Chapter 1

My husband Victor was chatting with his 'Miss Idea' Shane, again. And I, his actual wife, stood aside like an invisible piece of dust, unnoticed by anyone. I've tried every effort to win Victor's eyes, but all Shane had to do was stand there, and she'd already won. I wonder if I'd be even in the running for a list of “The Most Important Women to Victor Thorn." I had been married to my husband for five years. But he didn't love me. Now I got pregnant, would he love me for real? Obviously, the answer is no. So I made an important decision, for me and my baby, I want a divorce. But right after I divorced my husband, he started to regret it. And he wanted me to come back to him. At the same time, I was surprised to realize that his elder brother was changing my life.

Chapter 0001

Aria’s POV

My husband Victor was chatting animatedly with his ‘Miss Idea’, Shane, again. Their faces were close as her drooping hair rested on my husband's shoulder.

Miss Idea. That was how my husband called Shane, his best partner in business. Whenever he mentioned her, the pride and praise on his face was obvious.

And I, his actual wife, stood aside like an invisible piece of dust. I've tried every effort to win Victor's eyes, but all Shane had to do was stand there, and she'd already won.

I wonder if I'd be even in the running for a list of “The Most Important Women to Victor Thorn.”

The truth hurts a little. But if I told Victor that I was bothered by him and Shane getting too close to each other, he would think I was being ridiculous and irrational.

But now, things changed. There was a secret that no one knew about yet – the newly received report that lay in my bag, I’m pregnant.

Will this be the key to allowing Victor to focus more on our relationship and family?

I’m pregnant, Victor. You’re going to be a father.

I’d been rehearsing this line over and over in my head since I came to see the doctor earlier today. But how do I tell him about it? And how will he react?

“I've been working on this new app idea that’s going to be a game changer for many companies,” I heard Victor tell her, his brown eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

“We’ll be the marketing arm, of course,” Shane quipped with a big smile. “It’s going to be awesome working together on another avant-garde software that’s bound to make waves in the industry!”

Victor chuckled. “Of course, my company’s products won’t take off without the help of a very reliable partner — you.” He turned toward Shane, his expression soft and gentle as he gazed at her. He raised his glass as if to toast for her.

My heart felt like it was being squeezed. I had never seen him look at anyone with such tenderness, least of all me. I knew Victor relied on Shane at work. She helped Victor a lot with business, working very closely with him.

But aren't they too close? I thought, as I watched as Shane raised her arm on Victor’s shoulder. But I didn't want to appear too jealous, lest I be seen as petty.

Shane confidently explained to him her marketing ideas, and he listened to her attentively. Watching them like that tugged at my heart. How I wish he listened to me in the same way, respected and admired me that way.

I saw Victor’s mother Alicia approaching them. “Victor’s really lucky to have you, Shane. You’ve done a lot for the growth of his business.”

I frowned, feeling smaller and smaller by the minute. I wanted the floor to swallow me whole. It was as if Shane was Victor's wife, the way they all praised her, including Victor himself.

I felt torn. Should I tell him I’m having a baby? But my own husband has never learned to love me all this time. And his whole family seems to despise me. What’s the point of letting them know? They probably won’t care.

As I listened to the animated business talk, I felt even more out of place. I thought, Maybe, just maybe… this child could open that door for me. Perhaps they’d finally see me as significant, as someone who can be treated as a real part of the family.

But then, I remembered causing a commotion earlier when I’d arrived in a hurry. I fell down as I walked up the steps. It was quite embarrassing, since so many people stared at me and no one came to help.

And I knew Victor had seen it too, but his eyes seemed to just pass through me before he turned back to talking to Shane and some of his colleagues.

On the other hand, his mother had thrown me a look of disdain and then pretended as if nothing happened.

Maybe I was just dreaming. They wouldn't take me seriously.

I sighed and bowed my head, moving toward the doors that led to the open terrace. I need to clear my head.

“Ma’am, would you like some wine?” I heard someone ask. When I lifted my eyes, I saw a waiter approaching me, holding a tray of filled up wine glasses.

“Uh, no, it’s okay —” I began to say, right before I felt someone grab me. It made me stagger backwards, but luckily, I caught myself in time before falling to the ground.

“Owww!” a female voice cried out. I watched in horror as Shane stumbled and fell at the same time that several wine glasses were smashed, causing a mess on the floor beside her.

“Why did you do that, Aria? You should watch where you’re going.”

What? Wasn't she the one who grabbed me? Why was she blaming me?

Once again, I became the center of attention for the second time — for being the ultimate klutz!

I felt myself shaking while others pointed and exchanged hushed whispers.

“Is that really Victor’s wife?!”

“Gosh, she’s so clumsy! It’s so embarrassing!”

“I think she did it to Shane on purpose!”

I was frozen on the spot, not knowing what to do or say. As the waiter began cleaning up, Victor rushed forward. I felt relief coming over me as I waited for him to come to my rescue.

But to my shock, he went straight to Shane and helped her up.

“Are you okay?” he asked her with great concern on his face.

Shane nodded slowly. “I think so.”

He checked her arms and face for any wound, but there was none. “Thank God you didn’t get cut by the glass.” Then turning to me, he gave me a cold stare and demanded, “You better apologize, Aria.”

