Rules We Break

"Sign here."

James Chancer’s cold, deep voice broke the silence as he slid the divorce papers across the table. Sarah looked up at him, managing a bitter smile.

So this was it. No wonder he'd surprisingly called this morning to say he'd be home tonight, wanting to talk. She'd been happy all day, only to find out this was what he wanted to discuss... Three years of marriage, coming to an end.

Sarah Sanders took the papers with trembling hands, her voice barely a whisper, "Do we really have to divorce?"

James frowned as he studied the woman who'd been Mrs. Chancer for three years. She must have just finished cleaning - sweat still glistened on her forehead, exhaustion and confusion evident in her eyes behind those thick glasses. Gentle and modest, but utterly plain. This unremarkable woman had been Mrs. Chancer for three years.

James put out his cigarette, his tone leaving no room for argument, "Just sign it. Charlotte's back, and I don't want her to get the wrong idea."

Sarah felt a bitter taste in her mouth. She knew exactly who he meant. Charlotte Garnett - James's first love, the one who got away. For her sake, their marriage had been in name only. For three whole years, James had stayed faithful to Charlotte's memory.

Worried she might refuse, James added coldly, "It's an uncontested divorce. Given your limited education, you'll get the mansion properties and cars. I'll also add eighty million as compensation."

They'd only married to please his grandfather, with a prenup in place. What James offered far exceeded what she was entitled to. Though he never cared for her, Sarah had tried her best these three years. The extra compensation acknowledged her dedication, especially since she'd need support after divorce with just a high school diploma.

Sarah understood his meaning. After reviewing the papers, she quietly nodded, "Alright, I agree."

She signed her name smoothly, looking at James through her thick lenses with an expression caught between bitterness and resignation. "Don't worry, I'll move out in a couple of days. I won't get in your way."

James nodded, "Thank you for everything these past three years."

Despite how plain and boring she might be, he had to admit Sarah had been a good wife. She'd taken care of his entire family while he focused on his career, letting him pursue success without worry. But in the end, you can't force love.

Sarah found it darkly amusing - after giving him everything, wasting three years of her youth, all she got was a simple "thank you."

James didn't notice her bitter smile as he took the signed papers. His assistant called, and he glanced at her, "I have work at the office. Ask Mrs. Watsons if you need anything."

Sarah nodded.

As James left the study, his mother anxiously met him in the living room. "How did it go? Did she sign?"

James frowned slightly, then nodded.

His mother sighed in relief, delighted, "Thank goodness! These past years since you married her, I've never felt at ease. Three years without a child, always so quiet - who knows what she was really thinking."

James stayed silent.

His mother continued, "I opposed it when your grandfather insisted you marry her. What good could come from an orphan living off the Larson family's charity? Now it's sorted - once you marry Charlotte, I can finally relax. Only someone like Charlotte deserves you."

James's sister Lucy nodded eagerly, "Exactly, brother. Having her as a sister-in-law was embarrassing. Now with Charlotte as my sister-in-law, everyone will be jealous."