Harsh sunlight pierced through the window curtains, striking Ethan’s eyes.He groaned, pressing his palm against his throbbing forehead. His brain felt like it was being crushed in a vise. A bitter taste hung in his mouth, and every muscle in his body felt weak.When he finally managed to open his eyes, he found himself staring at the ceiling of a hotel suite.He shifted, and the rustle of luxurious sheets brushed against his skin. Underneath the duvet, he was completely naked.Beside him, the bed was a tangled mess—pillows scattered on the floor, sheets twisted and bunched at the foot of the mattress, and the strong smell of sweat and sex hanging in the air.Ethan’s heart sank straight into his gut.He tried to piece together the night before, but his memories were a blur of bar lights, alcohol burning down his throat, and the painful realization that his fifteen-year marriage had been a lie.After that?Blank. Total blackout.“Did I pick up someone at the bar?” His chest twisted in

Ethan looked down at the soft, manicured hands resting over his knuckles. Once, that simple gesture would have melted his heart. Now, it only made him feel cold and suffocated.He slowly pulled his hand away and rested both arms on the table."Impossible," Ethan said, his voice low and firm. "I didn't say anything wrong. The test results are real, which means your betrayal is real too. You've already been unfaithful to me, so there's no reason for this marriage to continue. We need to divor—""Ethan, I'm trying to talk to you nicely. Why are you speaking to me with that attitude?" Chloe cut him off sharply, her eyes flashing. "Do you really have to keep pushing my limits?"Her tone turned harsh again, that familiar, commanding presence returning—the tone of a superstar accustomed to getting unquestioning obedience.Ethan fell silent, but deep down, a wave of bitter disappointment washed over him.He had foolishly hoped that when confronted with the truth, Chloe might finally admit wh

Ethan walked slowly toward the small neighborhood park near his hotel, the afternoon sun filtering through the leaves of the trees lining the path. He sat down on a worn bench and watched children run across the grass, their bright laughter echoing through the warm air. A dull, lingering ache settled in his chest as memories came rushing back—pushing Sophia on the swings when she was five, catching her as she slid down the slide, and wiping ice cream from her chin. He had watched her grow up day by day, holding her hand for fifteen years and pouring all his love and devotion into raising her. And in the end... she wasn't even his. A wave of sorrow washed over Ethan, quickly turning into a cold, burning anger. He waited on the bench for a little over ten minutes before a sleek black sedan pulled up to the curb. The door opened, and a man stepped out. He looked to be in his late thirties, tall and lean, wearing a tailored dark jacket and sharply pressed trousers. His silver-streak

Chloe stood frozen, her knuckles turning white as she clenched her fists. Her chest rose and fell in rapid, shallow breaths as Gavin’s words echoed through the room.‘You did cheat on him once.’"Are you insane, Gavin?" Chloe’s voice rose sharply, though she kept it to a harsh, breathy whisper. "What the hell are you implying?!"Gavin didn't flinch. He raised his hands in a calm, placating gesture and took a cautious step closer."Think back, Chloe," Gavin urged quietly. "Sixteen years ago. Just two months before you and Ethan officially registered your marriage. The gala in the Hollywood Hills—the launch party for The Silk Road project."Chloe’s eyes widened slightly as the memory came back to her.It had been an exclusive, closed-door event packed with some of the biggest names in the industry: executive producers, studio directors, billionaire venture capitalists, and A-list celebrities. Back then, Chloe had been desperately trying to land her first major breakout role."You drank