Chapter 1

"Hail Victoria!" "Hail!" "Hail Victoria!!" "Hail!!" "Hail Victoria!!!" "Hail!!!" The thunderous voice of the army echoed through the forest. Judging by their response, one could discern the might of the army. Lieutenant Anderson, the second in command of the Giant Hall Army of Victoria elite soldiers, was in a cheerful mood that day.

The soldiers gathered for the next line of instruction. "Soldiers!" Anderson began. "We are not here today for war; we are here for a celebration!" Anderson shouted with great joy in his voice, which made the soldiers chant in jubilation.

As the cheering subsided, Anderson continued, "We are gathered here for the wedding celebration of Dominic Lorenzo, 'The Surtr' and 'Fire god' of the Giant Hall Army!" Anderson screamed at the top of his voice, the soldiers cheering along. Happiness filled the atmosphere. It was their Captain’s wedding celebration, and they were excited.

“Wedding anniversary,” Sergeant Ramirez whispered in Anderson’s ear before withdrawing from him. “Huhhhh, wedding, anniversary… is there really a difference?” Anderson asked, squeezing his brows at Ramirez.

“Eat, drink, and party, knights; the party has just begun,” Anderson echoed with so much charisma. “Don’t forget, we need him back. We can’t underestimate Mezeth,” Ramirez reminded Anderson. “Ohhh goodness, Ramirez, are you made for war? Enjoy the moments, man. Party, drink, eat.”

Dominic needed to be back as soon as possible to protect his people from Mezeth. There were rumors that they were planning an attack on Victoria in the absence of their captain.

KESTER CITY, 9:35 PM

Dominic returned home after a stressful day, eager to wash away his stress under the shower. He opened the door, which made a squeaky sound. Dominic sighed. "This door needs to be greased," he said to himself.

"Dominic! Is that you?" A familiar voice called out. He sighed in frustration; all he wanted now was a cool shower and nothing more. "Yeah, babe, I'm home. How are you?" Dominic asked, faking a smile as he observed his wife engrossed with her phone on the sofa.

"I want some oranges now!" She ordered without sparing him a glance.

"Not now, babe. I'm so tired; I want to shower." Diana shot him a deadly glance that made him reconsider his decision. 

"How do you want it? Babe, you can't be serious now. You know I can do anything for you," Dominic said, smiling at his wife. She had a way of emotionally blackmailing him. "Oh, dumbass, it's just a way to prove how well-cultured you are," she sneered with disdain.

"Culture? So, you were testing me. You’re unbelievable," Dominic sighed and made his way to the kitchen. He wasn’t in the mood for her games.

Diana chuckled as she watched Dominic obey her. She continued on her phone, replying to Frank’s message. "My plaything. He's indeed a good dog and will always do as I say, so you don't need to worry. I'll make him sign the divorce." She waited impatiently for Frank’s reply.

Diana had met Frank Catt, a plump and overweight man, six months back. He had managed to capture Diana’s heart with his money. 

She had secretly been having affairs with him, as he provided for her needs and spoiled her with whatever she wanted. Diana soon became tired of Dominic. 

He even proposed to her and promised to marry her if she managed to divorce her husband. Diana loves Frank for his money and is willing to divorce her wretched husband for him.

"Here you go, babe. I could feed you if you want," Dominic said, trying to be romantic. He couldn't wait for tomorrow to see the shock on his wife's face when he reveals his real identity, and she realizes that she's the first lady to a Surtr and first in command in Victoria's territory.

Dominic moved close to his wife, shoving the strands of hair that slightly covered part of her face. In disgust, she shoved him off, making the tray of oranges slip from Dominic’s hand and spill on the floor. 

Dominic sighed in frustration. He stood up and made his way to the shower. He wasn't ready for her tantrums.

Dominic wondered if his subordinates had made all the preparations. He couldn't wait to give his wife a better life. He worked four extra jobs to make sure he made his wife comfortable. 

Dominic soon finished his shower. He approached his wife; she must have forgotten tomorrow is their anniversary, or was she also planning a surprise for him?

"Okay, I’ll be there tomorrow. Please prepare the divorce papers," Dominic heard Diana discussing with the other person on the phone. "Divorce?" Dominic raised his brows in surprise. "Yes, darling, I have an anniversary surprise for you," Diana said with a smirk on her face.

"Oh wow, that would be fun. I can't wait for your surprise. Talk to me, babe," Dominic said joyfully as he took a seat close to her. "I filed for a divorce," Diana said straight to the point without flinching or an iota of remorse.

Dominic's eyes instantly turned red; he didn't understand why his wife was filing for a divorce. “We have been through a lot together, babe, so why a divorce now?” He couldn't believe his ears; Diana, again, made him feel like a failure.

“I can't bear the shame anymore, Dominic. Washing dishes in that pathetic restaurant downstairs, really? And you touched me with those filthy hands! Disgusting.” She said, spitting at his face.

“Diana, it's a job! I'm working hard to provide for us. I work five part-time jobs daily, aside from my main work with the company,” Dominic said, wiping his face with sadness as if all his efforts had been in vain all this while. He worked many hours a week to meet up with her extravagant lifestyle.

Diana laughed, “Your idea of providing is lining up for the latest iPhone and juggling five part-time jobs a week? It's embarrassing. And don't even get me started on not having my own car!”

“Diana, we ought to be a team. I thought we were happy,” Dominic said, with the last strain of hope laced in his voice. 

“Happy? With a pauper like you? I deserve better. I'm no worse than anyone else, so why did I marry you?”

Dominic just stood there as he watched his wife; she was breaking his heart. Tomorrow was their wedding anniversary and also his birthday. He had prepared his gift. He wished she could wait a few more hours to see it.

“I deserve the best. I don't want to be tied to someone who can't give me the life I deserve,” Diana said, standing up to leave.

“Diana, please. Let's talk about this. We can work it out.”

“No, Dominic. I've made my decision. Tomorrow morning, we're signing the divorce papers. I will forward you the location of the law firm. Goodbye.”

Dominic stood devastated; all his efforts indeed went in vain. She left him. She called him a failure. Her words taunted him badly. He loves her and could do anything for her. But she broke his heart. Dominic’s phone beeped, jolting him out of his misery.

He glanced at the video message sent to him and forced a smile. He looked at his watch, and it was already 12 am. “Happy birthday, Commander,” he heard a familiar voice of Eleanor behind him.

“We've got Diana so many gifts and surprises,” Eleanor said as she stood gallantly in her silver tuxedo. Dominic faked a smile as he admired his female guard. He had missed them and her especially.

“Where is she? I can’t wait to see her,” Eleanor voiced out, looking around in expectation.

"Cancel all preparations and prepare for my homecoming," Dominic ordered, feeling a surge of power inside him.

"What!" Eleanor exclaimed in shock, looking stunned.

"She said I have no money. That's the reason. It's over.”