My mouth dropped open. “What? I didn’t…”

Alicia came toward us with a withering gaze directed at me. “Aria, you must apologize. Look what you did! You’re such a troublemaker, and you can’t even be humble enough to say sorry. Weren’t you taught the right manners?”

I stared at her wide-eyed, my heart pounding wildly. She always loved getting the chance to humiliate me. But this time, I didn’t want to give in. I stood my ground and refused to apologize when I knew that it was certainly not my fault.

Whispers started again around us. Many of the people present at that dinner party were well-known business elites, which made it even more degrading to be treated like this in front of everyone. I felt so humiliated.

“It wasn’t my fault,” I muttered, trying to suppress my anger. I didn't want to argue with my mother-in-law and make a spectacle of myself again in a bad way. I took a deep breath. “Alright, I’ll just leave.”

"You should have left a long time ago," Alicia continued, "I really shouldn’t let Victor marry you. Shane is much better than you!”

Damn, God. Why do I have to put up with all this?

I could see Victor's indifferent face. And Shane simply put on an innocent mask.

Do I really want to continue living in such a toxic family and environment?

What about my future child? If my husband doesn't love me, how can he love my child?

As I turned to go, I couldn't help but think, What if I did leave Victor? I mean leaving this marriage.

Chapter 0002

Aria’s POV

As I walked out, I could still hear them fussing over Shane. The chatter and concerned murmurs filtered through the heavy doors while the waiters gave me strange looks. I felt extremely embarrassed and humiliated, so I hurried outside, desperate to escape their prying eyes.

The rain pelted down relentlessly, soaking me to the skin within moments. Shivering, I struggled to wrap my thin shawl tighter around me. I must have looked ridiculous, standing there drenched and miserable, trying to hail a cab.

“Please, just let me get out of here,” I muttered under my breath, casting frantic glances down the deserted street.

“Aria!” I heard someone calling my name. My heart sank. Great, just what I needed. Someone to give me more trouble.

I quickened my pace, ignoring the voice, hoping they'd take the hint and leave me alone.

In my haste, I stepped awkwardly on a slick patch of pavement. Pain shot through my ankle as it twisted beneath me, and I pitched forward, bracing myself for the hard impact.

But instead of hitting the ground, I was caught in a warm embrace.

Immediately I looked up and saw myself gazing at a familiar face. The handsome man, with his sharp jawline and piercing blue eyes, looked very concerned. His tousled dark hair suited his rugged yet approachable demeanor. “Are you okay, Aria?”

When my name was mentioned, I was taken aback, my mind racing through my memories. Who is this guy?

“I’m alright, thanks,” I managed to say, though I was wincing with pain.

He held an umbrella above our heads as he guided me toward the nearby shed. That’s when it hit me how I knew him.

This is Samuel Thorn, Victor’s older brother! Though half-brother, I could see the resemblance.

We hadn’t met many times before, but I remembered hearing that he worked abroad, running his own business. I hadn’t heard Victor mention he was back in town, but that wasn’t unusual. My husband rarely shared anything with me. And somehow, they didn’t seem to keep in touch often.

I stepped back a little, worried about dirtying Samuel’s clothes with my wet and muddy state. “I appreciate your help, but I don’t want to keep you. You should get back to the event.”

Samuel frowned, glancing down at my ankle. “Are you sure you’re okay? It looked like a nasty twist.”

“It’s fine, really,” I insisted, forcing a smile. “I’ll just need to rest it a bit. I really have to go home now.”

“But where’s Victor?” he wondered.

“He’s still busy with his business associates. I don’t want to bother him.”

I could tell that my ankle was swollen, but I insisted on leaving because I didn’t want to trouble Samuel any further.

“You know what? Let me just take you home,” he suddenly offered. “That way, you don’t have to keep standing on that ankle and you can rest immediately.”

“I don't want to be a bother,” I muttered.

“Don’t be silly,” he said softly. Before I could protest, he draped his coat over my shoulders, the warmth and faint scent of his cologne enveloping me.

“Come on, let me take you home,” he insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I hesitated, feeling a fusion of gratitude. Finally, I nodded. “Alright. Thanks so much, Samuel.”

He gave me a small smile and led me to his car. The inside was warm and welcoming, a stark contrast to the chilly night outside. I settled into the passenger seat, wrapping his coat tighter around me, giving me a soothing feeling.

Samuel took me home, his arm wrapped around my waist to support my limping form. As soon as we stepped inside, he called out to the maid, “Can you help Aria change clothes? She needs to rest.”

The maid nodded and guided me to my room. I winced as I moved, my ankle throbbing with every step. Once in my room, I gingerly applied a plaster to my swollen ankle. The pain subsided a bit, but I knew it would take time to heal. After a quick shower, I changed into something more comfortable.

I emerged from the bathroom, surprised to see a delicious-looking meal laid out on the dining table.

“Feeling better?” Samuel asked, walking over to me.

“A bit,” I admitted. “Thank you for everything.”

He gave me a warm smile. “Come on, let me help you to the table.” He offered his arm again, and I gratefully took it, allowing him to lead me to the dining area.

“I was hungry, so I asked the chef to prepare something,” he explained, pulling out a chair for me. “Join me?”

I nodded, my stomach growling in agreement. “I'd love to. I didn't eat anything at the business dinner party.”

Samuel chuckled as he took a seat across from me. “I figured. Those things are more about appearances than actually eating.”

