Chapter 1

I was the Hayes family's kept husband.

The Hayes family paid for my education and expected me to support Ava Hayes when she eventually took control of the company.

Everyone praised me for being gentle, proper, and considerate.

A rare good husband.

At Ava's birthday party, a young man accidentally spilled wine all over her.

The boy's face turned bright red as he apologized over and over. Ava grabbed his hand.

“How are you planning to make it up to me?”

The boy leaned close and whispered something in her ear.

Ava smiled. “My husband might get jealous.”

Everyone waited for my reaction.

But suddenly, I was tired.

Watching the two of them flirting while pressed so close together, I decided I was ready to give up on this failed marriage.

“C-could I have your number?”

The young man lowered his head. His red ears gave away how nervous he was.

Ava let out a low laugh and handed him a hotel key card.

“Wait for me tonight.”

Then she gently brushed her fingers over his cheek.

“Mr. Carter is really generous. I wonder how many times he’s been cheated on…”

“Ava’s still young. It’s normal for her to want to have fun. One day, she’ll settle down and come back to her family.”

I listened to the guests whispering behind their hands, their voices filled with mockery.

Then I strode forward and shoved over the towering birthday cake.

Like a row of dominoes, the cake, wine, and decorations crashed to the floor.

The scene instantly turned into a mess.

The young man who had spilled wine on Ava looked at me smugly.

I sneered, picked up a piece of cake, and slapped it directly onto his face.

Everyone gasped.

“Mr. Carter has lost his mind!”

This was Ava’s twenty-fourth birthday party. Every wealthy heir from the Upper East Side had attended. Everyone was watching.

“Ethan.”

Ava clearly hadn’t expected me to do that. But she didn’t lose her temper. She merely gave a few calm orders for the staff to clean up.

After the party ended, Ava watched the guests leave. Then she spoke pointedly.

“You made a scene tonight. Be more careful next time.”

After all, I was part of the Hayes family.

Everything I said and did represented the entire family.

The boy from earlier was still standing beside her. Quiet, obedient, and well-behaved.

It truly made me look like the unreasonable one.

When I remained silent, Ava walked over and took my hand.

“Are you really angry? Why are you being so petty?”

“You know I was only playing around with him. He’ll never threaten your position.”

The boy immediately joined the conversation.

“Ethan, if you don’t like me… I’ll leave.”

“It’s just that… I really love Ava. I’m not as lucky as you. You’ve been by her side since you were kids…”

He sounded so sincere that even Ava couldn’t stand listening to him.

She waved her hand. “Ethan, I promise he won’t appear in front of you again.”

What she really meant was that I should stop making a fuss.

I found it ridiculous.

I raised my hand and pointed at the silver ring on my finger.

“Ava, do you remember what you promised me when we got married?”

After three years of marriage, it seemed I was the only one truly trapped in it.

Ava had always been carefree.

One day, she would meet a guy named Jake. The next, she’d be holding hands with someone named Luke. The day after that, she’d be drinking with someone named Ryan.

I never questioned her. I simply played my part.

Sometimes, I even helped her deal with the young men who refused to leave her alone.

But after living like this for so long, I was exhausted.

Ava yanked her hand away and sneered.

“Ethan, you’re nothing but a dog the Hayes family raised to stay by my side! What right do you have to question my choices?”

My words had clearly struck a nerve. Her voice turned sharp.

But every word pierced my heart like a knife.

So this was how she saw me…

I forced down the dull ache in my chest, pulled off my wedding ring, and held it out to her.

“Here. Take your ring back.”