Chapter 2

I ignored what Austin said and headed to the guest bedroom. After showering, I drifted into a half-sleep, vaguely aware of someone trying to open the door.

Realizing that the door was locked, Austin lingered outside for a long time.

Back when we were dating, we'd made a promise that no matter how badly we fought, we would never sleep in separate rooms. So, even after his countless affairs, we'd still share the same bed.

This was the first time I'd moved into the guest room on my own.

Austin called my name several times from outside. But I was exhausted and didn't feel like talking. I remained motionless on the bed.

The next morning, the first thing I did after waking up was text my best friend, Danielle Hodge, a divorce attorney.

Austin and I had been married for nearly ten years. We owned many shared assets. If I didn't want to get the short end of the stick, I needed to plan ahead.

When Danielle heard me bring up divorce again, she fell silent for a second before saying, "You want a divorce again? I'm really busy, you know."

I understood her frustration. After all, I'd also lost count of how many divorce agreements she'd drafted for me over the years, only for me to hesitate every time I'd be ready to hand them to Austin.

Once, he had even stumbled across one of the agreements by accident. Without bothering to read it, he picked up a pen and prepared to sign. When I saw that, I panicked, burst into tears, and begged him not to sign.

As if he'd known I'd do this, he looked at me from a position of superiority and said, "Brianna Parker, are you serious? You're the one who drafted this divorce agreement. What are you crying for now? If you're going to put on a performance, at least know your limits."

Hence, it wasn't surprising that nobody believed I was actually serious about leaving Austin.

I spoke into the phone. "Dani, draft another one for me. I want the larger share of the assets. It'd be even better if he leaves with nothing. I'll pay your full consultation fee."

I explained Austin and my financial situation in detail. Danielle quickly picked up on the difference in my tone.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

I nodded. "I'm very sure. And if this goes to court, I'll need your help."

She didn't say much more. After hanging up, she sent the documents over almost immediately.

This time, I didn't hesitate. I printed the divorce papers and went straight to Austin's office. As soon as I arrived, a hint of fear surfaced.

At first, Austin didn't want me visiting him at work because he was sleeping with his employees. Eventually, I became the one avoiding his workplace, afraid of seeing something I couldn't bear to witness.

But no matter how much I'd avoided it in the past, I was here now.

The receptionist recognized me and personally escorted me toward the elevators. Just as I reached to press the button, she quickly stopped me.

"Mrs. Cole, this elevator is reserved for Mr. Cole and Ms. Foster only. You can't use it."

I froze. So, everyone knew about Austin and Ellie.

I didn't make things difficult for the receptionist. Instead, I turned and waited for the public elevator. Her expression instantly turned into one of relief.

When I reached the CEO's office, Austin was still in a meeting.

Left alone in his office suite, I began looking around. Only then did I realize that this place had practically become his second home.

There was a private bedroom and a fully equipped bathroom. The entire room was filled with matching items for couples. There was even a framed wedding portrait hanging above the bed.

A sharp ache twisted in my chest.

When Austin and I got married, he had almost nothing. After paying rent, he barely had enough money left to get through the month. Naturally, a wedding photoshoot had been an impossible luxury.

Later, when we finally had money, he kept saying he was too busy for a photoshoot. Apparently, he wasn't too busy for Ellie.

As I was drowning in despair, the office door suddenly swung open. A man and a woman stumbled inside, wrapped in each other's arms. Neither of them seemed willing to wait another second as they tore at each other's clothes, their hands roaming everywhere.

Then, the unmistakable sounds of intimacy filled the room.

I stood there awkwardly for a moment before finally clearing my throat.