Chapter 4

Saturday morning.

I handed Sophia two papers: "Daybreak project addendums. Need both signatures."

Sophia took my hand, grinning: "Project's not even launched and you're already on the paperwork?"

"Investor requirements. Terms look good."

I smiled. She stared at me, softening: "You're so handsome when you smile. More of that."

She picked up the papers to read, but I stopped her: "I checked 'em. All good."

She ruffled my hair: "Gotta be careful. What if there's a catch?"

My heart raced as she flipped to the next page.

Her phone rang. I heard Vincent's voice through the line.

Sophia walked to the balcony, listening.

She came back, rushed: "Work emergency. Gotta go." She signed without reading.

"Sophia."

I called as she headed for the door.

"Hmm?"

"Remember what you said at our wedding?"

"If I ever cheated, you'd leave me without looking back."

"That's right." I smiled.

Sophia crossed her arms, smirking: "Testing me? I remember every word."

She grabbed the doorknob, hesitated, then hugged me tight: "I don't know why I'm so on edge today. But I meant it—only you, forever. Wait up for me, okay?"

I nodded. She exhaled and left.

Once I heard her car start, I opened the folder. "Divorce Agreement" stared back at me.

Ten years—from high school sweethearts to this. Our story was over.

I packed my bags for the movers, then donated everything Sophia gave me—even the fancy gear for the Daybreak project.

When we first planned Daybreak, Sophia dragged me to office tours and equipment shopping every free minute. She bought everything—startup to expansion.

I told her she was overspending. She just laughed: "So? Our baby deserves the best."

We were both so excited. That project was supposed to be our future.

Everything squared away. I left the divorce papers on the coffee table and walked out.

On the way, that unknown number texted again—with a photo:

[Wonder who Sophia really cares about—you or Vincent?]

The photo showed Sophia and Vincent at some fancy restaurant terrace. She was dabbing his mouth with a napkin, same soft look she gave me earlier.

Guess she didn't notice her heart had already picked sides.

[Sophia and I are divorced. I'm out of the project. Stop texting. Hope you two work well together.]

I hit send and blocked the number.

No one stays a secret forever. I knew it was Vincent from the first text.

On my way to the lawyer's, Dad texted—him and Mom were picking me up.

Stepping into the elevator, I saw them through the glass—Sophia holding Vincent's hand, walking out of that Michelin place next door. She saw me too.

She dropped his hand and ran across the lobby.

"Liam!"