Chapter 3

Cursing Richard felt incredibly cathartic, and the divorce didn't affect me in the slightest.

Maybe my previous life had completely drained all my love for him. Now that we were separated, it felt like excising a rotting piece of flesh. Utterly liberating.

The day after the divorce was finalized, I found a high-end salon, got a perm, and dyed my hair with highlights I'd always wanted. Then I went on a shopping spree, buying dozens of outfits and completely overhauling my wardrobe.

Seeing my new, younger reflection, tears finally fell. "Sera," I whispered. "you're actually beautiful. You've worked so hard all these years."

A sum with nine zeros sat quietly in my bank account. I could live off the interest in blissful idleness. There was no more need to rush.

I lounged on the sofa, then wiped out Richard, his parents, his relatives, and most of his friends from my contacts.

My contact list felt so much cleaner. As I scrolled, I saw Mia's name, a friend who owned a bar. After a moment's thought, I called her.

I'd been so wrapped up in family life before, rarely keeping in touch. So, when I suddenly called, she sounded surprised. "Hey, Mrs. Hayes, what's up? Long time no talk!"

I smiled faintly. "I'm divorced. Don't call me Mrs. Hayes. From now on, you can call me Sera, the rich lady."

"Holy shit!" Mia shrieked. "Seriously? Where are you? I'm coming to get you right now!" Her eagerness for gossip was obvious.

Half an hour later, Mia had heard the whole story. She looked at me, clearly wanting to say something but hesitating. I quickly stopped her. "Hey, don't pity me, girl. I'm loaded now."

Mia just stared. "You've got a point." She wiped her face. "So, what's next, boss?"

I pondered for a moment. "Well, ever since Richard hooked up with Jasmine, it's been two years since I've, you know, been intimate with anyone."

"You know a lot of people. Any clean-cut, fit, handsome guys you could hook me up with? Maybe two?"