Chapter 1: Signed in Tears
“Attorney Whitlock, I just sent you a copy of the divorce agreement. My husband and I signed it on our the first day of marriage. Could you review it for any issues?”
Nova Sterling stood before the floor–to–ceiling window, her fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of her phone.
“Ms. Sterling. I’ve reviewed the agreement. Everything appears to be in order,” the lawyer said professionally over the line. “There’s one month left until the three–year term expires. Once it does, the agreement automatically takes ettect. You can simply go to the civil affairs bureau to get the divorce certificate.”
“Alright. Thank you.”
Hanging up, Nova lifted her gaze to the wedding photo on the wall.
In the picture, she wore pure white satin, her smile so bright it crinkled her eyes into crescents.
Beside her, Zane Blackthorn stood impeccably tailored in his suit, features strikingly handsome yet devoid of even a hint of warmth.
Love and its absence are equally visible
“The day is almost here. You must be thrilled. Her fingertip lightly brushed the cold, chiseled line of his jaw in the photograph.
The front door lock clicked. Nova withdrew her hand and turned.
“Welcome home.” She took the suit jacket Zane shrugged off and knelt to switch his shoes for slippers–the motions fluid from countless repetitions.
Zane loosened his tie, expression cool. “The Blackthorn Group anniversary gala is next month. Your presence is required!
Nova paused while straightening his jacket. “I won’t be there.”
“Why not?” He frowned.
why
She just opened her mouth, but Zane grasped her meaning instantly. His eyes frosted over. “Because I’ve been with Ivy? I told you on our wedding day, Nova. I loved someone else. And you promised not to interfere.”
Nova’s heart clenched as if brutally ripped open.
Exactly. Whose husband announces on his wedding night that he loves another woman and presents a divorce agreement set for three years later?
All she meant was that she wouldn’t even be there next month-a cold contractual obligation ending, not a marital refusal.
Three years earlier, the Sterling–Blackthorn marriage alliance had sent shockwaves through their circles.
Nova–who’d secretly loved Zane since childhood was overjoyed.
But on their wedding night, he’d handed her divorce papers.
“I love someone else,” he’d stated, tone arcti,. “Her background’s ordinary. The Blackthorns won’t accept her.” His gaze never wavered, “I need three years to secure control of the Group. Once I’m head, no one will oppose us. Until then, we play the perfect couple. When the term ends, we divorce.”
Nova signed that night as he wished. Then wept in the bathroom until dawn.
Yet within three months, Ivy Callahan vanished without a trace after throwing a fit over Zane…
He searched frantically, using every resource. But nothing
curse, his eyes
darker than a grave.
Night after night, he never came home. When he did stumble back, whiskey clung to him like a curse,
Then one midnight, drunk beyond reason, he’d pinned her to the bed.
His whiskey–laced kiss descended, but the name on his lips-
Signed in Tex
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“Ivy… why leave? Why be with him? Don’t you trust me?
Nova froze. Her heart felt crushed.
He’d found her.
And she’d chosen another.
That night was Nova’s first. Zane held her close, whispering another woman’s name until dawn
When he saw the bloodstain next morning, something flickered in his eyes. He said nothing.
Nova pretended nothing happened. She laid out his clothes, softly reminding him of his morning meeting–playing the perfect wife
while shattered inside.
After that, she redoubled her care:
She simmered gut–healing bone broth at dawn for his gastritis. Mastered massage for his stress. Moved in library–quiet steps for his peace–silencing her own needs.
Slowly, Zane seemed to accept her as his wife:
Bringing small gifts from trips.
Brewing medicine when she was ill.
Holding her some nights, palm warm on her waist.
He never mentioned the divorce again.
Nova dared hope he might love her.
That fragile hope died three months ago when Ivy returned single.
Zane went back to her instantly
Dining together.
Shopping together.
Canceling critical meetings just because Ivy felt down.
Watching his car speed toward Ivy’s apartment, Nova finally understood.
True love was true love.
No sacrifice could eclipse one glance from Ivy.
Freedom, at last: her three–year contractual prison sentence was ending
These years were a dream.
Time to wake and leave.
“Cat got your tongue?”
Zane’s voice yanked her back. Nova stared at him, throat constricting
He didn’t remember the divorce contract?
For three years, she’d counted every day dreading when he’d walk away. Now he seemed oblivious.
She parted her lips to remind him–when his phone rang.
The moment the call connected, Ivy’s tear–choked sob pierced the air. Though Nova couldn’t decipher the words, she saw Zane’s face
contort
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“Don’t be afraid,Lvy. I’m coming.”
He hung up, grabbed keys, and bolted. His shoulder slammed into hers. Nova stumbled back–spine hitting the door jamb. A gasp escaped her.
But Zane never looked back, he vanished through the doorway without so much as a backward glance..
Leaning on the wall, Nova limped to the bedroom. The jacket came off-a bruise already bloomed on her shoulder. She treated it silently, each motion sawing at her heart.
She sat on the bed, watching dusk fall, until her phone rang Zane.
“Come to City Central Hospital.”
Her heart lurched. “What happened?”
“Explain when you arrive.”
At the hospital, she saw them: Zane outside surgery doors, Ivy sobbing in
in his arms.
Nova froze mid–step. An invisible fist seized her chest, breath sawing in her throat.
“What’s wrong?” she whispered, approaching
Zane’s gaze lifted. “Ivy’s mother has acute leukemia. Needs immediate bone marrow transplant.”
“And“”
“No matches in the city.” His voice was flat. “I tested compatible.”
Her eyes widened. “You’re donating?”
“There are risks-
“I didn’t ask your consent.” He cut her off. “I need family authorization”
Family
The word stabbed deep.
Legally, she was still his wife.
His heart’s family stood weeping beside him.
Nova’s nails dug into her palms.
“Fine.” Her voice sounded distant. “I’ll sign. ”
The consent form appeared. She signed each stroke like carving her heart.
Zane disentangled from ley, turning toward the OR
Allth
Nova’s lips trembled. All that emerged was a fractured whisper,” Take care of yourself
Zane’s per flicketed almost imperceptibly–but he say nothing, turning into the surgical suite.
The doors hussed about
That was when tears shattered.
that sterile corridor, pe Iinally understood. Zane’s devotion to Ivy ran deep enough to wager his life.
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