Chapter 1

On our fifth wedding anniversary, I eagerly planned a special surprise for Ethan.

When I arrived home, I walked into the living room only to find him on the couch with his arms wrapped tightly around his precious first love, Chloe.

And right there, gleaming on Chloe’s finger, was my wedding ring—the one piece of jewelry I cherished more than life itself.

Faced with my tearful, hysterical questions, Ethan just pulled Chloe closer. He looked at me with cold, utter indifference.

"It’s just a ring. If Chloe likes it, it’s a treasure. If she doesn’t, it’s trash."

To teach me a lesson, he pulled the ring off her finger and tossed it straight into the garbage can—right in front of my eyes.

In that single second, a wave of exhaustion washed over me.

This marriage had expired a long time ago. It was time to throw it in the trash, too.

"Ethan, let’s get a divorce."

"Sienna, do you even know what the hell you're saying?"

Ethan’s temper flared instantly. He slammed his wine glass down, shattering it at my feet. Sharp crystal shards exploded across the hardwood floor.

I felt a sharp edge graze my ankle, but I couldn't feel any pain.

My eyes were glued to the trash can where my ring now lay in the filth.

That discarded piece of metal felt like a serrated blade driving straight into my heart.

I wanted to take a step forward, kneel down, and fish it out. But my legs wouldn't move. All the strength had been drained from my body.

"I said, I want a divorce."

I took a shaky breath. Such a simple sentence, yet it took every ounce of energy I had left.

A crushing weight pressed down on my chest. Even breathing felt impossible.

"Ethan, please, don’t yell at her. Sienna is probably just upset and speaking out of anger."

Chloe stood up, gently stroking Ethan’s back in an intimate, soothing gesture.

Her words sounded caring, but the look she shot me was dripping with smug condescension.

"Sienna, there’s really no need to throw a childish tantrum like this and threaten Ethan with divorce."

"If you want to blame someone, blame me. I saw the ring tucked away in the corner of your nightstand, and I honestly thought you didn't want it anymore. That's why I—"

"You went into my bedroom?"

"Who gave you permission to dig through my personal belongings?"

I stared at her in disbelief. But as soon as the words left my mouth, I realized how pointless the question was.

In this penthouse, who else could have given Chloe free rein to walk in and out of my private space as she pleased?

"Enough! Sienna!"

Seeing Chloe's wounded expression, Ethan snapped coldly.

"Stop playing the victim every damn day and throwing fits in front of Chloe."

"Chloe has the right to walk into any room in this house. It’s just an old ring. You never even wear it. Now that she touched it, you act like your heart is broken. Who are you trying to put on a show for?"

I parted my lips to explain.

Yet looking at how tenderly Ethan pulled Chloe into his arms, I swallowed the words back down.

Over the past five years, he had showered me with countless expensive designer jewelry pieces. But only that simple ring was kept inside my nightstand.

Because it was the only one Ethan had put on my finger with his own hands.

Unlike all those expensive, soulless gifts meant to compensate for his absence, that ring once carried real warmth. No matter what it was worth, it meant the world to me.

But Ethan didn't get it.

To be fair, in five years of marriage, he had never cared to learn a single thing about me.

"Fine. Think whatever you want," I murmured with a bitter, self-mocking smile.

That dry smile pushed Ethan over the edge.

Just like every fight before, he resorted to his usual silent treatment. Without another word, he wrapped his arm around Chloe’s waist and turned to leave.

Except tonight, something was different.

His footsteps were noticeably slow.

I knew exactly what he was waiting for. He was waiting for me to run after him, beg him, apologize on my knees, and take all the blame like I always did.

Not this time.

Five years. Countless times swallowing my pride, crying, pleading, and walking on eggshells.

What did it get me?

His contempt. His disgust. His utter disregard.

I was completely done.

I walked over to the sofa and sat down in silence. My eyes accidentally caught my reflection in the dark, spilled wine pooling on the table.

The sight made my breath hitch.

Dull, lifeless skin. Sunken cheeks. Empty, hollow eyes.

I hadn't even realized when I became this haggard and worn down.

I was only twenty-seven years old.

When Ethan realized I wasn't coming after him, he froze by the front door.

He glanced back in pure disbelief. Just as he opened his mouth to say something, Chloe gently tugged on his sleeve.

She leaned in and whispered something into his ear. Ethan’s gaze instantly turned ice-cold again.

Chloe hadn't bothered keeping her voice down, so I heard every word loud and clear.

She had said it for my benefit:

"Trust me, Ethan, women know women best. She’s just playing hard to get so you'll chase her."

"You need to teach her a lesson."

Without a second thought, Ethan slammed the door shut behind them.

What he didn't see was Chloe glancing back over her shoulder just before the door closed.

Her lips moved silently.

*He’s mine now.*