Chapter 1

I had my lawyer draw up the divorce papers.

The assets would be divided according to the prenup. I wouldn't take a cent more.

The Grant Group has made it through its crisis, and my father's cash flow has been restored.

The marriage had fulfilled its purpose long ago.

I signed my name on the last page.

Vivian Ashford.

At that moment, I felt much lighter.

I picked up my phone and messaged Sebastian.

"Can you come home early tonight? There's something I need to tell you."

It was a long time before he answered.

"Fine."

He wouldn't spare another word.

I set the hurt aside and started packing.

Our house is large, and I've put a part of myself into every corner.

I chose the grayish-white shade he liked for the walls.

Sebastian doesn't like overly soft sofas, so I chose a firmer one for him.

He's allergic to pollen, but he still wanted the place to feel alive.

So I filled the balcony with greenery.

I put a great deal of effort into his bedroom, too.

He travels most of the year, and his back is always sore.

One night, I walked past his door and heard him groaning in pain.

I got him to the hospital, and the next day, I went out and bought the best mattress I could find.

It was firm in the right places, with enough support for the small of his back.

I had the whole room redone. I installed blackout curtains and set out a diffuser to help him sleep.

I believed that if I treated him well enough, he would eventually come around.

In the end, he never slept on that mattress. He gave it to Cara's dog.

I came home one day and heard laughter coming from his room.

Her dog was rolling around happily on the bed while Sebastian stood beside it, stroking its fur.

Cara saw me and waved.

"Vivian, you're back.

"My baby hasn't been sleeping well, so Sebastian said he'd give him this mattress."

The mockery on her face became more obvious.

"I hear you're the one who picked it out. Thank you for that."

I didn't say anything. My eyes went hot.

She seemed to notice how humiliated I was and stifled a laugh. "Are you... upset?"

Sebastian didn't defend me. He only gave me a flat look.

"It's just a bed. There's no need to make a big deal out of it."

I spent over two weeks choosing it, trying one mattress after another, night after night, until I was sure.

To him, it was just a bed.

My phone went off, snapping me back to the present.

A message from Sebastian. "Vivian, I'm not coming back tonight.

"Cara isn't feeling well. I need to take her to the hospital."

I held the phone and suddenly felt exhausted.

I'd heard that kind of thing too many times over the years.

Cara's dog is sick, so he has to be there.

Cara is unhappy, so he has to be there.

Cara is alone and frightened, so he has to be there.

All I ever wanted was for the two of us to have some time together.

I was naive enough to think that, given enough time, he would see what I was worth and accept this marriage.

Looking back, I should have realized it long ago.

A man who doesn't love you will never appreciate anything you do for him, no matter how hard you try.

I used to respond carefully to every message he sent, trying to show him I was above it all.

Every one of them.

Today, I have nothing left to say.

He won't read it anyway.

Whether I answer or not, it makes no difference.

The lights in the living room stayed on all night, and he didn't come home.

I picked up the divorce papers and put the second copy in a folder.

Then I messaged my lawyer.

"Handle the rest of it. All of it, please."