Chapter 1

On the night my wife, Giselle, won the National Literary Award, she stood on stage with tears streaming down her face and thanked her first love.

“Garrett is my eternal muse. Without him, the Giselle Bennett you see today would never exist.”

Six years of marriage and selfless devotion turned into a cruel joke in that single second.

Watching the two of them gaze tenderly at each other through the screen, I quietly switched off the television.

I signed my name on the freshly printed divorce agreement, pulled out my phone, and sent Giselle a message:

“This game for three is over. I’m out.”

1.

When Giselle stumbled through the front door reeking of alcohol, I was already fast asleep.

She shook me awake roughly, snapping in annoyance.

“Rowan, what the hell is that text supposed to mean? Garrett is terminally ill! I only said those words to fulfill his dying wish. You used to be so understanding, so why are you being so petty tonight?”

“Are you really picking a fight over a dying man? Can’t you show a little empathy for my situation? He’s my friend, and I can’t just abandon him!”

After being with Giselle for so many years, I knew her excuses better than anyone.

Tonight was the biannual National Book Awards Gala, and she had just won Best Novel for her latest release.

It was supposed to be the crowning achievement of her writing career.

Before the ceremony, I was waiting at home, thrilled for her success.

Before leaving the house, she had looked me in the eye and promised that if she won, she would dedicate her speech to me on live television.

She promised to publicly thank me for six years of unconditional care, sacrifices, and unwavering support.

Instead, Giselle wept on camera as she thanked her first love, Garrett, claiming he was the sole inspiration behind all her work.

Watching them exchange tender looks across the ballroom on screen, I finally understood what she meant when she said it was “inconvenient to bring family.”

She just didn’t want to bring me.

I let out a bitter laugh, wiping the moisture from the corners of my eyes.

After the gala, a reporter asked her what her relationship with Garrett was.

Giselle had blushed and answered softly.

“Garrett is the man I’ve loved for years.”

The moment those words echoed from the television, any remaining love I had for her died.

Six years of devotion, days and nights of giving everything, shattered into a pathetic joke.

I didn’t call to scream or demand answers like I used to.

I simply turned off the TV, had my lawyer draft an uncontested divorce agreement, printed it out, signed it, and left it on the coffee table.

For the first time in five years of marriage, I went to sleep without waiting up for her.

And I slept better than I had in years.

Seeing that I remained silent, Giselle slipped into bed and wrapped her arms around me from behind, softening her tone.

“Babe, I know you feel hurt, but I did this for our future. Garrett doesn’t have much time left, and this tragic backstory will make my book sell even better.”

“It fulfills his last wish and boosts my sales. Isn’t that a win-win? I’m doing all of this for our family.”

Her shameless, self-righteous logic actually made me laugh out loud.

Thinking my laugh meant I wasn’t angry anymore, she tapped my arm casually.

“Babe, go make me some honey water.”

Hearing her order me around like a servant as usual, I got out of bed and glanced down at her drowsy figure.

I grabbed my pillow, walked into the guest bedroom, and locked the door behind me.

I slept peacefully through the night without a single dream.