Chapter 1

I’d been in love with Liam Hayes for seven years. Three years after our wedding, the one I’d wished for more than anything, I wanted a divorce.

On our anniversary, Liam ditched me to be with his first love.

My heart utterly crushed, I prepared the divorce papers the very next day and handed them to him. He didn’t even hesitate before signing.

But when it truly came down to it, Liam’s eyes turned red, and he begged me not to leave.

It was the third year of my marriage to Liam Hayes, and I wanted out.

“Mrs. Hayes, this is the third-anniversary gift Mr. Hayes prepared for you.”

Three years married, and Liam barely came home. Even on our third wedding anniversary, he just had his assistant send a gift.

I barely glanced at the exquisite jewelry box sitting in front of me, not bothering to pick it up.

“Where is he?”

“Mr. Hayes is away on a business trip.”

I pursed my lips, a bitter ache twisting in my chest.

Looking back, I’d seen Liam’s assistant more times than I’d seen Liam himself over these past three years.

I casually took the jewelry, just about to call my besties to blow off some steam, when suddenly, rows of pop-up comments flashed before my eyes.

【Chloe, you’re so clueless! Your husband’s never home, but you have unlimited spending money every month, and you still want a divorce?!】

【OMG, girl, the male lead loves you SO much! He just doesn’t know how to say it. He’s too shy!】

【Exactly! He just loves you too much, that’s why he’s scared to see you!】

【Baby girl, Liam really is busy! If it weren’t for the branch office crisis, he would’ve been back already! You know, the male lead started preparing for your third anniversary a month ago!】

【The male lead became an orphan when he was young, he used all sorts of schemes to get his company back. It’s natural for him to feel insecure facing a girl he loves so much. If only the female lead could be more understanding!】

I was skeptical. Liam loved me? That’s a joke!

Liam and I were in a strategic alliance between our families. But what Liam didn’t know was that, even before we got married, I had silently loved him for seven years.

The first time I saw Liam was at the freshman orientation for high school. Liam was giving a speech as an outstanding senior student representative.

While all the other guys around him were pimply and loud, Liam’s cool, detached demeanor was like a splash of cool green on a scorching summer day.

What’s more, Liam’s looks were top-tier, perfectly fitting my aesthetic.

Liam was a big deal at school, not just for his incredible looks, but also for his off-the-charts intelligence. He was the academic powerhouse everyone talked about.

Falling for Liam was almost inevitable. It’s just that the distance between us felt too vast, something I couldn’t bridge no matter how fast I ran.

So, when I heard Liam was to be my husband in a business marriage, I was practically ecstatic.

In the early days of our marriage, I was full of passion, eager to make things work with Liam.

I’d never lifted a finger in the kitchen before, but after we got married, I worked tirelessly honing my cooking skills. After cutting three fingers and enduring countless oil burns, I finally cooked my first dish.

Full of excitement, I rushed to Liam’s office, hoping he could have my special homemade lunch early. But the moment I arrived, his secretary blocked me.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Chen, Mr. Hayes is busy. You can’t go in without an appointment.”

I called Liam again and again, but he didn’t pick up.

I waited for over an hour in the busy lobby, standing there as people bustled around.

I could even hear the whispers of those nearby.

Eventually, Liam’s assistant came downstairs to deliver some documents, saw me, and finally led me to Liam’s office.

But the moment I saw Liam, all my sadness vanished.

I joyfully arranged the dishes I’d cooked in front of him.

“Taste it! I made it especially for you!”

Compared to my excitement, Liam was merely indifferent. He took one bite, frowned, and didn’t touch his forks again.

“From now on, the housekeeper can handle these things.”

“My assistant also prepares lunch for me. You don’t have to bother bringing it.”