Chapter 1

On our wedding anniversary, I came home with a heart full of excitement, ready to give Ethan a surprise.

But when I opened the door, I saw him cuddling Chloe Miller on our living room sofa. They were whispering, far too close.

And at first glance, I noticed the ring on Chloe’s finger. It was my wedding ring—the one I cherished more than life itself.

Faced with my hysterical confrontation, Ethan just held Chloe tighter. He looked at me, his eyes dead and indifferent.

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

To teach me a lesson, he snatched the ring from her finger and threw it directly into the trash can right in front of my face.

At that exact moment, the fight left me.

I realized this marriage should have been thrown in the trash a long time ago.

"Ethan, let’s get a divorce."

"Elena Vance, do you even hear yourself?"

Ethan snapped instantly. He slammed his wine glass onto the floor right at my feet, sending shards of glass flying everywhere.

I felt a sharp piece graze my ankle, but I couldn’t feel any physical pain.

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

That discarded ring felt like a knife driving straight into my heart.

I wanted to take a step forward, to bend down and fish it out. But my legs wouldn't move. It was as if all the energy had been drained from my body.

"I said, I want a divorce."

I took a deep breath. Those words took every ounce of strength I had left.

My chest felt so heavy, like a giant boulder was crushing my lungs. It was hard to breathe.

"Ethan, babe, don't be so harsh. Elena is probably just talking out of anger."

Chloe stood up. She gently patted Ethan’s back, putting on a perfect show of comfort.

Her words sounded sweet, but when she looked at me, her eyes were dripping with smugness and mockery.

"Elena, you really don't need to throw a tantrum like this. Threatening Ethan with divorce is a bit much."

"If you want to blame someone, blame me. I saw the ring sitting in the corner of your nightstand. I honestly thought it was something you didn't want anymore, so I—"

"You went into my bedroom?"

"Who gave you the right to walk into my room and go through my things?"

I stared at Chloe in disbelief. But as soon as the question left my mouth, I realized how stupid it was.

In this house, who else but Ethan could have given her the key and the permission to make herself at home?

"That’s enough, Elena!"

Seeing his precious Chloe looking flustered by my questions, Ethan stepped in, his face darkening with rage.

"Stop acting like the victim all the time. Stop throwing tantrums in front of Chloe."

"Chloe can go wherever she wants in this house. It’s just a stupid ring. You never even wear it. Who are you putting on this dramatic show for?"

My mouth opened, wanting to explain.

But looking at the two of them—Ethan holding Chloe protectively in his arms—I shut my mouth.

Over the years, Ethan had gifted me plenty of expensive jewelry. But this ring was the only one I kept in my nightstand drawer.

Because this was the only ring Ethan had actually placed on my finger himself.

Unlike those expensive, thoughtless gifts bought by his assistant to keep me quiet, this ring had warmth. No matter how cheap it was, it was priceless to me.

But Ethan didn't get it.

Actually, in our five years of marriage, he had never cared to understand anything about me.

"Fine. Just think of it as me throwing a tantrum."

I let out a self-deprecating laugh. But that laugh seemed to trigger Ethan even more.

Like always, he decided to give me the cold shoulder. He didn't want to waste another word on me. He wrapped his arm around Chloe and turned to leave.

But today was different.

His steps toward the door were unusually slow.

I knew what he was waiting for. He was waiting for me to run after him, beg him to stay, apologize, and admit I was wrong, just like I always did.

But this time, I stayed put.

Five years. I had begged, humbled myself, and pleaded too many times to count.

And what did I get in return?

His contempt, his disgust, and his complete indifference.

I was exhausted.

I walked over to the sofa and sat down. My eyes caught my reflection in the dark screen of my phone.

The sight shocked me.

Dull, lifeless skin. Sunken cheeks. Soul-crushed eyes.

I hadn't even realized how haggard I had become.

I was only twenty-seven.

Seeing that I wasn't begging him to stay, Ethan stopped right at the doorway.

He looked back, a flicker of disbelief in his eyes. Just as he was about to say something, Chloe tugged at his sleeve.

Chloe leaned in and whispered something in his ear. Instantly, Ethan’s eyes iced over again.

Chloe didn't bother to keep her voice down. She wanted me to hear it.

She said, "Women know women best, Ethan. She’s just playing hard to get to keep you here."

"You need to teach her a lesson."

Without a second thought, Ethan slammed the door shut, leaving with Chloe.

He didn't see the look Chloe gave me right before the door closed.

She mouthed three words:

He is mine.