Chapter 1

Married for five years, my husband, Silas Sterling, was the industry's top actuary.

He lived by the golden rule of splitting every cent. On our honeymoon bill, he was so precise that he charged me seventy-five cents for three extra tissues I used at the hotel.

I once thought this was just a modern way for couples to coexist. I saw it as a sign of mutual respect and fairness.

That was until he drafted a loan agreement with an 8% annual interest rate for the money meant to save my father's life.

He would donate freely to stray animal shelters, calling it a "non-directed emotional investment with no expected return."

But to him, I was merely a "directed household partner subject to strict auditing."

At the moment of the crash, my head was covered in blood. His first instinct was to pull out his phone and calmly take photos of the mangled car for evidence.

"Don't worry. I have already calculated the depreciation rate for this vehicle. After the insurance payout, you will only need to cover 37.8% of the repairs based on your driving time and benefit weight."

In that moment, I looked into his eyes behind those emotionless lenses.

Suddenly, I did not want to be his "partner" anymore.

1

"Joelle, wake up. Stay with me."

Silas's voice pierced through the ringing in my ears. He sounded as calm as if he were chairing a board meeting.

I struggled to open my eyes. Blood from my forehead trickled down, blurring my vision.

The airbags had deployed. The front of the car was twisted and smoking.

My husband, Silas, unbuckled his seatbelt. He pushed his gold-rimmed glasses back into place and stepped out to the front of the car, phone in hand.

He wasn't calling 911. He was taking pictures.

"I have already alerted the police and an ambulance. I am documenting the evidence now to streamline the insurance claim process."

He photographed the wreckage, the point of impact, and the road conditions. He moved with the systematic efficiency of a robot investigating a crime scene.

My head felt like it was exploding. My chest was tight from the impact with the steering wheel.

"Silas… it hurts so much…"

He turned at the sound of my voice and walked to the driver's side. He peered at me through the shattered window.

"Initial assessment suggests a mild concussion and bruised ribs. The ambulance will be here in five minutes."

His tone was flat, like he was reading a medical report.

"The other party should be fully liable, but we need to calculate the property damage. This car is marital property purchased for $45,000. Accounting for a 15% depreciation over three years, its current value is $32,175."

He paused. The flashing lights of the approaching ambulance reflected off his lenses.

"However, I primarily use this car for commuting. You only use it twice a week. Based on usage frequency and benefit weight, it is only fair that you cover 37.8% of the repair costs."

Blood and tears mixed on my face. My vision grew darker.

I looked at this man I had loved for five years. There was no panic on his handsome face, only extreme logic and coldness.

It was as if the person dying in the car wasn't his wife, but a risky asset that needed evaluation.

"What if… what if I died?" I whispered with the last of my strength.

Silas froze for a split second, his mind likely running a quick calculation.

"We signed a prenuptial agreement. The life insurance policy I took out lists my mother as the beneficiary."

He added, "Of course, I hope you are fine. The time and emotional cost of handling a funeral would be incredibly high."

At that moment, my heart shattered into dust.

Paramedics finally arrived and lifted me from the wreckage.

As I was strapped to the stretcher, I heard Silas speaking to an officer.

"Officer, regarding my wife's medical expenses, since the other driver is at fault, can we demand an immediate payout? It would minimize the pressure on our household cash flow."

I closed my eyes and let the darkness take me.

This marriage was nothing more than a precisely calculated business merger.

And today, the partnership was over.