Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I rushed back from my business trip late on the night of my husband's birthday.

The door was opened by his secretary, Elara, wearing my favorite silk bathrobe.

"Meredith, I was just here to give Jonah a report," she said, her voice dripping with fake innocence. "It started pouring, and I got soaked, so I had to take a quick shower. Please don't misunderstand."

"There is nothing to explain."

My husband, Jonah, walked out of the bathroom wearing his own robe. He looked at me with nothing but annoyance and disgust.

"Weren't you supposed to be on a business trip? Why are you back?"

I went silent for a moment, then gave a cold, faint laugh. "Nothing. I just came back to grab some documents."

I casually tossed the carefully chosen birthday gift into the trash can. Then, I pulled out my phone and sent a message to my lawyer.

"Draft a divorce agreement for me."

...

They were acting so intimate, as if I wasn't even standing there.

I walked into the study with a blank face. When I came out with the files, they were already tangled together on the sofa.

Elara's hand was sliding under Jonah's robe. She pulled it back reluctantly when she saw me, even licking her finger provocatively.

Then she spoke with a dazed, satisfied look. "I'm so sorry, Meredith. Jonah said he was cold after his shower, so I was just helping him warm up. Don't get the wrong idea."

What a ridiculous excuse.

Before I could speak, Jonah glared at me with pure impatience.

"You got your documents, didn't you? If you have them, then leave. Do I have to kick you out?"

I felt like the air had been knocked out of my lungs.

When did he become this person?

I remember when we first got married, he would walk me to the gate every time I traveled. He would whisper endless reminders to stay safe.

Now, he treats my presence like a burden.

"Fine. I'm leaving now."

I turned to walk away, but Elara's voice stopped me.

"Meredith, honey, remember to close the door tight. I'm worried we might be a little too loud for the neighbors in a bit."

My brow furrowed as I turned to stare at her.

After a long silence, I smiled.

"Just keep your movements small. That sofa was very expensive."

She was the one who started the provocation, but my response made her look like a victim.

"Meredith, you're misunderstanding again," she whimpered. "I was just going to help Jonah with some... stretching exercises."

Jonah's face turned red with rage.

"Meredith! What is that supposed to mean?!"

"It's just a joke. Why are you so worked up?"

I laughed it off, but my heart was screaming in pain.

Jonah rolled his eyes at me.

"If you have a problem, take it out on me. Don't act like a bully toward Elara!"

Elara quickly stood up. "I'm sorry, Jonah. Don't fight because of me. It's all my fault. I'll just go."

"No!"

Jonah pulled her down onto his lap and looked at me coldly.

"Can you stop being such a drama queen for one day?!"

"You come here to pick up a file and just want to cause trouble. You're exhausting!"

I took one last look at him. Then, without a word, I turned and left.

The moment the door clicked shut behind me, a dull ache throbbed in my chest. It was so sharp that I had to lean against the wall, gasping for air.

Five years.

In just five years, we went from being inseparable to this mess.

Is marriage truly the graveyard of love?

After a while, I regained my composure. I ignored the soft moans coming from inside and walked toward the elevator.

At the airport, my phone buzzed with a text from Jonah.

【Look at yourself! You're acting like a crazy person!】

【She came to report work on a rainy day. I was just being kind. Would it kill you to stop causing a scene?!】

I stared at the screen, but before I could reply, he called me.

"Are you blind? I sent you a message!" he shouted.

"Apologize to Elara right now. You upset her so much she's lost her mood!"

I could hear Elara's fake sighing in the background. "I'm sorry, Jonah... I'm just really hurt..."

I let out a cold laugh and hung up. Then, I turned my phone off.