Chapter 1

Five years into their marriage, Sierra Bell never imagined her own husband would ask her to share him with another woman.

"She's important to me. I want you to accept her," were his words.

He even made a promise to her.

"As long as you agree to this, you'll always be my wife. No one can take your place."

She had met him at her lowest point. He married her, cherished her, and indulged her in every way. She always thought that no one could ever love her more than him.

But now, she realized that everything was just a colossal joke.

-

John Henderson never expected the delicate canary he had raised to ask him for a divorce.

He didn't stop her.

He let her go, sure that she would eventually fail on her own and come back begging.

But Sierra, soft in name and stubborn in nature, would never look back no matter how hard or painful the journey.

He couldn't help but ask, "Can't you just give in for once?"

Later, Sierra finally gave in.

Right after that, she vanished from his world completely.

John, who had never known fear, suddenly found himself terrified.

Much later, she reappeared, arm in arm with another man.

John, eyes red, cornered her behind a door, half-crazed.

"Sierra, you really are heartless!"

Chapter 1

Sierra Bell didn't know if all men wanted a loving wife at home while chasing after other women outside. But if her husband was the one who tried that on her, she wasn't about to let it slide.

Everyone in Jade City knew that Sierra, once the heiress of a wealthy family, was the apple of John Henderson's eye, who was also the second son of the powerful Henderson family.

He gave her whatever she wanted.

He would make whatever she dreamed of happen.

Their home overflowed with limited-edition pieces from every major brand. Jewelry, handbags, and watches lined up on the walls. The garage was packed with so many sports cars that one would have a problem choosing.

Even at parties, John never left her side, always holding her hand like he was afraid she might get hurt or feel slighted.

Everyone envied her for being so cherished.

Even Sierra herself almost believed John truly loved her.

"Mom?" Her little boy Tommy, still looking half-asleep and sweet, rubbed his eyes and asked in a soft voice, "Are you upset today?"

Sierra gently tucked him in, her eyes full of gentleness. "No, I'm fine."

He crawled out of bed and, to her surprise, wrapped his arms around her. "Hug."

Sierra froze for a second.

"I don't really know why you're sad, but no matter what happens, I'll always love you," he said, hugging her even tighter, like he wanted to share all his warmth with her.

Sierra smiled and patted his back.

In that moment, she found the courage she had been searching for, so she could ask what she wanted to ask.

It was eleven.

Sierra had already put her son to bed and sat in the living room, checking the clock over and over. It was almost midnight by the time the front door finally opened.

John walked in, looking perfectly put together in a crisp white shirt with his tailored black jacket tossed over his arm. His every feature was flawlessly handsome. It was like he was born favored by God, given everything without even trying.

"Why aren't you asleep?" He came over as usual and sat beside her, pulling her into his arms. His hand slipped under her shirt, tracing along her waist.

Sierra moved his hand away, unable to defend against his skilled offense. "Wait, I need to talk to you."

"We can talk while we do this," John said softly, his hand similarly gentle.

Sierra refused. "No."

"Alright," John said as he leaned in and kissed her.

Sierra suddenly thought of the lipstick stain on his shirt and those photos. Her stomach twisted, and out of nowhere, she found the strength to push him away.

"What's wrong?" John frowned, clearly confused by her rejection.

Her heart was pounding from the pressure John was emanating. She hesitated for a moment, then finally looked him in the eye after she built up the courage.

"I saw the photos of you and Pamela Sanders spending the night together at the villa."

"Yeah." John didn't let go of Sierra.

It felt like a knife to the heart. He wasn't even going to explain?

"Since you know about this already, there's something I need to talk to you about," John said, his voice low.

Sierra forced herself to stay calm. "Go ahead."

"I want you to accept her," John said, looking straight at her. "She's important to me."

Sierra stared at him in disbelief.

He didn't stop. "As long as you agree, you'll always be my wife. No one can take your place."

"Are you hearing yourself?!"

For the first time, Sierra's temper flared despite her usual gentle demeanor.

Pamela was a classmate of hers in college. She was her best friend once upon a time, but they had a falling out later on. And now, her own husband wanted her to share him with that woman!

John's face was impossible to read. "I know exactly what I'm saying."

"There's no way I'll ever agree to something so ridiculous!" Sierra looked at him like he was a stranger. "No normal person would."

