Chapter 1

The phone screen lit up as Vivian Laurent was setting up a candlelit dinner.

She wore an apron, holding freshly cut red roses with a sweet smile on her lips.

"Let's divorce."

Three simple words pierced her heart like a sharp blade.

Entertainment news suddenly blared from the television.

[Roscente Group CEO Ethan Roscente spends millions renting private island for actress Sophia Evans! Intimate getaway photos surface - wedding imminent!]

Vivian's fingers trembled slightly.

So this was why.

Three years of marriage reduced to a cold text message.

With shaking hands, she dialed the familiar number.

"What is it?" An impatient voice answered.

"Ethan," her voice cracked. "Don't you owe me an explanation?"

"About what?"

"You and Sophia—"

"Vivian," he interrupted. "Don't play the victim. You know exactly how this marriage started. The three-year agreement is up. It's time to end this."

Papers shuffled in the background.

"My driver's waiting outside. Go sign the papers. Keep the house. Name your price. I'm busy—don't call again."

The line went dead.

Vivian stood frozen, then suddenly laughed.

How ironic.

Three years ago when Ethan was paralyzed in that accident, doctors said he'd never walk again. She'd stayed by his hospital bed for six months, using ancestral acupuncture techniques to heal him.

Back then, his precious Sophia was too busy filming abroad to even call.

And now...

Vivian walked to the mirror, studying her delicate features.

Three years ago, poison had disfigured her face and ballooned her weight to 220 pounds. Now toxin-free, her true beauty had returned.

She'd actually thought—

The doorbell rang.

"Madam," the driver stood respectfully outside. "Mr. Roscente sent me."

At the civil affairs office, clutching her fresh divorce certificate, Vivian called her best friend.

"Isabella, let's get drinks."

"What? I thought you were waiting for Ethan tonight—"

"I'm divorced."

......

Roscente Group CEO Office.

"It's done?" Ethan didn't look up from his desk.

"Yes, sir. Ms. Laurent signed everything."

"How much did she ask for?"

"Nothing."

Ethan finally glanced up, frowning. "What did she say?"

"Nothing at all." The driver hesitated. "Sir, perhaps you should—"

"Get out."

When silence returned, Ethan made another call.

"Any leads on Dr. Luna?"

"Nothing. The miracle doctor's whereabouts remain unknown—we don't even know if they're male or female."

"Keep looking." Ethan's voice turned icy. "Sophia's condition won't wait."

Hanging up, he stared out the window.

For some reason, Vivian's always-smiling eyes flashed through his mind.