Chapter 1

I was known in our circle as the quintessential good woman.

After more than ten years with Nathan Shaw, no matter how many girls he fooled around with, I always acted like I didn't notice.

But on my birthday, Nathan brought home a college girl he had met in the bedroom we shared as husband and wife.

My eyes burned with anger, and tears kept falling.

Nathan wiped my tears with his thumb and smiled lazily.

He said, "Lynn, you're almost thirty. Grow up."

"Oh, and when you leave, please close the door for us."

At the party, his buddies were all making bets on how long I'd last this time.

Nathan idly twirled his glass, looking completely unconcerned.

He said, "Lynn's a softie. She'll come crawling back to me in three days, tops."

What Nathan didn't get was that even we, so-called good girls, could play around if we wanted.

But when we hit a certain age, it was time to settle down and focus on family.

*****

On my birthday, I got off work early and headed home to the villa Nathan and I shared downtown, my arms loaded with shopping bags.

When I opened the door, the living room was pitch black; not a single light was on.

I figured Nathan was still stuck in a meeting at the office, so I started putting the groceries away in the fridge.

Suddenly, a weird noise came from the study upstairs.

My heart skipped a beat, and cold sweat broke out all over me. I thought someone had broken in.

So I grabbed the ashtray from the table and tiptoed upstairs.

After a deep breath, I twisted the doorknob and flung the door open.

There was a thick cashmere carpet underfoot, and the AC was blasting.

There was this strange, indescribable smell hanging in the air.

Nathan was slouched in his chair, his good-looking face covered in a thin sheen of sweat.

He looked surprised and a little pissed off that I showed up out of nowhere.

Nathan said, "Can't you knock before you come in?"

I waved the ashtray at Nathan, grinning despite myself. "I had no idea you were home. Heard some weird noises and thought maybe a burglar had broken in."

Nathan didn't budge from his chair, but his voice was a lot gentler. "If someone ever breaks in, call me first. Coming up here with an ashtray is dangerous."

I replied, "Okay, I know."

After saying that, I walked over and asked Nathan, "So, what did you get me for my birthday?"

All of a sudden, I heard a faint rustling coming from beneath the huge desk.

Moments later, a girl slowly crawled out from underneath.

Word was, Nathan had been after a top student from the music department, but she was so proud and hard to impress that she had left him hanging several times.

Pretty sure this was the girl, Melody Lane.

She looked barely twenty, with an innocent face and skin so smooth it was almost ethereal. She was stunning, like something out of a dream.

Her wrinkled dress told me everything I needed to know about what had happened here.

Nathan looked at me, standing there in shock, and flashed a cocky grin.

He asked, "Had enough of the show?

"If you're done, do us a favor and shut the door on your way out."

Nathan and I were childhood sweethearts; we grew up together.

Ever since I was old enough to understand anything, my whole world revolved around him.

People who felt loved always thought nothing could touch them. Nathan took advantage of that, keeping our relationship steady while he chased after other girls.

Over the years, he always said the same thing to me. "All those other women are places to crash; you're the only one who feels like home.

"Doesn't matter how it happens, what matters is the outcome.

"If I ever get married, it's gotta be you."

I was so naive. I spent ten years pretending not to see, clinging to his promises.

But the gut-punch of seeing it for myself, even if I tried to play it cool, I couldn't hold back the tears.

It was at that moment that Nathan finally realized how bad things really were.

He buckled his belt with a snap, stood up, and casually straightened his clothes.

Then, as if Melody were some pet, he gave her a little pat on the cheek. "Go on, head back now."

There wasn't a trace of humiliation on her face; her gaze neither wavered nor backed down. She asked, "Mr. Shaw, is this your wife?"

Nathan shrugged, grabbed a blanket, and tossed it her way. "You know she's my wife, so what are you still hanging around for? Get out."

Melody glanced at me, wrapped herself up, and strutted out.

Now it was Nathan and me left in the room, the air so heavy I could barely breathe.

He walked over and, like he was picking up a feather, gently wiped the tears from my face with his thumb.

Nathan said, "Lynn, come on, you're too old to be crying like a schoolgirl."

His offhand tone made me feel like I was the one losing my mind.

Seeing me stay silent, Nathan tried to pull me into his arms, like he always did.

But I shoved him away.

I asked, "Nathan, do you realize what today is?

"Do you remember we designed this villa together as our place to live after the wedding?

"How could you..."

I couldn't say another word. I slid down to the floor with my back against the door.

Nathan crouched down next to me and gently rested his forehead against mine. "Lynn, it's your birthday today, isn't it?"

When I didn't answer, he pulled out his phone and sent a quick message. "I changed my plans at work. I'll be with you all week.

"And if this place feels tainted to you, I'll get you a brand new place right away.

"Pick any location, any size you want. It'll be in your name only.

"I swear, this is the first and last time. I'll never bring anyone else back here again. Is that enough?"

If it were before, I would've pathetically agreed without a second thought.

But this time, all I felt was numb and completely fed up.

I sniffled, and after thinking it through, made a decision. "Nathan, let's break up. For me, this is the best birthday gift I could ever get."