"It doesn't matter. Whether you agree or not, I'm going to support her for the rest of her life." John's tone was final, and he was putting on a very strong front. "I'm only telling you because you're the lady of the house. You deserve to know."

Sierra's hands slowly curled into fists, her tone sneering. "Should I thank you for your honesty?"

"I don't mind if you want to." John was infuriating as ever.

Sierra could feel her chest tightening with anger. She used to think John was polite and principled. Turned out, after his disguise was shredded apart, he was just as filthy as the rest of humanity under that mask.

"John." She decided to give him one last chance.

John raised his eyes and looked at her calmly. "Speak your mind."

"Are you really set on keeping her around? Even if I disagree? Even if I hated it? You'd never change your mind?" Sierra asked earnestly.

She had already made up her mind. If he just said no, she would be willing to forgive everything that happened tonight.

But things never went the way she hoped.

Under her steady gaze, John answered with a certain tone, "Yes."

It felt like something had stabbed straight through her heart. Her chest was twisting in pain.

"No one can change my mind," John added.

"In that case, let's get divorced," Sierra said. She couldn't accept it, and she couldn't stay married to him. "Since you've decided to support her forever, let her have the title of your wife instead."

Maybe in another family, she could have turned to her in-laws Danny and Agnes for help.

But the two had always disapproved of their marriage. They thought John should have married someone in his own league.

Sierra's family used to be well-off, but next to the Hendersons, she was nothing. After her father ran off with all the money, leaving the company in ruins, she had even less worth in their eyes.

"Are you sure about this?" John's expression turned dark.

"Loyalty is my bottom line. I'm sure," Sierra answered, her voice unwavering.

John looked at her, clearly surprised that the obedient woman he once knew was standing up to him.

"Fine." He agreed right away.

John's indifference hurt more than Sierra wanted to admit. Deep down, she knew that after all these years, she had never really been in his heart. All those sweet gestures were probably just something out of boredom.

The more she thought about it, the more suffocated she felt. She went upstairs and grabbed the divorce agreement she had prepared in advance.

She should have known this day would come.

Three months ago, she smelled another woman's perfume on him and asked about it. He told her he must have gotten it on a flight by accident.

And she believed him.

Looking back, that was just an excuse. Three months ago, Pamela had just returned to the country. Thinking about it now, they must have been together then.

"Here are the divorce papers. Take a look." Sierra signed her name in front of him and handed the document over. "If you don't have any issues, sign them. We'll file for divorce tomorrow."

"You realize what divorce means for you, right?" John said, blunt as ever.

Sierra's hands tightened. "I don't need you to remind me of that."

"You haven't worked in five years," John said as he picked up the agreement, his words cruel. "How are you going to pay for your mom's medical bills? Have you thought this through?"

John opened the divorce papers. When he saw that the assets would be split evenly and that custody of their son would go to her, he glanced at her.

"You're quite ambitious."

Chapter 2

"Everything in that agreement is written in accordance with the law," Sierra said to John. "As for our son, there's no way I'm letting him live with you with the way you act."

"You haven't earned a cent in five years," John said coldly. "Why should I give you half of what I've made?"

"I'm the one who took care of Tommy and managed everything at home," Sierra replied.

John's eyes were cold. "And?"

…And?

For a second, Sierra felt like she was looking at a stranger.

"If you're planning to use the marital assets to pay for your mother's expensive treatments, my advice is that you can forget it," John said, tossing the divorce papers onto the table.

Sierra stared at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"There are no marital assets," John explained, dispelling her confusion. "If you don't believe me, file for divorce and let the court investigate."

Sierra froze.

After a brief pause, she understood everything. From the moment she realized it and started asking questions to the point he finally admitted to cheating, John had already moved every penny out of reach.

With that lipstick stain on his collar, the photos of him and Pamela all over the media, he had let it all happen despite how careful he usually was and how much he hated his photos being leaked out.

Everything was as clear as day now.

He had been waiting for Sierra to confront him, so he could bring up his plan to keep both a wife and a mistress.

John Henderson…

Unbelievable.

"It's fine." Sierra finally saw him for who he was. She knew how careful John was, never leaving any trace. "Just sign it. I want custody of our son only."

John signed his name. His handwriting was as perfect as he was, but now, Sierra just felt sick.

