Chapter 2

Herminia looked at the man standing tall and righteous before her. A cold, desolate smile curled the corners of her lips.

The sight of that smile seemed to burn Bradley. He reached out instinctively to grab her shoulder.

Herminia twisted her body away with lightning speed. She dodged his hand as if he were covered in a contagious disease.

Bradley's hand froze in mid-air. His face turned a dangerous shade of purple. "Stop making a scene out of nothing."

Herminia just stared at him. "In these three years of marriage, Bradley... did you ever actually love me?"

The massive living room fell into a deathly silence. Only the faint hum of the central air conditioning could be heard.

Bradley ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He looked at the floor. "We are legally married. Talking about love is childish."

That answer was the final push. Herminia closed her eyes and took a deep, shaky breath.

When she opened her eyes again, every trace of vulnerability was gone. Only a brutal, absolute resolve remained.

She turned her back to him and walked to the mahogany desk near the window. She pulled open the top drawer.

Bradley frowned, watching her back. "What kind of trick are you playing now?"

Herminia pulled out a thick document. She walked back and slapped it onto the glass coffee table.

The bold black letters on the cover read: DIVORCE AGREEMENT.

Bradley glanced at the title. He let out a harsh scoff. He thought this was just another pathetic tactic to get his attention.

He walked over to the sofa and sat down, crossing his long legs. He looked up at her with pure arrogance. "I am not signing that. Stop this nonsense."

Herminia picked up a silver fountain pen. She pulled the cap off and held it out to him.

"I am giving up the Manhattan penthouse," she said, her voice devoid of any emotion. "I am giving up all dividend shares in Elliott Capital."

The arrogant smirk on Bradley's face cracked. He stared at her, his eyes narrowing.

"I don't want a single cent of alimony," Herminia continued. "I am leaving with nothing. Just sign the paper."

Those words ignited a violent rage inside Bradley. He shot up from the sofa, closing the distance between them in a second.

He grabbed her chin, his fingers digging into her skin. He looked down at her, his eyes blazing. "Do not play these hard-to-get games with me, Herminia."

Herminia did not flinch. She met his furious gaze and slapped his hand away with all her strength.

"Consider these three years fed to the dogs," she said, pronouncing every word clearly. "I think you are dirty."

The word 'dirty' hit Bradley's absolute limit. He let out a dark, furious laugh.

He pointed a shaking finger toward the front door. "You think you can survive without me? A woman who didn't even finish high school? You will be begging on the streets in a week!"

Herminia didn't argue. She simply pushed the divorce papers closer to his side of the table.

Bradley felt utterly humiliated. He snatched his suit jacket from the rack.

"You will cry and beg me to take you back," he spat out. He turned and stormed toward the entryway.

A massive bang echoed through the penthouse as the heavy oak door was slammed shut. The walls vibrated.

Herminia stood alone in the empty living room. Her eyes were completely dry. She turned around and walked toward the bedroom to pack.