Chapter 04

Roderick King woke up to an empty bed.

The space beside him was cold, the sheets untouched. His eyes narrowed as he sat up, scanning the room. That was when he saw it — Camille’s wedding ring, placed neatly on the bedside desk like a quiet declaration of war. 

He stared at it for several seconds. Did she leave? The thought was ridiculous. Of course she hadn’t. Where would she even go?

He swung his long legs out of bed and pulled on a silk robe. As he descended the grand staircase, one of the maids hurried in from the hallway and bowed politely.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Where is my wife?” He asked, voice still rough with sleep.

“Madam Camille slept in the east wing last night, sir. She asked not to be disturbed.”

Roderick’s brows drew together. She had never done that before. Never chosen to sleep away from the main bedroom.

The maid continued nervously, “We still attended to her this morning. Her breakfast and bath have been prepared exactly as she likes.”

He gave a curt nod and dismissed her with a wave. Back inside the master bathroom, he turned on the shower, letting the hot water cascade over his muscular frame. As steam filled the marble space, his mind replayed Camille’s words from last night.

“I want a divorce.”

That girl really had guts. The shy, obedient little kitty he had married three years ago had suddenly grown claws. For a moment, he almost admired it. Almost, but the feeling quickly soured into irritation. She belonged to him. Divorce? The word itself was an insult.

He dressed in a crisp white shirt and dark trousers, still thinking about the fire in her eyes when she had shoved his chest. Interesting. He would deal with her later.

---

Across town, in the luxurious modern estate Roderick had bought for her two years ago, Taylor sat on the sun-drenched terrace with her mother. At twenty-six, Taylor was stunning — long honey-blonde hair, and a body sculpted by the best trainers money could buy. She sipped her mimosa, legs crossed elegantly, while her mother flipped through a fashion magazine.

“You look tense, darling,” Her mother, Helen said without looking up. “What’s on your mind?”

Taylor smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Just thinking about Roderick, Mom. Very soon I’ll have him all to myself. No more sharing him with that boring wife. I’ll be Mrs. Roderick King in only a matter of time.”

Helen set the magazine down, pride gleaming in her eyes. “You’ve worked hard for this. Years of keeping him satisfied while that plain girl wears his ring. You deserve to be the one on his arm in public.”

“Exactly,” Taylor leaned forward. “Camille is nothing but a placeholder. She doesn’t understand him like I do. She could never satisfy a man like Roderick. Once he gets rid of her, I’ll give him everything she never could — children, loyalty, real passion. We’ll live like royalty while she returns to where she belongs.”

Helen reached over and squeezed her hand.

“Just be smart, Taylor. Don't mess this up. An opportunity to be his wife will get you so many places in the elite society. Although I'm still surprised as to why he still wants to remain in that marriage with Camille." Helen frowned, deep in thoughts.

"It's probably to make her suffer more. I wonder how she feels knowing they ger precious husband will always choose to prioritize me over her." Taylor scoffed and looked at her mother.

“I know exactly how to play him, mom. Relax.” Taylor’s smile turned predatory. 

The sound of a car pulling into the courtyard made both women look up. Taylor’s mother quickly stood. 

“I’ll leave you two alone.” She kissed her daughter’s cheek and disappeared outside the estate.

Roderick stepped out of his black Bentley, looking every inch the powerful tycoon. Taylor’s heart raced with excitement. She set her wine glass down so fast it tipped over, spilling onto the tiles. She didn’t care as she ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him deeply.

“You look stressed, baby,” She murmured, pouting against his lips, pressing her body into his. “What happened?”

Roderick walked inside with her still clinging to him. He poured himself a glass of whiskey and downed half of it before speaking.

“Camille wants a divorce.” He said, his face scrunched in anger.

Taylor’s eyes widened in genuine surprise, then delight. She quickly masked the joy with concern. 

“She wants a divorce? Why are you stressed about that? This is good news, isn’t it? You don’t even love her. You can finally get rid of her and—”

“Enough.” Roderick’s growled at her, staring at her like the idea of even divorcing Camille irritated him. Sure he doesn't love her, but divorce is not an option. 

“Haven’t I told you before not to talk about me getting rid of Camille? She belongs to me because I own her. Divorce is not an option in our marriage.”

Taylor rolled her eyes, turning away with a dramatic sigh.

 “You own her? C'mon, she's getting in our way, you should just let her go. I can make you happier than she ever could.”

Before he could reply, his phone rang. Grey’s name flashed on the screen. Roderick answered, listening intently to the details of a high-profile foreign deal that required his immediate attention. He nodded once.

 “Set the meeting for later this afternoon. I’ll be there.”

When he hung up, Taylor was already in front of him, pouting seductively. 

“You’re leaving already?” She trailed her fingers down his chest. “I want you right now.”

"I have things to attend to, Taylor."Roderick said, dismissively.

She wasn't buying his excuse, instead, she sank gracefully to her knees on the plush rug, her eyes locked on his as she unbuckled his belt and pulled down his zipper. 

Roderick’s breath hitched when she freed his cock, already half-hard, and took him into her warm, eager mouth.

“Fuck…” He groaned, threading his fingers through her blonde hair. Taylor looked up at him, lips stretched around his thick length, sucking with practiced skill. She knew exactly how he liked it — slow and deep at first, then faster.

Taylor is an addiction he couldn't resist. She is so fucking addictive that he looses his mind over her. She's so obedient, submissive and perfect for him. 

“What a good girl you are, Taylor,” He murmured, voice rough with pleasure. 

He held her head steady and thrust gently into her mouth, watching her eyes water slightly. The sight of her on her knees, so willing and hungry for him, soothed the irritation Camille had caused.

He pulled her up after a few minutes, kissing her hard and tasting himself on her tongue. Her clothes came off in a heated rush. He bent her over the couch, gripping her hips as he thrust into her from behind in one smooth stroke. Taylor moaned loudly, pushing back against him.

“Yes… harder, Roderick,” she gasped.

He fucked her with deep, punishing strokes, one hand tangled in her hair, the other gripping her waist. The sound of skin slapping skin filled the room. 

Taylor came first, crying out his name, her body clenching around him. Roderick followed shortly after as he spilled inside her with a low growl.

They collapsed onto the couch, breathing heavily. Taylor curled against his chest, tracing patterns on his skin with her nails, a satisfied smile on her face.

But even as pleasure still hummed through his body, Roderick’s mind drifted back to the empty bed and the wedding ring left behind.

Camille had never defied him like this before.

And for the first time, a small flicker of unease settled in his chest.