Chapter 1

Ethan Miller, known to a select few as "Rex," the undefeated titan of LA's corporate law scene, stared at the sleek, minimalist kitchen he' d kept spotless for three years.

Olivia Hayes, his wife, a rising star in New York's criminal defense world, was probably charming some judge or jury, her mind miles away from him, as usual.

He picked up his phone. Sarah Chen, his old partner at Apex Legal Group, answered on the second ring.

"Sarah," Ethan said, his voice devoid of the gentle tone he used as Olivia's husband. "It's Ethan."

A pause. "Ethan? Ethan Miller? Or is this the ghost of Rex calling?"

"Rex is coming back," Ethan stated, no room for discussion. "And I need you to file something else for me. Divorce papers."

Sarah was silent for a moment, then, "It' s about damn time, Rex. On both counts. Apex has missed you. The legal world has missed you."

Ethan felt a grim satisfaction. "I' ve missed it too. More than I realized."

He ended the call, a chapter of his life slamming shut with the decisive tap of his finger.

He looked around the expensive New York apartment, a monument to Olivia's success, a cage he' d willingly entered. For three years, he' d been the perfect, supportive spouse. He' d cooked, cleaned, managed her schedule, endured her friends, and the constant, subtle comparisons to Julian Vance, her celebrated cellist ex-boyfriend. He' d done it all, hoping she' d eventually see him, the man, not just the convenient homemaker. She never did.

The front door opened. Olivia walked in, briefcase in hand, a preoccupied frown on her face. She barely glanced at him.

"Rough day?" Ethan asked, his voice carefully neutral.

"The usual," she said, heading for the bedroom. "Julian called. He needs help with a contract dispute. Orchestra stuff. I told him I' d look at it."

Ethan felt a familiar tightening in his chest. Julian. Always Julian.

"Isn't that outside your specialty?" he asked, keeping his tone light.

"It's Julian," she said, as if that explained everything. It usually did.

He watched her go, the decision solidifying within him. He' d given her three years. He' d given her his silence, his support, his hidden brilliance. She' d taken it all and given back polite indifference.

He walked to his small home office, a room she rarely entered. He pulled out a pre-packed suitcase from the back of the closet. It wasn't much. His life as "Rex" required more than what was in this bag, but this was enough to start.

He then printed the divorce papers Sarah had emailed him minutes after their call. He placed them in a crisp manila envelope.

Later that evening, Olivia was on a video call, her face animated as she talked to Julian. Ethan could hear snippets from the living room. Her laughter, a sound he rarely heard directed at him.

He walked into the living room during a lull in her call. She was sipping wine, a relaxed smile on her face.

"Olivia," he said.

She looked up, a flicker of annoyance in her eyes at the interruption. "What is it, Ethan? I'm a bit busy."

He placed the envelope on the coffee table in front of her. "This is for you."

"What is it?" she asked, her attention already drifting back to her screen where Julian was likely waiting.

"Read it when you have a moment," Ethan said. He turned and walked back to the office, picked up his suitcase, and walked to the front door.

He didn't look back.

His phone buzzed. A text from Olivia.

"What is this, Ethan? A joke?"

He didn't reply. He was already in a cab, heading to the airport. Los Angeles was waiting. Rex was returning.

The next evening, Ethan was at a charity gala in New York, an event Olivia had insisted they attend weeks ago. He' d almost cancelled his flight, but a morbid curiosity, a need for one last confirmation, had pulled him back for this one night. He stood by the bar, observing.

He overheard two of Olivia's colleagues talking.

"She' s really going all out for Julian Vance, isn't she? Taking his contract case, even though it's civil, not her usual."

"Well, you know Olivia. When it comes to Julian, she' s always had a blind spot. Poor Ethan, though. He' s a saint for putting up with it."

Ethan' s jaw tightened. A saint. Or a fool.

Olivia finally found him. She looked flustered.

"Ethan, there you are! I' ve been looking for you. Julian' s here. He wanted to thank you for being so understanding about me helping him."

Ethan just looked at her.

She seemed a little drunk, her eyes overly bright. She leaned in, her hand on his arm. "You know, you' re a good man, Ethan."

She then leaned in further and kissed him. It was perfunctory, almost reflexive.

As she pulled back, she murmured, her voice soft, "Oh, Julian, you always know how to make me laugh."

She blinked, then seemed to realize who she was kissing. A faint blush rose on her cheeks. "Ethan. Sorry. Long day."

He didn' t say anything. The name she' d whispered was the final nail.

He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a pen and another copy of the divorce papers. He' d anticipated this.

"Olivia," he said, his voice flat. "Sign this."

She stared at the papers, then at him, confusion warring with the alcohol in her system. "What... what is this again?"

"Our divorce," he said. "Just sign it."

She giggled, a strange, broken sound. "Divorce? You' re funny, Ethan." But she took the pen. Her hand was unsteady. She scribbled her name where he indicated.

"There," she said, handing the papers back. "Happy now, Mr. Serious?"

She then turned, spotting Julian across the room, and her face lit up. She walked towards him, the papers, their marriage, already forgotten.

Ethan watched her go. He felt a cold, hollow ache. He put the signed papers back in his pocket.

This time, there would be no turning back.