Chapter 1 Chapter 1 She Watched Her Husband Cheat

On the wedding anniversary, Elaria Grace watched her husband kiss a stranger against the wall and take her like a man in love.

The way he kissed her-tender, devoted.

The way he touched her-hungry, unrestrained.

It was a side of him she had never seen in three years of marriage.

And in that moment, the truth hit harder than the betrayal:

He wasn't incapable of love.

He was just incapable of loving her.

*****

As dusk fell, Elaria sat silently in the backseat of a black Rolls-Royce Phantom, fingers lightly tracing the sapphire ring she wore.

She had just bought it that afternoon at an auction.

All because Sebastian Richards once said he liked sapphires. So she used up all her savings to get it for him.

Now? She regretted it.

At that very moment, in a corner of their villa, her husband was wrapped around a blond girl.

The girl was young, dressed in a perfectly fitted white dress. Her golden hair flowed down her back like silk.

She tilted her head up slightly and gave Sebastian a command, almost playfully: "Kiss me, Sebastian! Hard!"

Sebastian didn't respond right away, just stared at her gently-and that moment gave Elaria a flicker of hope.

He never kissed her in public. Maybe he'd reject the blond too?

But reality slapped her in the face-hard.

Instead, Sebastian chuckled softly and leaned down, kissing the girl full on the lips.

She let out a surprised but sweet moan, then reached up and touched his throat-right at his Adam's apple.

Elaria's pupils shrank at the sight, her gaze locked on that hand.

That spot-his Adam's apple-was something he was incredibly sensitive about.

It had always been their little secret, something deeply personal, almost forbidden between them.

She had always believed she was the only one allowed to touch him there.

But now, that girl was brushing it with her fingers, all curious and unafraid.

Sebastian didn't flinch.

His Adam's apple even moved slightly up and down in response.

The girl leaned against the cold wall, still murmuring something in that coy, soft voice.

Sebastian's tall, looming figure pressed closer, effectively trapping her between himself and the wall.

He leaned in, noses nearly touching, like they were in their own little bubble.

The girl looked up, lips parted just enough-it was a silent invite.

Elaria shut her eyes tight, trying to shut out the burning scene.

She didn't recognize the man in that moment.

That wasn't the composed, sharp heir who dominated negotiation tables.

It wasn't the aloof, polite husband who always kept a polite distance at home.

It wasn't even the man who stayed cold and mechanical in their occasional, passionless nights.

No-this man would break his rules just for a coquettish word from that blond.

He'd make out with her in broad daylight, practically in front of the world.

Turns out, he wasn't cold at all.

He simply never loved her, Elaria.

That realization sliced through her like a dull, icy blade, pressing slow and deep into a heart already shattered from years of trying.

Three years of marriage-a thousand nights and more-she had clung to her title as Mrs. Richards like it was salvation, locking herself into a golden prison.

Tiptoeing around his moods, learning his wants, pretending to be the perfect wife.

Foolishly thinking, maybe he'd soften toward her one day.

What a joke.

A tear slipped down her cheek before she even noticed. She shivered.

Then quickly wiped it away with her fingertips, forcefully.

No crying.

Not here.

Even if she'd just been betrayed, she wouldn't let herself fall apart.

No matter what, she'd keep her pride.

The car window muffled the blonde's cries-cries of pleasure as Sebastian kissed her with ruthless force.

Elaria stared toward the gazebo, her grip tight around the phone in her hand. Those two tangled figures...

Sebastian had his head lowered, kissing the girl in places only lovers go. The girl's eyes were shut, lips curved in a look of pure bliss.

Elaria's knuckles turned white as she clutched the phone even harder, resisting the urge to storm out of the car.

Just then, the man outside seemed to sense something. His gaze swept vaguely in her direction.

Elaria's heart skipped a beat. Without thinking, she curled deeper into the shadows of the car seat, trying to stay unseen.

*****

Back at the villa in Imperial Crest Residences.

Half an hour later, her assistant delivered the divorce papers.

She didn't hesitate. After watching her husband cheat on her, yeah, she wanted half of everything.

She took a shower. After dressing, she somehow found herself standing in front of the dressing mirror. Dazed, she undid the white bathrobe and studied her reflection under the harsh crystal lights.

Years of working nonstop had left her slim, not exactly curvy. Her flawless skin gave her a cool elegance, but it was far from seductive.

Clearly, it wasn't enough to keep Sebastian from straying.

Her mind slipped to that young blonde... and then she caught herself imagining Sebastian with that body, the heat, the noise...

Way more intense than what they ever had. She frowned, embarrassed by her own thoughts.

The closet door creaked.

Sebastian had come home.

He stood there, sharp and composed in his designer black shirt and sleek slacks, tall and fit like always. Elaria couldn't help but think-even without his billions, Sebastian's face and body alone could have women lining up for a taste of him.

She'd shared a bed with him for four years. Not exactly a loss, she figured.

They locked eyes. No words, but both understood.

He stepped into the closet, standing just behind her, staring into the mirror at her body. Elaria was already dressed neatly, her dark hair twisted into its usual tight bun. Even fresh from the shower, she still looked every bit the boss lady.

Sebastian remembered their wedding night-how hesitant she'd been, how she trembled at just being near him.

They didn't even sleep together that night.

Two weeks later, a business crisis hit. That night, Elaria buried herself in his arms, whispering his name. That was the first time they actually made love.

Their first time together.

After that, their sex life? Barely existing.

At home, she was the perfect Mrs. Richards; at Halden & Co., she was the powerful Ms. Grace. Always flawless, always composed.

Even in bed, she never really let go. Definitely not the kind of passion you'd call exciting.

Eventually, Sebastian got bored.

He leaned in with a half-smile, teasing, "You're the one who had the utilities shut off at the villa, right? What, just mad I was helping out an elder's daughter a little?"

Elaria's eyes met his in the mirror.

He did the math-it was her ovulation period.

His fingertips brushed against her earlobe as his voice dropped low. "So, was tonight for my birthday... or because your body's been craving it? Haven't you been dying for me to take you?"

Elaria got it.

He wanted a baby.

Mr. Richards, Sebastian's grandpa, still held ten percent of Halden & Co. stock. A child would tip the scale in Sebastian's favor.

But what he didn't know was-having a child with her might be impossible now.

After that incident... when she pushed him away, someone had kicked her hard in the stomach.

Doctors said her chances were slim.