Chapter 1

On the day her new show wrapped up, an actor from my wife's agency posted a photo of a luxury mansion in Malibu on Instagram.

The caption read, "Thanks, baby. I want to wake up with you in this king-size bed every day."

I recognized that mansion immediately. My wife had asked me to book it a month ago. I was about to call her, but she yelled at me first.

"Shawn worked so hard on the set. What is wrong with giving him a little reward?"

"Colton, can you stop being such a jealous jerk?"

A second later, Shawn sent me a private photo. It was him and my wife having a candlelight dinner in that exact mansion.

Suddenly, I felt entirely exhausted.

I am not going to let this show air anymore.

01.

When Lucy came home totally wasted, I was on the phone negotiating streaming platforms for her new show.

I could not remember how many times I had pulled strings for Lucy. But husbands and wives should not keep scores.

I had already booked two tickets to Bora Bora. I just wanted to relax with her after this busy time.

Then I saw Shawn's Instagram post of that multi-million dollar mansion.

I clearly remembered my wife begging me to secure that house for her.

My heart turned to ice in a single second.

I hung up the phone and lit a cigarette.

Lucy peeled off her torn fishnet stockings and tossed them into the trash. She looked at me smoking on the balcony with pure disgust.

"Did I not tell you to negotiate the platforms? What the hell are you doing?"

I just gave her a side glance and stayed quiet.

Lucy always dreamed of being a star. Sadly, she did not have the looks, so I funded this talent agency for her. She loved being the boss, and I always helped her behind the scenes.

Whenever the company needed something, I would fix it before she even asked.

I just hated seeing her stressed out. But now, she was using my hard-earned money to keep a toy boy.

The contrast between my devotion and her betrayal made me sick.

Lucy was annoyed by my silence. She threw a watch at my chest.

"I promised to buy you this. Happy wrap-up."

"Where is my gift?"

She held out her hand, looking fully expectant.

I looked at the worn-out Rolex. I clearly remembered seeing it on Shawn's wrist for a long time.

Without any hesitation, I threw it straight into the trash can.

Lucy blew up immediately.

"Colton! What is your problem? You have been giving me this sh*tty attitude since I walked in!"

"Is this about the house I gave Shawn? He is our top star! What is wrong with rewarding him? Can you stop being such a loser?"

Facing her crazy anger, I just felt drained.

Right then, her phone rang on the couch.

She glanced at the caller ID and happily took the phone to the other balcony.

She shut the door tightly. I could not hear her, but her blushing face gave it all away. I knew exactly who was on the other end.

Three years of dating and eight years of marriage. After eleven years of supporting her, I finally had enough.