Beatrix came back and turned my marriage into a spectacle.

She challenged me to a bet over Ashers vows, and he proved her rightbreaking every promise for her while keeping every distance from me.

When I saw the tattoo, the bracelet he threw away, and the surveillance that exposed everything, something in me snapped.

I handed him the divorce agreement he once said I could use anytime and left.

Only when he lost me did he panic.

But I was already gone, divorce certificate in hand, reclaiming the freedom he never deserved.


After Beatrix came back, she challenged mesaid we should see who could make Asher break his vows nine times first.

I smirked and drafted the terms of the bet right then: If you win, Ill step aside. But if you lose, Ill make sure you cant stay in Beijing City.

Only I knew how unsteady I felt inside.

In our three years of marriage, Asher would do anything I askedexcept break his vows. Within a week, he started coming home less.

Determined, I put on the new lingerie Id bought and walked into his quiet room. I took his hand and guided it down my body

I felt his breathing grow heavier, heat rising in his eyes, something new and dangerous. But then his phone rang. He snapped out of it, pushed me away, and walked out.

He didnt return for three hours. I stood there, the warmth draining from me, unable to think.

Until Beatrix showed up, waving a used strawberry-flavored item, flaunting the sticky residue inside.

Adele, this makes nine.

I told youAsher loves me. Why dont you believe it?

A bet is a bet.

Looking at her smug face, I remembered how I had just humiliated myself, begging my own husband for attention. A wave of dizziness washed over me.

Why was I degrading myself like this?

Before marriage, I was the prized daughter of Beijings elite. Why was I now fighting Beatrix for a spot in my own bed?

Feigning calm, I pulled the signed divorce papers from the bedside drawer.

Take it and leave.

Beatrix arched a brow.

You confronted Asher?

I shrugged. No. Asher said I could make the decision about divorce whenever I wanted.

Hes just a man. If you want him, hes yours.

But looking at Ashers name on the papers

My chest tightened.

This had been Ashers wedding gift to me.

Asher always honored his promises.

He had once stopped my hands from unbuttoning his shirt, saying he needed to keep his vows for three years and asking me to wait.

But if I ever grew tired

I could sign the papers anytime, and hed accept it.

Back then, I had been overjoyed, thinking he was mine for life.

Now I saw how foolish Id been.

Was he giving me freedom, or giving himself an easy exit?

Beatrix read the papers twice before smiling in satisfaction.

Miss Adelestill as decisive as ever.

Everyone in Beijing City knows you pursued Asher for five years. I really thought youd cry.

How about thisonce Asher officially breaks his vows next week, Ill hand him these papers as a gift.

You two wont have to torture each other anymore.

I saw her out with a cold expression.

But I had to admitshe wasnt wrong.

Keeping someone who doesnt love you for five yearsif that isnt torture, what is?

I opened my phone and found the Iceland trip Id booked for Asher and me next week.

Asher hated traveling abroad, but I insisted.

When he agreed, was he thinking how troublesome I was?

I canceled his ticket with a swipe.

If thats the case, then Ill let him go.

This mistake shouldnt continue.




Not long after Beatrix left, I went to bed.

Half-asleep, I felt someone slide in behind me, an arm wrapping around my waist.

Annoyed, I pushed his hand away.

Why arent you in your quiet room? What are you doing here?

His breath warmed my neck. After a long silence, he asked, Why did you cancel the Iceland tickets?

My irritation spiked. Maybe I just dont feel like going, I snapped, pushing him away. Stay away from me.

But when my hand pressed against his chest, Asher let out a low groanlike he was in pain.

Something felt off. I lifted his shirt.

My vision spun.

A piercing was right over his chest.

And next to it, two small letters tattooed: QZ.

I didnt know if my eyes were redI just felt tears threatening to spill, my voice shaking uncontrollably.

What is this?

Did Asher like Beatrix so much hed do anything for her?

When Ashers parents died and his relatives took everythingwhen thugs cornered himit was me who smashed a bottle to keep him safe.