On our fifth wedding anniversary, I drank the hot milk Brendan handed me and slipped into a deep sleep.

When I woke up, a chilling sensation ran across my scalp.

In the mirror, I saw my head was shaved bald, with a childish drawing of a turtle scrawled across my forehead.

Sofia, the scholarship student Id sponsored, held the clippers, laughing hysterically.

Her head is so round, like an egg!

Brendan stood beside her, his gaze doting on Sofia.

Sofias practicing her hairstyling. She just used you for practice, thats all. Your hair will grow back, dont be so dramatic.

I touched my slick, bald head, staring at this vile couple who found amusement in humiliating me.

Practice, huh?

Well, when theyre living on the streets, they can practice on homeless people.


Brendans smile froze on his face.

Sofia, the student Id sponsored for three years, was still cackling beside him.

Dont be mad, Brendan said youre the most generous person ever.

She shook the electric clippers in her hand, still clinging to strands of my hair.

I ignored her.

My gaze landed on Brendan.

Brendan, five years of marriage, and this is how you surprise me?

He scowled, his tone dripping with impatience.

Audrey, thats enough. Seriously.

Its just some hair, itll grow back.

She didnt do it on purpose. She just wanted to give you a trendy new look.

Look at you, cant even take a joke.

Sofia chimed in, fanning the flames:

Exactly! And your skin is so fair, a shaved head really makes your features pop, honest!

She even pulled out her phone, trying to snap a picture of me.

Ill help you post it on social media, all your friends will say you look so cool!

I stared at her, enunciating every word.

Put the phone down.

My voice was calm, but it made Sofia freeze.

Brendan felt embarrassed. He grabbed my arm, pulling me roughly towards him.

Whats your problem with Sofia? Shes just a student! Why are you scaring her?!

His grip was strong, and my scalp hit the buttons on his chest, sending a jolt of pain through me.

I didnt struggle. I let him hold me.

I just lifted my head and looked at him.

Brendan, the sleeping pills in that milk, the dosage wasnt small, was it?

How long was I out?

He flinched, his eyes darting away.

Sleeping pills? Dont be ridiculous.

Youve just been really tired lately, you slept soundly.

How sweet.

He could talk about drugging me so casually.

I nodded, acknowledging his words.

Then, right in front of them, I picked up my phone, aimed it at my bald, turtle-decorated head, and took a high-definition photo.

Brendan exploded.

Audrey, what the hell are you doing?!

He lunged forward, trying to snatch my phone.

I took a step back, slipping the phone into my pocket.

Dont touch me.

I think this look is quite memorable.

After all, its your fifth-anniversary gift to me.

I turned and walked into the walk-in closet, locking the door behind me.

I heard Brendans enraged pounding on the door and Sofias sweet, pleading voice from outside.

Brendan, dont be mad. Shes probably just overthinking things.

Its all my fault. I shouldnt have used her for practice.

I didnt listen.

From the safe, I retrieved my ID, birth certificate, property deeds, and my prenuptial agreement.

My dad, fearing Id be taken advantage of, had hired the best legal team to make everything crystal clear.

My company shares, the properties under my name, and my savings before marriage had absolutely nothing to do with Brendan.

Yet, the startup capital for his company? That came from me.

The spacious apartment we lived in? It was under both our names, but I paid for the down payment and the renovations.

I gathered my things, stuffing them into an inconspicuous backpack.

Then, I changed into a new outfit and put on a hat.

I opened the door.

Brendan and Sofia were lounging intimately on the sofa.

Seeing me emerge, Brendan immediately stood up, looking a little uneasy.

Did you come to your senses?

Just delete the photo, apologize to Sofia, and we can forget this ever happened.

I looked at him, as if he were a complete stranger.

Apologize?

Alright.

I walked up to Sofia.

She cowered in Brendans arms, looking at me timidly.

I...

*Smack!*

A crisp, resounding slap.

I put every ounce of strength into it.

Sofias face instantly swelled, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.

She clutched her cheek, staring at me in disbelief.

Brendan was stunned too.

When he finally reacted, he shoved me away.

Audrey, what the hell is wrong with you?!

I was pushed against the wall, my back aching.

But I stood firm.

That slap was for me. Thank you for showing me that the person I was sleeping next to was a piece of trash.

I didnt look at them again, walking directly towards the door.

Brendan roared behind me:

If you walk out that door, dont ever come back!

I didnt stop.

I pulled open the door, turned around, and smiled at him.

This head with a turtle drawn on it doesnt quite match your glittering doghouse.

Dont worry. Im not just leaving; Im going to make sure you roll out of here too.




I booked a suite at a downtown hotel.

The first thing I did was call my private lawyer.

Daniel, prepare for a divorce. Im filing.

Daniel sounded a bit surprised on the other end, but his professionalism kept him from asking too many questions.

Understood, Ms. Lin. What materials do you need me to prepare?