Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Divorce

"Let's get a divorce."

After being married for three full years, this was only the second time Nelson Cooper had spoken to her.

The first time was on their wedding night.

She'd worn a flowing white dress, twirled in front of him with a beaming smile, asking if she looked beautiful.

All he said was, "The ceremony's over. I'll have someone arrange your trip abroad."

And just like that, she was shipped off overseas, alone for three whole years.

She didn't expect that the moment she returned would begin with those words-divorce.

Right on their wedding anniversary.

"Is it really necessary?"

Claire Thompson didn't look up. Her long hair concealed her face, hiding every flicker of emotion beneath it.

Her voice trembled slightly, on the edge of tears. "We can't even talk about it?"

Nelson stared at her for a while, his eyes dark and unreadable. His voice was cool and devoid of warmth. "You know that if my grandfather hadn't been sick, I never would've married you."

Three years ago, the old man from the Cooper family had fallen gravely ill. His dying wish was simply to see his grandson settled down with someone.

The marriage wasn't even supposed to be Claire's. She'd been mistakenly raised by the Thompson family. At eighteen, she was told that the real daughter, Serena Thompson, had returned. Claire had just been the counterfeit all along.

Everything Claire had-the love from her supposed parents and the protective elder brothers, even her engagement to Nelson that had been planned since childhood-was meant to be Serena's.

But Nelson's grandfather insisted that a marriage should be based on affection. Claire and Nelson had known each other since childhood. Even if her identity was false, they had grown up together. And since the Thompson family still recognized her, the engagement stood.

So Claire married Nelson legally.

But then Serena was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She couldn't bear hearing Claire's name, let alone seeing her in person. When she found out about the wedding, her mental health took a nosedive-and she tried to end her life. Only having Nelson with her seemed to keep her stable.

To avoid making Serena worse, Nelson sent Claire overseas just one day after the wedding and completely cut her off, only now letting her return.

Nelson handed her a document. "The divorce papers are ready. My lawyer's drawn them up. Just go through them. If you're okay with everything, sign."

Claire took the papers quietly. "Can I take some time to process this?"

Nelson looked at her. Her bangs covered her eyes, and the years alone in a foreign country seemed to have made her even more introverted.

"If you're not happy with the property division, let me know. This house will be yours. I'll give you a week," he said before heading for the door.

As his hand touched the doorknob, he glanced back. Claire was still holding the agreement, her thin shoulders trembling slightly, frozen in place.

His expression darkened as he shut the door behind him.

Silence filled the room.

Then-an unexpected cheer burst out.

"What a jerk! Finally, it's over!"

Looking down at the papers, Claire couldn't help the grin spreading across her face. Her shoulders shook for a different reason now-laughter.

In those three years abroad, not a single call or message from the Thompson family. Not even one word from the man who was supposed to be her husband.

Even when she was being followed, nearly killed, she couldn't get Nelson to pick up.

Her love story? That ended a long time ago-somewhere in the dead of winter.

She signed the papers joyfully, then rolled across the bed like she'd just won the lottery. Her bangs loosened, brushing across her face, which showed absolutely no trace of sadness.

Just as she was about to finish packing her luggage, the phone rang.

Claire picked it up, her tone sweet and polite. "Hello, Adrian."

The voice on the other end didn't waste time. "Sis, the group that tried to abduct you at the airport? All caught. They're also linked to that stalking case three years ago. Hate to say it-but the trail leads straight to your foster parents.and your so-called husband."