Chapter 1

The day Vivienne returned to the country, I created a deduction system for Holden Prescott in my phone's notes app.

Every time he ignored me, every time he hurt me, I deducted ten points.

When all 100 points were gone, I would leave him for good.

On my birthday, he claimed he had to work late, but instead had sex with Vivienne in his studio.

I stood outside the door, listening to the intimate moans and gasps inside, and calmly deducted the final ten points.

Zero points.

I turned and walked away without looking back.

Not until he finally realized what he'd lost did he kneel outside my office building, crying and begging me to get back together.

And there I stood, arm in arm with my new lover, saying coolly,

"Holden Prescott, your love means nothing."

Lucia's POV

In the fourth year of our marriage, I created a deduction system.

In my phone's notes app, I recorded every instance of Holden Prescott's neglect and every wound he inflicted.

Each injury cost him 10 points. When all one hundred points were gone, I would leave him completely.

The first time, he called out Vivienne's name in his sleep. Deducted 10 points.

The second time, he asked me to grow my hair long because Vivienne liked long hair. Deducted 10 points.

The third time, on my birthday, he gave me the leftover mango cake Vivienne had been eating, forgetting I was allergic to mango. Deducted 10 points.

The fourth time, he refused to design clothes for me, saying Vivienne was his only muse. Deducted 10 points.

When I returned from my business trip to Milan, I took a cab home from the airport, dragging my suitcase behind me.

The moment I walked through the door, I saw Vivienne sitting on Holden's lap.

She was wearing a semi-transparent sample garment. Under the lights, her sexy lingerie was clearly visible underneath.

When he saw me, Holden froze for a moment, but there was no joy in his eyes.

He frowned and offered an explanation.

"Lucia, don't misunderstand. We're working."

When I didn't react, he added,

"Vivienne is trying on the new design. You know, only she can properly showcase the advantages of my designs."

I nodded in agreement, then asked in confusion,

"So trying on clothes requires sitting on your lap?"

His displeasure was immediate. His face darkened as he accused me,

"Why is your mind so dirty? We're measuring dimensions up close. My clothes only work when they're custom-tailored. They're not like those ordinary things you buy at the mall."

Vivienne also chimed in carefully with an apology.

"That's right, Lucia. Please don't misunderstand. I'll leave right now if it bothers you. Just please don't fight with Holden."

Holden. How intimate that nickname sounded.

I smiled faintly.

"I guess I did misunderstand. After all, you fashion people are in your own world. As an outsider, I really don't understand art."

"I was being vulgar, assuming people in your circle just mess around with each other. I didn't realize you were so pure. My apologies."

They caught my sarcasm, but since I'd apologized, Holden had nothing to say.

But he wasn't planning to let me off that easily. His gaze fell on my suitcase, and he sneered.

"You say you're not upset? Then why are you dragging your suitcase around?"

"Running away from home again? Lucia, that trick only works once. Are you addicted to running away?"

Vivienne cooed as she tried to mediate between us, saying understanding things.

"Lucia, please don't run away. Holden and I really were just taking measurements. Don't leave. I should be the one to go..."

Vivienne made to leave, but Holden instinctively tightened his arm around her slender waist, his face dark as he turned to me.

"Lucia, have you made enough of a scene? Your work is work, but mine isn't?"

"I used to tolerate your tantrums, but I've explained everything. What answer are you looking for? Hm?"

In the past when we fought, I did like to drag my suitcase around by the door, waiting for him to ask me to stay.

But this time.

I looked at him, my tone flat.

"Holden, I just got back from a business trip. I've been away from home for half a month."

"You never even noticed I wasn't here?"

As soon as the words left my mouth, the expression on Holden's face froze.

I hadn't been home, and he'd never even realized.

Probably because for the past two weeks, he'd been busy designing clothes with Vivienne at home.

I ignored his shock and dragged my suitcase further inside.

Passing by the master bedroom, the door was half open.

The bed was piled with lace lingerie and stockings.

Those were Vivienne's things.

I didn't stop walking and turned toward the guest room instead.

"It's inconvenient for Miss Vivienne to commute back and forth. She can stay for the next few days. I'll give you two the master bedroom so you can focus on your creative work."

I pushed open the guest room door without looking back.

"I still have to go back to the office tonight to work overtime, so I won't be coming home. Make yourselves comfortable."

As I was closing the door, Holden rushed over and grabbed me.

He looked at me with a hint of panic.

"Lucia, you've always wanted me to design an outfit for you, right? When this fashion show is over, I'll design one for you."

"Your birthday is next week anyway. I'll give it to you as a birthday present."

He was certain I would be happy.

After all, to get him to design something for me, I had once humbled myself to the dust.

I gently pried his fingers off.

"Sounds good."

I said,

"Go back now. Vivienne is still waiting."

His gaze lingered on my face for a moment, confirming I wasn't angry.

He let out a breath of relief and left.

After the door closed, I took off my clothes and showered.

Coming out of the bathroom, I took out my phone and began recording carefully.

"Eighth time: He was busy designing clothes for Vivienne and didn't notice I'd gone on a business trip. Deducted 10 points."

I stared at the mere 20 points remaining in my notes.

When these were gone, I could leave him.