Divorce Day: My Hidden 99 Lives Exposed

When I saw the endless string of zeros on my phone screen, I nearly lost my composure. I had to dig my fingernails into my thigh just to force out a couple of tears.Across from me, Tristan Pierce sat there, unable to meet my eyes. His fingers were pale from how tightly he held the signed divorce agreement."Serena, you deserve the money," he said, his voice raspy. "For the past three years, you've been too quiet in this house. I'm sorry for failing you."I sniffled. "Don't say that, Tristan. I know I'm not exactly easy to love. I'm not like… her. I don't get you the way she does."The second I mentioned "her", Tristan's gaze softened.That was my 99th secret identity, Maisie.She was the ultimate dream girl who would stay up all night playing video games with him, who would cry over the phone line when his stomach flared up, and who would leave sweet, breathy voice notes calling him "Tris".Meanwhile, I, Serena Hayes—the actual Ms. Pierce—had spent the last three years playing

I knew it wasn't me whom Tristan was reluctant to let go of. It was just the comfort of having a warm meal waiting for him at home.Men were all the same. They wanted the thrill of having a mistress, but they hated giving up the sense of stability they had with their wives.Once the meal was over, I didn't let him drive me. I hailed a taxi myself and went straight to the apartment I had rented long ago.The moment I walked in, I tossed my suitcase aside, collapsed onto the couch, and let out a long breath.It was finally over.I pulled out my phone and switched back to Maisie's account. The screen was flooded with text messages from Tristan, more than a dozen stacked one after another."The pasta was good, but I couldn't taste anything.""She left. The house feels empty.""Can we meet in person? Please? I just want to hold you. I really do."I stared at the screen for a long time, my thumb hovering over the word "Okay".According to the original playbook, this was the exact m

I reached out and gently brushed the damp strands of hair away from Tristan's forehead before muttering, "Stop being so foolish."I was just about to stand up to grab a glass of water when Tristan suddenly moved. His hand shot out and caught my wrist with startling strength.Startled, I whipped my head back around only to find his eyes wide open. They were bloodshot and unfocused, still hazy from the fever."Maisie… Don't go…"I tried to wrench myself free from his grip. "Open your eyes and look at me! It's me, Serena!""Serena?"Tristan blinked, his gaze struggling to focus as he tried to piece together my face. After a pause, a bitter chuckle escaped his lips before he loosened his grip."Right. Serena left, and Maisie doesn't want me either… I have absolutely nothing now."He rolled over, burying his face into the pillow, his voice completely muffled. "Serena, do you want to know a secret? There were times… when Maisie reminded me so much of you, especially when she wasn't t

The bodyguard didn't so much as blink as he said, "Mr. Pierce tore up the divorce papers, and since the two of you never finalized anything at the courthouse, you're still legally Mrs. Pierce. Please come with us. Don't make this harder than it has to be."I was taken back to the mansion by force.The living room looked like it had been through a storm. Empty bottles and cigarette butts covered the floor, and the curtains had been pulled shut so tightly that not even a sliver of light could get in.Tristan sat in the middle of the couch with a cigarette between his fingers, the ember at the tip glowing faintly in the dark.Hearing the door click, he lifted his head.After one night, stubble had already shadowed his jaw. Dark circles sat beneath his eyes, and he looked utterly exhausted."You're back."His voice was hoarse, but it was the calmness in it that made my skin crawl."This is kidnapping, Tristan." I stood by the entryway, watching him warily."A domestic dispute be

That was why I hid behind indifference. I only ever dared to shower Tristan with affection, whimpering and pouring my heart out online, where I could hide behind a mask."That's not it…" My denial sounded incredibly weak, and tears began spilling down my cheeks despite my best efforts to hold them back.Tristan let out a soft sigh, reaching out to gently hold my wrist. His palm was burning, but his grip felt steady."Serena, come here."I stood frozen in place.Tristan gave a firm tug, and I stumbled down onto the edge of the bed. Before I could move away, he wrapped his arms around me and buried his face against my stomach."Just admit it," he murmured, his voice sounding entirely muffled against the fabric. "You love me, the same way I love you."I'm not accepting that divorce. As for that 50 million dollars, consider it your performance bonus for keeping up the act for three years. But I'm not recasting my leading lady."I could feel his temperature through the thin fabric