Chapter 3

I really didn't see it coming; his first crush showed up, and he instantly wanted a divorce. He claimed he was just helping out an old friend who was pregnant.

He said the Monroe family was all about tradition and reputation, and since Celeste got pregnant before marriage, she needed a pretend husband. That was why he was leaving me, to play the hero for her.

He was even throwing a huge, showy wedding for the whole world to see. Everything he ever promised me now felt like it was just smoke and mirrors. How was I supposed to pick up the pieces and move on?

Well, if that was how it was, I was not going to waste my life staying faithful to a man who tossed me aside.

"The surgery went well, but we need to keep a close eye on her recovery," the doctor said.

My mom made it through the emergency, but she was still out cold in the ICU.

Adrian showed up late at night, and for once, his voice was almost pleading. "I'm sorry. I lost my temper.

"Celeste is pregnant, and I was just so worried something might happen that I ended up hitting you. I shouldn't have done that."

He reached for my cheek, but I pulled away.

Adrian awkwardly withdrew his hand. After a moment of silence, he finally asked, "Does your face still hurt?"

His phone buzzed; Celeste was calling, and he left in a hurry.

The next day, Adrian's assistant came to see me and handed me a stock transfer agreement.

I flipped it open. He'd originally said I'd get 5%.

But after those two slaps, it was bumped up to 5.5%. I guess that was his idea of compensation.

I gave a cold laugh. He probably struggled with the extra 0.5% for a long time.

After the assistant left, I just sat there, quietly watching my mom, still unconscious.

Then I called Benjamin Carter, the CEO of Adrian's rival company. "Mr. Carter, this is Brielle Hastings. I'd like to accept your offer and join your company."

His deep, smooth voice came through the line. "Elle, I've been hoping you'd come for so long. Finally, you're here."

I'd told Adrian before, "You're my husband. If you ever side with someone else against me, I'll betray you and go work for your biggest rival. And when that happens, don't come crying to me."

Back then, he'd gripped my hand tightly. "I'll never let you down, and I'll never let anyone hurt you. Brielle, you're the most important person in my life. No one will ever mean more to me than you."

After hanging up, I wiped my tears away.

Adrian could give his first crush a lavish wedding.

While he was busy getting married, I would be starting my new job.

From now on, we went our separate ways to see who did better on our own.

These past few days, the maid had been bringing me fresh clothes.

Benjamin was still overseas on business, and we needed to discuss the details of my new job in person. I didn't want my new boss to realize I was basically about to be homeless.

I still had some loose ends to tie up, and I needed to quietly pack up my things and important documents and move them to my mom's place.

Honestly, even if I rushed, I'd still have to stay at Adrian's house for at least another week.

Luckily, my mom was finally starting to stabilize, and we could arrange to transfer her to another hospital whenever we needed to.

After leaving the hospital, I decided to head home for a bit.

But when I got there, I saw Celeste strutting around like she was the lady of the house, settling right into the home Adrian and I had shared for nearly five years.

Back when he hit rock bottom, we spent a whole year squeezed into a shabby rental in the city's slums. This villa was the best place we ever called home together. Sure, it was out in the suburbs, but it was quiet and felt just right.

We bought this house with the first big payout our company ever made. This place was more than just a home; it was a symbol of everything we'd achieved together.

Celeste looked me up and down. "Adrian told me you're pretty good in the kitchen. Now that I'm pregnant, I'm super picky about food. Why don't you make a few dishes for me to try?"

I was just about to say no, but Adrian cut in and answered for me.

"Brielle won't mind. You don't have to go all out. Just make some soup," he said.

Then he leaned in and whispered in my ear, "Celeste isn't bothered by what happened before. She wants to get along with you, so don't be stubborn."