to her. "No one. Just someone unimportant."

Then he turned back to me, his tone even harsher. "Cora, how many times do I have to tell you? Nina's career is taking off. She needs the exposure."

"We're doing this for her sake," he continued. "Can't you be mature? Stop clinging to these trivial things."

"Trivial?" I gripped the phone until my knuckles turned white. "Xavier, my mom isn't doing well. She can't handle stress like this."

Xavier was silent for a long moment. "I know."

"I won't let her find out," he said.

"But Cora, don't forget that I'm the one paying her medical bills. If you cause trouble or say something you shouldn't to the press, you can prepare for her funeral."

The word "funeral" felt like a poison-tipped needle stabbing my heart.

I felt completely numb. "I understand."