Chapter 1
On the day of my husband’s birthday, I rushed home overnight from a business trip. But when I opened the door, there was his assistant, Gia, casually wrapped in my bathrobe.
“Natalie, I just came to update Emmitt and got caught in the rain on the way, so I took a shower. I hope you don't get the wrong idea.”
“No need to bother explaining.”
Emmitt, also draped in a bathrobe, strolled out of the bathroom, casting a look of disdain. His eyes were cold with contempt as he faced me.
“Weren’t you supposed to be on a business trip? What are you doing back?”
I paused briefly, then chuckled softly, shaking my head, “Oh, just returning to grab some documents.”
In one motion, I tossed the carefully selected birthday gift into the trash can and sent a message to the lawyer.
“Prepare a divorce agreement for me.”
...
They carried on, oblivious to my presence. I walked into the study, expressionless, and when I reemerged with the documents, they were cozily wrapped around each other on the couch. Gia’s hand had wandered beneath Emmitt’s robe.
Seeing me, she lazily withdrew her hand and sniffed it with a look of smug satisfaction before speaking, “Sorry, Natalie. Emmitt just took a shower and felt chilly, so I was warming him up a bit. Don't get the wrong idea.”
What a preposterous excuse.
Before I could respond, Emmitt shot me a frustrated look.
“Weren’t you here to get documents? Now that you have them, are you leaving, or shall I escort you out?”
I felt my chest tighten. Since when did he become like this?
I remember when we first married, he'd send me off with care even for the shortest trips. And now, grabbing some documents seems like an inconvenience to him.
“Fine, I’ll be on my way.”
Turning to leave, Gia suddenly remarked, taunting me.
“Natalie, remember to close the door on your way out. We wouldn’t want to disturb the neighbors with too much noise.”
I frowned, fixing my gaze on her. After a pause, I laughed.
“Just make sure you're careful; the sofa is pricey.”
Though I instigated, as soon as I said those words, she looked hurt.
“Natalie, you misunderstood. I'm just about to help Emmitt with some exercises, so...”
Emmitt’s face flashed with anger.
“Natalie Turner, what was that supposed to mean?”
“Just joking around. Why so serious?”
I forced a laugh, turmoil roiling in my heart.
Emmitt glared at me sharply.
“If there's an issue, address it with me. Why are you going after Gia?”
Gia quickly stood up, “I'm sorry, Emmitt. Please don’t fight because of me. It’s my fault, I should go.”
“Stay right there.”
Emmitt pulled her back, then turned his chilly gaze on me.
“Can’t you stop causing trouble just once?!”
“You came to get documents and stirred up all this drama. Aren’t you exhausted by it?”
I met his gaze briefly, then, expressionless, turned and left.
As the door closed behind me, a sharp pain surged through my chest, forcing me to bend over and gasp for breath.
Five years.
In merely five years, our bond has deteriorated into whatever this is now.
Is marriage really the graveyard of love?
After a while, I regained my composure, blocking out the noises inside, and walked away.
By the time I reached the airport, a message from Emmitt appeared on my phone.
“Look at yourself! What do you think you’re doing?!”
“Gia came over soaked to discuss work, and I took care of her—what’s wrong with that? As her senior, can’t you be more accommodating?”
I stared at my phone, dumbfounded, but before I could respond, his impatient call buzzed in.
“Didn’t you see my message? Are you ignoring it?!”
“Apologize to Gia immediately. She’s so upset she can’t even relax!”
On the other end, Gia sighed theatrically, “I’m sorry, brother. I’m really hurt...”
Taking a deep breath, I fought to calm myself.
“As long as you’re having a good time, that’s all that matters.”