Chapter 2

Three years of devoted care should have warmed even a stone.

If she had only used me but was willing to explain herself properly, I would have let the past go. I would have loved and trusted her again.

But I couldn’t understand the sudden appearance of her childhood friend and on-screen partner, Ethan Cole.

When all of this crushed me and I had no idea what to do, I even made an anonymous post asking strangers online for advice.

Most people thought I was making up a story to attract attention.

Some left comments trying to persuade me:

“You married a celebrity and you’re still not satisfied? People in show business are messy. Just put up with it.”

“Celebrities pretend to be couples all the time. You’re her legal husband, so be more open-minded.”

“Don’t leave her! That would mean helping them get what they want!”

“You have to believe she still loves you. You’re the one with the legal title. That pretty boy doesn’t have a name or status.”

I stared at the comments and could only laugh bitterly.

Was I supposed to be grateful?

Maybe.

Was having a legal marriage certificate enough?

Perhaps.

But I didn’t want a marriage with no love left in it—only lies and disappointment.

I looked at the divorce agreement in front of me and finally made up my mind.

Night had fallen over the city. The noise outside had gradually faded, leaving only the occasional sound of a car in the distance.

I stood alone by the window, staring at the neon lights scattered across the dark sky. My emotions were tangled beyond description.

Then the lock turned softly.

A breeze carrying the mixed scent of alcohol and perfume brushed across my face.

Claire was home.

She stumbled through the door, clearly drunk. Her elegant dress shimmered beneath the lights, but it couldn’t hide her slightly disheveled hair or flushed cheeks.

Ethan followed her inside.

He was the handsome, popular entertainer who had been spending nearly every day with Claire lately, acting like they were deeply in love.

He supported her gently, his eyes filled with concern and reluctance to let her go.

“Alex, Claire had too much to drink, so I brought her home.”

Ethan’s voice was warm and polite, as though he were reporting something ordinary to an old friend.

But I could see the calculation and smugness in his eyes.

Claire didn’t seem to notice my strange expression. She walked straight to the couch and collapsed onto it without a care, just as she always did, waiting for me to serve her.

But this time, I didn’t immediately rush to help.

I stayed where I was, coldly watching the subtle, complicated interaction between her and Ethan.

“Alex, why haven’t you made my pasta yet?”