Chapter 1

Chapter 1

When Bennett Mercer brought his little mistress home yet again, I did not make a scene.

I even thoughtfully prepared a box of condoms and left it on the nightstand for them.

When they were finished, he looked at me with mild surprise, a lazy smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Why so obedient tonight?"

"Did you finally realize that throwing tantrums is useless and decide to submit?"

I shook my head and handed him the divorce papers.

"Our ten-year pact is over. I am done playing this game."

Just moments ago, he had gently pulled the duvet over the sleeping girl.

Now, draped in his silk bathrobe, he leaned against the doorframe with that familiar mocking smile.

"Being a good girl today, huh?"

He stepped closer and twirled a strand of hair on my shoulder, reeking of that sickening afterglow.

"If only you had been like this earlier. You know how much I hate drama."

I recoiled from his touch in disgust and pushed the papers into his hands.

"The ten years are up, Bennett."

"We are finished."

His smile faltered for a second, but he did not take the papers. Instead, he leaned down until his breath brushed against my ear.

"Is this a new trick of yours?"

His voice was low, laced with playful amusement.

I took a step back, pressing the crisp edges of the document firmly against his chest.

"Just sign it."

Only then did his smirk fade. He glanced down at the title on the cover page.

When he looked up again, his eyes were still filled with smug certainty.

"Is this because of Sienna?"

He let out a dry scoff.

"She is not like you. She does not care about my money or status. She is with me purely out of gratitude. Why do you always have to compare yourself to her?"

"It has nothing to do with you anymore," I replied evenly.

He stared at me for a few seconds before bursting into laughter.

"Fine."

He turned around, pulled a pen from the nightstand, and scribbled his signature across the page.

"Whatever you want, Clary. I will play along."

"Once you calm down, I will have the chauffeur bring you home. You do not need to clean up the sheets tonight, since she is still asleep."

Right on cue, Sienna let out a soft whimper from the bed, tossing restlessly.

Bennett immediately turned back to comfort her.

I shut the master bedroom door without hesitation and walked into the guest room to pack my bags.

Bennett had brought every single one of his lovers back to this house.

His excuse was always the same. He claimed luxury hotels were too noisy, while home was different because I kept everything spotless.

In the past, he would send the girls away immediately after they finished, leaving me alone to clean up their mess.

Sometimes, when his mood lingered, he would drag me onto the bed before I could react, tearing off my clothes and kissing me roughly.

Whenever I tried to push him away, he would whine softly in that charming voice of his.

"Clary, I hurt all over."

Looking at his handsome, almost flawless face, I could never bring myself to say anything harsh. I willingly let myself drown in his delusions.

Tonight, however, was the first time he had ever let a woman stay the night.

It was also the easiest night I had experienced in ten years.

Having just lost my career, I finally had the quiet time to end this toxic marriage for good.