The next morning, Sierra and John went to the clerk's office to file for divorce. John showed no signs of regret or guilt during the entire process. All he showed was the same indifference, as always.

While finalizing the divorce papers, Sierra glanced at him and wondered how someone who never loved her could play pretend for so many years. What did any of it even mean?

"Your divorce application has been filed. There's a one-month waiting period. From May 13 to June 12, either party can withdraw the application," the clerk explained, handing each of them a receipt. "Between June 13 and July 12, you can bring your IDs and paperwork to collect your divorce certificate. If neither of you comes back, the application will be canceled."

They each took a copy and left.

Sierra didn't go home with him. Instead, she went to see her best friend, Holly Sanders. She needed someone to talk about something so huge.

When she arrived, Holly had just gotten up and immediately noticed her mood. "Why the long face? Did something happen?"

"I divorced John," Sierra said, keeping her tone steady, though inside it felt like her heart was being torn to shreds.

She had really loved him. How could it not hurt?

Holly was stunned. "No way! Everyone knows John treats you like you're his whole world. Even if every couple in the world split up, he would never let you go with how much he loves you."

"It's true," Sierra replied, her face serious.

Once she realized Sierra wasn't joking, Holly quickly pressed for details.

Sierra told her everything.

When Holly heard the reason, she exploded. "What the hell! He really had the nerve to ask something that shameless? Does he know about your history with Pamela?"'

"He knows," Sierra said. John had checked out all her relationships long ago.

"And he still asked about it? Then he has lost it," Holly said, fuming. She grabbed Sierra's hand. "Come on, let's go teach him a lesson. I can't let this go until I've punched him at least once."

"You really think you can get near him?" Sierra pointed out.

Holly paused. Sometimes it wasn't a good thing when one's man was too powerful.

"Are you sure he doesn't have any marital assets left?" After a moment, Holly frowned. "What if he's lying to trick you?"

"It doesn't matter," Sierra said quietly.

Holly looked baffled. "How can it not matter?"

"Even if there's something left, with the way he is, he'd never let me get any of it," Sierra said honestly. "And suing for divorce is next to impossible. Any evidence I find will be circumstantial evidence. They won't be enough to win in court."

Divorce lawsuits were never easy, especially against someone like John. He was always so careful. She would never find proof he had spent money on Pamela or evidence of them living together. The only thing she could do was take her son and leave a man who had already broken every moral code.

"If you ask me, you should just stay and keep your place as the real Mrs. Henderson," Holly said, still seething. "Spend every cent of his money and let Pamela stay a mistress her whole life."

"Wouldn't that be just what he wants?" Sierra answered calmly.

Holly stopped short, realizing Sierra was right, and almost choked from anger. She actually thought John was one of the rare, good men in their social circle!

"So? What are you going to do now?" Holly asked, still furious. "You're not really going to let those two live happily ever after, right?"

"I'll move out," Sierra said. "Once I'm settled, I'll find a job."

"You're not the one who cheated. Why should you be the one to move out?" Holly objected. "You and Tommy should stay right where you are. I'd like to see him try to kick you out."

"He won't do it himself, but he'll find ways to force me out," Sierra said.

After last night, she saw John in a completely different light.

"What a jerk," Holly grumbled, still irate. "I can't believe I ever thought he was a good guy! The best kind of guy, too."

Sierra lowered her gaze.

Before this, she had thought John was the one who pulled her out of her father's mess. Only now did she realize she had gotten out of a frying pan and into the fire.

Her father had run off with the money and abandoned her and her mother.

John had hidden all the assets, cheated on her, and demanded she accept another woman.

Her two closest family…turned out to be so much alike.

While Holly was still trying to think of ways to help her, Sierra's phone rang. It was the hospital.

"Ms. Bell? Mr. Henderson has stopped covering your mother's medical bills starting next month," the doctor said. "Can you come in to discuss her future treatment plan?"

"I'll be right there," Sierra replied immediately.

She hung up, told Holly she had something to handle, and headed straight for the hospital.

Waiting in the doctor's office was John Henderson.

Chapter 3

John was still wearing the same custom gray suit from the divorce office that morning, sitting lazily on the couch with a cold, distant air. Even as he chatted idly with the doctor, it was clear that the divorce didn't bother him at all.

When Sierra walked in, John glanced at her. Her hands clenched at her sides, her eyes full of obvious dislike and contempt.