I felt a little awkward as I sat down. I didn't know what to say so I just kept quiet. But Samuel naturally started the conversation. Amazingly, he seemed to know how to make people feel comfortable. Gradually, I let my guard down and started talking more. I began to feel very relaxed.

“I haven't had a meal like this in ages,” I confessed. “It's nice to just... enjoy the moment.”

Samuel's expression softened. “I'm glad I could be a part of it.”

Just then, Victor returned home. As he saw Samuel and me chatting happily, his face twisted with anger, as if he'd been robbed of something he owned. His eyes narrowed, and he approached us with a cold tone, asking, "What are you two doing?"

I thought he was still upset about the event at the dinner party. “Hi, Victor,” I greeted him, trying to keep my tone light. “Samuel saw me outside the hotel and offered to bring me home because it was raining.”

He glanced at me without responding. Instead, he turned to Samuel, his brow furrowing. “Samuel, I didn't know you were back in the country.”

Samuel nodded, his demeanor as calm and composed as ever. “I arrived yesterday.”

They stood in silence, an uncomfortable tension hanging in the air. It was a bit weird. The way they treated each other made them seem nothing like brothers.

Just then, Alicia came in, her eyes immediately lighting up when she saw Samuel. She didn't even glance my way.

“Samuel! It's been ages!” Alicia exclaimed, rushing over to him. Even though she wasn't Samuel's real mother, she always seemed to be good to him. I guessed it was because Samuel was very successful in his career.

They went off to talk, leaving me alone with Victor.

Victor finally looked at me, his frown deepening. “What happened to you?” he asked, his voice clipped. He motioned to my bandaged foot.

I was taken aback by his tone. Did he just show concern for me? That’s definitely a first. I never thought he’d ever care for me, and this rare moment left me feeling conflicted as I recalled how he frequently blamed me and made me so unhappy in the past.

“I twisted my ankle, and it really hurts,” I whispered and found myself expecting more.

He came over and checked my ankle. I felt a glimmer of hope in my chest.

Perhaps he really is starting to care about me. If I tell him we have a child, will he also start learning to love me?

Chapter 0003

Aria’s POV

Just as I was about to speak, Victor straightened up and waved his hand to interrupt me. “Aria, I think you should apologize to Shane and to my mother,” he said firmly.

What the hell for? So that’s it? When I thought he was starting to care about me, all he wanted was for me to apologize for something I hadn't done.

“I said, it wasn’t my fault. It was Shane. She grabbed me, trying to make me fall.” This explanation was really silly. How could he possibly believe me?

Sure enough, as soon as I finished speaking, he impatiently waved his hand, signaling me to stop talking.

"Can you stop being so childish? Why do you always pick on Shane? Can't you just learn something from Shane, even if it's just a little bit?"

Great. He’s starting again, constantly comparing me to Shane.

He kept on talking, but I started to think. In these five years of marriage, what did I really gain?

Disdain, calloused hands from working like a laborer in the house, and my husband's dislike. No one thinks I'm worthy to be Victor's wife.

In reality, I found it ridiculous. I had been struggling with whether to let Victor know that we were going to have a child since he was the father, after all. But seeing his indifferent expression and hearing his words, I felt none of this mattered anymore; I just wanted to leave him.

“Victor,” I interrupted him, my voice steady despite the storm inside me, “I want a divorce.”

As soon as I mentioned divorce, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Judging by the shocked look on Victor's face, I knew he never expected me to ask for a divorce. Ever.

But then, with an impatient look, he scoffed, “Aria, stop being unreasonable. Is it really so hard to apologize?”

I was stunned, hurt by my husband’s disdainful expression and attitude toward me. I couldn’t believe he thought I was joking, and that he was still more focused on that apology!

I took a deep breath. “I'm serious, Victor. I want a divorce. I want to leave you.”

His eyes narrowed, his impatience giving way to irritation. “Is this one of your tantrums again? It’s not funny at all. This isn’t like you, Aria.”

“Tantrums?” I said with disbelief, my voice rising a little bit. “I’ve never even thrown any tantrum before. I’m not joking, Victor. I’ve really thought about this for a long time. I can’t keep living like this.”

There. I’ve said it. I never thought I would ever muster enough courage, but I guess my patience had finally run out.

“What exactly do you want? Haven’t I treated you well enough? I’m very busy every day and don’t have time to play games with you,” Victor snapped, his voice icy and dismissive.

What? Did he really think he was good to me? I wanted to lash out, to release all the negative emotions that had been piling up inside for years. I took a deep breath, ready to explain how he and his family had treated me over the years.

But just as I opened my mouth to speak, his phone buzzed. And without a word, he answered it. I couldn't hear the conversation, but I could see the furrow in his brow and the impatience in his stance.

When he hung up, he looked at me with a mixture of annoyance and condescension. “You see, I’m very busy. I have to go now, but you’d better hurry and apologize to my mother and to Shane. I won’t pursue this matter further, and we can pretend you never mentioned the divorce.”

He didn’t wait for my response. He just turned and left, the door closing behind him with a decisive click. I stood there in a daze, watching him leave. My heart ached with a deep, persistent pain.

I can’t believe it. Here I was, opening up a serious matter regarding our marriage, and he was just brushing it off.

I had thought about it for months, weighing the decision, imagining every possible outcome. Finally, I had found the courage to speak my truth, to tell him I wanted a divorce.

