Chapter 1

After five years of marriage, I was about to tell my husband, Jonathan Reed, that I wanted a divorce when he suddenly said, "From now on, I'll give you 200,000 dollars a month. We'll live our own lives and stay out of each other's business."

Five years into this lukewarm marriage, I'd already rehearsed how I'd break the news to him.

That day, I slipped into a smart dress and strode into Jonathan's office in my heels.

The door was ajar, so I pushed it open and walked in.

He sat behind his black desk, pen in hand, without looking up.

I stood across from him, about to utter the word "divorce."

But he beat me to it, his tone as casual as if he were discussing a business deal. "I'll give you 200,000 dollars a month. I won't ask about your business, and you stay out of mine."

I sank into the expensive leather sofa in his office, and I almost couldn't keep from smirking after hearing that.

I asked cautiously, "What about the 15% stake in the company?"

Jonathan looked up, his brow furrowing slightly. "The shares stay the same. The annual dividends won't change."

I nodded right away and smiled, "Deal."

With my answer in hand, I grabbed my bag and walked out, feeling light on my feet.

Before leaving, I closed the door behind me.

As the door shut, I caught a glimpse of his stunning assistant, Sophie Lane, slipping in through the side door. Her slender fingers landed on his shoulder.

Her voice was sickly sweet. "Mr. Reed, what was she doing here?"

Jonathan brushed her hand off. "Business."

I stood outside the door, saying nothing.

Smart people didn't go looking for trouble.

There was no such thing as free money, and I knew that all too well.

*****

Just as I expected, it didn't take long before trouble found me again. One weekday afternoon, I'd left the beauty salon and was about to get into my car in the mall's underground parking lot.

Sophie popped up out of nowhere and planted herself right in front of my car.

Her eyes were red, tears hanging from her lashes, and her makeup was smeared from crying, making her look more pathetic.

I was already in the driver's seat, staring at her dramatic entrance, and let out a helpless sigh as I rolled down the window.

"Girl, my driving skills are nothing to brag about. You shouldn't stand in front of my car. I might not be able to hit the brakes in time," I joked.

She choked out. "Evelyn, let me say a couple of things."

She stood there as if she were rooted to the spot, refusing to move.

I sighed. Well, looks like I was not going anywhere today.

I muttered, "If you need money, go ask Jonathan for it. Why are you coming to me? My 200,000 dollars isn't enough for me."

I backed my car into the next spot, killed the engine, and grabbed my phone to call Jonathan.

When he picked up, his tone was already annoyed. "What is it?"

"Your assistant popped up in the parking lot and is literally standing right in front of my car," I said.

"And?"

I paused for a couple of seconds, half-joking. "So, should I run her over and call it a day?"

There was a brief pause, then Jonathan practically yelled, "Evelyn. Are you crazy?"

Hearing him lose his cool actually made me less pissed. "Relax, I was joking. Why are you freaking out? So, what's your plan for her?"

Jonathan snapped, "Deal with it however you want."

He hung up on me.

I stared at my phone screen as it went dark, shaking my head.

I flipped down the sun visor and touched up my lipstick in the mirror.

Outside, Sophie was bawling her eyes out, her makeup a total mess.

I got out of the car at my own pace and walked over to her.

I spoke to her as if she were my little sister, "What's wrong? Why are you crying like this?"

When Sophie saw me, she seemed to find her last hope. She rushed over and stood in front of me.

She clutched the hem of my coat, her knuckles turning white. "Mrs. Reed. I'm begging you. Please help me."

I stepped back, then patted her shoulder. "Sorry, I can't help. When it comes to him, you probably know more than anyone."

"H-He doesn't want me anymore," she cried, barely able to catch her breath.

I straightened up and checked the time.

It was already 3:30, and my Pilates class kicked off at 4.

"Sophie, if you're out here stopping me at this time of day, it means Jonathan has cut you loose. So, what exactly are you after?" I asked.

She froze, her eyes flickering with panic for a split second. "I-I want Mr. Reed to change his mind about me."