"You're here," the doctor greeted simply.

Sierra looked away. "Yeah."

"We already went over the details on the phone. Here's a breakdown of the monthly charges. If everything looks good, just fill out your info and sign." He handed her the list.

Sierra took it.

Her heart sank at the numbers. Each month's medical bill was in the hundreds of thousands. If her father hadn't taken all her pre-marital savings, she might have managed for a few more months. Now, with nothing left, there was no way she could cover that kind of expense.

"If that's too much, here are some alternative plans," the doctor added, handing her another document when he seemingly saw how difficult it was for her.

The cheaper options still ran over tens of thousands per month.

Seeing her still lost in thought, the doctor glanced at John.

John gave him a look, and the doctor got the message.

"I'll give you some time to think it over," the doctor said, standing up. "I'll check on the patient. If none of this works, we can talk again when I get back."

Sierra was completely absorbed in the proposed plans. "Alright."

The doctor left, quietly closing the door.

Now, only Sierra and John were left. The room was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.

"No matter how long you stare at those numbers, it's impossible for you to pay for your mom's medical bills with what you have," John finally said, his tone as calm and indifferent as ever.

Sierra's anger spiked. She glared at him, her eyes blazing.

"Not to mention, you'll have to find a place to live and take care of Tommy," John continued.

"What are you trying to say?" Sierra shot back.

"I can treat this whole divorce as you just throwing a tantrum," John said, walking over to her. "As long as you don't bring it up again, I'll keep paying your mom's bills, and you'll still be my wife."

"And what about Pamela?" Sierra asked.

"You two just stay out of each other's way," John answered coolly. "If you don't want to see her, I'll make sure she stays out of sight."

Sierra's voice turned mocking. "Should I thank you for your thoughtfulness?"

"You should know which choice is best for you," John said, sounding like he was negotiating a business deal. "You've lived in luxury long enough to know that it's easy to get used to comfort but hard to live a simple life."

Sierra understood that all too well.

Before her family lost everything, she had never worried about money. After the disaster, John married her and gave her unlimited access to his credit cards. She never had to worry about a dime.

By all accounts, she should be grateful. Even with Pamela in the picture, John would still give her what she wanted, still treat her with the same attention as before.

But life wasn't just about money. Dignity and self-respect mattered, too.

"Pride and dignity won't pay your bills. The real world isn't as easy as you think," John saw right through her. "Without me, you won't last long in your current situation."

"That's not your problem. Worry about yourself," Sierra snapped.

John couldn't understand her stubbornness.

"If you're done, you can leave. I still need to talk to the doctor," Sierra said, for the first time making it clear she didn't want him there.

John didn't get angry. He just looked at her.

Under his gaze, Sierra felt her defenses crumbling. She gripped the paperwork tightly, forcing herself to meet his eyes, determined not to lose.

"You have one minute to decide," John said lightly. "In this one minute, I'll let everything pass. After that, you're just Sierra Bell. Even if you beg me later, I might not agree."

She turned to look out the window, silently giving her answer.

John didn't stay for long. As soon as the minute was up, he left. He thought Sierra was just being ungrateful. If she wanted to learn the hard way, so be it. She would learn soon that he was doing this for her benefit.

The door slammed behind him, and the sound shook Sierra to her core. She had once thought that even if her relationship with John wasn't passionate, it was real and steady. Now, she couldn't make sense of it at all.

Before she could figure out what her marriage had even meant, the doctor came back in.

Sierra had already composed herself before he could speak. "Dr. Smith, I'd like to take these home and think them over, if that's alright?"

"Of course," Dr. Smith replied. "Just try to let us know at least ten days before the payment's due."

"Alright. Thank you."

Sierra left the hospital with the treatment plans in hand.

Her first step would be to look for a job. If the salary was enough, she would keep her mom at that hospital.

The private hospital belonged to the Henderson Group. They had the best medical equipment and top experts. Because of John, her mom had always gotten the best care. If she had to move, her mom would never get that level of treatment again.

Her mom was the only family member left who truly loved her. Sierra couldn't let anything happen to her.

With these worries on her mind, Sierra headed home.

All the way back, she wondered how to explain the divorce to Tommy. He had always been smart and mature for his age, and she rarely had to worry about him. Still, divorce was a big deal for any child, and she couldn't help but worry about how he would take it.

