Chapter 2

2.

After I hung up, a flood of cursed texts from Vivienne filled my screen.

I didn't read them. I just muted her notifications.

Right before I drifted off, I got a call from Marcus, an old senior from college who lived in London.

"Nate, are you sure you won't reconsider? I provide the funding, you provide the tech. We could dominate the market over here."

"This is my last time asking, man," Marcus said.

Ever since we reconnected at a tech expo, he had been trying to recruit me.

I had always said no because Vivienne hated the idea of moving.

I used to think she couldn't survive without me. Once, when I was away on a business trip, she ended up in the hospital because she didn't eat properly.

I thought I was her protector. I was wrong.

"Marcus," I said, my voice clear. "I'm in. Give me a bit to settle things here, and I'll head to London."

Marcus was silent for a beat, shocked. "For real? You're not joking? Did you finally convince your wife? I'll set you guys up with a massive house."

I smiled sadly. "No need for a big house. A single-bedroom apartment is fine."

Marcus was a sharp guy. He understood immediately what that meant.

"Well," he said after a moment. "In this world, only money and success won't stab you in the back."

I used to argue with him about that. I used to tell him that love was the only thing that mattered.

Thinking about that now made my face burn with shame.

"I'll see you in London, Marcus," I said.

I fell asleep almost instantly. For the first time in years, I didn't stay up waiting for Vivienne to come home.

She didn't get back until the sun was coming up. She shook me awake, her face twisted in rage.

"Nathaniel! How can you sleep? Jasper is in the hospital because of you!"

I frowned, rubbing my eyes. "What does that have to do with me?"

Vivienne stuttered for a second before snapping, "Because you didn't pay! He got so stressed about the bill that his heart started acting up!"

I pulled the blanket back over myself. "He said he would pay. Why should I pay for a party I wasn't even welcome at?"

"Because you're my husband!" she shrieked.

I let out a dry laugh. "Did you remember I was your husband when you were flirting with Jasper all night?"

Vivienne gave a mocking laugh. "Oh my god, Nate. Jasper has been back for months and you're still playing the jealous husband? Grow up."

"I told you, I'm just being there for him because he saved me. Can you stop being so―"

"I get it," I interrupted. "You're just a saint. Now let me sleep. I have a busy morning."

Vivienne was livid. She grabbed her phone and hurled it at my forehead.

"What is wrong with you? If you keep acting like this, we're getting a divorce!"

I looked at her, and for the first time, my eyes brightened.

"Are you serious about the divorce?" I asked, unable to hide the hope in my voice.

Vivienne didn't catch the tone. She thought I was scared and was waiting for me to beg.

"If you apologize right now, and apologize to Jasper, I might reconsider," she said, acting like a queen.

In the past, every time she mentioned divorce, I would drop all my dignity and beg for her to stay.

Once, I even knelt in front of her friends, crying, just to keep her from leaving.

But this time, I was ready.

"Tomorrow morning," I said. "Let's go to the attorney's office and sign the papers."