Chapter 1
Vita Guerrero's husband, Curtis Guerrero, presumed dead for ten years, suddenly returned.
He brought home a woman from a fishing village, and forced Vita to sign the divorce agreement.
He said, "Barbara risked her life to save me from a shark. I owe it to her to marry her. If you agree to walk away with nothing, I'll let you stay in the west attic and still have the Guerrero family's staff waiting on you."
Vita was silent for a moment, then spoke calmly. "Curtis, I was already married ten years ago."
Curtis sneered. "Vita, quit acting tough. Everyone knows that you're crazy in love with me. You'd die in my place if you could."
*****
In the bright, spacious traditional style villa, Curtis lounged arrogantly on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, his right arm possessively wrapped around a woman.
He let out a mocking laugh. "Vita, don't pretend. Everyone knows you're just greedy for the Guerrero family's fortune. That's the only reason you won't let go of this marriage.
"But I'm laying it out for you today. Sign the agreement, give up your title as Mrs. Guerrero, and walk away with nothing. Otherwise, I'll send you overseas and make sure you wish you were dead."
Vita shot Curtis a cold, emotionless look.
Ten years ago, when Curtis wiped out in that motorcycle race, she dropped everything, even the national debate finals, and rushed from Ostville to Seaside City just to be by his side in the hospital.
She nursed him, fed him, and did everything for him.
The day Curtis finally agreed to marry her, she signed the prenup without hesitation, gave up her shot at a career in the foreign service, became a full-time wife, and even promised to give him two kids in three years.
But she was no longer the same woman from ten years ago.
Vita used to obey Curtis's every command, bent over backwards for him, and loved him so much it became a joke to others. Her feelings for Curtis had died a long time ago.
Vita said, "Curtis, my husband and I have been married for ten years now. If he gets home from work and finds you making a scene in our house, trust me. He won't take it kindly."
Curtis pulled a cigarette from his suit pocket, lit it with a cheap lighter, and exhaled a puff of smoke as he spoke. "Vita, quit spinning lies. With your reputation, only a fool would marry you.
"Like it or not, this divorce is happening. If you don't want this to get messy, call your lawyer and work out the terms for leaving with nothing.
"Maybe if I'm feeling generous, I'll let you keep that apartment in Willow District, so you'll at least have a place to stay in Seaside City."
Just then, Barbara, who'd been sitting right next to Curtis, reached out and tugged on his suit sleeve, her voice all soft and sweet.
She said, "Curtis, don't fight with Vita, okay? You two were each other's first love. Even after you vanished for ten years and left her behind, she still loves you deep down. She just can't bear to divorce you.
"Maybe you should just send me back to the village. It's tiny, and we get hit by typhoons all the time, but a girl like me shouldn't even dream about things that aren't hers."
Barbara pretended to get up and leave, but her right hand held onto Curtis's pinky finger. Her eyes were so full of tears, it looked like they'd fall any second.
Curtis yanked her back dominantly and barked, "Barbara, sit down.
"Ten years ago, Vita was head over heels for me, like a loyal puppy. She obeys my commands. Trust me, we will hold a wedding in the Guerrero family."
Barbara nestled into Curtis's embrace, sniffling quietly as she soaked up his comforting words. But whenever she shot a look at Vita, her gaze was pure gloating.
Vita couldn't believe it. After ten years, Curtis was even more brazen than she remembered.
What really got to her was that Curtis knew exactly how much he was hurting her. Every time he said something cruel or tossed her aside, he knew what he was doing.
Before Vita could even get a word in, Curtis shot her a vicious glare. "Vita, you've been a member of the Guerrero family for ten years, living a life of luxury. It's about time you step aside and let Barbara enjoy it for once.
"You'd better watch your tone. Barbara is the love of my life, and she's going to be the rightful Mrs. Guerrero. I won't let you bully her!"
By the end, Curtis's voice had risen to a shout.