Chapter 1

Imagine borrowing money from your best friend and selling your car to buy a diamond ring for your wife on your wedding anniversary.

John Beckham, once the big shot in Connecticut, now grappling with bankruptcy. In a twist of fate, his wife took the lead as a company president, turning their world upside down. Despite the financial storm, John, a thirty eight year old hottie, left a jewelry store with a nine-million-dollar diamond ring – a pricey symbol of love and a shot at keeping their upcoming anniversary special.

Dressed in a sharp suit, John stopped a cab headed to BV Hotels and Suites. Alongside the struggle, Stephanie, his wife, stood by him. All he wanted to do was prove his love for her and appreciate her so he needed to book a room for their fifth anniversary.

Clutching the ring, memories of their lavish wedding flooded back. This wasn't just about wealth; it was about preserving their connection in the face of life's twists and turns.

“Good day. I’d like to make a suite reservation,” John said to the receptionist, who wore a striking black and white attire.

"Welcome to BV Hotels and Suites. Please let me know the day you want the reservation for and which suite you prefer," the receptionist greeted with a warm smile.

“It’s our wedding anniversary, and I’d like to book the romantic suite for myself and my sweet wife,” John replied, a smile playing on his face.

Despite John’s former status as Connecticut’s wealthiest, he always embraced humility. His demeanor remained gentle and kind, treating people with respect.

John and Stephanie had chosen Valentine’s Day for their wedding five years back, a day dedicated to love and crafting cherished memories.

“That’s wonderful. Just give me a moment to check for availability,” the receptionist said, still smiling. “Okay, sir, we have one romantic suite available,” she confirmed.

John’s heart sank a bit. He hadn’t booked in advance, worried he might not secure a room for Valentine’s Day, but luck seemed to be on his side.

“So, how much will it cost?” John asked, a touch of nervousness in his voice. Financial struggles loomed, and he hoped the price wouldn’t strain his wallet.

“It’s only twenty thousand dollars,” the receptionist replied, causing John’s eyes to widen in surprise.

Checking his account balance, he saw he had just twenty and five thousand dollars. Though broke, he was determined to act as the man of the house and loving husband he was, willing to do anything for his beloved wife. John swiftly paid for the suite, leaving him with just five hundred dollars.

“May I have your name and your wife’s name for the reservation, sir?” the receptionist asked.

“I’m John Beckham, and my wife is Stephanie John Beckham,” John smiled, despite the irony that the amount he used to give to beggars had now become his net worth.

“Sir, there seems to be a mix-up. There’s already a reservation made for today and tomorrow under the name Stephanie John Beckham,” the receptionist informed, causing John’s eyebrows to furrow instantly.

“What do you mean?” Tension crept into John’s voice. Could it be that his wife had already planned a surprise? She was indeed thoughtful, and a smile broke through the tension on his face.

“There’s a reservation under the names Stephanie John Beckham and Jeffry Douglas,” the receptionist showed John.

John’s heart sank as he saw the name of his best friend and business partner, Jeffery Douglas. Confusion swirled in John’s mind—why was Stephanie booked with Jeffery?

As John tried to process what the receptionist had revealed, his eyes caught sight of his wife and Jeffrey stepping out of the elevator, they were kissing and hugging each other. John couldn’t believe his eyes. It felt like a surreal dream. His wife, who had supposedly gone for a business meeting in Chile, was here, kissing his best friend.

“Steph, what’s happening? Weren’t you supposed to be in Chile for a meeting? What are you doing here with Jeff? Jeff, why are you here with my wife?” John bombarded them with questions.

Stephanie looked elegant, her skin smooth and beautiful like milk, her eyes bright like a diamond and she had dimples that added more beauty. She exuded grace and prestige, the esteemed president of PKD Accessories.

“Lower your voice and don’t you dare shout at me, you poor excuse for a man,” Stephanie snapped at John, her words striking him.

John’s jaw dropped. “Me, a poor excuse? Your husband, John?” His voice wavered. He couldn’t believe Stephanie, the most loving and respectful woman he knew, had insulted him and that to the face in a public space.

“Yes, that’s exactly what you are. And even if I said I was in Chile, what would change? Don’t you realize I can take a flight afterward and be here? Oh, I forgot, you wouldn’t know what it’s like to use a plane on business class, old-timer,” Stephanie jeered, laughing with Jeff as she wrapped herself in his arms.

John felt a surge of shame watching his wife shamelessly embrace another man, not just anyone, but his best friend—the same person who had stood by him as his best man on their wedding day five years ago.

“I can’t understand what’s happening here. What’s gotten into you, babe?” John’s heart raced, confusion and hurt evident in his voice.

“It seems you didn’t just lose your wealth but also your reasoning and intelligence. Well, let me break it down for you like you’re a toddler. Jeff and I are in love. We’ve always loved each other,” Stephanie declared, fondling Jeff confidently, his grip possessive on someone else’s wife—his best friend’s wife, no less—and shamelessly flaunting it.

“You must be joking, right? Come on, babe, you’re just joking,” John attempted to reach for his wife, but Jeff immediately blocked him, grabbing his hand.

“Don’t touch my woman,” Jeff warned with a scowl.

John couldn’t fathom that his legally wedded wife was now claimed by Jeffrey. How was this even possible? How could they both act with such shamelessness? Was he having a bad dream?

“How dare you call my wife your woman, Jeff? Huh?” John’s voice thundered, his patience wearing thin. If there was one person John didn’t expect to have a confrontation with, it was his own wife.

“He’s not wrong. I’m just your wife on paper. Jeffrey is the one I love. Come on, John, don’t be an obstacle to my happiness. We’re not on the same level anymore. Having your name beside mine is a stain on my reputation and hard-earned integrity. Don’t be heartless. I’m the president of PKD Accessories, the wealthiest woman in Connecticut and beyond. Know your place and act accordingly!” Stephanie spat the words at John, her tone filled with disdain.

John couldn’t believe his ears. This was the same woman he had lifted from nothing, the one he had cared for and supported, who had nothing when they met. He had met Stephanie in church crying to God for money in order to complete her fees and he met her when he came for his divine mercy prayer.

Despite his parents’ objections due to her humble background, John stood by her. He had not only funded the business she was now so proud of but had also paved the way for her success in the industry. And now, she was telling him to “know his place.” It felt like a dream, but one he couldn’t wake up from, even though he desperately wished to.

“Steph… I should know my place?” John whispered in shock, unable to recognize the woman he had been married to for five years. It felt like she was a completely different person.

“Yes, John Beckham. I didn’t want it to happen this way, but I suppose God made things easier for me, just like He did in my business. You and I, John, can’t be together. Our marriage is a joke, holding me back from achieving greater success. Jeffrey is the one for me—rich, intelligent, and at least he knows how to manage his affairs without going bankrupt,” Stephanie lashed out at John.

“On that note, I’m asking for a divorce. But don’t worry, I’ll compensate you out of my benevolence. I’m a good person. With that, perhaps you can start a small business and find someone that is in the same class with you,” Stephanie said with a smile.

“Steph, you want a divorce…” John’s voice trembled as tears welled up in his eyes. He was never one to show emotions, even when his parents died four years ago in a car accident. But now, facing the loss of Stephanie, his world and pillar of support, he couldn’t hold back the tears.

“Yes, John Beckham, I want a divorce,” Stephanie repeated.