Chapter 3

With me out of the way, Madison didn't even bother hiding anymore.

She updated her social media three times a day, every day.

In one particular video she uploaded, she and Clement looked just like a real couple.

Someone finally had enough and left a comment. [Looks like a homewrecker in action.]

I looked at the username. It was one of Clement's old buddies, someone I'd met a few times at group dinners.

I never thought he'd be the one to call it out. Guess not everyone around Clement thought like him.

I liked his comment

The next day, Madison took down the video.

Later, I got a call from Clement. "Are you out of your mind? Madison's just a college girl who hasn't even graduated. You seriously went after her online? What is wrong with you? Are you trying to make sure I never take you back?

"How many times do I have to say it? Madison and I grew up together; we're like siblings. We might not be related, but we're closer than family. So don't go polluting that with your dirty imagination. I get it—you're an orphan, so you wouldn't understand what family means."

This was the same man I shared a bed with not long ago. Now, he was tearing me down for someone else.

I thought I couldn't feel anything anymore—until he said that. And it hit me hard.

"Right. You're the kind of siblings who lick each other's fingers, the kind who spend the night alone in a tent and think it's no big deal.

"You'd even leave your wife buried in an avalanche just to save your 'sister'. Yeah, that's some touching sibling love you've got there."

That set Clement off. Not wanting to entertain his insults, I hung up.

While he was still overseas, I took the chance to move out.

Before we got married, I had worked hard and bought myself a small place—about 500 square feet.

It wasn't much, but it was enough. Now that I was heading for a divorce, at least I had a roof over my head.

The Normans were old money, so not long after we got married, Clement begged me to quit my job and become a stay-at-home wife.

Blinded by love, I didn't even hesitate.

For five years, I lived on a monthly allowance. To be honest, I felt more like a servant than a partner, like someone they could boss around.

When I heard Clement had flown back home, I sent the signed divorce papers to his email.

But I got no response.

I tried calling. He didn't pick up.

A few hours later, his assistant called me back.

"Mr. Norman says he'll meet you if you apologize to Ms. Bowen."

"Has he looked at the divorce agreement?"

The assistant paused before replying, "Mr. Norman says if you want a divorce, you should come find him yourself. He's not falling for your dramatic tricks."

I let out a laugh.

"He actually told you to say that?"

"Yes, he did."

I sighed. "Where is he?"

"Mr. Norman is celebrating Ms. Bowen's birthday tonight. If you want the location, you'll need to post an apology on your social media first—"

"Dream on," I snapped before hanging up.

Then I scrolled through my contacts before tapping on Vincent Dickinson's name.

He was the one who had called out Madison publicly. Maybe he was still a decent guy.

I messaged him, and he replied almost instantly.

I grabbed the divorce papers and went straight to the restaurant he mentioned.

When I arrived, I found a tall figure leaning against the wall outside.

I hesitated before calling out, "Vincent?"

He looked up from his lighter and nodded.

"Why are you out here?" I asked.

Vincent had a strong build, but his voice was soft and steady. His skin was fair, and he spoke with quiet calm.

"Just chilling. Thought maybe I could help."

I smiled, genuinely thankful, and gently pushed the door open.

Laughter spilled out from inside.

"Man, only you could've pulled that off, Clement. Leaving Faye stranded in Svalmere—bet she cried her eyes out."

"So, when are you bringing her back?"

I gripped the door handle tighter when I heard Clement's slow, relaxed drawl.

"What's the rush? I'll bring her back when she learns her lesson. You guys won't believe this—she actually emailed me a divorce agreement the other day. Said she wanted to 'end things'. I almost died laughing. It's obviously a bluff.

"She's so desperate. I'll give her a couple more days, let her cool off. It's like she still thinks she's the prom queen or something."

I took a deep breath and pushed the door wide open.