Chapter 1

After marrying billionaire Alex Thorne, he gave his heart to me, but his fortune to his childhood flame, Sera Maxwell.

“You claim to like me? How am I supposed to know you’re not just a gold-digger?”

“For three years, I won’t give you a single penny. I want you to prove yourself!”

I never wanted Alex’s money, so I stubbornly set out to prove him wrong. For three long years, I worked three jobs, doing food deliveries under scorching 104-degree heat. To save every penny, when I gave birth to Leo, I couldn't even afford an epidural.

Until our wedding anniversary, when Leo was bullied by Sera Maxwell’s son, simply because we were poor.

Caleb was shielded by Alex, with his soft skin, fancy clothes, and extravagant lifestyle. Alex, without question, took his side, no matter what.

And Leo? He was bruised and miserable, huddled in my arms like a frightened kitten.

That’s when it hit me.

“Today is the last day. Mr. Thorne, let’s get a divorce.”

Alex stared at me for a moment after I spoke, silent.

Then, a scoff escaped his lips:

“Divorce? You can actually bring yourself to do it?”

“You’ve endured three years of hardship. Tomorrow, you’ll be the undisputed Mrs. Thorne, with a twenty-million-dollar monthly allowance. You’re really going to throw away such a good life.”

“All because of this minor incident, you want a divorce?”

I ignored him, lowering my head to gently blow on Leo’s wounds.

He’d been pushed to the ground, his knees and arms scraped raw and bloody. The large dabs of antiseptic made the wounds look even more gruesome.

Leo didn't cry.

He bit back his tears, as if he’d grown used to such injustice.

It tore at my heart even more.

I looked up and saw the culprit, shielded behind Alex. My anger flared, completely uncontrollable:

“This isn’t a minor incident! You saw the security footage, Alex. Your own child was beaten, yet you’re protecting someone else’s! Alex Thorne, do you have any heart at all?!”

I rarely lost my temper.

My sudden outburst seemed to startle Alex.

The atmosphere grew tense, bordering on hostile.

And right then, Sera Maxwell stepped in to smooth things over.

“Children are so young, what do they know? Caleb already realizes he was wrong. I apologize to your Leo on his behalf, Aria.”

“Aria, please don’t be angry.”

I looked at Caleb, clinging to Sera’s hand, still making defiant faces at us.

He didn't look sorry in the slightest.

My face darkened, and I didn’t accept her apology:

“He made the mistake, he should apologize himself. As his mother, you can’t do it for him.”

Sera was used to her fragile act.

At my slight harshness, her lips instantly drooped, and tears welled up.

She turned to Alex:

“Alex…”

Alex was already annoyed by my outburst, and seeing Sera’s tears made him even angrier.

He snapped at me:

“Enough! Kids play rough, bumps and scrapes happen. Why are you making such a big deal out of a child’s antics?”

“Besides, Sera has already apologized. Don’t be so relentless.”

Before I could retort.

Leo, in my arms, spoke up first.

“Dad, why do you always take Caleb’s side? You saw it! Caleb called Mom names first. I couldn’t stand it, so I went to get the teacher. He aggressively pushed me, and I didn’t even push back.”

“Dad, do you… do you not love me?”

The raw disappointment in my child's innocent eyes stung Alex.

He instinctively moved forward to offer a few comforting words, but Caleb, from behind him, grabbed onto his leg.

“You’re only just figuring that out?!”

“Everyone in our class knows Mr. Thorne doesn’t like you, you little beggar son. Even my mom says it! Your mom’s a beggar, and you’re a little beggar. Beggars like you don’t belong in the same school as me, and you and your mom will be kicked out of the Thorne mansion eventually!”

“Then Mom and I can move in and live a good life…”

Caleb’s words were cut short.

Sera’s hand shot out, smacking him hard on the back of his head.

“Caleb Maxwell, what nonsense are you spewing?! Apologize to Leo right now!”

Caleb opened his mouth to cry and throw a tantrum, but Sera shot him a warning glance.

With tears still streaming, he reluctantly walked over to us, sniffling as he mumbled:

“Leo Thorne, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you or made fun of you and your mom.”

Leo glanced at him, softly responded:

“It’s okay.”

Then he buried his face back in my arms, his voice muffled:

“Mom, I don’t want to go to school here anymore.”

“It’s really expensive, and Dad doesn’t give us money, so you work so hard, Mom. The other kids here don’t like me either.”

Leo’s words broke my heart.

I stroked his head, comforting him in a low voice:

“Alright, then we won’t study here. I’ll arrange your transfer later.”

The bell rang for class.

The incident was over, and the two children were led back to their classrooms by the teacher.

Perhaps Leo’s words had stirred a rare warmth in Alex’s heart today.

As he was leaving, he offered to give me a ride.

“Don’t take the bus. It’s hot; I’ll drive you.”

The man leaned out of his million-dollar luxury car.

According to my previous mindset, I should have refused, should have continued to wait for the bus under the scorching sun.

To prove to Alex that I wasn't a gold-digger.

But I looked down at myself, still wearing my worn-out delivery uniform, and remembered Leo’s faded sneakers. Meanwhile, Sera in the passenger seat was impeccably dressed, and Caleb was covered in designer brands.

The stubborn lump in my throat suddenly dissolved.

Alex, proving anything didn’t matter anymore.

Love did.

I pulled open the car door, something I’d never done before, and got in. Alex raised an eyebrow in surprise, letting out a soft laugh:

“Not playing hard to get anymore? I knew it. With the three years up, and twenty million a month starting tomorrow, how could you bear to leave me?”

“Alright, where am I taking you?”

I looked at Alex, my voice calm:

“To the courthouse. We’re filing for divorce.”