But to him, it was just a joke. A fleeting annoyance he could brush off and dismiss.

Who am I kidding? I never mattered to him, and this just proves it further.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.

Everything that happened in the past few years came back to me in a rush.

Before we got married, I loved him so much. I pursued him with the same fervor as chasing a fragile bubble, captivated by its beauty and determined to hold onto it, no matter how fleeting or elusive it seemed.My parents knew how much I loved him, which is also why my father supported Victor's company.

I thought our wedding day would be the beginning of my dream life with him. I had always daydreamed about a wonderful marriage and a lasting love, just like a little girl.

After we got married, I did everything I could, just hoping he would notice me a bit more. But all he did was ignore me and spend more time with Shane.

This is not over, I thought as I blinked back tears. He might think he could ignore me, but I knew my own mind, my own heart.

Does he still think I'll give in as usual? I won't do that anymore. I and our future child deserve better, and I’m very much determined to leave this marriage.

Chapter 0004

Victor’s POV

I can’t believe this woman’s being so irrational! What a way to throw a tantrum!

The events of last night replayed in my head like a broken record. Aria's request for a divorce felt like a dagger through my heart. And yet, the more I thought about it, the more annoyed I got.

I sat at my office desk, my mind swirling with confusion and frustration. Taking a big gulp from the wine I had in front of me, I decided to get back to the task I was doing. But I could not focus. Aria’s face kept popping up in my head, her voice echoing in my ears.

Last night, when I’d come back from a work-related errand, my mother and brother were already gone. I had slept in the guest room, not wanting to face Aria after our argument.

Today, throughout the day at the office, I tried to lose myself in the piles of documents and hours of meetings, but Aria's words had kept etched in my mind. Her jealousy, her constant need for attention, it all felt so unlike the woman I had married.

I remember she used to be quite independent and competent, having worked a bit at her father’s company. But now, she seems lost all the time, always full of insecurities and doubts.

How did she turn out like that? Is it because we hardly spent time together? Or is it because she stopped working after getting married to me?

As I sat there, lost in my thoughts, a knock on my door snapped me back to reality.

“Mr. Thorn? The board’s waiting for you in the conference room.” It was my assistant Phil.

“Oh, right. Thanks. I’ll be right there.” I pushed my confusion aside and focused on the task at hand.

After the meeting, I packed my things and headed out. Mom had called, asking me to come to her house for dinner.

I don’t have time to deal with my wife’s unreasonable whims and unstable emotions, I thought. I’m too busy, especially with this new app that we’re developing. And now my mother wants to see me.

As I drove toward my mother's house, the familiar route triggered memories I thought I had buried deep.

My marriage with Aria was arranged, a strategic move to solidify a partnership with her father's business. I needed the boost for my own company, and her father's condition was clear.

“Marry my daughter,” he’d told me firmly. I remembered being shocked, but I saw no reason to object. Aria was beautiful and seemed intelligent, qualities that could benefit my ambitions.

In those early days, I didn't really like her. Not personally. But I respected her abilities and what she represented for my business goals. I was single-minded in my pursuit of success, my eyes firmly fixed on the billionaire status I now proudly held.

It was all worth it.

Then, there was that night. I got drunk at a party, a rare indulgence, and woke up to find myself naked beside Aria. The realization hit me like a freight train. How could I have let this happen? But the shock didn't end there.

Shortly after, compromising photos flooded my work email. Pictures of Aria and me, clearly taken that night. The message was clear: marry Aria, or these images would go public.

I remembered confronting Aria afterwards. “Are you blackmailing me?!” I was so angry. I didn’t like people manipulating me in any way. “You know perfectly well that I have to marry you for the sake of my company, my business. Why are you still doing this!”

Aria looked bewildered, as if she honestly knew nothing about it. “I didn’t take those pictures!” She was quite defensive. “Besides, if those get out, me and my family will also be ruined.”

But I didn’t believe her. I knew that they could find a way to deal with such, to make it go away, because of their money.

On the other hand, my reputation might go down the drain along with the company I represented. My business, all my hard work, could go to waste! I was terrified.

I recalled grabbing her phone and opening the folders of photos. There they were! It was clear evidence.

“I-I don’t know how those got there, I swear!” Aria claimed then. “Besides, I was drunk and asleep too. I couldn’t have taken those pictures!”

I was furious. Even though I had planned to marry her, she had to stoop to something like this to make sure I had no way out or that I would never back down.

It was a bitter feeling. Betrayed by someone I barely knew and now forced into a marriage I never wanted.

But what choice did I have? I had to protect my business, to salvage my reputation. So, I married Aria.

Well, I give her plenty of money and she doesn’t need to work at all, I thought. She should be happy. And she should consider herself lucky.

Thinking back to the few years we’d spent as husband and wife, I would say I’ve fulfilled my duties as a husband, taking care of her needs and wants.

Why is she never satisfied?

I gripped the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white as I navigated the winding road.

"Why does she always have to stir up trouble?" I muttered to myself, thinking about how Aria seemed to always cause trouble for Shane.

Shane never complained, though. She always wore that same understanding smile, brushing off Aria's antics as if they were nothing more than a mild inconvenience. I liked that about her. She was always very classy and refined, completely different from Aria.

As I drove, memories of the accident suddenly flooded my mind. I believe it was Shane who had pulled me from the wreckage. Yes, I saw her wearing that necklace with the heart pendant.

