Chapter 2 Behind Closed Doors

After my shower, I was half asleep when I sensed someone trying to open the guest bedroom door. Daphne stood outside for a long time after finding it locked.

Back when we were dating, we'd made a promise that we'd never sleep in separate rooms no matter how badly we fought.

So, I'd insisted on sharing a bedroom with her even after she cheated on me time and time again.

However, I'd been the one to take the initiative by moving into the guest room this time around.

She called out to me several times, but I was too exhausted to talk. So, I just lay there and didn't bother responding.

…

The next morning, the first thing I did after waking up was text Jack Carver, my divorce attorney.

Daphne and I had been married for nearly ten years, and we had a lot of assets to divide. I really had to plan ahead if I didn't want to end up with the short end of the stick.

Jack was taken aback when I brought up divorce again. Then, he sounded exasperated as he snapped, "You're trying to get divorced again? I've got enough work as it is."

I understood his frustration. After all, I'd had him draft countless divorce agreements before, only to lose my nerve right before handing them to Daphne.

Once, she had stumbled across the agreements by accident. She didn't even bother to read them before reaching for a pen. My panic set in the moment I saw her about to sign, so I immediately dropped to my knees and begged her not to sign.

She looked down at me with an air of superiority, as if she'd known exactly how I'd react.

"Victor, have you no shame? Weren't you the one who had these divorce papers drawn up? So, what's this? If you're going to put on an act in front of me, at least know your limits."

Given my past behavior, it was no wonder nobody believed me when I said that I was serious about getting divorced.

I continued speaking into the phone. "Jack, draw up another agreement for me. I want the bigger share of our assets. Ideally, I'd like her to walk away with nothing. I'll pay you the going rate for your legal services."

I went into considerable detail about Daphne's and my financial situation over the years.

Eventually, Jack noticed that something was different this time. "Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Absolutely. If this ends up in court, I'll need your help then, too."

He said nothing more. After we hung up, he sent me a document shortly afterward.

This time, I didn't hesitate. I took the divorce papers and headed straight to Daphne's company.

I felt a flicker of fear as soon as I arrived.

At first, the people at the company had kept me away because Daphne was cheating on me with an employee. Later, I was the one who couldn't bring myself to go. I was afraid I'd see something I desperately didn't want to witness.

Still, I couldn't keep avoiding this. I had to do this before I fold over again.

The receptionist recognized me and personally escorted me to the elevators.

I was just about to press the button when she stopped me. "Sir, this elevator is reserved for Ms. Quinn and Mr. Wilde. You can't use it."

I froze, realizing that Daphne and Cyrus's affair must be common knowledge by now.

I didn't give the receptionist a hard time. I simply turned and waited for the other elevator, and I could tell she was relieved.

…

When I arrived at Daphne's office, she was still in a meeting. I waited alone, looking around while I had the chance.

Only then did I realize that her office had practically become her second home. There was a small bedroom with a full set of toiletries, all in matching couples' styles. There was even a wedding photo starring Daphne and Cyrus above the headboard.

A wave of bitterness washed over me.

When Daphne and I got married, she'd insisted on receiving 1.88 million dollars. I knew she needed the money to start her business, so I'd given it to her.

That left me completely broke, so we naturally didn't have the cash to spare for wedding photos. When we finally had the money, she kept saying she was too busy. I never imagined she'd taken them with someone else.

I was still lost in my thoughts when the office door suddenly swung open.

A man and a woman entered with their arms around each other, apparently unwilling to wait another second. They immediately began stripping off each other's clothes, and the office was soon filled with their intimate sounds.

I stood there awkwardly before finally clearing my throat.