Chapter 1

After the wedding, Jasper would bring home a different woman every night.

On our wedding anniversary, he celebrated with a woman from the club by his side.

"Help her get ready and let her wear the wedding dress your mom made. Add the Jasper Family daughter-in-law jewelry."

"It's her first night, guide her well."

Everyone smirked behind my back, waiting for me to demand a divorce.

I did as they expected.

"Let's get a divorce, Jasper."

Jasper looked at me with disdain and mockery, splashing a glass of red wine in my face.

"Talk when you're thinking clearly. How many times have you asked for a divorce? When have you ever stepped out of the car at City Hall?"

He didn't know I was serious this time.

The people around us didn't hold back their mocking laughter.

"I knew it would be like this. Remember last year, Mrs. Jasper said the same thing, and in the end... she didn't divorce."

"Of course, who would let go of such a perfect husband like Mr. Jasper?"

"It's not even embarrassing anymore. This drama happens so often, I'm tired of watching it."

...

I quietly wiped my face with a tissue, forcing myself to confront Jasper.

"I'll have an attorney draft the divorce papers."

With that, I ignored the insincere sympathy around me, went upstairs with Jasper's companion, and personally opened the safe to take out the cherished wedding dress and jewelry.

The wedding dress was sewn by my mom, and the jewelry was an heirloom handed to me by Mrs. Jasper.

I gently stroked these treasures I once cherished and handed them to Jasper's companion for the night, Daphne.

It's better this way, a clean break.

Daphne took them with trembling hands, cautiously glanced at me, and softly thanked me.

After instructing the makeup team, I got up to go downstairs.

Daphne pulled me back, claiming she wouldn't wear them unless I helped.

I looked her up and down. She wasn't particularly pretty, but she had an innocent look, with big doe eyes. No wonder Jasper liked her.

I called a makeup artist to help her, but she still clung to me.

I tried to stay calm, saying she could talk to the makeup artist, but she was hesitant to speak up.

When I moved her hand to leave, she grabbed me again, looking up with great courage.

"Miss, I'm scared of pain."

With that, she pulled open Jasper's coat on her, showing bruised kiss marks.

I instinctively tightened my grip on her hand.

"Ah—"

Daphne's exclamation snapped me out of it, and I quickly let go of her hand in a panic.

"Sorry."

I numbly pulled her clothes back up, comforting her like I did with Jasper's other companions:

"Don't be afraid, I'll teach you tonight."

Daphne looked smug and dismissive, deliberately showing the marks again.

"Thanks, Miss."

"I didn't want to, but Mr. Jasper insisted..."

I couldn't hear the rest, muttered something, and left.

This time, Daphne didn't stop me.

Turns out, no matter how many times I've been humiliated, it still hurts.

I turned and went downstairs, where Jasper was surrounded by more women.

Their laughter was vulgar and wild.

"Jasper, aren't you afraid Miss Summer might finally mean it?"

Jasper laughed, sipping his drink.

"Her whole family still owes me. How could she seriously consider leaving?"

"Besides, her dying mom depends on me to survive. She can't leave me. She's just throwing a tantrum, not knowing her own worth."

Yeah, my whole family owes the Jasper Family. Dad caused Mr. Jasper's death, and I caused Phoebe's death. I have to keep repaying the debt.

Plus, mom relies on Jasper's monthly payments to stay alive. Where do I find the courage to divorce him?

But after ten years, I can't take it anymore. I don't know how to cover mom's medical bills or repay what I owe Jasper.

Would my life be enough?

I slightly lifted my head, hiding the tears in my eyes.

The mockery continued.

"Right, Miss Summer is ungrateful. Her and her lousy father caused you to lose your dad and sister overnight, and you didn't even hold them accountable. Now she dares to throw a fit."

"Exactly, if my wife dared to do that, I'd kill her. Their whole family is sinful."

...