Chapter 1

The first thing my father-in-law did after his company went public was order my wife to divorce me.

"Divorce him! I'll find you someone rich! A struggling professor? He 's not good enough for you! I must have been blind to allow this marriage."

I smiled.

He truly was blind.

Last year, when his empire was crumbling under thirty million in debt, I was the anonymous buyer who quietly purchased every last note..

If I hadn't stepped in when I did, he would have been bankrupt!

On my phone screen, a voice message from my friend Chloe sat unplayed.

I didn't need to. The preview text beneath it told the whole story.

The click of a key turning in the lock echoed from the entryway. My wife, Scarlett, was home.

She kicked off her heels, the motion sharp with fatigue. When her eyes met mine, all she offered was a drained "Mm."

She used to rush in, all warmth and lively stories. Now, only this solid silence remained.

"Have some tea first." I poured a cup and offered it to her.

She glanced at it, her brow furrowing. "Again? I've told you I don't take it sweet."

My hand stalled in the air, the cup suddenly heavy.

This used to be her favorite.

She didn't look at me again, walking straight into the bedroom and slamming the door shut.

That sharp thud left the house in utter silence.

At the dinner table, we sat opposite each other, neither speaking.

She picked at her food for a few bites, then suddenly put down her fork.

"Alex, we need to talk."

I looked up, watching her quietly.

"I don't think we can keep going like this." Her gaze darted away, unwilling to meet mine. "Our lives are drifting further and further apart."

"My dad's company... it's back on track now, even better than before."

"And you're still just a university professor, making peanuts every month."

I put down my fork, saying nothing.

She seemed to finally muster her courage, raising her eyes to meet mine. "Alex, let's take a break. Let's both cool off for a while."

A break?

I looked at her resolute face and suddenly laughed.

"Okay."

That single word choked all the elaborate explanations she'd prepared. She froze, seemingly surprised by my immediate agreement.

I stood up, clearing the dishes as I always did.

"Scarlett," I said, my back to her, my voice flat. "Don't regret it."