Chapter 1

Everyone around me dropped their jaws at my words. As far as they knew, I had always indulged Susie Miller in everything. No one had ever imagined I would be the one to ask for divorce.

She frowned. "What is it this time? I'm already working more than enough. I put in over ten hours every day, dealing with one problem after another.

"I'm not asking you to be the most considerate man in the world, but at least don't make a fuss over something so trivial!"

Trivial?

Susie had been the one who told me the competition needed me there to draw attention and bring in an audience.

So, as a renowned designer, I put my reputation on the line and designed a line of sexy lingerie, the kind most people would consider too racy and lowbrow for a top designer.

To strike the perfect balance between sensuality and beauty, I buried myself in work night after night. The designs went viral and became a hot topic online, and the competition ended up attracting plenty of sponsors because of it.

Then, at the very last moment, she gave the honor to someone else. I was so furious I felt steam coming out of my ears.

My mother-in-law, Betty Graham, stepped in and pointed a finger in my face. "My daughter has worked herself to the bone for this family, and if you can't understand that, fine. But what kind of husband are you to publicly defy her?"

My father-in-law, Andrew Miller, was just as displeased. "Exactly. When we married Susie off to you, you promised you'd take good care of her. But look at you now!

"Not only do you rely on her for money, but you're also petty and narrow-minded! You've let us all down!"

The employees started whispering among themselves.

"Come to think of it, they have a point. Ms. Miller became a CEO in just a few years, while Mr. Lloyd is still only a low-level director. Isn't he basically living off her?"

"No wonder he always does whatever she says. Turns out he doesn't have anything backing him to stand up to her."

"How brazen of him to rely on his wife and still throw a fit. I seriously can't believe this."

I turned to Susie when I heard that. Her expression was cold, and she didn't say a single word in my defence. My heart instantly sank.

Susie had no idea how much I had done behind the scenes to help her become CEO. I came up with ideas for most of her proposals and stayed involved to make sure the projects were carried through.

Now, she was resenting me for being inept.

"Skyler, I really need the prize money," John Walker said guiltily, holding out the trophy. "But if it really bothers you, I'll just give the award back."

"See? At least John knows how to behave, unlike you, who always made a scene over the smallest things," Susie complained.

I thought it was ironic. Did she conveniently forget that I was the one who had brought in most of the sponsors in this room?

John strode toward me, looking smug. "Mr. Lloyd, no matter how much you've done, it's not enough. She doesn't even believe in you. Honestly, you're a sorry excuse of a man."

I clenched my fists. "Shut up!"

He immediately put on a wounded look, turning everyone around us against me.

Susie was furious. She stormed over and shoved me aside. "You're the one who needs to zip it! John was only trying to do the right thing, yet you acted like a total asshole. Apologize to him. Now!"

I stood my ground. "I did nothing wrong. Why should I apologize?"

She slapped me across the face. "Because I'm your boss. If you don't apologize, I'll strip you of your position!"

I covered my cheek and looked at her. The arrogance in her eyes shattered the little faith I had in her. "Fine. Go ahead. I won't be staying at this company once we've divorced anyway."

Her face darkened. "Are you trying to threaten me with a divorce? Have you even looked at yourself? What company would even want you once you leave me?"

Betty scoffed. "Right? Susie was kind enough to put up with you. Instead of acting so bratty and entitled, you should be grateful that she agreed to marry a nobody like you!"

Andrew looked at me with contempt. "What are you waiting for? Apologize to Susie now!"

"She doesn't deserve an apology from me."