Chapter 1: A Decade Undone

After leaving the police station, with the tension of Victoria’s bail hanging between us, I asked for a divorce.

"Julian, this childish act of yours has gone far enough," Victoria said, her eyes glued to the road.

I watched her—unshaken, always in control—and let out a dry laugh. "My mind is made up." I turned my head, my gaze firm.

"Victoria," I said, "let's just set each other free."

The Bentley pulled over to the curb. The air inside the car turned icy.

"A reason." Victoria gripped the steering wheel, her voice cold. "Give me one damn reason. What kind of tantrum are you throwing now?"

Looking at Victoria, it all just felt pointless. I rolled down the window, nodded toward the Jaguar that had been tailing us since the station, and said, "I bet you within ten seconds, someone is going to show up looking for you."

I started counting down like I knew the script by heart. "Ten. Nine. Eight."

Before I even reached seven, a figure emerged from the Jaguar behind us. It was a guy with red-rimmed eyes, stumbling toward my window.

"Julian, I swear I didn't mean for any of this to happen! Victoria needed that dress for the gala, so I offered to pick it up. I had no idea you were home sleeping. I never thought you would mistake me for a burglar and call the cops!"

Silas Vance grabbed my hand, pulling it toward his face.

"This is all my fault. Please, don't fight with Victoria because of me. I'm begging you. If you're really upset," he pleaded, "hit me. Just take it out on me."

My hand was trapped in his grip, hovering way too close to his cheek. Victoria’s voice cut through the air. "Julian! Where are your manners? Did you leave them back at the precinct?"

I found it bitterly amusing. See? I didn't have to do a thing. Just existing was enough to make everything my fault.

I yanked my hand back and turned to face Victoria. "Do you get it now?" My voice was hollow, all the fight drained out of me.

"Victoria," I said, unclicking my seatbelt, "that is the reason."

I pushed the door open, meeting the shocked, and then smug, gaze of Victoria's executive assistant.

I shot him a cold grin. "Congratulations. After all these years of worming your way into every corner of our lives, you are finally about to get what you want."

I stepped out of the car, adding, "I don't want Victoria anymore."

I started walking away. Victoria scrambled out after me and grabbed my wrist.

"Julian! What the hell is wrong with you? Do you have any idea what your little stunt cost me today? I lost a billion-dollar deal! Because you said you were scared, I drove like a maniac to the police station, only to find out you had my assistant arrested!"

"I've had it up to here!" she hissed. "You are always targeting Silas, and he still defends you! He tells me not to be mad and begs us to make up! Don't push your luck!"

Her grip dug into the old scars on my wrist, sending a sharp pain shooting up my arm. I flinched.

"Let go!" I ripped my arm back, rubbing the red marks.

Then, before I could even think, I slapped Victoria across the face.

"Victoria!" I shouted, my voice breaking. "I am done with you too!"

Victoria and I had been together for ten years. We had argued, fought, and given each other the silent treatment, but I had never shamed her like this. Never in public, and definitely not in front of an outsider. But I was done playing nice.

I stared right into her eyes.

"Let me make it crystal clear. When I was hospitalized with a high fever, you were off with your assistant rescuing stray cats and dogs. When my car got rear-ended, you were stargazing with your assistant. Every single time I needed you, you picked him! And today!" My voice rose. "You gave him our home security code! He walked into our bedroom while I was drugged up on sleeping pills! And after I called the cops, you didn't ask if I was okay. No, you made me sign a settlement agreement!"

"Victoria!" I yelled, the dam finally breaking. "We are done!"