I had been in and out of consciousness, but I remembered the flash of a necklace, its pendant glinting in the firelight. Shane had worn it ever since. I’ll always be grateful for what she did, sacrificing her own safety for me. That accident brought us closer to each other.

When I finally arrived at my mother’s house, I saw my brother Samuel just stepping out.

"I have to leave for work," he said, his voice clipped and efficient. There was no warmth, no hint of the bond we should have shared as brothers.

I forced a polite smile. "Would you like to stay for dinner, Samuel? "

He glanced at his expensive watch. “I'm afraid I can't. There's a conference call with the London office in an hour.”

As I watched my brother’s hurried back retreat to his car, I couldn't shake the thought of Aria. Her radiant smile during dinner with Samuel last night replayed in my mind. It was a stark contrast to the perpetual frown she wore around me lately.

She actually seemed happy, even though they don’t see each other often. The thought made me narrow my eyes. What were they so thrilled about? Why did they act as if they were close?

My eyes narrowed as suspicion crept in. But it doesn’t matter, I told myself silently. She probably just wants my attention again.

I just need to stay quiet and give her some room, and soon enough, she'll come begging to be with me again, like she always does.

Chapter 0005

Victor’s POV

I wondered what my mother’s agenda was this time. With her, it was never just plain dinner. Something was always up.

I opened the door and was greeted by the warm, familiar smell of home-cooked meals.

“Victor, you're here!” Shane's voice rang out as she came into the hallway, her face lighting up with a welcoming smile. Behind her, I saw Mom and Aunt Felicity waving at me from the dining area.

I wasn’t really surprised that Shane was also there, because she and my mother were quite close.

“Hey, Shane,” I replied, forcing a smile. “Listen, I wanted to apologize for what happened at the party last time. Aria—”

“Don’t worry about it,” Shane interrupted, waving her hand dismissively. “It was my own carelessness. I should've been more careful.”

I sighed, relieved by her understanding. Shane was always like this—so forgiving, always speaking well of Aria no matter what happened. It was something I admired about her, but it also made me feel a bit guilty.

“You're too kind, Shane,” I said, patting her shoulder.

“Yes, she definitely is,” Mom seconded as she came up to me and gave me a quick hug. “Not like that wife of yours,” she added sourly.

“You didn’t invite his wife then?” Aunt Felicity asked curiously.

“Of course not. She’s not welcome in my home, especially after what she did to Shane. I think that was really done on purpose.”

“Mom —” I began, not wanting to talk about it any longer.

She simply brushed me off with a wave of her hand and led us all to the dining room. My eyes widened at the spread on the table. Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a dozen other dishes I couldn't even name all made my stomach growl.

“Looks delicious!” I exclaimed. “I’m getting hungry.”

We all took our seats. I was more than eager to start digging into the mouthwatering dishes.

But strangely, those dishes didn't really suit my taste. Aria used to cook for me often. I didn't know at first; it was the maid who told me.

But I didn't find it odd. She was my wife, after all. That's what she was supposed to do. Aria's cooking was always delicious; I couldn't find any fault with it. Cooking seemed simple for her, not a hassle at all.

I suddenly remembered one time when we argued, and she told me it took her over an hour to cook dinner! I guess she was just exaggerating.

As we ate, my mother and Aunt Felicity started fussing over Shane.

“You know, Shane, you're such a sweet girl,” my mother said, her eyes twinkling. “It's no wonder Aria was always so jealous of you.”

Aunt Felicity nodded in agreement. “Exactly. Your kindness is such a threat to someone like Aria. She never knew how to handle it, did she?”

Shane smiled, her cheeks flushing. “I don't know about that,” she murmured.

I felt a headache beginning to form at the base of my skull. The last thing I wanted was another conversation about Aria.

“Can we not talk about Aria tonight?” I said, trying to keep my voice even. “Let's just enjoy the meal.”

My mother looked at me, her expression softening. “Of course, Victor. We're here to have a nice family dinner.”

I nodded, but I knew that she probably arranged this to get me away from Aria again and to push me toward Shane. She was always at my back, wanting me to pursue Shane instead, pointing out that I didn’t have a partnership with Aria’s parents anymore, anyway.

Aunt Felicity smiled. “We didn't mean to bring up bad memories. Let's focus on the good things.”

To be honest, I really didn’t know how to handle these relationships among women. Their emotions and dynamics were a maze I often found myself lost in.

“So, Shane,” I said, trying to change the subject. “How's your company going?”

She brightened up, launching into a story about her latest project.

But just after a few minutes, I found myself tuning her out. I was lost in thought, staring at the flickering candle on the dinner table, my mind replaying Aria's words from this morning.

Divorce. She had spat it out in one of what I deemed her typical tantrums, but something about her tone felt different this time. A chill ran down my spine.

“Victor, are you listening?” My mother’s voice snapped me back to the present. “Shane's calling your attention.”

“What?” I said, turning toward Shane and trying to focus on her words. “Sorry, what was that?”

“I was just saying,” Shane repeated patiently, “that we’re seeing significant growth in our social media campaigns. But enough about that… When are we going to meet about that new app of yours? I’ve already got a ton of marketing ideas for it!”

“Oh, right.” I shifted in my seat, my mind switching gears. “The app development is on track. We’ll need to have a meeting at the company tomorrow to go over the final integration steps.”

