Chapter 1
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“There’ll be a welcome party for Kendrick at 9 PM. You coming?”
When she received the WhatsApp message from her bestie, Dianna Mooney, Silvana Mendoza was still working overtime in the studio. She had a difficult client who still wasn’t satisfied after eight revisions, and she’d already been burning the midnight oil for half a month. As her eyes fell on the screen, she froze. Kendrick Villarreal was back?
She instinctively checked her phone, but there were no texts or calls from him. So, it wasn’t that she’d been too busy to notice–no one had told her. Her joy was soon replaced by disappointment.
“Sorry to break it to you, Silvy, but Christina will be there too.”
Silvana stared at Dianna’s second message for a long moment, her lips curving into a wry, self–mocking smile.
Not only was she the last to know her husband had returned—she was also the last to know about Christina Walter.
“Have fun. I’ll pass.”
After replying, Silvana turned off the lights, locked the door, and left the studio.
***
Silvana returned to Serenity Estates well past midnight. After showering, she went to bed. She had just fallen asleep when Kendrick came home. Being a light sleeper, she was woken even though he didn’t make a loud noise.
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Kendrick was sitting on the sofa smoking, smelling the reek of alcohol. A few of his shirt buttons were undone, revealing his pale skin and the faint outline of his toned abs. He knitted his brows, his features sharp and chiseled. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he puffed smoke, creating a contradictory air of both restrained desire and raw, unrestrained allure.
“You’re back.”
At the sound of her voice, he looked up at her lazily and gave a slight nod. His gaze was indifferent, as if she were a total stranger.
You drank this much as soon as you got back? Have you forgotten you have a sensitive stomach? Don’t binge drink again, okay?” she cooed, her voice full of concern.
With that, she turned to pour him a glass of honey water. But instead of taking it, he merely pointed to the table, motioning for her to set it down.
“Ken…”
“Let’s get a divorce,” he cut her off while pinching the bridge of his nose, the light and shadow carving out the sharp lines of his face.
Silvana’s chest tightened. Refusing to believe it, she swallowed hard and
remained silent.
“I’ll compensate you financially. If you have any other requests, just name
them.”
She appeared calm, though her breathing was ragged. “No. I don’t have any requests.”
He frowned at her, his expression dubious. “You don’t?”
“No,” she repeated, her voice soft yet firm, “I don’t.”
“Is there anything else you want to say to me?” he asked.
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“No.”
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Her composure was unnerving–from her expression to her voice. Surprised at her reaction, Kendrick couldn’t help but add, “I thought you’d make a scene.”
“I won’t.” She had always known that forced love was a losing game. Clinging to a husband who didn’t love her was pathetic, and she would never stoop so low.
In truth, she had always had a feeling. From the moment she had married him, she had known this day would come.
But it had come sooner than she’d anticipated.
A rather abrupt end to their three–year marriage.
“Conrad will bring you the divorce agreement tomorrow. If you have any questions, feel free to ask him.”
She nodded. “Alright.”
She glanced at his expression, then rose and fetched another glass of honey water. Setting it before him, she said gently, “Try not to drink so much.”
With that, she returned to the bedroom and closed the door.
Soon after, she heard the front door open and close. Kendrick was gone.
She gritted her teeth so hard she could almost hear them grinding. A sharp pain tightened her chest, and a lump formed in her throat, making her breathless. She pulled out her phone and checked Instagram, only to see the latest post from a few of Kendrick’s friends. It was a series of photos, but two people stood out–Kendrick and a young, beautiful woman. It was none other than Christina–the one who had been his salvation during his darkest times as a teenager.
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As for Silvana, she had taken advantage of his vulnerability to claim a position that was never rightfully hers. Now that the right woman had returned, it was time for her to sensibly step away.
***
The next day, Silvana was working in her studio when she received the divorce agreement.
She flipped to the last page and signed it, not reading a single clause. Kendrick’s lawyer, Conrad Vargas, couldn’t help but suggest, “Mrs. Villarreal, don’t you want to take a look? What if…”
“He’s always been generous. I’m sure he won’t shortchange me. Besides, even if he had the intention, there’s little I could do against the Legal Department you represent.” Handing the papers back to Conrad, she reminded him gently, “By the way, Mr. Vargas, I’m no longer Mrs. Villarreal.”
Conrad offered a professional smile in response.
Now that his task was complete, he made some small talk before preparing to leave.
Just then, Silvana called out, “Mr. Vargas, wait.”
“Yes?”
After a moment of serious thought, she said, “I’ll be on a business trip in a few days. Could you please ask Kendrick if he has time to finalize the divorce at the courthouse tomorrow or the day after?”
“That fast?” Conrad was genuinely surprised. “I’m not sure. Mr. Villarreal didn’t specify…” It seemed Silvana was more eager to finalize the divorce than Kendrick was.
“Please ask him for me, will you?”
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