Lismore's March brought endless rain.

Selene Monroe stood at the crossroads, her teal dress whipped by wind and rain, outlining her perfect curves.

Not far away, the mall's giant advertising screen played a scandalous news story.

"Cohen Group Affair! CEO Hector Cohen's Secret Romance with Prima Ballerina Josie Zane, Spotted Together by the Sea."

On the display, her husband, in name only, stood facing the ocean with another woman, shoulder to shoulder. So, even the cold and domineering Hector had this gentle side.

A calm voice drifted from behind her. "Get in."

A Rolls-Royce idled beside her. The refined Hector watched her from inside, his face expressionless and his voice edged with ice.

In the passenger seat, Selene lowered her eyes, her lashes trembling. The way she looked, pure yet alluring, made it impossible to look away.

He gazed down at her, lifting his palm to hook her delicate chin, his eyes silently appraising her. Selene was forced to raise her head, tears pooling in her eyes.

Before she could speak, she fell into his solid chest with its faint scent of pine. They were tangled together. Her teal dress crumpled, revealing startling stretches of smooth skin.

Outside the car window, the rain intensified until the world turned white. Inside, humid fog climbed up the glass.

Selene's beautiful eyes grew hazy as her delicate hands wrapped around Hector's broad shoulders. When everything settled, he returned to his usual coldness.

"Remember to take the pill."

It was the same words. After their moments of intimacy, all he ever said was a reminder to take the pill.

Selene lowered her eyes and pressed her lips together, then said softly, "Your grandma called. She said she wants a great-grandchild."

Hector's cold voice cut through the air. "Selene, know your place. Don't overstep."

This man didn't love her. She'd always known that. What he didn't know was that Selene had secretly loved him for many years.

Their marriage appeared to be nothing more than a business arrangement under family pressure. Now that the Monroes had gone bankrupt, even this transactional relationship hung by a thread.

After a long pause, Selene finally looked up, her tone hesitant. "Hector, I went to a job interview today. I want to start working tomorrow."

He frowned. "Are you out of money again? I'll have my secretary transfer you more."

"I... I'm not..."

A phone ringtone interrupted Selene's words.

"Selene, your mother's condition has gotten worse!"

Selene's face went pale. "Dad, don't panic. I'll be right there!"

She couldn't bring herself to refuse anymore.

...

Outside the operating room, her father, Ethan Monroe, was surrounded by several creditors. Inside, her mother, Emelia Clark, lay unconscious, being resuscitated. Her fate was still uncertain.

"Ms. Monroe, your mother's episode isn't our fault."

"That's right! We were just having a friendly discussion with your parents about transferring shares to settle their debts."

"Why are you bothering to explain anything to this brat? Debts must be repaid. It's only right!"

"Speaking of which, perfect timing that you're here. The money your parents owe..."

Selene stopped in her tracks, her mind foggy, her eyes fixed on the operating room where the red light still flashed. Her heart teetered on the edge of collapse.

After Emelia was wheeled out of the emergency room and passed the critical period, dawn had already broken.

"Ms. Monroe, here's the payment slip. Please settle it as soon as possible."

Clutching the thick payment slip, she pressed each familiar number, but the call was quickly disconnected. The payment window had a long queue. Impatient voices urged her from behind, so she lowered her head and moved aside.

She raised her hand several times before finally pressing her lips together and opening a voice call. This time, it connected quickly.

His tone was ice cold. "What is it?"

Selene's fingers twisted the hem of her dress as she hurried to speak. "Hector, weren't you going to transfer me money? Did you forget because you were too busy with work?"

The short sentence dripped with humiliation.

He laughed coldly from the other end. "Ask Gloria!"

Before the call disconnected, she clearly heard a young woman's coy voice in the background.

Ethan sat in the cold treatment chair, his eyes red and swollen. This man, who had once been a renowned CEO riding high in the business world, now looked ashen, his hair disheveled. In just six months since bankruptcy, he seemed to have aged decades.

He hung his head powerlessly. The thought that his daughter now had to beg her in-laws for his wife's medical expenses cut like a knife.

"How is it, Selene? Will Hector come?"

Selene forced a smile for her father and dialed Hector's secretary, Gloria Miles.

An impatient female voice quickly answered. "Mrs. Cohen, it's late at night. Do you need something?"

Gloria had worked under Hector for years, reading people to perfection. Naturally, she kept things strictly professional with those whom her boss didn't care about.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Cohen, but I haven't received any notice about a transfer."

She glanced at her father, whose hands covered his face, then gritted her teeth and called Hector again. His tone grew even colder.

"Selene, don't you understand? Apply for money through the secretary! I already told you..."

Besides Hector's voice, there was a sweet female voice. "Hec, this bag you bought me is a limited edition. I'm so happy!"

