Chapter 1
“Noelia, you’re really going through with this divorce? You’re not playing games with me?”
“I’m serious. But I want a hundred million.”
A pause.
“Fine. But I’m giving you one month to get your shit together and disappear from my son’s life. One month, then you’re gone.”
Noelia smiled bitterly.
She slipped the divorce papers into an elegant box and sealed it shut.
Then she grabbed her phone and sent a text.
Professor, I’ll be back in LA next month for the design competition.
For real this time? Don’t mess with me, girl. I’m still pissed you threw away your talent for some guy.
…
Leister walked through the door at ten PM.
Still in his shoes, he rushed over and pulled her into his arms. “Babe, I’m so sorry. Traffic was insane—please don’t be mad, okay?”
His eyes were soft, pleading.
But that faint perfume clinging to his shirt made her stomach turn.
Yeah right, traffic.
More like he’d just crawled out of his side piece’s bed.
She swallowed the tears burning behind her eyes and handed him the gift box from the coffee table.
Forced a smile.
“Got you something.”
“Really?”
Leister’s face lit up as he reached to open it.
She caught his wrist. “Wait. Open it on our anniversary next month. It’ll mean more.”
He paused, then grinned. “Whatever you want, gorgeous. You know I can’t say no to you.”
He whipped out his phone and snapped a pic of the box, posting it to Instagram with some cheesy caption.
He looked so damn happy.
Noelia’s vision blurred as memories crashed over her…
High school Leister chasing her relentlessly through college—flowers, love letters, grand gestures.
He’d even told his family to go to hell when they tried to stop the wedding.
His mother had laughed in her face: “Honey, men don’t stay faithful. He’ll cheat, you’ll divorce, and I’ll pay you to disappear.”
Back then, Noelia had been so sure: “Leister’s different.”
Now he’d proved his mother right.
Proved that money was all that mattered in the end.
God, she hoped he’d enjoy his little surprise.
…
Leister carefully stashed the box and headed to the kitchen.
Soon the dining table was covered with all her favorites—pasta carbonara, garlic bread, that fancy wine she liked.
Watching him move around the kitchen, she felt her chest tighten.
Once upon a time, Leister Devereux had been the ultimate rich boy who’d never touched a stove.
He’d learned to cook just for her, spent months getting it right.
Three years of marriage, and he’d spoiled her rotten—she never had to lift a finger when he was around.
“You’re getting too skinny.” He slid food onto her plate, frowning with concern. “Have you been pulling all-nighters again? I swear, every pound you lose, I’m keeping you home an extra day.”
All that worry in his voice.
He treated her like precious cargo.
But her heart felt like broken glass.
“Lei, do you love me?”
She looked up at him, eyes getting watery.
His fork clattered to the plate as he pulled her close. “Jesus, of course I love you. You’re everything to me, Noelia. When you cry, I lose my mind. Did someone say something? Tell me who it was.”
The panic in his eyes looked so real.
For a second, she almost believed him…
But then she remembered the photos—him kissing that woman, holding hands on some European street.
She’d known about the affair for weeks.
The idiot thought he was being so careful.
But the perfume, the long hairs on his collar, staying late at “work”—please. She wasn’t born yesterday.
His phone buzzed against the table.
Leister glanced at the screen, something dark flickering in his eyes before he flipped it face down.
But she’d seen the name: Anita
“Work stuff?”
Her throat felt raw as she studied his face, looking for cracks.
Nothing.
“Yeah, just some project drama. I should probably go handle it.” He started to get up. “Won’t take long—”
“What’s so important it can’t wait till tomorrow?” She grabbed his sleeve. “Since when does the CEO run around putting out fires at ten PM?”
He sat back down without missing a beat. “You’re right. Screw work. I’m staying right here with my wife.”
So smooth. So convincing.
But every word felt like a knife.
Dinner tasted like cardboard.
Later, she’d barely stepped out of the shower when his arms circled her from behind, his body warm and solid against her back.
His hands found her waist, fingers trailing lower…
“Your period’s over, right, babe?”
She went rigid as his hand slipped toward her thigh. “I’m tired.”
“Come on…” His voice went husky. “It’s been over a week—”
“I said I’m tired.”
He pulled back, frustrated but trying to hide it. “Okay, okay. You need rest.” He kissed her forehead. “I’ll be in the study for a bit. Don’t wait up.”
She crawled into bed without a word.
An hour later, she heard the front door open and close.
Some sixth sense made her get up and check the study—empty, as expected.
She padded to the living room windows and her world tilted.
In the garden, two figures pressed against each other in the shadows.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Leister’s voice carried on the night air, harsh and angry. “I told you—Noelia can never find out!”
Anita Duke clung to him, tears streaming. “I just… I hate seeing you so frustrated. She won’t take care of you, but I will.” Her voice turned seductive. “I’m wearing that set you bought me. Want to see?”
She pulled her top open.
Leister’s breathing got heavier. After being shot down earlier, he was clearly worked up.
“You’re trouble,” he growled, but his hands were already on her.
He kissed her neck, whispered something that made her giggle, then lifted her toward his car.
Within seconds, the BMW was rocking back and forth.
Noelia pressed her fist to her mouth, tears streaming as her heart shattered.
She’d never believed in love—her screwed-up family had taught her that. But Leister had worn her down with his devotion, his patience.
He’d been so careful with her, never pushing for sex. Even their wedding night, he’d been trembling as he undressed her, tears in his eyes.
“I swear on my life, Noelia—I’ll never hurt you. Never.”
She’d melted. “As long as you don’t betray me, I’ll never leave you.”
What a joke.
He’d betrayed her after all.
And now she’d keep her promise—she was leaving forever.
Back in the bedroom, she pulled out a suitcase and started packing.
Then she walked to the calendar and drew a big red X through today’s date.
Twenty-nine days left, you bastard.
…
She lay awake all night, finally drifting off around dawn.
Hours later, Leister’s panicked voice jolted her awake.
“Noelia, what the hell is this?”
She opened her eyes to see him holding something, his face white as a sheet.
Her heart stopped.
