Chapter 2

Roxanne turned to look at Sebastian. Saying those three words wasn't as hard as she imagined. "I won't divorce you. You know that very well," he said coldly. "You're a lawyer. You should know that if I'd been convicted, I would've gone to prison—" "In the face of evidence, I had no other choice—" "No," she cut him off. "You believed Lexi. You didn't believe me." That was the truth. He didn't trust her. Or perhaps Lexi simply meant more to him that he would rather see her take the fall. "Let's go home," he said, descending the courthouse steps without looking back. She wrapped her coat tighter around her against the biting wind and followed him toward the car. The icy gusts cut into her face like sharp blades. Once they were inside the car, the atmosphere was heavy, the silence oppressive. Neither of them spoke during the ride home. When they arrived, she got out of the car, but he didn't follow her. Instead, he drove off without a word. She didn't ask where he was going. He was probably racing to handle Lexi's investigation. Once back in the apartment, Roxanne methodically began packing her belongings after drafting a divorce agreement. The apartment was new, a massive, luxury penthouse in a wealthy neighborhood. They had moved in recently, so there wasn't much to pack. Most of their things were still in their previous home. A single large suitcase would suffice. She left the place spotless—pristine, as Sebastian preferred it. She was careful not to leave any traces of herself behind. After packing, she signed the divorce agreement she had drafted earlier. Then, she took off the wedding ring she had worn for four years without ever once removing it. Her fingers lingered on the smooth band for a moment before she placed it on top of the agreement, leaving both on his desk. As she exited the building, she had no intention of going home. Her parents would find out and worry endlessly. Her best friend, Vivian Sullivan, was living with her boyfriend, so that wasn't an option either. The only choice left was to check into a hotel. Her phone buzzed, breaking the quiet. Seeing Vivian's name on the screen, she answered, tucking the phone between her ear and shoulder. "Hello?" "How did it go? Do you need me to testify for you?" Roxanne glanced at her open laptop. She was updating her résumé, staring at the blank spaces where her industry experience should have been. All she could show was her degree. "No need." She sighed softly. "It's over." "So Sebastian believed you?" Vivian's voice was sharp with skepticism. "Guess Lexi's little act couldn't outshine your place in his heart, huh?" "We're getting a divorce," Roxanne said flatly. There was a pause. Then Vivian said, "Where are you? I'm coming to you." Roxanne gave her the hotel's address. It didn't take long before Vivian arrived. When Roxanne opened the door, she found Vivian leaning casually against the frame. Vivian wore a red dress underneath a long black cashmere coat, looking fiery and radiant, her wavy hair spilling over her shoulders. She brushed it back with a theatrical flourish. "What's going on?" "Come inside," Roxanne said, stepping aside. Vivian entered, glancing around the modest hotel room. "You're staying here?" "Just for now," Roxanne replied, handing her a glass of water. Vivian sat down. "So, what happened? Did he finally come to his senses?" Roxanne shook her head, her voice calm but resolute. "No. It's exactly the opposite. He didn't believe me. This marriage has no future. I've already left the divorce agreement on his desk." Vivian didn't know how to comfort her. "Actually…" "I know what you're thinking—it's a shame," Roxanne said, her lips curving into a faint, bitter smile. "But I gave him a chance, and he didn't take it." Vivian fell silent, then asked, "What do you need me to do?" "I'm going to find a job," Roxanne said with a determined look. "I've been out of touch with the world for too long. It's time to find myself again." She had abandoned her dreams of practicing law for four years. It was time to pick them back up. No one was worth losing herself over—not anymore. Vivian patted her shoulder. "That's the spirit." She asked with a teasing smile, "To celebrate your divorce, how about a drink on me?" Roxanne chuckled. "A drink? Let me change first," she said, standing up. "Make it something stunning," Vivian quipped. Roxanne opened her suitcase. Most of her clothes were practical—loose, comfortable outfits for running errands and doing housework. She had almost nothing stylish to wear. "How about we go shopping first?" she suggested, looking up at Vivian. Vivian smirked mischievously. "You haven't filed the divorce yet, have you? His credit card is still technically yours to use. Go wild—it's only fair." Roxanne laughed, nodding. "Good idea." "Let's go." Vivian pulled her along, leaving the hotel together. … Liam Bullock and a few of Sebastian's other friends had arranged a gathering to help Sebastian relax after the trial. But Sebastian's expression remained dark throughout the evening. He had already confirmed the truth. The police had solid evidence against Lexi, and the investigation was moving forward. "Hey, maybe Roxanne was just bored at home…" Liam began, trying to console him. Henry Shaffer chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. "Speaking of which, where's Lexi? Shouldn't your Sugar Baby be here to keep you company?" His words, paired with a teasing nudge, struck a nerve. A crash suddenly sounded. Sebastian had hurled his glass against the wall, shattering it into pieces. The alcohol splattered everywhere, and the room fell silent. Liam hesitated before speaking. "Seb, we get it. You're upset about Roxanne. But really, it's not a big deal—Lexi's still around, isn't she?" "Shut up," Sebastian snapped, his voice icy. His anger erupted as soon as Lexi was brought up. Lexi's lies had crossed a line he couldn't ignore. And now, Roxanne wanted a divorce. The thought left him unsettled. He grabbed his coat and stood. "Seb—" Liam started. Sebastian stopped at the door, turning back to glare at them. "Don't ever mention Lexi in front of me again. If you do, we're done." With that, he stormed out, leaving the group in stunned silence. "What's gotten into him?" Ambrose Zeller murmured from a corner, raising an eyebrow. Liam shrugged. "Who knows?" Sebastian drove home. He was used to walking through the door to find Roxanne waiting for him. She would greet him warmly, take his coat, and have his slippers ready. Her attentiveness had been a constant. But today, the house was eerily quiet. Roxanne was nowhere to be found. He wasn't used to it. He tossed his coat onto a nearby chair and bent down to grab a pair of slippers from the shoe rack, sliding them on with little care. Walking into the living room, he sank into the couch, leaning back and closing his eyes. Exhaustion was etched across his face. "Rox, I'm tired," he murmured. Whenever he said he was tired, Roxanne would always be by his side, expertly massaging his shoulders and easing his tension, soothing him in the way only she could. But tonight, there was no response. The apartment was unnervingly silent. "Roxanne?" There was no response. Frowning, he began searching the house.