Chapter 1

During the Labor Day weekend, I went to the historic cathedral to buy a blessed medallion for my wife's safety.

I never expected to find her there with her rumored lover, kneeling before the altar and praying for a baby.

The moment she saw me, Sophie Thorne's first instinct was to shield that man behind her.

"Don't make a scene, Nate. I'm just giving him a child, that's all," she said coldly.

The man smiled with pure satisfaction. He looked exactly like her first love who had passed away years ago.

In that moment, I knew it was time to let go.

1

I stepped forward and shoved the heavy bronze candle stand right in front of them.

Hot wax and glowing embers scattered across the marble floor.

Sophie immediately pulled the man back, shielding him from the sparks.

She turned to me, her eyes filled with icy rage as she screamed.

"Are you insane? You could have burned him!"

I looked at the flickering flames dying on the floor, feeling nothing but bitterness.

Ten years of devotion had just turned into ash, right before my eyes.

The people around us stared at me like I was a madman, but I didn't care anymore.

"Nate Sinclair, you better have a damn good explanation for this," Sophie hissed.

"I already told you, I just want to have a baby that looks like Silas. What is your problem?"

"Having a baby is your choice, but you should learn to respect your husband. You've truly disappointed me, Nate."

The man beside her smirked and began rubbing her back to calm her down. His eyes were full of provocation.

"Mr. Sinclair, aren't you being a bit ungrateful?" he asked with a fake pout.

"It's Sophie's right to choose who fathers her child. You really should learn to be more supportive."

"Besides, I know my place. I would never dream of coming between your marriage."

I looked at Sophie and took out the custom-engraved medallion I had waited three days for. I tossed it into the burning pit.

"You're both right," I said, stepping back to create distance between us.

"Since that's how you feel, let's get a divorce."

Sophie let out a sharp, mocking laugh and grabbed the man's hand to leave.

"You're the one who said it, Nate. Fine. Just don't regret it later and come crawling back on your knees."