Emma Reed's POV:

"Let's get divorced."

I had barely stepped off the plane when Adrian Thorne, my husband of three years, greeted me with this blunt declaration.

I studied his face. Adrian, eight years my senior, had only grown more striking during our time apart. Everything about him exuded the charm of a successful businessman.

As the CEO of Thorne Holdings, he was admired for being composed, loyal, and the picture of true gentleman.

But to me? He was as cold as ever.

Did he want a divorce?

I wasn't shocked. Not really.

My heart was already broken, yet Adrian managed to make it ache even more.

I forced a smile. "I agree. I saw the headlines the other day - congratulations on your engagement to Aria."

Three years ago, Adrian and I had a secret marriage. It was arranged. Shortly after the wedding, I left for my dream university overseas. While I was gone, he stayed with Aria Rose, the woman he truly loved.

I had loved him once, but hearing about their engagement recently made me realize that it was time to let go.

"You really agree?" Adrian asked, staring at me like he couldn’t believe I’d give in so easily. After all, I had spent the past three years trying my best to show him how much I cared, even with the distance between us.

"Of course. When can we sign the papers?" I replied, keeping my smile in place despite the lingering flu and the sting of his words. The Emma who had once begged for his love was gone, and I was ready to face a new life without Adrian.

"My lawyer emailed you the divorce agreement. Don't you want to review it first?"

"No need. I trust you will treat your ex-wife well, Mr. Thorne," I said lightly.

"You'll get the house on Evergreen Lane and the downtown apartment—" Adrian said.

"When?" I interrupted, cutting him off.

"What?" He frowned, looking confused.

"When can we sign?" I asked softly.

"I'll set up a time with my lawyer." Adrian said, lowering his head slightly.

"Okay. I'll wait for your call." I grabbed my suitcase and turned to leave, but Adrian called after me. "Wait, Emma!"

"Something else?" I steadied myself before facing him again.

"Where are you going?" Adrian frowned.

"Oh, I haven't booked a hotel yet. If you want the details, I can text you later—"

Adrian cut me off. "Come with me, to our marital home."

I looked at him, confused. "But Adrian, we're getting divorced. That house should be for you and Aria."

Adrian stepped forward, taking my suitcase with a firm grip. His voice was stern. "Grandmother hasn’t known about the divorce yet. Until we find the right time to tell her, we still need to keep playing the role of husband and wife."

After a moment's silence, I gave in. I'd lost my parents when I was very young, and Adrian's grandmother, Victoria, had taken me in. She loved me like her own and had arranged our marriage. I couldn't bear the thought of breaking her heart.

Maybe it was the flu, but I felt drowsy during the entire ride.

When we arrived at the house, I noticed our wedding photo still hanging on the wall. The house had been empty for so long that the frame was covered in a thick layer of dust. I glanced at it briefly before looking away, knowing it was just for show.

The pounding in my head was unbearable. Without unpacking, I collapsed onto the bedroom's bed.

Sleep came quickly, but in my hazy state, I felt someone whispering near my ear. Then, rough hands began removing my clothes, the cool sensation startling me awake.

I forced my eyes open and was shocked to see Adrian! He sat on the edge of the bed, gently touching my face. "Are you okay, Emma?" he asked softly.