Chapter 2

2

We had only signed the papers hours ago, yet they were already so impatient to flaunt their intimacy, making sure I heard every sickening sound.

I tossed the phone onto the couch, forcing down the bitter ache in my chest.

Opening the closet, I gathered every anniversary gift Gavin had ever given me, along with our simple silver wedding bands, walked downstairs, and threw them into the dumpster.

At dawn the next morning, Gavin unlocked the front door and walked in, sporting dark circles under his eyes and prominent red marks across his neck.

Ignoring the fact that I was resting, he tossed his dirty shirt and socks onto the rug, dragged a suitcase from the closet, and patted my head absentmindedly.

"Help me pack a few changes of clothes. No need for much. I'm just staying at Nadia's place for a few days to keep her company."

"The divorce is just a formality to put her mind at ease. You know I only see her as a dear friend."

He truly possessed no sense of shame or guilt.

I let out a quiet sneer, rolled over, and pulled the blanket over my head.

Surprised by his own rare patience, Gavin sat on the edge of the bed and started packing his own things.

"Things have been crazy at work. When I get back, I'll make up our anniversary to you."

"I know you're upset with me, but I swear this is the absolute last time."

"I'll spoil you once this is over, as long as you don't go picking fights with Nadia."

I sat up, fully intending to clarify that this divorce was final.

Before I could speak, Gavin's phone rang, and a bright smile instantly spread across his face.

"Gavin, where did you go? Do you know how terrified I was when I woke up and found you gone?"

"Please come back quickly. I'm so scared being alone."

Hearing Nadia's tearful plea, Gavin zipped his suitcase in a frantic rush.

He grabbed the handle and practically ran toward the door.

In his haste, the corner of his luggage slammed against the nightstand, sending our framed photo crashing to the floor. The glass shattered into sharp, jagged pieces.

That was the only picture we had ever taken together.

When we got married, Gavin was just a penniless intern, and money was so tight that we couldn't even afford wedding portraits.

Back then, he had promised me, "Once I make partner, I'll take you on a road trip across the country and buy you the most gorgeous bridal photo shoots."

I had believed every word.

Yet cheap promises were all he ever gave. I was merely a temporary placeholder because he couldn't bear to let his precious white moonlight suffer poverty with him.

That afternoon, I walked into the HR department with my resignation letter.

The HR manager glanced between the document and my face with wide eyes.

"Corina, Gavin made partner because of all the heavy lifting and casework you did behind the scenes. Now that life is finally good, are you really walking away like this?"

"Does Gavin even know you're resigning?"

"Just process the paperwork," I said calmly. "I'll handle him myself."

I returned to my office and began boxing up my personal belongings.

"Gavin, can I really share an office with you like Corina did? I always thought she looked so cool working beside you."

The door swung open, and Nadia strutted in wearing designer heels, with Gavin following close behind.

Noticing the cardboard box in my hands, Gavin shot me a complicated glance.

"It's good that you're packing ahead of time. You'll be working at the open cubicle outside from now on. You know everyone here, while Nadia is new and needs time to adjust. Give her some space."

Nadia lowered her gaze, putting on an innocent, timid facade. "I'm so sorry, Corina. I didn't know you were still in here. If it bothers you, I can work outside. I'm just really shy around strangers."

She noticed the box of gourmet pastries in her hand and quickly offered them to me with a bright smile.

"Corina, Gavin woke up early to bake these for breakfast. I couldn't finish them. Would you like some? Gavin is such a wonderful cook."

The triumphant gloating was written all over her face.

I stepped sideways to avoid her.

Gavin glared at me in annoyance. "Nadia was just being polite. Can you drop the hostile attitude? I'm the one who asked for the divorce, and I'm the one who reassigned your desk. None of this is her fault."

He played the harsh critic while Nadia played the sweet peacemaker.

"Corina, don't listen to him. He's just a stubborn blockhead. Don't be mad at him."

"Instead of wasting energy on a man, why don't you enjoy some pastries?"

With that, she took a delicate bite, chewing like an adorable little mouse.

A pair of absolute clowns.

I picked up my resignation letter and prepared to leave, but Nadia's sharp eyes caught sight of the heading. Suddenly, without warning, she stumbled straight toward me.

The greasy pastry slipped from her fingers, landing squarely on my stack of papers and soaking into the crisp sheets.

Horrified, I quickly swatted the food away.

Along with my resignation form, that folder contained months of legal research and trial strategies that our entire team had poured their sweat into.

Nadia let out a theatrical shriek. "I'm so sorry, Corina! I didn't do it on purpose!"

"Why did you have to shove me?"

Tears welled in her eyes, and Gavin instantly struck my wrist with a harsh slap, knocking the entire folder to the floor.

"Corina Scott, you disgust me! Over a few worthless files, you resort to physical violence?"

"Apologize to Nadia right now, or I swear I'll make this divorce permanent!"

He always relied on that pathetic threat to keep me in line.

Unfortunately for him, permanent was exactly what I wanted.