Chapter 5

I said it from the start—I'm the worst one.

Or maybe just weak. Pathetic.

Seven years with Adrian. Seven years of that cold face, plus his friends constantly coming at me.

It wore me down.

Out of all of them, Zane was the worst.

He used to look down on me. Mock me. Tear me apart in public more times than I could count.

So I got close to him on purpose.

Played soft. Played small.

Then I pulled him in, little by little—until he fell.

My plan was simple—cut him off the second I divorced Adrian.

But Zane caught on.

So I found a younger, broke college kid and kept it platonic.

When Zane found out, he looked me up and down and sneered. "You're just a bad girl playing sweet. You really think you can compare to Celine? Adrian must be blind to marry you."

I didn't deny it.

If I could scheme my way into marrying Adrian, what did that make me?

The hurt, the obedience, the way I never fought back—it was all an act.

I thought he'd tell Adrian.

He didn't. He used it.

He stared me down, jaw tight. "If you don't want to get exposed, cut that college kid off and stay with me. A woman like you's only good for being played with. You need to be taught a lesson. Once Celine's back, you're out anyway. And that kid—what's so great about him? You really like him? Hm?"

I dropped the act.

Stepped back. Crossed my arms. Smiled.

"Fine. Then bring Celine back. If Adrian asks for a divorce, I'll say yes."

He paused.

Then, after a beat, his voice went rough with excitement. "Deal."

That night, when Zane lit up the group chat about Celine and Adrian sat on the balcony smoking all night, I'd already made up my mind.

I loved Adrian. Desperately.

But seven years of giving everything and getting nothing back—while he still loved Celine—I was done.

Leaving would be a relief for both of us.

I'd finally be free.

So I played along—half real, half fake. Acted understanding. Swallowed everything.

I just hoped that after seven years of taking care of him, Adrian would give me a decent settlement.

So I waited for him to accept Celine and push me aside.

He stayed cold. Fine. I'd take what I was owed. Then we'd be even.

Before the divorce, I couldn't let him see I was already over him.

Now, under Zane's stare, I didn't remember ever agreeing to be with him after the divorce.

But I still played weak and forced it out. "Okay."

He looked satisfied and finally stepped back, giving me space.

I barely had time to breathe before Adrian's voice cut in, low and cold.

"Okay? Okay what?"