Chapter 5

That evening, Zane's secretary called. "Mrs. Knowles, why did you agree to the divorce?"

I pressed an ice pack to my wrist and corrected her, "Don't call me Mrs. Knowles anymore. We're divorcing. Given how eager he is, it'll probably be finalized in a couple of days."

"Ms. Johansson, but Mr. Knowles isn't leaving you anything!"

I froze. "What do you mean, nothing?"

"Mr. Knowles consulted a lawyer this afternoon. He's demanding you walk away with nothing."

But I distinctly remembered Zane's proposal vow: if he ever betrayed me, he'd be the one to leave empty-handed.

The secretary continued, "Including everything he ever gifted you—he wants it all back."

He'd been thoughtful during our courtship. Knowing I didn't care for jewelry or handbags, he'd named a star after me.

"Even the star?"

"Which star?" The secretary sounded confused. After some typing, she said, "Mr. Knowles only purchased the naming rights. He hasn't filed to rename it yet."

Or maybe he'd simply forgotten. I caught her implication.

The more I thought about it, the more absurd it seemed. A star bearing my name was as fleeting as our relationship—shattered the moment his memory disappeared.

"It's fine. Those things were always his. Let him have them." I was tired. Soon, none of this would matter anyway.

"Ms. Johansson, even though I'm Mr. Knowles' secretary, the terms are unfair. You did nothing wrong in this marriage. He can't treat you like this." She hesitated. "I have no right to interfere, but...please don't sign."

I knew she meant well. Everyone knew my background—modest, orphaned, living in a shabby apartment before knowing Zane. Yet the heir of Knowles Group was stripping his blameless wife of everything.

"Thank you," I said sincerely. "But honestly...none of it ever really mattered to me."

The next morning, Zane's lawyer arrived at my door.

"Ms. Johansson, these are the divorce papers drafted per Mr. Knowles' instructions."