But her concerns were nothing compared to what someone else had done.

As soon as she walked in, she saw something that made her stomach turn.

Pamela and John were sitting close together on the couch. Pamela looked apprehensive. "This is still your and Sierra's home. Isn't it wrong for me to be here?"

"It's fine," John said quietly.

"But…"

"Sierra's moving out soon," John reassured her. "After that, you'll be the lady of the house."

Pamela looked up at him, their eyes meeting. They were both full of longing. They were so caught up in each other, they didn't even notice Sierra had come home.

Chapter 4

"Welcome home, madam," the butler Alfred Rogers greeted Sierra as always.

John and Pamela both looked over. Pamela hesitated, then greeted her, "Sierra."

Sierra didn't even glance at her as she headed straight upstairs. She was afraid that if she looked, she wouldn't be able to stop herself from lashing out.

"Pamela just said hello. Didn't you hear her?" John's voice was cold and distant. "Or have you always been this rude, Ms. Bell?"

Sierra stopped in her tracks.

Ms. Bell?

She turned to look at them, and the words came out sharp. "You're already cheating in our home, and you still expect me to be polite?"

"This is my house. I'll do as I please," John replied calmly. "If you don't like it, move out."

Sierra clenched her hands at her sides.

Even though she knew his heart was no longer with her, hearing such cruel words still felt like a knife stabbing her in the chest.

He was the one who had told her this was her home. What belonged to him also belonged to her.

"John, Sierra is still your wife. Isn't that a bit much?" Pamela tried to mediate.

"I gave her a chance. She's the one who refused it," John replied, looking straight at Sierra.

She looked right back at him.

Neither was willing to back down.

"Sierra, why don't you apologize? If you do, John will surely forgive you," Pamela said softly, fanning the flames without making it look overt.

"It's fine. I'm going to move out without your say-so anyway," Sierra replied, her stubbornness on full display. She ignored Pamela completely. "I can't stand to stay one more second in a place that reeks of scumbags and homewreckers. It's going to make me puke."

She turned and headed upstairs, as if afraid something disgusting might catch up with her.

Bang!

She slammed the door.

Inside Sierra's room, she grabbed her suitcase and started packing right away. She knew this was just John trying to provoke her, but she couldn't stand it any longer.

After packing all her important documents, she went to the walk-in closet.

Staring at all the clothes, handbags, and jewelry, she paused for a moment. Then, she headed straight for the jewelry.

She needed money, and selling those things was the quickest way to get some.

But before she could gather everything, John and Pamela walked in.

"Sierra, how can you treat such expensive jewelry so indifferently?" Pamela's eyes were full of envy as she looked at the countless limited-edition and custom pieces. "Are you planning to sell them?"

Sierra didn't bother hiding her attitude. "None of your business."

Pamela glanced at John before continuing, "But these are all gifts from John. How can you just sell them?"

"Stay out of this," Sierra snapped. She wasn't gentle at all when she was angry.

Finally, John spoke up. "I didn't think you were the type to steal jewelry."

Sierra's hand froze mid-air.

Steal?

"If I called the police, how many years will the sentencing be?" John stared at her.

"First of all, we're not even officially divorced yet. Second, you gave these to me, so how is it stealing?" Sierra shot back.

John took a step closer, his gentle tone hiding sharp words. "How can you prove these were gifts and not just part of my collection?"

Sierra was stunned.

And at that moment, she understood. He would never let her take anything from here. He was determined to cut off all her options.

"If you want to take them, I won't stop you. But once the divorce is finalized, I'll call the police and report a theft," John said coldly, leaving no room for compromise.

Chapter 5

Sierra felt her heart shatter. Lips pressed together, she asked John, "Do you really have to be this ruthless and corner me?"

"I just want you to understand this. Without me, your life is going to be a mess." John walked over and looked down at her. "Of course, if you're that desperate to sell something to get by, you can always ask Pamela for permission."

Pamela pointed to herself. "Me?"

"You're the lady of the house now. What happens to these things is up to you," John said, but his gaze stayed on Sierra, making it clear.

If she refused to play along, someone else would take her place.

Sierra's hands clutched into tight fists as she was engulfed in a wave of humiliation.

"If Sierra just wants something to remember us by, that's fine," Pamela added, fanning the flames. "But if it's just to sell for cash, it's like cheapening all the love she got. If it were me, I could never do that, no matter how broke I was."

