Chapter 1

When I learned that my wife, Miranda Shaw, had abandoned me while I was unconscious in the hospital—all to deliver a jacket to her male assistant, Callum York—I asked for a divorce.

Miranda agreed instantly. "What's there to worry about? He's a grown man. He can take care of himself."

That same day, she posted a photo on social media of her and Callum holding hands.

The caption read: "For the rest of our lives, you and I are each other's one and only."

I immediately called my sister, Autumn.

"Autumn, buy me a plane ticket home."

"Really? That's wonderful! You're finally willing to leave that awful woman! Wait right there—I'll come pick you up myself!"

My sister's voice on the other end was full of joy.

After I hung up, Miranda walked in, reeking of pungent perfume. The hickeys on her neck stung my eyes.

"Who was that?"

Miranda asked casually, her eyes glued to her phone. She didn't even glance at me.

"Autumn."

A shrill ringtone drowned out my voice completely.

Miranda answered immediately. Callum's voice came through: "Miranda, thank you for bringing me those clothes the other day. If it weren't for you, I would've been so embarrassed. I don't know what I would've done."

Seeming to realize the timing was inappropriate, Miranda looked somewhat guilty as she lowered the volume, stood up, and retreated into the study.

A self-mocking smile tugged at my lips.

We were already in the cooling-off period for divorce. What was I even expecting?

I silently cooked myself a bowl of noodles, ate it without a sound, then returned to the bedroom to pack my luggage.

An hour later, Miranda finally finished her nauseating conversation with Callum.

As usual, she sat at the dining table with a magazine, waiting for me to serve her a hot breakfast.

But this time, after waiting and waiting—not even a glass of warm milk appeared—she finally spared me half her attention, visibly irritated.

"So what if I didn't go with you for your checkup? Insomnia isn't some serious illness."

"The doctor prescribed medication. Just take it on time and you'll be fine. Why are you being so emotional?"

"Besides, I already agreed to the divorce. What more do you want? Are you going to keep giving me that sour face every day?"

I stopped what I was doing and looked blankly at this person who used to share my bed.

That day after she left, I collapsed at the hospital. If the doctors hadn't acted quickly, I would've already been sent to the crematorium.

And afterward, neither I nor the doctors could get through to Miranda's phone.

When I finally did reach her, I heard Callum's sweet laughter in the background, followed by Miranda's impatient scolding:

"It's just medical bills. Can't you figure it out yourself?"

In the end, I had to borrow money from a friend to pay the fees.

Yesterday when I was discharged, I learned that she'd gone to deliver a jacket to Callum, who was at a business dinner.

All because he said he was cold.

I asked for a divorce on the spot.

"Once we get the divorce decree, you won't have to see this face anymore."

I thought my distant attitude would please Miranda, since she'd always wanted me to stop interfering in her affairs.

But to my surprise, she slammed her magazine on the table and shouted, "You'd better not regret this!"

Then she stormed out.

Bang!

The loud noise didn't stir a single emotion in me.

I had no interest in analyzing her behavior or emotions. I just did my own thing.

After sending the revised proposal to my client, I poured myself a glass of warm milk. I was just about to find a movie to watch while taking a bath when a message popped up.

It was from Miranda.

"Dawn Lounge. Had too much to drink. Drive over and pick me up."

I was about to close the screen when a second message appeared.

"You're still my husband in name. This is your obligation."

I gripped my phone tightly and took several deep breaths before mentally preparing myself to go out.

It's all for a smooth divorce. I can endure this!

When I found the private room at the lounge according to the address she'd sent, I heard Miranda and Callum laughing inside.

Their voices were like swords stabbing into my heart.

I bit down hard, steadied my expression, and pushed open the door.

The laughter stopped abruptly.