Chapter 1

The five-year deadline had arrived, and without a second thought, I tossed the divorce agreement onto Jaiden Armstrong's lap. Jaiden barely reacted, thinking this was just another one of my temper tantrums, as if he believed I would always stick around. But even the most genuine love can be worn down by constant letdowns.

I turned off the calendar alert on my phone and laid the divorce papers, prepared well in advance, onto the table. The living room was empty, lacking any semblance of warmth. I rubbed the ring on my finger, amazed at how five years had flown by so swiftly.

"What time will you be home?" I asked after dialing his number. In the background, I heard the clinking of glasses and a woman's soft giggle.

"Always with the nagging, aren't you?" Jaiden replied, irritation evident in his voice.

"The divorce papers are ready. Come back and sign them," I said, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders. "I won't bother you anymore."

The woman on the other end laughed, a sycophantic sound, and seconds later, the call ended abruptly. I took off the ring and placed it beside the divorce agreement. As the clock ticked on, I waited from afternoon until the veil of night fell. It was close to midnight when Jaiden staggered in, reeking of alcohol.

I sat motionless in the living room, a stark contrast to my usual routine of greeting him, hanging up his coat, and making him coffee. Jaiden shrugged off his jacket, scowled when he saw no one there to take it, and frowned in irritation.

"I'm back, so what's your gripe now?"

I slid the divorce papers over to him, meeting his gaze steadily. Jaiden glanced at the papers with disdain, unsteady on his feet as he leafed through them, wary of any hidden tricks.

"There's nothing to worry about," I assured him, "I only want to leave you."

I studied Jaiden's face—handsome, tall, and polished. Such a shame he was a complete jerk. Jaiden finished reading the papers, looking at me with suspicion.

"Are you seriously asking for nothing? No ulterior motives?" he asked. "Ada, just say the word. How much do you want?"

I laughed, though it was tinged with bitterness, tears brimming in my eyes.

"After all this time, you still think I married you just for the money?"

"Why else?" Jaiden shot back, pausing before adding, "At least you've come to your senses."

Ten years since we first met, five years of marriage, and all Jaiden saw in me was a gold digger. I snatched the papers and hurled them back at him. His stunned expression quickly morphed into anger as he pointed at me, spewing curses.

I couldn't even find the strength to argue. I started packing my things. Despite the late hour, I determinedly dragged my suitcase and left. Jaiden was finally rid of me, and I had satisfied Donald Armstrong's final wish.

I heard Jaiden shout after me, "I'll have the lawyer draw up another version. You can sign it at the office tomorrow."

The icy night air cut through me like knives, piercing my heart. Jaiden, from now on, no one's going to care for you or manage the Armstrong business for you. I hope you don't let Donald down.