Chapter 1

Before my mother passed away, she begged for a grandchild. My wife refused because she despised children.

Yet when her first love returned from abroad holding a little girl and posted on Instagram about wanting to give her a home, my proudly childfree wife beamed with joy.

"Ethan, Julian’s daughter is crying for her mommy. She even tried to hurt herself. Let's get a paper divorce for just a month so I can comfort her, okay?"

"Once she’s stable, we'll remarry immediately and spend the rest of our lives together."

Looking at the child who bore an uncanny resemblance to my wife, my heart turned to ash. I nodded.

She had no idea that my mentor had been urging me to join an indefinite, classified defense research program in the remote desert.

After signing the divorce papers, I submitted my application.

From that mission, there would be no return date.

"Ethan, just give me one month. We’ll remarry in thirty days, okay?"

"Until then, stay here."

Victoria’s eyes were filled with tenderness as she handed me the deed to a luxury penthouse.

Holding our divorce papers, I wasn’t surprised by the lavish gift.

After all, she only bought it so I would move out faster.

She was bringing her first love, Julian, and his daughter into our home. She didn't want them getting jealous seeing me around.

Before our marriage, Victoria had entangled herself with plenty of men, but Julian was the only one she never truly let go of.

The moment Julian posted that he wanted to give his child a home, she demanded a divorce so she could play happy family with him.

Yet when my mother was on her deathbed wishing for a grandchild, Victoria coldly stood by and did nothing.

While I was arranging my mother's funeral, she even flew across the ocean just to pick Julian up from the airport.

A bitter lump rose in my throat. Our seven-year relationship was finally over.

"No need. It’s only a month, right? I can find a hotel."

"Don't worry. I'll move out as fast as I can."

So I wouldn't have to see things I shouldn't.

Hearing this, Victoria looked at me lovingly. She laced her fingers through mine.

"No. Even if it's just for a month, I won’t let my husband settle for less."

"Take it. It was supposed to be your seventh anniversary gift. But on our anniversary, I promised Chloe I’d take her to Disneyland, so I won't be able to spend it with you."

My heart sank even deeper.

So, she did remember that our seventh wedding anniversary was coming up.

I had spent three months preparing for it.

She had promised to clear her schedule for me.

Now, she was ditching me to take Julian's daughter to Disneyland.

I took the deed and said flatly, "Okay. Thanks for the gift. I'll pack my things and leave."

Victoria bit her lip, looking sheepish.

"Ethan... Chloe said she didn't like your stuff, so I threw it all away. I just wired you a million dollars. Go buy whatever you want."

Threw it all away?

My lips trembled in disbelief. "Even the aircraft carrier model my dad built before he died? You threw that away too?"

That model was the only keepsake my father left behind.

It was priceless to me. Victoria knew that better than anyone.

Surely she wouldn't throw that away?

Victoria shifted uncomfortably and forced a smile. "I didn't throw it out... but Chloe accidentally smashed it."

"She didn't mean to. I tried gluing the pieces back together, but I couldn't..."

She kept explaining, but I didn't want to hear it.

I ran into our bedroom. Everything familiar had vanished.

Our wedding photos were gone.

My clothes were gone.

Every trace of my existence had been wiped clean.

None of that mattered to me.

The only thing I cared about was my father's keepsake.

And now, my most treasured possession lay shattered in a neglected corner, reduced to worthless trash.

Holding back tears, I knelt down and picked up the shattered pieces, one by one.

"Mommy, who is that? Why is he in our house picking up garbage?"

"Is he a dumpster diver?"