Chapter 1

The moment my wife saw her "first love" brag on Snapchat about his family’s estate being bought out for redevelopment, she couldn't wait to drag me to City Hall to get a divorce.

"Ethan, Logan's family estate is being bought out by a mega-developer! I heard they’re offering a massive family compensation package. You know Logan's situation is tight. I want to have a baby with him so we can claim the three-person premium package!"

"Can we just get remarried after we get the money?"

With that, she held up three fingers in front of me. "I swear, this baby won't change how I feel about you. You’re the only one I love."

I looked into her seemingly sincere eyes and nodded slowly.

My wife had no idea. The second she proposed divorcing me to have another man's baby, any chance of us remarrying died.

I was going to completely erase the name Ethan Vance from my life.

And reclaim my real identity: Ethan Sterling, the sole heir of the developer buying out that land.

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When Chloe dragged me from the car into City Hall to get our divorce ticket, the grin on her face was practically splitting her cheeks.

"Don't worry, Ethan. As soon as I get the property and the payout, I'll divorce him and come straight back to you!"

After making her grand promise, Chloe stood on her tiptoes and pecked my cheek a few times. "Smile! We’re basically getting a free luxury apartment out of this!"

I didn't say a word. As the red stamp slammed down on the divorce papers, a cold shiver ran through my chest. I felt none of her ecstatic joy.

I knew that even without this buyout, Chloe would have divorced me eventually.

Logan Hunt was her childhood sweetheart. He had moved abroad years ago due to some family trouble, only returning three years ago.

On the day he landed, Chloe—who had never cooked a single meal in her life—actually spent hours in the kitchen preparing a massive feast to welcome him back.

She was always too attentive to him. She’d remind him to bundle up when it was cold, and she’d personally drive across town to deliver medicine if he caught a sniffle. I had fought with her over these "little things" more times than I could count.

Every time, Chloe would pacify me with sweet words, only to turn around and flirt with Logan again.

Eventually, it got to the point where they’d hold hands right in front of me, and I’d just look away.

I kept lying to myself, calling it "childhood friendship" that transcended boundaries.

I still remember six months ago when Chloe had to go on a business trip. She told me she was only going with a female colleague.

But later that weekend, I saw Logan's Instagram post. They were hugging each other tightly at an amusement park.

His caption read: *No matter how much time passes, you’re still my one and only.*

After digging around, I found out the truth. The business trip was a complete lie. She had used it as an excuse to go on a romantic getaway with her little lover.

"Ethan..."

Chloe’s voice snapped me back to reality.

"You know the construction near Logan's place is getting really loud and unlivable now. Do you think he could temporarily move in with us?"

I understood exactly what she was getting at. I nodded. "Sure. I’ll pack my things and move out tonight."

Hearing this, Chloe shook her head quickly. "I'm not trying to kick you out!"

"There’s plenty of room for the three of us to live together. Besides, you’ve handled all the household chores for years. I wouldn't be used to you being gone."

I let out a self-deprecating laugh.

To put it plainly, Chloe just wanted a free live-in maid. Not only did I have to take care of her daily life, but I also had to serve her lover.

Six years of devotion had finally hit a dead end.

"It’s fine. I’ll hire a moving truck..."

"Chloe! Is the divorce finalized?" Before I could finish my sentence, Logan came wheeling a suitcase toward us. Chloe’s face instantly darkened. "I told you to wait for me at home! Why did you come to City Hall?"

"I was just worried Ethan would be angry. I wanted to help explain things to him!"

Logan casually wrapped one arm around Chloe’s waist, while his other hand slid down to rest on her flat stomach. It was a blatant declaration of ownership. No wonder she wanted to have a baby with him so badly. They had probably been sleeping together for a while.

Seeing that I remained silent, Logan continued, "Don't worry, buddy. Once the payout and the deed are in our hands, I’ll return Chloe to you in perfect condition."

As he spoke, he gave Chloe’s waist a stealthy pinch.

My chest tightened. I didn't want to stand there for another second. I turned around and walked away.

If they dared to be this shameless in broad daylight, I couldn't begin to imagine what they did behind my back.

Swallowing the bitter pain in my throat, I quickened my pace, hailed a cab, and went straight back to our apartment.

The first thing I did was pack.

I only took a few basic changes of clothes. Anything associated with Chloe, I left behind.

Just as I was about to walk out the door, my eyes caught the ring on my finger.

It was a simple silver band we bought when we first started dating.

Back then, we were broke and couldn't afford a diamond. Even after our financial situation improved, I couldn't bear to replace it. I felt like this ring had witnessed everything we went through.

But Chloe’s hands had been bare for a long time. It seemed that the moment Logan returned, her wedding ring had conveniently disappeared.

Right then, Chloe walked in, clinging to Logan's arm. Seeing me staring at the ring on my finger, a flicker of guilt crossed her face. "You've been wearing that cheap thing for six years. It's long overdue for an upgrade."

"On the day we remarry, I'll buy you a brand-new one."

As she spoke, she reached out, slid the ring off my finger, and casually tossed it into the trash can.

I forced a smile and said, "Okay."

"Ethan, I'm doing all of this for our future."

"A luxury apartment and a million-dollar payout aren't pocket change."

I nodded, pretending to understand.

As I turned to go downstairs, Chloe called out my name. "Ethan!"

"Remember to text me your new address on Snapchat. I'll come pick you up in a month."

I didn't look back, and I didn't answer.

The moment I stepped out of the residential complex, my phone rang. "Mr. Sterling, do you need us to send a private helicopter to pick you up?"

"No need," I replied coldly. "I still have some loose ends to tie up here. I’ll return to headquarters in a month!"

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