Chapter 1
It was the first time I'd ever gone to my husband, Michael Stone's office to ask for leave on his behalf after he got sick.
The receptionist was visibly taken aback.
She said, "Are you joking? The person you're talking about is our boss.
"Plus, our boss and his wife always arrive and leave together every day.
"And you definitely aren't his wife..."
The next moment, Michael, who was supposed to be sick in bed, walked out of the elevator, arm-in-arm with his first love, Olivia Lane.
Our eyes met, and his smile froze on his face.
I looked at him, dressed head to toe in luxury brands, and laughed until tears streamed down my face.
I cried, "Your suit alone is worth my entire annual salary, but you acted like you were some low-paid employee making a few thousand a month.
"You used the money from my parents to start your company, then claimed you were bankrupt and deep in debt. I worked nonstop to help you pay it all off. Even when I was sick with a fever, I didn't dare take a break.
"Tell me, why did you have to make a fool out of me like this?"
Michael mumbled, struggling to find the right words.
Olivia jumped in before he could say anything.
"It's really not that surprising. Back when I got married, he promised he'd wait for me. He always said his company and his whole career were all mine.
"That's why he doesn't have a dime left for you."
I finally realized that Michael hadn't just kept his real life from me.
He'd also made a lifelong promise to another woman to stay by her side and cherish her forever.
But I was the one who was legally married to Michael!
Could he really leave me penniless?
*****
Michael reached out to hold my shoulder, but I quickly stepped aside, avoiding his touch.
His hand hovered in the air, and he sighed.
"Abigail, please hear me out. I really enjoyed those simple days with you, honestly. I never wanted to hide this from you for so long. I was planning to tell you the truth soon," he said.
"When? Michael, we've been married for eight years. Isn't eight years long enough for you?" I shot back.
I pressed him again, my voice quivering with emotion. "Or do you really think I'm so dumb that you could fool me for the rest of my life?"
He reached out again, trying to pull me back. "That's not true, Abigail."
I stepped back, my heels wobbling. They were so worn out from years of use, but I never had the heart to replace them.
My gaze shifted to Olivia. She wore sparkling high heels, a cream-colored cashmere coat, and carried an Hermès bag on her arm.
I'd only ever dared to sneak a glance at them from outside the shop window.
I used to tease Michael, "When you finally make it big, buy me a Hermès bag, alright?"
He'd laugh, mess up my hair, and promise, "Sure! I'll get you two. One to hold, one to sling over your shoulder."
Turned out he actually did buy them.
But he gave them to someone else.
I forced a smile, holding back the bitterness.
"Not true? So what about her?" I pressed.
Michael glanced at Olivia. "She's a friend."
Olivia's face fell. "Michael!"
Michael held her back, gave her a warning glance, then looked over at me.
He said, "Come on, Abigail. If there was really something between Olivia and me, you wouldn't even stand a chance.
"She went through a divorce and isn't herself lately. I'm trying to help her out.
"Olivia loves joking. She was teasing you, so don't let it bother you.
"Honey, believe me, alright?"
I wanted me to believe him? Come on!
I remembered our first year of marriage, when he had that so-called "business failure" and ended up owing 150,000 dollars.
The day the debt collectors came knocking, he was crouched in the corner, head in his hands, apologizing over and over.
I hugged him and told him it was okay, and that we'd pay it off together.
That night, I took out the bank card my mom had tucked away for my wedding.
There was about 60,000 dollars on it. It was everything I had to my name.
I shoved the card into his hand and said, "Take it. We'll figure out the rest together. I believe in you."
He hugged me and cried for ages, swearing he'd never betray my love.
So much for never betraying me. It was eight years of nothing but lies.
"Believe you? Really?" I shot back.
I heard myself laughing, but my cheeks were soaked with tears.
"Michael, look me in the eye and tell me again. Are you only friends?" I demanded.
He opened his mouth, his throat tightening, but no words came out.
That silence hurt more than any answer he could have given.
I knew I didn't have to ask anymore.
I took a deep breath and wiped the tears from my face.
"Michael, let's end this marriage," I said, my voice steady but cold. "2.5 million dollars. Pay to end our marriage and let you two be together. That's a bargain, isn't it?"