Chapter 1

The moment I stepped outside, I saw the place surrounded by people in Henry family uniforms.

Jesse stood by a car, watching me. His voice was pure command. "Get in. I'm taking you home."

I knew if I didn't get in, he'd never let me leave. So I got in.

"Where do you live?" Jesse asked.

"Margaret Apartments."

"That dump? Why the hell would you live there?" He paused, and his tone suddenly softened. "It's close to the estate we used to share. You've been… thinking about me."

"And why aren't you wearing any jewelry? Your clothes, too. Not a single decent designer piece on you. You used to be so vain."

I couldn't help but laugh.

I don't live there. My husband bought that place for me.

Because that's where my father died. I wanted to keep it as a memorial.

I came back this time because my father's grave lease was up and needed to be renewed.

As for the jewelry, I never liked wearing it. I used to wear it because I wanted his attention and affection.

Now I understand. Someone who truly loves you doesn't need you to decorate yourself with those things.

And my clothes? All custom-made by top designers my husband hired. Of course, there's no logo.

But Jesse thought I was smiling because I was reminiscing about our sweet life together. He kept going:

"I know you still love me. Now that you're back, I'll keep my promise. We'll remarry. Just one thing—"

"Lina and I have a child. After we remarry, you need to take care of him. Treat him like your own son…"

"You're delusional. I don't love you anymore, and I would never remarry you!" I cut him off coldly.

But he didn't believe me. His smile only deepened, his eyes dropping to the pocket where I'd put the ties.

"What? Upset that Lina and I have a kid?"

"And if you really didn't want to remarry me, why come back? You must've heard I've fully taken control of the Henry family. That's why you came back. And you even bought me a tie."

I glanced down. Six ties in there, gifts for my husband's family members. He thought they were for him.

It was almost funny. "They're not for you," I said.

He reached over and picked them up, running his fingers over the fabric, looking at me with nothing but tenderness.

"Still denying it. The brand, the style, the colors. All my favorites." He draped one around his neck right there.

"I know you're angry about Lina and the kid. But you have to understand, I married her and had a child with her only to take the Don's seat. Only as Don could I protect you, give you a better life. You are the only Donna I've ever acknowledged."

I rolled my eyes.

I used to buy him ties from this brand all the time. I picked this brand again because everything I own, clothes, jewelry, is custom-made by my husband's people. I couldn't think of another brand on short notice for gifts.

And his so-called protection? He watched my father get bullied by the Mitchell family.

Right after Jesse and I divorced, Lina was terrified we'd rekindle things. She had people quietly crush my father, using him to threaten me into leaving for good.

My father was already old, but they forced him into dirty, grueling work.

Jesse knew. All of it. But he stayed silent so his marriage to Lina would go smoothly.

And now he calls it protection.

I don't need that kind of protection.

I closed my eyes, then yanked the tie out of his hands. "I don't need your protection anymore."

"Isabella, I'm done watching you throw tantrums. You're coming back with me."

Without another word, Jesse turned the car around and headed straight for the estate we used to share.

I saw red. I grabbed the door handle and yanked at it wildly. "Are you insane?! Let me out!"

Jesse frowned and slammed on the brakes. "My patience is limited. There's a limit to your little fits. Keep this up, and don't even think about remarrying me!"

Then he crossed his arms, watching me with that smug, patient look, like he was absolutely certain I'd beg him to take me back.

I let out a cold laugh, shoved the door open, and walked out without looking back.

Two steps in, I turned to face him. My voice was calm.

"I never wanted to remarry you."

That wasn't all. I already had a husband who loved me deeply, and a child.