Chapter 1

Beatrix came back and turned my marriage into a spectacle.

She challenged me to a bet over Asher’s vows, and he proved her right—breaking every promise for her while keeping every distance from me.

When I saw the tattoo, the bracelet he threw away, and the surveillance that exposed everything, something in me snapped.

I handed him the divorce agreement he once said I could use “anytime” and left.

Only when he lost me did he panic.

But I was already gone, divorce certificate in hand, reclaiming the freedom he never deserved.

After Beatrix came back, she challenged me—said we should see who could make Asher break his vows nine times first.

I smirked and drafted the terms of the bet right then: “If you win, I’ll step aside. But if you lose, I’ll make sure you can’t stay in Beijing City.”

Only I knew how unsteady I felt inside.

In our three years of marriage, Asher would do anything I asked—except break his vows. Within a week, he started coming home less.

Determined, I put on the new lingerie I’d bought and walked into his quiet room. I took his hand and guided it down my body…

I felt his breathing grow heavier, heat rising in his eyes, something new and dangerous. But then his phone rang. He snapped out of it, pushed me away, and walked out.

He didn’t return for three hours. I stood there, the warmth draining from me, unable to think.

Until Beatrix showed up, waving a used strawberry-flavored item, flaunting the sticky residue inside.

“Adele, this makes nine.”

“I told you—Asher loves me. Why don’t you believe it?”

“A bet is a bet.”

Looking at her smug face, I remembered how I had just humiliated myself, begging my own husband for attention. A wave of dizziness washed over me.

Why was I degrading myself like this?

Before marriage, I was the prized daughter of Beijing’s elite. Why was I now fighting Beatrix for a spot in my own bed?

Feigning calm, I pulled the signed divorce papers from the bedside drawer.

“Take it and leave.”

Beatrix arched a brow.

“You confronted Asher?”

I shrugged. “No. Asher said I could make the decision about divorce whenever I wanted.”

“He’s just a man. If you want him, he’s yours.”

But looking at Asher’s name on the papers…

My chest tightened.

This had been Asher’s wedding gift to me.

Asher always honored his promises.

He had once stopped my hands from unbuttoning his shirt, saying he needed to keep his vows for three years and asking me to wait.

But if I ever grew tired…

I could sign the papers anytime, and he’d accept it.

Back then, I had been overjoyed, thinking he was mine for life.

Now I saw how foolish I’d been.

Was he giving me freedom, or giving himself an easy exit?

Beatrix read the papers twice before smiling in satisfaction.

“Miss Adele—still as decisive as ever.”

“Everyone in Beijing City knows you pursued Asher for five years. I really thought you’d cry.”

“How about this—once Asher officially breaks his vows next week, I’ll hand him these papers as a gift.”

“You two won’t have to torture each other anymore.”

I saw her out with a cold expression.

But I had to admit—she wasn’t wrong.

Keeping someone who doesn’t love you for five years—if that isn’t torture, what is?

I opened my phone and found the Iceland trip I’d booked for Asher and me next week.

Asher hated traveling abroad, but I insisted.

When he agreed, was he thinking how troublesome I was?

I canceled his ticket with a swipe.

If that’s the case, then I’ll let him go.

This mistake shouldn’t continue.