“Great! I’ll see you there!”

Shane and I were engrossed in a conversation about our new project, the excitement bubbling between us.

“This new software could really change the game, Victor,” Shane said, leaning forward, her eyes alight with enthusiasm. “Imagine the possibilities—”

Just then, my phone rang. It was Aria. My wife. To my surprise, I felt a flicker of anticipation.

“Excuse me for a moment,” I said to Shane, standing and stepping away from the table. I answered the call. But the words that came out were not what I tried to say, “Coming to apologize?”

Before I could say anything else, Aria's voice came through, sharp and unwavering. “Victor, I wasn’t joking about the divorce. My lawyer is currently drafting the divorce agreement, and I want to sign it with you tomorrow.”

I was momentarily at a loss. “An agreement?” I echoed, confusion tightening my grip on the phone.

My mother looked up from her plate. “Is that Aria?” she asked in a tone of disapproval. “She should come and apologize. I can't believe someone so ill-mannered! It was so embarrassing how she behaved during such a high-profile, important party.”

“Mom, please,” I said, raising a hand to stave off her inevitable tirade. But I knew Aria had heard her.

There was a brief, heavy silence on the line. Then, without another word, Aria hung up. She actually hung up on me. It was the first time she had ever done that!

And, what did she just say? Divorce agreement? Is she really serious about this divorce? Or is she just trying to get my attention again?

Honestly, I'm really sick of her tricks. What she's doing is so ridiculous.

Chapter 0006

Aria’s POV

I’ve had enough. Five years… Five years of enduring such humiliation and belittling by Victor and his family, of being treated like a nobody.

And even after five years, he still believed that I was the one who’d taken those stupid naked photos of us to blackmail him into marrying me! God, I would never have stooped so low! But does anyone believe anything I say? No!

I couldn't believe I used to be so persistent. I even damaged my friendships for the sake of this marriage.

I immediately sent a message to my lawyer, telling him to go ahead with the divorce agreement.

That's it. I won't spend any more time arguing with him. Let's just bring this all to an end quickly.

Victor didn't come back that evening. But I didn't ask him urgently as usual either. Luckily, my lawyer was very efficient; he sent me the agreement that same night.

The next day, I began packing my things. There wasn’t much in this house that truly belonged to me. I took off that very simple wedding ring from my hand and threw it on the table. Without looking back, I turned to leave.

It was a beautiful day, but I hardly noticed because of my nerves. The crisp, clear sky seemed to mock the turmoil churning inside me.

Clutching the divorce agreement in my shaking hands, I stepped into the imposing office building of Thorn Enterprises.

It was ironic that the first time I visited my husband's company was to divorce him.

I walked to the reception desk, my heels clicking loudly against the marble floor, each step echoing the finality of my decision. “Excuse me,” I said to the receptionist, trying to keep my voice steady. “I'm Aria Thorn, Victor's wife. Could you inform him that I'm here?”

The receptionist's eyes flickered with surprise, then settled into a look that was somewhere between pity and disdain. “Ms. Aria,” she said slowly, “Mr. Thorn isn't at the company and his wife is already upstairs.”

A knot of confusion and dread tightened in my stomach. “I'm his wife,” I insisted, my voice rising a notch. The receptionist's disdainful gaze did not waver. I felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck.

“Mr. Thorn’s wife,” she repeated, enunciating each word as if I were slow to understand, “is already upstairs.”

“Aria? What brings you here?” I suddenly heard Shane’s voice. She grinned at me as if we’d always been good friends.

The receptionist greeted her and smiled, “Mrs. Thorn, how are you?”

Shane had told the receptionist I was a friend, conveniently leaving out the part where she wasn’t really Victor’s wife. She's playing that little trick again. But I ignored it and played along. Because she could take me up there. I just wanted to finish what I came here to do.

“I need to talk to Victor immediately,” I told Shane as we headed upstairs to the main office. I tried to sound casual. “Where’s him?”

Shane smirked. “He went to another company for a meeting. See, I know more about his movements than you do. Doesn't he tell you anything?”

Her words stung, but I tried to stay calm. Inside, I felt a knot of discomfort tightening.

"Mrs. Thorn," someone called out.

“Yes?”I turned around and saw several men in corporate suits approaching. The man who had spoken looked puzzled. "Who are you?"

Before I could explain, Shane stepped in smoothly. "Mr. Lee, our meeting is in an hour. I'll have the relevant documents ready; Victor has entrusted this matter entirely to me."

Mr. Lee smiled, clearly impressed. "You're really good, as Victor's wife. He always speaks highly of your abilities."

Unable to bear it any longer, I interrupted, "I'm sorry, but I'm Victor's wife, not her."

The man looked at me with disdain, sizing me up. "Is that so? Funny, he's never mentioned you. I've seen too many women like you, trying to cozy up to wealthy men." He then turned to Shane and remarked, "Women like her need to be dealt with quickly, or they'll surely multiply like weeds."

Shane smiled but remained silent. The men left without even glancing at me. I looked at Shane in disbelief and said, "Are you satisfied now? Is this how you want to be acknowledged as Victor's wife?"

Shane feigned surprise, "When did I acknowledge that? When did I ever say I'm Victor's wife?" She then grabbed my hand unexpectedly, "Come on, let me show you where Victor's office is. I know it better than you."

