Chapter 1

I was the wife of Charles Sterling, a man of immense power and old money in the Kingston elite.

But everyone knew only one woman truly owned his heart: Vivian Grant.

At our engagement party, he announced publicly, "The marriage can happen, but I will only ever love Vivian."

With tears welling in my eyes, I smiled. "It's fine. I can wait."

And I waited for three years.

For three years, her calls always took precedence.

For three years, I wasn't even allowed to touch his coat.

The day he threw the divorce papers in front of me, he said, "You've finally been useful for once. You bought me enough time to deal with the family's pressure."

I signed the papers, still smiling. "What an honor."

Six months later, I staged the perfect "death."

Another year and a half passed.

At the city clerk's office, an official stared at her computer screen, her expression turning odd.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Sterling, but Ms. Grant's marital status shows as currently married. The registration was filed in... Astoria, Valerius."

Vivian broke down on the spot.

Charles stared at the screen, his hands beginning to tremble.

Because on that foreign marriage certificate, the bride's photograph... was unmistakably mine.

*****

My phone buzzed.

The screen lit up with a text from Charles: [Come back and sign.]

No greeting, no explanation, just like he was giving orders to a subordinate.

I turned off the stove, and the bubbling soup in the pot fell silent.

As the steam faded, my calm reflection appeared.

Today was the third anniversary of my marriage to Charles. It was also Vivian's birthday.

I took off my apron, changed my clothes, and headed out.

The Sterling family's villa was lit up like a Christmas tree. The living room was packed with people gathered around a huge birthday cake.

Vivian stood in the center of the crowd, dressed in a white tulle dress, looking every bit the princess.

Charles stood beside her, his eyes soft in a way I'd never seen before.

No one even glanced my way. I was like a speck of dust falling into a glass of champagne, completely unnoticed.

I made my way over to Charles.

He stepped away from the noisy crowd, his brow slightly furrowed, and led me to a quiet study off to the side.

He seemed annoyed, like I was messing up his party vibe.

The study door closed behind us, shutting out all the laughter and chatter from the party.

Charles pulled a document from the drawer and tossed it onto the desk. "Divorce papers."

He said it like it was nothing.

I stared at the papers, not moving.

He sounded impatient. "Elena, you've had to put up with a lot these three years.

"Vivian's health isn't great right now, and she needs to be recognized as my wife.

"If you sign, you'll help me deal with my family's pressure. It's the only time you've actually been useful in these three years."

As I listened, it felt like a cold hand was slowly tightening around my heart. No pain, just a numb, suffocating emptiness.

I smiled, meeting his gaze. "Guess I should feel honored."

My smile caught him off guard for a moment.

He stared at me, studying my face, searching for something in my expression.

I picked up the pen from the desk and opened the agreement.

On the last page, Charles's signature was already there, sharp and impatient, like he couldn't wait to cut me out of his life.

I didn't bother reading the terms. I already knew I would leave with nothing.

With a few quick strokes, I signed my name, Elena Summers.

That name, the one that had been tied to him for three years, was finally about to be erased from his life.

I pushed the papers across the desk to him.

"All done." I said, "I wish you and Vivian all the best." My voice didn't waver at all.

Charles stared at me, even more surprised now.

He probably expected me to cry, throw a fit, or confront him.

But he never imagined I'd be so composed.

He paused for a moment, then said, "I'll give you enough money so you'll never have to worry about anything again."

I shook my head. "No need. Mr. Sterling, let's just say these three years were my rent."

With that, I turned and headed for the door.

As my hand rested on the doorknob, he spoke up, "Elena."

I paused, not turning back.

"Today... you're really different," he said, almost as if he couldn't believe it.

I let out a small smile. "Is that so? Maybe it's just because I won't ever have to wait for you again."

I pulled the door open. Outside, Vivian was leaning against the wall. When she saw me, a flash of smugness and defiance flickered in her eyes.

She walked up to me, her voice soft and gentle. "Elena, thanks for stepping aside."

I looked at her, at that face I'd seen every day for three years.

The face of the woman who could make Charles drop everything for her, no matter where he was or what he was doing.

I didn't say a word. I just walked past her and headed for the stairs.

Behind me, Vivian pouted at Charles, her voice soft and sweet. "Charles, did I make Elena mad?"

Charles replied in a low tone, "Just ignore her. Come on, let's go cut the cake."

I walked down the stairs, one step at a time.

The music kept playing in the living room, and the laughter never stopped.

This house, this party, they were never mine.