Chapter 1: The divorce
"I want a divorce," Dylan roared, slamming a bunch of documents on the dining table.
Ava flinched at his loud voice and gawked at the divorce agreement before her, the letters blurring her vision. It was their fifth wedding anniversary, and she had envisioned an evening filled with love and celebration. But her husband had just slapped her with a divorce agreement.
"Why, Dylan?" she choked out.
"Why? Because I never loved you. The marriage between us is nothing but a contract. The term is over, and I want you out of my life."
His sneer twisted her stomach. The dismissive tone in his voice was chilling. He had reduced their entire relationship to a mere transaction.
Ava blinked dazedly at him, her ears ringing. She had loved this man for ten years, and she had been married to him for five years. But her love and devotion for him did not melt his cold heart.
She had planned a surprise dinner tonight and thought of cracking the news of her pregnancy, believing it might bring them closer. Instead, she was met with this devastating blow.
"Dylan, please," she begged. "Give me a chance. I'll become the perfect wife you wanted. I won't demand anything. Just don't leave me, okay?"
She put her hand on his face. But he shoved her away, and she stumbled back, grasping the edge of the dining table to steady herself.
"You make me sick when you beg, Ava," he snapped. "Weren't you once the proud daughter of the Williams? Look at you now—pathetic. Don't you have any shame or self-respect? You disgust me."
Those words pierced her heart. She had taken care of him and helped him sign several valuable projects. Even though he was always cold to her, she kept loving him and helping him, always believing that her love would eventually break through his icy exterior. But all she received in return was hatred and disdain.