Chapter 5

When I woke up, the sharp scent of disinfectant filled my lungs.

Marcus was hovering by the bed, his face a mask of feigned concern. "Are you okay? How are you feeling?"

I met his gaze with icy disgust. "Did you sign the divorce papers?"

He let out a heavy, theatrical sigh. "Honey, stop this. Think about it—every fight we've had was because you couldn't just let things go. Do you really want to be the one who destroys our family?"

I laughed coldly. With each passing day, he felt more like a complete stranger. "If you had kept your vows, would we be fighting? You couldn't even stay faithful, and now you're blaming me?"

Cornered, his expression twisted into a scowl. "Name one successful man who doesn't have options on the side! You want some devoted, always-available husband? How many of those do you think actually exist? And if I cheated, it's your fault too! Look at yourself—you've completely let yourself go. There's no spark left!"

His attempt to shift the blame was almost pathetic. When we first met, I was vibrant, slim, and attractive. Many people said I was even prettier than Sierra. But after his business crashed and left us drowning in debt, I worked myself to the bone across three jobs to keep us afloat. I wore myself ragged for our family.

He never showed any gratitude. He never even cared. Instead, he resorted to insults and manipulation. Honestly, stripped of my love for him, he was just an entitled coward.

I decided right then and there that my son deserved better than a father like him.

"Sleep with whoever you want," I said, handing him the divorce agreement. "Just sign the papers."

He crossed his arms, sighing as if he were dealing with a stubborn child. "Do you really believe you'll find anyone better than me?"

I was momentarily stunned by his sheer arrogance. "Marcus, have you forgotten? When your venture failed, who called in every favor to help you secure loans? Who carried you through it? With my qualifications and network, I'll thrive without you. And as for remarrying? I started with the absolute worst. It can only go up from here."

Life without him was going to be so much better. Did he really think I was dependent on him? What ever gave him that idea?

My words clearly hit a nerve, and his face darkened. But before he could speak, the door swung open.