Chapter 1

After a long day at work, Alexander Fitzgerald decided to surprise his wife, Isabella Sinclair. Today was their wedding anniversary, and he couldn't wait to see the smile on her face when he presented her with a bouquet of fresh flowers.

With a bouquet of beautiful roses in his hand, he walked through the front door of the Sinclair luxurious mansion with his heart brimming with excitement. But as he stepped inside, he immediately sensed that something was off. 

His mother-in-law, Eleanor Sinclair, was seated on the elegant sofa, her expression stern and disapproving as usual. Beside her stood Sebastian Sinclair, Alexander's brother-in-law, who gave him a condescending look.

Sebastian's voice dripped with arrogance as he called out, "Alexander! Over here, now!"

Alexander was used to being treated like a servant by his in-laws. He sighed as he made his way over. "Yes, Sebastian? What's going on?"

Sebastian sneered, "Do you even know what day it is, Alexander?"

Alexander held up the bouquet of flowers with a hopeful smile. "Of course, it's our wedding anniversary. I got these for Isabella."

Eleanor's disapproving gaze shifted to the flowers and burst into a slight chuckle. "Wedding anniversary? Alexander, we have more important matters to discuss. Sit down! No, in fact remain standing."

Alexander remained standing with his head bowed because Eleanor had always warned him not to look her in the eye. 

"What's going on, Ma’am Eleanor?"

Sebastian leaned in closer with a mocking tone. "You see, Alexander, it's high time you realized your place in this family. You're not an equal. You're here to serve us."

Alexander felt his patience wearing thin, but he still replied calmly, "I've always known my role in this family, Sebastian."

Eleanor raised an eyebrow. "Oh, have you now? It's time you start acting like it."

Alexander's heart sank as he realized that his romantic surprise for Isabella would have to wait. 

The strange atmosphere at home, along with his in-laws' condescension, had cast a shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion.

Alexander was taken aback when his mother-in-law, Eleanor, spoke to him about signing an agreement. He was curious and wondered what the agreement was all about.

She handed it over to him, and as he glanced at it, his heart skipped a beat. It was a divorce agreement!

His eyes widened in shock, and he stammered, "W-why are you giving me divorce papers, Eleanor?"

“It’s Ma’am Eleanor to you, you fool!” Sebastian retorted.

Eleanor's lips curled into a cold smile as she leaned in, enjoying his distress. "Alexander, it's quite simple. You're not suitable for our Isabella. We want her to be with someone more, well... accomplished."

Alex felt confused and humiliated and he couldn't believe what he was hearing. 

He swallowed  his pride and asked, "But why? Isabella and I can work things out. I love her, and I thought she cared for me too."

Eleanor's laughter was biting. "Love, Alexander? Don't be naive. Isabella is the CEO of a thriving company, and she's one of the most sought-after beauties in the city. Successful men are pursuing her left and right. What can you offer her with your meager job?"

Alexander felt the weight of his modest career crushing down on him. He had always tried his best to provide for Isabella, but it seemed like his efforts were nothing in the eyes of his in-laws.

He tried to maintain his composure. "Eleanor, I may not be as wealthy as those successful men, but I've always been there for Isabella. We can find a way to make our marriage work."

Eleanor's tone grew even more condescending. "Oh, Alexander, you're deluding yourself. Isabella deserves more than what you can offer. We won't allow her to be tied down to someone like you."

Alexander's cheeks flushed with anger, but he knew that getting into an argument with his mother-in-law would only make matters worse. He had to find a way to prove his worth and save his marriage.

Alexander found himself in a bitter confrontation with his mother-in-law, Eleanor, and it seemed like there was no way to speak up. 

The humiliation of being asked to sign divorce papers was overwhelming, but he couldn't bring himself to say anything.

In his heart, he knew he had worked hard, but the reality was that he earned significantly less than his wife. He felt the weight of his inadequacy pressing on him, yet he refused to give in.

Eleanor's strong and arrogant stance was strengthened by the presence of his brother-in-law, Sebastian. 

When words failed to make Alexander submit, Sebastian took a drastic step. He gave Alexander a sudden punch on his face and attempted to force him to sign the papers.

The punch echoed through the room, but what followed was a moment of silence. 

Alexander's eyes met Sebastian's in a chilling gaze. It was a look that sent shivers down Sebastian's spine, as if he had unleashed a beast within Alexander.

But despite the intimidation, Sebastian was determined. He continued his assault, scoffing, "You can't give the orders here, Alexander. Sign the papers, or we'll make sure you regret it."

Alexander's jaw clenched as he struggled to maintain his composure. He knew that he had to find a way to prove his worth and assert his place in his own marriage. 

His love for Isabella was unwavering, and he refused to let her go without a fight.

As the standoff continued, tension filled the room, with neither side willing to back down. 

“I’m not signing those papers till Isabella agrees,” He said boldly.

Eleanor bursted into laughter followed by Sebastian. “Should we tell him mum?” Sebastian asked, still laughing.

“Tell me what? And what's funny?” Alexander asked with his eyes roaming from mother to son searching for answers.

“You fool, Isabella has already agreed to the divorce, so sign the goddamn papers and leave this house immediately,” Eleanor demanded as she stood up from the elegant sofa.

Doubt gnawed at him, and he decided to take matters into his own hands. He announced, "I won't sign anything until I hear it from Isabella herself."

Sebastian sneered, "Go ahead, call her if you must. She'll confirm what we're saying."

Alexander took out his phone and tried to call Isabella. His heart raced as the calls went unanswered. It seemed she was either  occupied or avoiding his calls.

Frustration and determination welled up within him. He wasn't about to give up on his marriage that easily. 

Alexander made up his mind and told his in-laws, "I'm going to her company to talk to her in person."

“Fool, don't distract my dear daughter that is working unlike you lazy bum,” Eleanor said as she watched Alexander step out of the house.

As he stepped out and climbed his bike, his mother-in-law and brother-in-law watched him with resentment and determination in their eyes. 

Eleanor shouted out loud so Alexander could hear her, "We'll do everything it takes to make you sign those papers you pauper."

Alexander sped off towards Isabella's company, his thoughts filled with a mixture of hope and anxiety. 

“Let’s see if Isabella really agreed to this divorce,” he said as he sped off the streets of their estate.