Chapter 1

"You're being unreasonable, Alex!"

Chelsea Sloane's eyes were red with anger, her voice trembling. "I know you're controlling, and that's why I've bent over backward for you all these years since we got married. But now, you're divorcing me over a pen?"

Our two-year-old son, Nathan Larsson, started crying loudly, clutching at her clothes. She hugged him tightly, swallowing back a sob. "It's okay, darling. You're fine."

She turned to me, her eyes full of hurt and accusation. "If you have any conscience at all, you should comfort our son."

I ignored her, my face blank, and stood up. "You'll receive the divorce papers tomorrow. Sign them as soon as you can."

The guests exchanged glances, whispering among themselves.

"All this over a fountain pen? Has Alex lost his mind?"

"They were supposed to be a model couple in the industry. What went wrong?"

"Do you have to ask? Obviously, there's someone else…"

I didn't care about their gossip. I grabbed my coat and walked out. Panic crossed Chelsea's eyes as she watched me leave.

Her foster brother, Joseph Sloane, rushed over and grabbed my arm, yanking hard. "Hey, Alex! Chelsea has treated you so well over the years, but you're divorcing her over a pen?"

He steadied Chelsea, holding her partly in his arms and gently wiping away the tears at the corners of her eyes. Her best friend, Valerie Cooper, couldn't hold back anymore.

Pointing at me, she yelled, "How could you? You promised back then to love Chels forever! I was blind to trust a scumbag like you!"

The guests joined in, voices rising in accusation.

"Chels is such a good wife. You were lucky to have married her! How could you not cherish her?"

"Alex, this is overboard. Quick, apologize to Chelsea!"

"This is a redundant fight. Just make up and live in harmony, alright?"

Amid the chorus of outrage, Chelsea finally broke. She clutched Nathan and sobbed, her grief spilling out. Her father, Arthur Sloane, finally spoke with a solemn look.

"Alex, I watched you grow up and trust your character. What happened? Tell us. I'll handle it for you."

My mother-in-law, Margaret Benson, choked out, "Think about Nathan. He's only two! There's got to be a way around this!"

Chelsea lifted her tear-filled eyes, red-rimmed but hopeful, as she looked at me. Nathan wriggled out of her arms and tugged at both my and her hands, his voice trembling. "Mommy, Daddy, don't cry…"

Every guest was moved. Their eyes urged me to end this farce.

I pulled my hand back coldly without hesitation. "I'm done with this life. Divorce is not up for discussion."

Chelsea froze, tears streaming down her face. Just then, Joseph exploded and grabbed my collar, almost lifting me off the ground. "Damn it! You're really asking for death, aren't you?"

Nathan screamed in fright, crying even louder.

My neck turned red from his grip, but I couldn't help smirking. "What's the matter? I thought you and your sister never got along. Now, all of a sudden, you're so… protective."

I paused deliberately, my gaze sweeping over how he was holding Chelsea protectively. "Could it be…"

Joseph stiffened, a flash of panic crossing his eyes. Then, as if to hide something, he shouted, "What the hell are you talking about?"