John looked at Sierra. "Did you hear that?"

Her only answer was to throw the jewelry to the floor.

Crash!

Without another glance, she stormed out.

"Why is Sierra so upset? Did I say something wrong?" Pamela bit her lip, looking all torn up. "Should I apologize?"

"No need," John said.

Pamela hesitated. "But…"

"Go see if there's anything you don't like here. If there is, I'll have it taken away. From now on, everything in here is yours." John gently ruffled her hair.

"Thank you, John." Pamela hugged him.

Out of the corner of her eye, Sierra saw everything.

Even though she knew that the two would make some close contacts, seeing John spoiling Pamela like that still hurt.

He had once told Sierra she was the one he loved most. Now, none of that meant anything.

-

"You're still not finished packing? Planning on staying?" John came up to her, looking down.

Sierra shut her suitcase. "I just wanted to see for myself how a decent person turns into trash."

"Did you get your answer?" John asked.

"I did," Sierra said.

"Then please leave. You're not welcome here," John answered.

For a moment, Sierra almost said, "Aren't you afraid I'll just stay here and never leave, and let Pamela be your hidden mistress forever?"

But then, she remembered that this was exactly what he wanted.

"You don't need to pack Tommy's things. Once you find a place, I'll have them sent over," John said, just as infuriating as ever. "I just hope you don't end up selling his things for your mom's medical bills."

"Not everyone stoops as low as you," Sierra shot back.

John stepped closer, trapping her between his arms. "We'll see. I'm looking forward to watching you try to make it on your own."

Sierra glared at him. She was about to push him away when Pamela appeared.

The moment she saw them standing so close, the smile on Pamela's face vanished. But worried John might notice her jealousy, she quickly forced herself to act casually. "John?"

"What is it?" John turned to her.

"I like everything there. Can I have it all?" Pamela asked, shooting a look at Sierra.

John straightened his back, his firm posture showing how unfazed he was. "If you like it, take it. You don't need my permission."

"But those are all gifts for Sierra. Won't it be wrong for me to take them?" Pamela said, trying to sound conflicted.

"If you really thought it was wrong, you wouldn't have asked in the first place. Since you did, you can stop playing pretend," Sierra snapped, unable to hide her anger. "You're already someone's mistress, why bother worrying about right and wrong?"

Pamela's eyes turned red. "John…"

John's expression instantly turned cold.

He stepped up to Sierra, so close they could feel each other's breath. "Has no one ever told you that the one who isn't loved is the mistress?"

Sierra looked up at him, as if hearing something that shattered all her beliefs.

Chapter 6

"Aren't you moving out? What are you still doing here?" John met Sierra's gaze head-on.

"I don't need you to tell me that," Sierra replied, grabbing her suitcase. "I can't stay one more second in a place full of garbage like this."

With that, she walked out without a moment's hesitation.

Seeing how decisive she was, John's eyes darkened. "Wait."

Sierra stopped.

Before she could speak, John glanced at her suitcase and ordered the bodyguard at the door, "Take Ms. Bell's suitcase out and check. See if there's anything inside that doesn't belong to her."

"What do you mean by that?" Sierra instinctively held onto her suitcase.

"Since you just tried to steal jewelry, it's hard for me to believe you haven't hidden anything else," John said, his words sharp and heartless as he knew how to corner someone completely. "The search is for everyone's peace of mind."

"That's really what you think of me?" Sierra's eyes were full of disappointment and anger.

For just a moment, John hesitated.

But as he remembered how determined she had been to leave, his expression turned cold again. "Yes."

Sierra's chest throbbed with pain.

She could accept John not loving her, even the distance he put between them, and his aloofness.

But she couldn't accept him humiliating her in front of Pamela. This wasn't just questioning her character… It was a slap in the face.

"I do not consent to this invasion of my privacy," Sierra said, gripping her suitcase handle tighter than ever. "If you insist, call the police and let them do it, or just cut my hands off from the suitcase."

She stared at him, defiant as ever.

John came over and, meeting her stubborn gaze, pried her fingers off the suitcase one by one. She used all her strength to hold on, but John easily broke her grip.

He then handed the suitcase to the bodyguard, handling it like any other business matter.

"Check it thoroughly. Don't miss a single spot."

The bodyguard answered without hesitation. "Yes, sir."

