Chapter 1

In the sixth year of our marriage, Nolan's little childhood sweetheart posted on social media.

In the photo, she was smiling sweetly, holding Nolan's hand and shyly kissing his cheek.

The caption read: [Nolan is so wonderful, I hope we can spend our lives together undisturbed.]

The background of the photo was Nolan's studio.

You should know, he never allowed me to enter his studio.

Usually, I would have confronted him about this.

But this time, I suddenly didn't want to do that anymore.

When I handed Nolan the divorce papers.

He frowned impatiently and sarcastically remarked, "Is this about Serenity again?"

"You're a woman in your thirties, why are you competing with a young girl like her?"

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1

When I heard those words, my heart instantly sank.

Whenever Nolan and I argued about Serenity, he always put on this high-and-mighty act.

He'd lecture me in a stern tone.

Just because I'm seven years older than Serenity, he always brought up the age difference.

His words were laced with mockery about how I'm over thirty and no longer young.

This time, I simply pretended not to hear and said casually, "I've already signed the papers. I'm just waiting on you."

Nolan's expression suddenly turned cold, anger brewing in his eyes.

He knew I couldn't stand to see him angry.

In the past, I would've definitely swallowed my pride and apologized to him first.

But now, I couldn't even be bothered to waste my breath on him, feeling a wave of irritation spreading through me.

"Sloane, you've really grown bold."

"To think I remembered our wedding anniversary and rushed back to spend it with you."

As he spoke, he grabbed the vase from the table and smashed it on the floor in a fit of rage.

With a jarring crash, the vase shattered into pieces.

I stared at the broken shards, the crack in my heart becoming more and more visible.

Perhaps even Nolan had forgotten that we had made that vase together, bit by bit, in a pottery workshop.I still remember how carefully he handled the vase back then.

Nolan even promised me: "Sloane, this vase will never be without fresh flowers."

But now, he's the one who smashed it with his own hands.

Fortunately, I no longer care.

I smiled, unable to hide the mockery on my face.

My gaze fell on his empty hands.

"On purpose?"

"Or did you just get back after spending time with Serenity?"

A flash of guilt crossed Nolan's face before he quickly regained his composure.

Perhaps due to the guilt in his heart, his tone finally softened a bit.

"Sloane, I've already explained this to you."

"Serenity is just my sister."

"You can't prevent a sister and brother from being affectionate, can you?"

Looking at his matter-of-fact expression.

I couldn't help but laugh inwardly.

Anyone who didn't know better would think Serenity was just a little girl.

Just as I was about to say something.

Nolan's phone rang with a distinctive ringtone.

A cute, coquettish female voice echoed throughout the living room.

"Nolan, answer the phone, your beloved Serenity is calling."I turned my head away coldly, swallowing the rest of my words.

Compared to me, his legitimate darling, Nolan doted on Serenity more.

With me, Nolan always had many rules.

Don't touch his phone, don't enter his studio without permission...

In contrast, Serenity was more like a spoiled little princess.

Not only could she freely use his phone, but even his studio.

Serenity could brazenly eat snacks in there, and even if chip crumbs were scattered all over the floor, Nolan wouldn't get angry.

He would just smile helplessly, then coldly tell me to clean it up.

This new ringtone must have been personally changed by Serenity too.

A faint smile appeared on Nolan's lips as he quickly answered the call.

Serenity's tearful voice could be heard faintly from the other end.

"Nolan, I'm hurt..."