Chapter 3 This Doesn't Taste Right

Lena was alone, her face hidden in her hands. Theo never returned that night.

Around three in the morning, Violet's latest Instagram post popped up on Lena's phone.

It featured a cozy scene: a warm cup of milk and a man's hand, distinguishable by a wedding ring. Lena had designed that ring herself.

The caption under the photo read, "Call and he comes, no matter the hour."

That explained why Theo had so readily agreed to their divorce. He was already with Violet.

A bitter laugh escaped Lena; it all made sense now.

Despite the sting of the photo, she continued to scroll.

Then she saw it: the day she lay injured and desperate under rubble, Theo had gifted Violet a private jet, to ensure she didn't have to waste too much time waiting at the airport.

All doubts evaporated in that instant. The years Lena had invested in their relationship had been for nothing.

On their anniversaries, Theo hadn't bothered with even a small gift.

But with Violet's return, he didn't hesitate to lavish her with such an expensive gift.

The realization was excruciating.

Her heart, steeped in bitterness, felt utterly broken.

The persistent pain in her shoulder served as a harsh reminder—her marriage was designed to tear her apart, piece by piece.

Theo arrived back only at noon the following day.

Silence greeted him in the house.

There was no warm meal prepared, not even a simple glass of water.

Instead, a stack of papers awaited on the table.

With a slight frown, he discarded his jacket on the couch and approached the table.

The words "Divorce Agreement" at the top of the document made him halt.

His expression darkened.

What was Lena's intention now?

He didn't even take the time to read through the documents.

In his experience, Lena had pulled the same stunt numerous times over the years, only to return each time. He expected no different now.

Feeling a hint of hunger, he made his way to the kitchen where the housekeeper was preparing lunch. He glanced briefly at her efforts before settling down in the dining room to wait.

When he finally sampled the clam chowder half an hour later, he scowled. "This doesn't taste right."

The housekeeper smiled awkwardly. "Mr. Haynes, Mrs. Haynes used to cook your meals herself. I'm afraid I can't quite match her flavors..."

Theo's face darkened.

Despite his hunger, the array of dishes before him suddenly seemed unappetizing.

He put down his spoon abruptly. "Forget this, I'm not hungry. Fetch my black suit and the striped tie for later today."

The housekeeper's face flushed with embarrassment. "I'm really sorry, sir, but I don't know where those items are. Mrs. Haynes took care of all that. Maybe you should try calling her?"

Theo's jaw tightened. Was this some sort of tactic to show how indispensable she was?

With a scoff, he snatched his coat and the divorce papers, then left the house in haste.

Left behind, the housekeeper could only watch in confusion as she began to clean up the untouched meal.

Arriving at his office, Theo discovered that Lena had not come in for work.

He frowned, pondering over her latest dramatic gesture.

Sitting at his desk, he found himself distracted, unable to focus on any work.

He eventually opened the divorce papers, his annoyance clear as he skimmed through them.

The document was straightforward. Lena was requesting eighty million—nothing more.

It seemed she had written them in a fit of anger.

His frown softened briefly, then turned into a sneer as he read the reason for the divorce.

"Reason for divorce—Non-fulfillment of marital responsibilities. Three years without intimacy. The petitioner seeks a divorce based on these grounds."

His expression darkened before he picked up the phone to call her.

Lena answered, her voice sounding groggy and detached. "Yes?"

A mocking chuckle escaped Theo as he read that clause. "Explain this to me, Lena—what's the meaning of this?"