Chapter 1

My father, Roger Hiddleston, unexpectedly became gravely ill and was rushed to intensive care.

Before entering, he clasped my hand firmly and pleaded with me to resolve matters with Daniel Moore.

I nodded and gave him my word, trying to calm his worries.

By myself, I remained outside the ICU, repeatedly attempting to reach Daniel by phone.

At last, in the early morning, someone picked up, but it was Barbara Lane who answered.

"Daniel's occupied. I'm holding his phone. If you need something, you can tell me," Barbara stated.

I hesitated before responding, "Just a separation."

Sadly, Roger didn't survive.

He was moved from the hospital to the mortuary, and I informed family members, his coworkers, acquaintances, and pupils.

Planning the memorial service wasn't as challenging as I'd anticipated.

Each task had specific guidelines and requirements.

I felt like a director, managing everything on my own.

The sympathetic messages and consoling words left me feeling detached.

Those familiar with Daniel all voiced their disappointment in him.

As my dad's most promising student, he should have come to assist.

Furthermore, as my spouse, he should have been present to handle the arrangements.

Yet Daniel never appeared.

From his Instagram updates, it seemed he was still overseas at academic gatherings.

At the conference, he looked self-assured and had every reason to feel accomplished.

He was a young associate professor at a prestigious university, overseeing several nationally funded projects.

I had promptly messaged Daniel about Roger's critical condition and passing, but received no reply whatsoever.

I tried to convince myself that perhaps Daniel's phone had poor signal abroad or he couldn't receive messages due to time differences.

However, I could no longer deceive myself when I noticed him engaging with Barbara's Instagram posts.

Gazing at Roger's portrait on the wall, I realized no one would ever be as kind to me without expecting anything in return.

In my younger years, I was instantly smitten with Daniel, quietly admiring him for five years and actively pursuing him for three before we finally married.

Chasing after him had become second nature.

When we wed three years ago, I believed I had finally become the sole woman in his life.

On our wedding day, he told me, "I appreciate you for quietly standing by my side."

I clung to those words.

So after our marriage, just as before, I never bothered him. I simply remained quietly by his side.

Roger was a professor at Hensen University and also served as the college's vice dean.

Daniel never wanted people to think he was networking, so I avoided appearing in front of his colleagues.

He was busy, so I waited for him at home daily, ensuring he could return to a meal and unwind.

I was aware that Barbara had come back to the country, and I knew they were collaborating on the same project.

But I had faith in him because he had vowed to treat me well for a lifetime.

However, long-term devotion could be draining.

I wasn't certain if I had the energy to keep pursuing him.

"Would you mind reviewing my divorce papers for me?"

I handed the printed divorce agreement to my close friend, Bella Dent.

Bella was an attorney. She had previously joked that if I ever divorced, she would help. I never imagined how prophetic that would be.

This wasn't my first encounter with this divorce agreement.

I had discovered it in Daniel's study before.

We had quarreled about it for days.

He claimed it was a colleague's divorce papers that he was examining.

I made him swear never to show me a divorce agreement again.

I never imagined that this time, it would be my own divorce papers and that I would be seriously contemplating ending my marriage.

"Don't worry, I'll ensure he leaves empty-handed," Bella assured me confidently as she took the divorce agreement and departed hurriedly.

Indeed, I had already lost his affection; I couldn't afford to lose my assets as well.

After all, I couldn't be careless now that Roger was gone.