The nerve of this woman! She always keeps rubbing it in my face that she’s more like Victor’s wife than me. I was tired of it all, and I just couldn’t wait to not have to deal with both of them anymore.

Chapter 0007

Aria’s POV

Shane was still chattering away, showing me off. Her voice grated on my nerves. "You see, Aria, I've been working with Victor's company for years while managing my own. I know everyone and everything here," she said condescendingly. "Victor's lucky to have me as a good friend and business partner."

"Oh, there's Samantha," Shane pointed out, waving across the room. "She handles all the important accounts. I recommended her for the position, actually."

"And over there," she continued, oblivious to my lack of enthusiasm, "that's Peter. He's in charge of marketing. I often give him tips."

“Are you done? I don’t have time for this, Shane, just take me to Victor’s office.” I interrupted her, feeling my patience wear thin.

She paused and sneered. Just as we turned a corner, she stopped suddenly and I looked back at her in confusion. But then I collided with someone carrying a glass of water. The cold liquid splashed all over me, soaking my blouse and making me gasp.

"Oh, my god, I'm so sorry!" the person exclaimed, looking horrified.

"It's okay, really," I said quickly, even though I felt the wet fabric clinging uncomfortably to my skin.

Shane immediately stepped in. "Aria, let's get you out of those wet clothes. I have some extras in the room down the hall."

Now I knew why she'd just stopped; she'd seen someone there. But she didn't warn me. She just wanted to see me make a fool. I'm so sick of her boring behavior.

Before I could protest, she gently but firmly steered me into a nearby office. She rummaged through a drawer and pulled out a dry shirt.

I took the shirt, but threw it to the side. “Just stop pretending already, Shane.”

Her expression changed instantly, morphing into that familiar mean look. “Look at you, no wonder Victor doesn't want to recognize you as his wife.”

Her words stung, but I refused to let her get to me. I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “I'm already divorcing Victor, Shane. So, no matter what you say, it won't piss me off anymore.”

Shane was momentarily surprised, but then she laughed, a cruel sound that echoed in the room. She thought she had won.

“Hmm… Divorcing Victor? Don’t be silly, Aria!” she said sarcastically. “Nobody will believe that for a second. Victor probably realized already that you’re just a nuisance in his life. He no longer has any use for you, after all.”

She continued to taunt me, trying to provoke a reaction. But I was done playing her games. I looked at her flatly, uninterested in her attempts to rile me up. And strangely, that seemed to anger her even more.

“Stop pretending you don’t care!” she suddenly snapped at me. Then to my shock, she took out her phone and began showing me photos of Victor and me lying naked in bed together. “You think he’d learn to love you after tricking him to sleep with you?!”

My heart stopped for a second as I stared at the familiar photos. That familiar feeling of dread and humiliation washed over me. “H-How did you get hold of those?” I stammered, not believing my eyes.

She scoffed and looked at me mockingly. Then it hit me. What a stupid question I had just asked! Of course it was her all along! She’d taken those photos of us and sent them to Victor!

I stood there, my hands clenched into fists at my sides, staring at Shane with disbelief and rage burning in my chest.

"It was you!" I accused, my voice shaking with anger. "You took those photos and sent them to Victor and put them in my phone! You set me up!"

Shane smirked as if reveling in my anger. "See? All it takes is a miniature camera, and a hack, and I can get you hated by Victor. I thought it would make him despise you, but he married you anyway... but I guess it worked out just as well.”

I wanted to strangle her. She just grinned at me devilishly with her arms crossed in front of her chest. She said, “Don't bother speaking ill of me because it will do you no good... you won’t be able to find a single thing to use against me! So guess who Victor will believe?"

I couldn't believe the audacity, the sheer cruelty of what she had done.

I stepped forward quickly, trying to grab Shane's phone to take evidence and prove my innocence to Victor. If I could just get my hands on it, I could expose Shane's lies. But of course, Shane wouldn't let me near it.

"Stay back, Aria!" Shane shouted, clutching the phone tightly. Her face contorted with fury, and her voice echoed through the lobby. Almost instantly, security guards rushed over, drawn by the commotion.

She suddenly started yelling, but now she played the victim, casting fearful glances my way. "She's trying to attack me!" she cried out.

The guards, unfamiliar with me, moved to intervene. "Ma'am, step away," one of them ordered, his tone firm.

Shane's smug expression was infuriating, a twisted mix of triumph and deceit. I clenched my fists, feeling the heat of my anger boiling just beneath the surface.

Just then I glanced at the divorce agreement in my hand, its stark black letters almost mocking me. The reality of my nearing freedom stared back at me, and in that moment, a wave of calm washed over me. Why did any of this matter when we were on the verge of divorce?

I took a deep breath and straightened my posture, meeting Shane's eyes with a cold, steady gaze. "Fine, you win," I said, my voice steady and resolute.

I placed the divorce agreement on the table, pushing it towards Shane. "I don’t want to waste any more time here. Just give this to Victor. Tell him to sign this damn agreement and send it to me immediately.”

Shane blinked, momentarily caught off guard. She hadn't expected me to surrender so easily. But this wasn't surrender. It was liberation.

As I walked away, leaving the chaos behind, I felt a sense of freedom I hadn't experienced in years. This would be the beginning of my new life, free from the toxic marriage that had imprisoned me and made me so unhappy.

