Chapter 1

1 Seattle, 8:00 PM.

I had been waiting for two hours, sitting in front of a table full of an elaborate dinner.

Today was my birthday. Simon Stone had promised to accompany me.

But the clock's hands kept ticking until midnight. I was getting drowsy when the door finally opened.

The time had already passed. The birthday cake sat lonely on the table, proving what day yesterday was.

"You're still awake? I told you many times not to wait for me," Simon said.

He took off his suit jacket with a normal expression and headed straight for the bathroom.

I quickly stood up to get his pajamas.

As for the food on the table, Simon just glanced at it and went about his business as usual.

I felt a bit suffocated. He seemed to have forgotten my birthday.

The words of questioning reached the tip of my tongue, but finally turned into an endless sigh.

Hearing the sound of running water from the bathroom, I played with my phone. I saw Natalie Nelson's latest post on Instagram.

It was posted two hours ago. My hands trembled as I clicked on the picture.

In a high-end restaurant, exquisite steak and Simon's hands were displayed on the table.

I wouldn't be mistaken, because it was a live photo. Simon's cold voice came from it.

"Birthdays can be celebrated anytime, but being with you is more important."

So that was it. He hadn't forgotten.

He just needed to accompany someone more important.

The next second, I swiped away the picture and clicked on the chat history with Mr. Stone, Simon's father. The last message was clearly a divorce agreement.

"Mr. Stone, I agree to the divorce."

He replied almost instantly. "Tara, have you thought this through?"

"I have. Our marriage was just a mutual transaction. Now that Natalie is back, our agreement should end here, and we owe each other nothing."

My fingertips trembled as I typed these words.

After thinking for a long time, Mr. Stone replied with deep apology.

"Thank you for your hard work, my child. If I hadn't used my favor to demand repayment, you wouldn't have wasted so much time. I thought you two might develop some feelings over the years. But who knew Natalie would suddenly come back... Well, I'll give you back the job opportunity you gave up six years ago. Our family owes you."

The sound of water paused. I didn't make any more excuses. "Thank you, Mr. Stone. I appreciate it. I want to leave as soon as possible."

Simon stepped out, and I put down my phone.

His handsome face caught my eyes. Water dripped from his hair, and combined with his aloof vibe, it was hard not to love him.

Even after seeing it countless times, I was still amazed.

Unfortunately, he would no longer belong to me.

Thinking of this, my mood sank.

"Who were you chatting with?" he asked.

"Nothing."

I naturally took a towel and dried his hair for him.

This was our usual way of getting along. He didn't have to say anything, and I knew what to do.

"I was a bit busy today."

"Yeah."

This was his explanation for not being able to celebrate my birthday. I understood, but bitterness spread in my heart.

Yet I knew better that I had no right to make a fuss. After all, this was a transaction from the beginning. I owed him, and I had to pay it back.

I just didn't expect to fall in love and pay him back with my true feelings.

My marriage to Simon started with his father. Back then, my father died in a car accident, and my mother was severely injured.

The high medical bills dragged me down.

In my most helpless moments, I even considered going to loan sharks.

But Mr. Stone, who was also in the hospital taking care of his son, saw all of this.

He took the initiative to approach me and explained his purpose.

"I can give you the money, but you need to do me a favor."

Two hundred thousand dollars bought my marriage.

I also learned about Simon's past from Mr. Stone.

His family ran a listed company, and he was a wealthy heir who had everything. The only wall he hit was Natalie.

They met in college. Natalie was just as outstanding, and she immediately caught his attention.

From freshman to senior year, everyone knew Simon loved Natalie. He protected her and loved her carefully.

Because Natalie said that only time could reveal true feelings, he waited until senior year to confess. But before it even started, she went abroad.

She found her true love, had a flash marriage, and left Simon behind.

By the time he rushed to the airport, the plane had long taken off.

Since then, he was devastated. He did nothing but sleep and drink all day, landing himself in the hospital several times.

Seeing his once high-spirited son become like this, Mr. Stone wanted to use me to help him get over that relationship.

Strictly speaking, this was taking advantage of his vulnerability. But Mr. Stone had no choice, and neither did I.

From that day on, I tried my best to encounter Simon and pursued him fiercely.

Everyone in our circle knew he had a shameless pursuer. He even asked me to buy condoms for him.

I would ask him without changing my expression what brand he needed and if he wanted me to bring dinner.

Simon gradually got used to my presence. During a car accident, I desperately turned the steering wheel, risking half my life to keep him safe. It finally moved this rich heir.

That was the first time he shed tears in front of me. He held me tightly, covered in bruises, and made a promise.

"Tara, let's get married. I will treat you well."

He didn't say love, only that he would treat me well. I was very satisfied.

Later I found out that Natalie was getting married and had invited him.

All his abnormal behaviors were because of her!

But he didn't go. He just dragged me into bed for a few nights of madness. Tears mixed with sweat dripped onto the quilt.

I never asked. To keep my promise, I pleased him day after day and took care of his daily life.

I even prepared a room full of gifts to make him feel better.

That room held all my efforts, but he broke his promise.

He took an overnight flight to be by Natalie's side just because she said she was unhappy.

From that day on, he went abroad more and more frequently, bringing back all kinds of gifts each time.

Until Natalie returned to the States. To see her, he didn't hesitate to abandon everything.

I understood that I could never touch his heart, and naturally couldn't fulfill his father's request.

Fortunately, she came back, and the agreement could end.

He would stay with his lover forever, and I would finally be free.

As for our marriage, things that shouldn't have started should just end.