Selene didn't want to listen anymore. She raised her hand and hung up. Using the glass reflection, she slowly removed the necklace from around her neck and placed it in Ethan's hands.

"Dad, take this necklace and pawn it for now. It should help us get by for a while."

Ethan froze. "Selene, the Cohens gave you this necklace for your birthday."

Selene stood silently in the corridor for a long time. The drafty wind howled past, tugging at her heart until it ached. Finally, she turned around, her eyes both gentle and resolute.

She decided to get a divorce.

…

Three days later, the Rolls-Royce slowly pulled into the villa. Hector went upstairs with a stern face. He pushed open the bedroom door and saw Selene sitting on the edge of the bed.

She looked the same as always. She wore a silk dress with her hair pinned up, looking gentle and serene.

After their marriage, Selene always liked tending to flowers and plants or baking little cakes. At first, she would eagerly pull him along, but over time, those occasions grew fewer and fewer.

The crystal piano by the floor-to-ceiling window had gathered dust. He couldn't recall ever hearing her play it.

Seeing him return, Selene didn't even lift her head. Hector settled into the couch, lighting a cigarette with a click. Through the curling smoke, he studied his wife casually, his tone indifferent.

"I heard about what happened at the hospital. Gloria didn't handle the handoff well. The money's been deposited into your account.

"As for the coffee shop you interviewed at..."

After a moment, Selene finally raised her head. Their eyes met in a cold stare.

The man before her had refined features and sharp angles. His navy blue suit lent him an ethereal quality.

When the cigarette finished, Hector opened his mouth with forced patience. "So, the money came a little late. What's with the attitude? What right do you have..."

His words were softly interrupted.

"Let's get a divorce."

Hector froze, suspecting he'd heard wrong. After several seconds of silence, he spoke again. "Selene, what did you just say?"

Selene stood and slowly walked toward him. She tilted her face up, looking straight into his eyes, enunciating each word carefully.

"Hector, let's get divorced."

Hector felt a flash of panic, which quickly transformed into anger. His face darkened, his voice dripping with cold fury.

"Divorce? Selene, who do you think you are?

"You forced me into this marriage, and now you want to force me into a divorce? Am I just someone you can summon and dismiss at will?

"Besides, what do you have now? Do you think you're still the pampered Monroe heiress?"

"Food, clothes, everything you use, your family's debts, and even your mother's medical bills. Which of those is free?"

After a pause, Hector seemed to realize he'd gone too far. His tone softened. "Stop being childish. Without the Cohen family, you wouldn't survive."

Selene fell silent in defeat. So even now, he thought she was just throwing a tantrum.

She turned and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, her slender fingers trailing across the crystal piano. The last time she'd played it was two years ago.

"Hector, let me go."

She lowered her head, not wanting to see his expression anymore, and turned to organize the things on her vanity.

Watching his wife beside him, head bowed in silence, Hector felt an inexplicable irritation rise within him. He shook out his cigarette pack and lit one.

As the red ember flickered in the dim light, he spoke slowly. "I'll have Gloria transfer you more money."

Then he added another line. "From now on, I'll also have Gloria transfer you 50 thousand a month in spending money. You just need to be content being Mrs. Cohen."

With that, he left without looking back. Selene understood what he meant.

He thought he'd made enough concessions that she should be satisfied. His refusal to divorce wasn't because he couldn't bear to part with her, but because he feared damaging the Cohen family's reputation.

Of course. The elite always kept up appearances. But Selene was exhausted. She didn't want to remain trapped in this loveless marriage anymore.

And even now, he hadn't mentioned the woman named Josie once.

…

Once she'd made her decision, Selene didn't hesitate. She packed her suitcase, returned to the Monroe residence, and slept until evening. When she woke again, the house was filled with the aroma of cooking.

At the dinner table, Ethan hesitated several times before carefully broaching the subject with his daughter. "Selene, have you really decided to divorce Hector?"

Selene nodded, placing some food in Ehtan's bowl, her voice light. "I've made up my mind."

Ethan looked worried. "I've been asking around. That Josie is a dancer. The Monroes may not be doing well right now, but you've had the finest education since you were a child. She can't compare to you."

Selene didn't look up. "Dad, a loveless marriage is like a prison. I want to live for myself for once."

The air hung heavy with silence. Selene calmly stood up, putting on her pale coat and picking up the insulated food container.

"I'm going to bring Mom dinner. Also, tomorrow I'll start looking for work. We'll find a way to handle everything at home."

Ethan stood up, his eyes red, his voice trembling as he called out to his daughter. "Selene, I don't mean anything by this. If you've really made up your mind, your mom and I support you. It's just..."

Ethan paused before continuing slowly, "It's just that life from now on will be hard on my precious daughter."

"Dad, what are you saying? We're a family, and I don't feel like I'm sacrificing anything."

