Elliot Monroe didn't even flinch. His tone was cold and mocking,

"So, what, this your new trick? Playing hard to get now?"

"No, I mean it," Sera said quietly.

Even though she'd blurted it out in a moment of anger, she didn't take it back.

She still remembered just how happy she'd been the day she found out she could marry Elliot Monroe. Back then, she truly believed they'd be together forever.

She thought he was her forever.

But here they were—barely three years later—and she was seriously thinking about divorce.

Maybe… maybe she should've never fooled herself to begin with.

"You mean it?" Elliot's eyes swept over her like she was nothing, full of disdain and something raw. "You were so desperate to marry me back then, you didn't even care about your reputation. Now you're bored, huh? Looking to trade up?

"If anyone's asking for a divorce, it'll be me. You don't get to make that call."

"Fine. I'll wait for you to say it," Sera said, slowly picking herself up off the floor.

She got dressed, then headed for the door.

But just as she reached it, she couldn't help herself—

she turned around and looked at him.

"Am I really that untrustworthy to you?"

She knew he'd never gotten over that night.

He believed she'd set him up. That she'd tricked him into sleeping with her, then made sure Madam Monroe caught them in bed together—leaving him no choice but to marry her.

That night…was the reason he lost the woman he truly loved.

And from that moment on, he hated her with everything he had.

But… she had her reasons.

"Trust? I used to trust you," Elliot growled, his whole body practically humming with rage. "And look where that got me."

Sera opened her mouth to explain, but all that came out was a bitter silence.

Yeah…

He used to be everything to her.

She still remembered how it felt when she first arrived at the Monroe estate, so small and scared in a house full of strangers.

Elliot was the first person to accept her.

He'd grown up with her, always keeping his distance, but he remembered her birthdays, took her places, stood up for her when others bullied her.

He was the first warmth she'd ever known in this world.

And her young heart… slowly, helplessly, fell for him.

She was the one who ruined it all.

"I…" She wanted to tell him everything.

But then she remembered what that person had said to her.

Her eyes dimmed.

All the words she wanted to say got swallowed into one hollow promise—

"Someday, you'll understand."

And maybe…

maybe she wanted to ask him one more thing:

"Do you even remember what today is?"

But she figured he didn't.

Today…

was their third wedding anniversary.

To him, it probably wasn't a day to celebrate—more like a day to regret.

She gave a bitter smile, glanced at the cup of honey tea on the table, and couldn't help but remind him, "Your throat's been acting up again. Drink the honey tea, okay?"

Then she turned and walked out of the guest room.

Inside, Elliot's face was like a storm cloud. He didn't move for a long time. Finally, his gaze drifted to the cup of tea.

His eyes darkened, but in the end, he reached for it.

*****

Later That Night

Sera was fast asleep when suddenly, a heavy weight pinned her down.

It was hot…intense…and somehow… familiar.

Her eyes flew open—and met a pair of bloodshot eyes staring back at her.

'Elliot? What the hell was he doing here?'

"Sera Monroe, you've got some damn nerve," he hissed. "You just keep pushing me, don't you? Fine. If this is what you want—then I'll give it to you."

His glare was ice-cold and furious, muscles tense, veins bulging at his neck.

He reached down, and tore her clothes off without hesitation.