"John Henderson!" Sierra's eyes turned red as she snatched the suitcase back. She had never been so humiliated in her life.

John's face was cold, completely devoid of the warmth he used to show her.

"Will you only be satisfied when you've completely trampled on my dignity?" For the first time, all of Sierra's pride crumbled. All she had left was how humiliated she felt. "You know full well I'd never take anything from you!"

Of course, John knew. He understood Sierra's character better than anyone. He knew she would never take what didn't belong to her.

But he wanted her to see what happened when she made the wrong choices.

"Maybe just let it go," Pamela spoke up, seeing that John was starting to waver. She stepped in, giving him a way out. "You and Sierra were married, after all. Even if she did take something, it would be understandable."

"Can you just not talk for a second?" Sierra snapped, her dislike for Pamela showing as always.

John thought Sierra was being stupid. With such a temper, she would never survive on her own. Why couldn't she just stay by his side?

"Just go. I'll let it slip this time, for Pamela's sake," he said at last, though his words only made Sierra feel more stifled.

Sierra grabbed her suitcase. Just as she was about to fire back at the two of them, Alfred hurried up. "Sir, Ms. Bell. Mr. Tommy is back."

Everyone froze.

Before they could react, Tommy walked in, looking sweet and well-behaved in his overalls, right behind the butler.

Chapter 7

Tommy glanced around the room, and his gaze finally landed on the suitcase in Sierra's hand. In his soft but earnest voice, he asked, "Mommy, why do you have a suitcase?"

Sierra opened her mouth, but couldn't come up with a reasonable answer.

"It's for me," John cut in, crouching down so he was eye-level with Tommy. "Daddy has to go on a business trip for a few days. While I'm gone, you have to be a good boy and listen to Mommy, alright?"

Tommy nodded. "Okay."

John ruffled his hair. "Good boy."

Tommy looked over at Pamela. "Who's her?"

"She's Daddy's secretary," John lied without a hint of hesitation. "She's coming with me on the trip."

Sierra's hand unconsciously tightened on the suitcase handle, but she didn't let any emotion show on her face.

John stood up and walked over, naturally taking the suitcase from her hands. Then, just like always, he pressed a kiss to her lips, his tone gentle and soft. "I'm leaving now. If you miss me, just call, okay?"

Sierra forced herself not to react, answering stiffly, "Sure."

"Good." John pulled a loose strand of hair behind Sierra's ear, his fingertips coming down, and lingered a little too long at her earlobe as he rubbed it between his thumb and finger. "Wait for me to come back."

"You should go, or you'll miss your flight," Sierra said, doing her best to get him out the door. Being near him for even a second longer made her sick. She just wanted him to leave as soon as possible.

John noticed her rejection. Just before leaving, he deliberately leaned down and kissed her again, not giving her a chance to refuse. By the time she looked up at him, eyes full of anger, he was already gone, carrying her suitcase with Pamela close behind.

"Mommy," Tommy spoke up once they were gone.

Sierra pushed down her emotions and gave him her best smile. "What is it?"

Tommy opened his mouth, hesitated, and then changed what he was about to say. "It's lunchtime. Let's go eat."

"Alright," Sierra agreed.

During lunch, Sierra's mind was still haunted by what had happened. John had lied to Tommy's face without flinching. Was he really not worried she would tell Tommy the truth about his cheating? And those two kisses… He already had someone else. Why did he still act that way?

Suddenly, she remembered her suitcase. John had taken it with him, and it held all her important documents, including her ID and passport.

She picked up her phone and texted him, "When will you give my suitcase back?"

John saw the message, but didn't reply. Nearly an hour later, he got another message.

He thought it was Sierra urging him, but it was not from her. It was a message from Tommy.

"Dad, that lady today wasn't really your secretary, was she?"

John froze.

He hadn't expected Tommy to ask that. He almost replied, but then remembered he had told Tommy he was on a business trip. At this time, Tommy would think his dad was still on the plane and hadn't received his message yet.

Tommy waited in his room. If his dad replied, it meant he wasn't traveling and had lied to him.

But John was his dad, after all. He wasn't about to make such a rookie mistake.

As for Sierra, after waiting for hours and getting no reply, she finally called him.

He answered, but before she could say anything, Pamela's voice rang out through the phone, "John, I just finished my shower."