Chapter 1 Chapter 1

AUBREY CLINTON

“Aubrey Clinton, remember that everything you have now was bought with my money. If you decide to divorce me, you won’t take anything with you!”

His harsh words echoed in my mind again.

The chill in his voice, along with the lack of emotion and indifference in his eyes, cut deep.

As I walked barefoot on the snow-covered street wearing only lingerie, I trembled as the cold seeped into my bones.

People passing by turned their heads toward me as if they were drawn by a magnet.

Men openly stared and whistled, their faces filled with desire as if they wanted to devour me. Others looked away but still stole glances at my body.

I glared at them, annoyance flashing in my eyes as I became fully aware of how exposed I felt under their stares.

Today is the worst day of my life, I swear— I thought bitterly.

FLASHBACK (THIRTY MINUTES AGO)

Today marked our wedding anniversary, and I returned home feeling excited to celebrate it with my husband.

Mrs. Black, your husband has planned a wonderful surprise for you this evening— Our head maid had said this to me in the morning, and hope surged within me as soon as I heard those words.

It had been a while since Daniel had shown any affection toward me.

We had been married for three years, but he hadn’t touched me for the past six months now.

That was because he had always wanted a child, but I hadn’t been able to get pregnant. However, with the happy news from our head maid, tonight could be the chance to rekindle our lost connection and finally give him what he wanted.

When I entered the living room, a soft romantic music instantly filled the air, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the roses and glasses of red wine on the table.

A small smile appeared on my lips as I began to undress.

My clothes dropped to the floor, revealing the sexy black lingerie I had quickly bought earlier.

The soft fabric clung perfectly to my curves, and the thin material was nearly see-through, making my nipples slightly visible.

I picked up a glass of red wine and confidently walked toward our bedroom with a smile on my face.

As I got closer to the bedroom and reached for the doorknob, I suddenly heard a woman’s voice— more like a gentle moan.

“Oh my goodness! Yes, Dan. Yes, right there!” the voice exclaimed.

My heart stopped beating instantly.

“You’re so amazing, baby!” I heard Daniel groan. “Come on… Ride harder for me, baby!” he urged.

It felt like a punch to the gut. My vision blurred, and my legs weakened, threatening to give way beneath me.

I couldn’t hold back anymore. I pushed the door open and walked in on my husband tangled in a mess of sheets with my sister, Ember.

I tightened my grip on the wine glass in my hand as I struggled to process what I was seeing.

I looked around the room, noticing the familiar space I had always shared with my husband. But now, everything felt tainted and different.

My eyes returned to the bed, where tangled sheets covered the sweaty bodies of my sister and husband.

I stood there, frozen in pain, my heart racing as I clenched my fists to keep my anger in check.

As their moans grew louder, the pain in my chest tightened even more.

Slowly, I let go of the wine glass I was holding and watched it shatter on the floor, breaking their moment together.

They both turned to look at me but seemed unaffected by the fact that I had caught them. Neither of them showed any sign of guilt or remorse. 

I tightened my fists, pressing my nails into my palms to hold back my pain.

“Why?” I asked as I faced Daniel.

“Because being with you is completely boring. Being intimate with you feels like I’m with a lifeless body. You just lie there like a doll. Your body is always stiff, and your face is always blank,” he replied, his words slicing through my chest like a knife.

He continued, his tone filled with haughtiness. “And as if that wasn’t bad enough, you haven’t been able to give me a child after three years of marriage! What kind of woman are you?” he yelled in disappointment.

I locked eyes with him, a surge of anger rising inside me.

“You think I can’t have children? Have you looked at yourself, Daniel Black? What if this whole situation isn’t my fault? What if I’ve been the one dealing with your infertility all along?” I retorted, my voice full of bitterness.

His expression darkened instantly as he took a step closer to me, his jaw tight with rage. But I stood firm, my eyes filled with defiance.

“What?”

“Maybe you should get yourself checked! Your fertility issues could be caused by asthenozoospermia!” I said, my voice growing louder as I poked him in the chest.

The room fell completely silent for a moment, and the only sound was our heavy breathing.

Then he let out a cold laugh, glancing at Ember for a moment before focusing back on me.

“I have asthenozoospermia? But Ember can still have my child?!” he shot back.

I took a step back, trying to understand what he had just said.

“What did you just say?”

I looked from him to Ember and noticed a smug smile forming at the corner of her lips, sending a chill down my spine.

That’s when it hit me hard, like a punch to the gut.

The child my husband and I had adopted after we got married, the one I loved and raised as my own, was actually Ember’s.

Zack looked so much like Ember, with his blonde hair and bright brown eyes.

I thought it was just a coincidence, but now I realized it wasn’t.

How could I have missed this before? Why am I only realizing it now?— I thought, clenching my fists tightly.

Ember got off the bed, walked over to me, leaned in, and proudly whispered, “Thank you for taking care of my child all these years, sister. While I was busy chasing my dream, you were here acting like a nanny.”

She stepped back, her smile widening as she continued mockingly, “Come on, why the surprised look? You always had no problem taking my leftovers. You shouldn’t feel bad about this small issue.”

I nodded and turned to the man I once loved deeply, but now all I felt for him was anger and hatred. I am done with him and this marriage.

“Let’s get a divorce, Daniel Black,” I said firmly.

The tension in the room rose instantly as Daniel glared at me.

“A divorce? Are you out of your mind?” he asked, narrowing his eyes as if I had lost my senses.

I didn’t reply. Instead, I said, “I will have the papers sent to you for your signature.”

Without waiting for an answer, I turned and started to leave the room.

“Stop right there, Aubrey!” he commanded coldly. “If you take one more step, you’ll regret it.”

I froze at his words and slowly turned back to look at him.

“Don’t forget that everything you have now was bought with my money. If you want a divorce, you won’t take anything with you!”

I stared at him and let out a cold laugh.

“Do you really think that can stop me? To hell with you and your stuff, Daniel!”

He looked surprised by my reaction, as if he hadn’t expected me to respond like that. He probably thought I would feel weak after what he said and give in.

With a fierce glare, I turned away and stormed out of the room.

“You won’t get away with this, Aubrey. I promise you that!” he threatened, his voice echoing down the hallway as I walked away.

I didn’t turn around as tears rolled down my cheeks. When I reached the living room, I picked up my purse from the sofa and stepped out of the house.

END OF FLASHBACK