Chapter 3

Danielle dragged Caleb back to the Sutton residence and locked him in their bedroom.

"Caleb, if Yale did something to offend you, you could've just talked to him about it instead of plotting something behind his back," Danielle snapped, trying her best to suppress her anger. "I'll let you out as soon as you tell me where he is."

Trapped in that cold, empty room, Caleb felt as though a weight were pressing down on his chest.

The next moment, Yale returned.

Leaning toward Danielle, he asked, "What's going on, Ellie? I just went on a walk by myself to get some fresh air.

"You should be nicer to Caleb. He's sensitive. It's only natural that he's uncomfortable with how close we are."

Danielle froze, and a flicker of guilt flashed across her face.

"I'm sorry, Caleb. I—"

But before she could finish speaking, a butler hurried into the room, his face pale with alarm. In a trembling voice, he said, "Something awful has happened, Mr. Graham! Mrs. Graham Senior suffered a sudden stroke back at home. By the time the ambulance arrived, she had already stopped breathing. You must head back right away and see her one last time!"

Caleb couldn't process what he'd just heard.

For a moment, he couldn't move, and his ears began to ring. Then, his head shot up, and he glared at Danielle with a look of pure hatred. Without saying another word, he turned around and dashed out of the Sutton residence.

By the time he reached the funeral hall, his mother's body was already covered with a white shroud.

His legs gave out, and he fell to his knees. Unable to hold back his tears, he began to sob hysterically. He was so grief-stricken that he'd nearly passed out several times.

…

For the next three days, Caleb stayed by Lydia's grave without any food or water. Danielle stayed by his side the entire time. Her heart ached as she watched him grow more gaunt with each passing day.

By dusk on the third day, Caleb slowly turned to her.

"Let's get a divorce, Danielle," he said, his voice utterly devoid of emotion.

Danielle's face stiffened, and she instantly stepped toward him. "I'm sorry, Caleb. I messed up. I never thought something like this would happen—"

"You never thought this would happen?" Caleb cut her off with a cold laugh. "I tried to tell you! Because of Yale, you locked me up without even hearing my side. My mother gave you resources, projects, and the entire company to pave the way for your success. Have you forgotten about all of that?

"You insist that your relationship is platonic, but I find that hard to believe when the both of you sleep together in the same bed!" he growled.

Danielle froze, and her eyes widened in shock.

"W-When did you find out about that?"

Moments later, the guilt faded from her face. Her expression hardened, and her tone turned forceful. "I won't divorce you no matter what, Caleb. I have the authority now, and I'm the one calling the shots in the Graham family. Just fulfill your role as my husband and stop talking about a divorce."

With that, she gave him one last look and walked away.

Caleb watched her leave. Then, he turned to an old butler, Adrian Cole, who had been standing nearby.

"Adrian, find the prenuptial agreement my mother had prepared. I want to withdraw every share I've invested in Danielle's company, effective immediately."

"Every share?" Adrian hesitated. "Without your shares, Ms. Sutton's company might not last another month."

"I've made up my mind. Just do it." Caleb's voice was low, but he sounded unusually certain.

Moments later, he added, "And get me the best divorce lawyer you can find. I want to leave Kingsford City as soon as possible."

Adrian took one look at Caleb's exhausted, hollow expression and decided not to ask any more questions.

"Of course, sir."

…

The living room was cluttered with luxury gift boxes and limited-edition jewelry. Danielle had bought them all as an apology, but Caleb barely glanced at them as he headed upstairs.

Once he was inside the bedroom, he closed the door and sent a message to Future Danielle.

"I was too late."

For a long moment, he didn't receive a reply. Then, three words appeared on the screen.

"I am sorry."

Caleb instantly grew anxious, and he quickly tucked his phone away. Unfortunately for him, Danielle noticed his telltale little gesture.

Whatever apology she'd been about to offer disappeared, and she instantly grew suspicious.

"Who were you messaging?" she demanded as she closed the distance between them. "Is this why you've been acting so strangely these past few days, Caleb? Have you found someone new?"