Chapter 2

"Everything in that agreement is written in accordance with the law," Sierra said to John. "As for our son, there's no way I'm letting him live with you with the way you act."

"You haven't earned a cent in five years," John said coldly. "Why should I give you half of what I've made?"

"I'm the one who took care of Tommy and managed everything at home," Sierra replied.

John's eyes were cold. "And?"

…And?

For a second, Sierra felt like she was looking at a stranger.

"If you're planning to use the marital assets to pay for your mother's expensive treatments, my advice is that you can forget it," John said, tossing the divorce papers onto the table.

Sierra stared at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"There are no marital assets," John explained, dispelling her confusion. "If you don't believe me, file for divorce and let the court investigate."

Sierra froze.

After a brief pause, she understood everything. From the moment she realized it and started asking questions to the point he finally admitted to cheating, John had already moved every penny out of reach.

With that lipstick stain on his collar, the photos of him and Pamela all over the media, he had let it all happen despite how careful he usually was and how much he hated his photos being leaked out.

Everything was as clear as day now.

He had been waiting for Sierra to confront him, so he could bring up his plan to keep both a wife and a mistress.

John Henderson…

Unbelievable.

"It's fine." Sierra finally saw him for who he was. She knew how careful John was, never leaving any trace. "Just sign it. I want custody of our son only."

John signed his name. His handwriting was as perfect as he was, but now, Sierra just felt sick.

The next morning, Sierra and John went to the clerk's office to file for divorce. John showed no signs of regret or guilt during the entire process. All he showed was the same indifference, as always.

While finalizing the divorce papers, Sierra glanced at him and wondered how someone who never loved her could play pretend for so many years. What did any of it even mean?

"Your divorce application has been filed. There's a one-month waiting period. From May 13 to June 12, either party can withdraw the application," the clerk explained, handing each of them a receipt. "Between June 13 and July 12, you can bring your IDs and paperwork to collect your divorce certificate. If neither of you comes back, the application will be canceled."

They each took a copy and left.

Sierra didn't go home with him. Instead, she went to see her best friend, Holly Sanders. She needed someone to talk about something so huge.

When she arrived, Holly had just gotten up and immediately noticed her mood. "Why the long face? Did something happen?"

"I divorced John," Sierra said, keeping her tone steady, though inside it felt like her heart was being torn to shreds.

She had really loved him. How could it not hurt?

Holly was stunned. "No way! Everyone knows John treats you like you're his whole world. Even if every couple in the world split up, he would never let you go with how much he loves you."

"It's true," Sierra replied, her face serious.

Once she realized Sierra wasn't joking, Holly quickly pressed for details.

Sierra told her everything.

When Holly heard the reason, she exploded. "What the hell! He really had the nerve to ask something that shameless? Does he know about your history with Pamela?"'

"He knows," Sierra said. John had checked out all her relationships long ago.

"And he still asked about it? Then he has lost it," Holly said, fuming. She grabbed Sierra's hand. "Come on, let's go teach him a lesson. I can't let this go until I've punched him at least once."

"You really think you can get near him?" Sierra pointed out.

Holly paused. Sometimes it wasn't a good thing when one's man was too powerful.

"Are you sure he doesn't have any marital assets left?" After a moment, Holly frowned. "What if he's lying to trick you?"

"It doesn't matter," Sierra said quietly.

Holly looked baffled. "How can it not matter?"

"Even if there's something left, with the way he is, he'd never let me get any of it," Sierra said honestly. "And suing for divorce is next to impossible. Any evidence I find will be circumstantial evidence. They won't be enough to win in court."

Divorce lawsuits were never easy, especially against someone like John. He was always so careful. She would never find proof he had spent money on Pamela or evidence of them living together. The only thing she could do was take her son and leave a man who had already broken every moral code.

"If you ask me, you should just stay and keep your place as the real Mrs. Henderson," Holly said, still seething. "Spend every cent of his money and let Pamela stay a mistress her whole life."

"Wouldn't that be just what he wants?" Sierra answered calmly.

Holly stopped short, realizing Sierra was right, and almost choked from anger. She actually thought John was one of the rare, good men in their social circle!

"So? What are you going to do now?" Holly asked, still furious. "You're not really going to let those two live happily ever after, right?"

"I'll move out," Sierra said. "Once I'm settled, I'll find a job."

"You're not the one who cheated. Why should you be the one to move out?" Holly objected. "You and Tommy should stay right where you are. I'd like to see him try to kick you out."

"He won't do it himself, but he'll find ways to force me out," Sierra said.

After last night, she saw John in a completely different light.

"What a jerk," Holly grumbled, still irate. "I can't believe I ever thought he was a good guy! The best kind of guy, too."

Sierra lowered her gaze.

Before this, she had thought John was the one who pulled her out of her father's mess. Only now did she realize she had gotten out of a frying pan and into the fire.

Her father had run off with the money and abandoned her and her mother.

John had hidden all the assets, cheated on her, and demanded she accept another woman.

Her two closest family…turned out to be so much alike.

While Holly was still trying to think of ways to help her, Sierra's phone rang. It was the hospital.

"Ms. Bell? Mr. Henderson has stopped covering your mother's medical bills starting next month," the doctor said. "Can you come in to discuss her future treatment plan?"

"I'll be right there," Sierra replied immediately.

She hung up, told Holly she had something to handle, and headed straight for the hospital.

Waiting in the doctor's office was John Henderson.