Chapter 2

Taylor’s POV

I handed Jacob the signed divorce agreement.

A frown crossed his face.

“You’re actually agreeing to this? Are you sure there won’t be another scene tomorrow? I don't want to celebrate too soon.”

I smiled faintly. “It’s over, Jacob.”

His expression shifted.

Seven years ago, when the Moretti family was on the verge of bankruptcy, Jacob had been little more than a disgraced heir with a famous surname and no money. I was the one who stayed beside him, bringing him meals, encouraging him, and reminding him that he could rebuild his life.

With his first earnings, he bought me a silver bracelet after remembering how much I admired one in a boutique.

“You deserve everything, Taylor. When I have everything, I’ll make sure you never have to want for anything again.”

I had believed him.

I had also believed him when he promised to love me for the rest of his life.

When he began rebuilding the Moretti empire, I sacrificed my promising career as a designer to support him. I turned down opportunities in Milan and abandoned a future I had worked years to build.

Now, Jacob gave a derisive laugh.

“People change. I gave you a home, security, and everything your family could ever ask for. I’ve repaid whatever debt I owed you.”

His gaze swept over me.

“The world I live in now is different. You simply haven’t kept up. If you had agreed to divorce me two years ago, you wouldn't have ended up making a mockery of yourself in society.”

I didn’t argue. Instead, I asked the question that had tormented me for two years.

“What is she like? Your lover?”

“She understands me. She’s young, beautiful, and full of life. Being with her makes me feel alive.”

He paused before adding, “I don’t love you anymore, Taylor. Perhaps I never did. I was grateful when you stood by me, but gratitude isn’t love and I never asked you to do that.”

His words crushed the last trace of hope I had left.

I nodded and began packing my belongings.

In front of him, I removed my wedding ring and gathered every gift he had ever given me, including the silver bracelet. I threw them all into a rubbish bag.

“What’s this supposed to be?” he asked.

“I’m getting rid of things I no longer need.”

“Who are you putting on this little show for?” He scoffed, picked up his keys, and stormed out.

By the time I finished packing, almost every trace of me had disappeared from the estate.

I booked a flight to Milan for five days later and arranged to stay with my best friend, Natalie Pierce, until my departure.

When Natalie opened the door, she pulled me into a hug.

“Finally! Come inside. You look exhausted.”

I settled on her sofa while she went to prepare something for me.

As I checked my flight confirmation, a notification appeared on my phone.

Bella had uploaded a new post.

Her caption read:

[Some people make you feel like you’re the only woman in the world. I hope this never ends. ❤️]

The photograph showed her wrapped in Jacob’s arms on a private yacht. He was kissing her forehead, looking at her with an affection I hadn’t seen in years.

I scrolled through her other posts.

There were pictures of Jacob taking her shopping, feeding her at expensive restaurants, and kissing her on a Ferris wheel.

I remembered asking him to take me to an amusement park once. He had refused, claiming he hated crowds and pointless entertainment.

Apparently, he simply hadn’t wanted to go with me.

Another photograph showed the diamond earrings he had given Bella. I recognised them immediately. They were from the same collection as the pair he had given me for my birthday, which I had foolishly treasured.

Then I noticed the comments.

My mother had written:

[My beautiful girl. You deserve every happiness in the world.]

My father added:

[Jacob has always been good to you. Your mother and I couldn’t be happier.]

And beneath another photograph, I found Natalie’s comment.

[You two look perfect together! I’ve never seen Jacob this happy. Don’t let anyone ruin what you have.]

I stared at the screen.

Natalie.

My best friend.

The woman who had comforted me whenever I cried over Jacob. The woman who had listened to me question myself while knowing exactly what was happening behind my back.

They had all known.

My parents, my sister, and even the friend I trusted most had been celebrating their affair while I struggled to save my marriage.

The kitchen door opened.

Natalie walked out carrying a plate of food.

“Taylor? What’s wrong?”

I turned my phone towards her, my voice trembling.

“Natalie, what exactly is this?”