Chapter 0008

Aria’s POV

I emerged from Victor’s company building, feeling unsure of my next move. As I hailed a cab, I found myself giving the driver Jessica's home address.

Jessica had been my best friend since high school, but our communication had dwindled. Since I’d gotten married, she had persistently advised me to consider divorce, a sentiment she had expressed numerous times.

Perhaps I should heed her advice. I’ve just been too stubborn, not listening to her all these years.

Despite Jessica's disapproval and anger over my unwavering support for Victor, I held onto the hope that he would eventually reciprocate my feelings.

Oh God, I was so stupid.

I stood at her doorstep, mustered up the courage, and knocked on the door. When Jessica opened it, she didn’t say anything at first but just looked at me as if she'd seen a ghost.

“Hi,” I tentatively greeted her and managed to force a smile.

"Aria?” She let me in, but then, she seemed to instantly notice the troubled look on my face. Frowning, she added, “If you're here just to complain about Victor and not to finally leave him, then I think it’s best that you just go back to him.”

I sighed. This was exactly what I used to do. Now I realized how disappointed and frustrated Jessica had been with me.

"Jessica, I... I'm deeply sorry. I want you to know that I've made the decision to divorce him." Despite my stumbling words, I pushed myself to express it clearly.

She remained silent, her frown unchanged. "I mean it," I continued. "I've already left the divorce papers in his office."

"Can I stay at your place for a while?” I went on. “I have nowhere else to go... But if it's too much to ask, I completely under —."

Before I could finish, she cut me off. "Are you serious? Of course, you can stay! Thank goodness you're finally leaving that jerk!"

"Come here, you," she said, enveloping me in a tight hug. I welcomed her embrace, grateful for the warmth and support it offered. My heart raced with excitement and nervousness.

"Wait a moment," Jessica said, guiding me to the couch.

To my surprise, she produced two beers from the freezer. I chuckled, "Are we celebrating?"

"Yes, absolutely! I'm thrilled!"

"I'm sorry, Jess, but I can't," I said. She paused, stunned and confused. So I quickly explained, "I'm pregnant."

Her mouth hung open, as if her jaw might hit the floor. "What? That jerk treated you so badly and still got you pregnant?!"

I was speechless, concerned that she might be angry with me. Then, she crouched down and addressed my belly solemnly, "Don't grow up to be like your dad." We locked eyes and burst into laughter.

We sank into the plush cushions and began chatting. I sensed that Jessica was gearing up to criticize Victor, but I didn't intervene because I knew she was defending me.

"He made you do everything for him! Treated you like a maid. He only cares about his damn work. Has he ever thanked you even once? Never!" Jessica's arms crossed over her chest, her voice growing more heated with each word.

"If it wasn't for your dad's help, he’d still be nobody. And you graduated from a prestigious university. Who the hell is he to look down on you?"

Jessica's words reminded me of my own worth. Seeing her so passionate warmed my heart, and I was grateful she was still my friend. I gently patted her hands. "Don't be angry. It's not worth it. I really don't care about him anymore."

Suddenly, Jessica sat up straight, her expression serious. I felt a pang of unease, unsure what had changed. Then she nodded and said, "That's good. Now you're completely Aria Everhart, not Mrs. Thorn."

“Yeah, you bet! And I never really felt like Mrs. Thorn to start with.” We both laughed, and I felt a wave of relaxation wash over me.

Suddenly, a loud knock on the door startled us, and we exchanged anxious glances.

Jessica, with a hint of trepidation, called out, "Who is it?"

"It's me, Victor," came the somewhat distorted reply from the other side.

Surprised, I whispered, "How did he find this place?"

Sensing my unease, Jessica quickly gestured for me to retreat inside, saying, "Get in. Let me handle him." Understanding her intention to shield me from the impending confrontation, I complied and disappeared into a nearby room.

From my hiding spot, I heard Jessica open the door, and Victor's urgent, slightly angry voice inquiring about my whereabouts. Jessica's response was curt and cold, "How would I know? She's your wife. Just go home and check, okay?"

"I did check home, I'm not clueless. But she wasn't there!" Victor sounded exasperated. "I went to the office and heard that she had caused trouble again. Where could she..."

"Hey, watch your mouth!" Jessica interjected, her voice now sharp with anger. “She’s never been a troublemaker. There’s nothing wrong with Aria, so maybe it’s you. You’re the one who’s to blame!”

He was at it again, unjustly blaming me. With a heavy sigh, I realized I couldn't keep avoiding the confrontation. I couldn’t just leave it for Jessica to handle. Stepping out, I faced Victor, who paused upon seeing me, then demanded, "I knew you were here. Come home with me now."

Calmly, I replied, "I've told you, I want a divorce. This isn't a joke. I've already given the papers to Shane; you can ask her."

Victor's expression turned sour immediately. "Can't we talk at home? Don't embarrass me."

Surprisingly, I should have been furious, but instead, I felt oddly calm. "See, Victor, you always think I embarrass you. Why can't we just let each other go?"

With a bitter sigh, I added, "I really loved you, Victor. But I don't think I can hold on any longer." Exhaustion weighed heavily on me as I tried to close the door, signaling for him to leave.

However, he grabbed my arm, forcing me to face him again. "You will never divorce me, Aria!" he spat angrily. "Never. Because you are mine. Only mine!"