After comforting Ethan, Selene arrived at the hospital. Her mother, Emelia, looked pale and still very weak.

In the corridor, the refined doctor, Forest Blake, adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. He was carefully flipping through the medical chart, his tone gentle.

"Ms. Monroe, your mother needs to start chemotherapy as soon as possible. If we delay, her physical condition might deteriorate further."

"How much will it cost?"

"About ten thousand per session, but the exact amount will depend on how her condition progresses."

Selene didn't hesitate for a second. "Alright, let's do it."

Forest looked up, quietly observing Selene. He'd seen her in the news not long ago. The slender woman in a white dress had been cornered outside Monroe Group's building, surrounded by reporters and furious creditors.

"Ms. Monroe, if you..." He'd barely started speaking when a clear, cold voice rang out behind him.

"Selene!"

Hector wore a navy blue suit with exquisite diamond cufflinks, his face dark with anger. He strode toward them, looking Forest up and down with obvious hostility.

Forest extended his hand proactively. "Mr. Cohen, hello."

Hector ignored him completely, turning to stare at Selene. "How's Emelia doing?"

Selene didn't want to argue with him in the hospital. "Dr. Blake, I'll leave my mother's treatment in your care. As for the costs, we'll..."

Before she could finish, Hector grabbed her hand and dragged her away.

"Let go of me! Hector, have you lost your mind?"

Hector's face remained cold as Selene's fingers dug red marks into the back of his hand and palm. At the fire escape, he swept her up around the waist and pinned her into the dark corner of the stairwell.

In the flickering light, Hector loomed over her, his eyes dark. The way the doctor had looked at Selene carried both admiration and sympathy. It pissed him off for reasons he couldn't explain.

His voice came out rough. "You smiled at that man so warmly. How come you never smile at me like that?"

Selene steadied herself. "Mr. Cohen, this is unnecessary."

Hector's breath was hot against her. "Selene, until we're divorced, you're still my wife."

Selene understood what he meant. He was simply unhappy she'd smiled at Forest. This was ridiculous.

"Hector, I'm not you. If you have this much free time, you should just divorce me quickly."

Hector gripped Selene's wrist and dragged her all the way to the car. Only when she finally stopped resisting did he release her. He cracked the window open and lit a cigarette.

Through the curling smoke, he narrowed his eyes dangerously at the woman in the passenger seat.

Selene's silk dress had wrinkled into a mess. Her pinned-up hair had come loose and tumbled down. Her slender neck looked startlingly pale in the dim light.

"Where's the necklace?"

"I sold it."

Selene's words made the temperature in the car plummet. Hector leaned in, his solid chest pressing against her until she could barely breathe.

"Where did you sell it?"

Selene turned her face away, refusing to meet his eyes. "That's my business."

Hector turned her body back, staring directly at her face for a long time before speaking. "Come home with me tonight. Let's end this and stop making a scene.

"From now on, you'll get your own card with 100 thousand dollars deposited every month. And I'll get you a new car. We can go pick it out tomorrow, or even now if you want."

Hector was irritated beyond measure. After all these years, he'd grown accustomed to this woman's presence. She ironed his shirts, coordinated his outfits, and took care of everything perfectly.

These past few days without her, his life had fallen into complete chaos. As they remained locked in a standoff, his phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he frowned, suddenly feeling impatient.

It was Josie calling. Her voice came through coy and sweet. "Hec, I miss you. My head hurts a little. Will you come keep me company?"

Selene heard the faint female voice on the phone and left him with one sentence. "Hector, I'm not joking."

Then she got out of the car without looking back. Rain had started falling again, heavy drops pelting the city streets.

Watching her slender figure walk farther and farther away, Hector felt restless and agitated. He couldn't even focus on what Josie was saying on the phone.

He was starting to believe that Selene wasn't making a scene. She really wanted a divorce.

A week later, after finishing a meeting, Hector sat in Lismore's most prestigious office building, rubbing his temples as he reviewed documents. Gloria carefully walked in carrying a file.

"Mr. Cohen, this is... from your wife."

Hector looked up, staring at the document in his secretary's hands for a moment before gesturing for her to place it on the desk. He opened the file, and a thin divorce agreement slipped out. Selene had already signed it.

Without even glancing at the contents, he tossed it into the shredder. Gloria noticed her boss's expression and hesitated before cautiously speaking.

"Mr. Cohen, Mrs. Cohen has been looking for work lately."

Hector glanced at the door, his tone like ice. "Get out."

Gloria's face paled as she quietly left.

...

Selene had been busy during this time, running between the hospital and various job interviews every day. She now lived with her parents in an old walk-up apartment on the city's outskirts.

All their family villas had been seized, the company was in liquidation, and suddenly everything had fallen onto the shoulders of her, a former heiress.

Selene had graduated from a renowned fashion design university abroad and won numerous competition awards. Her ballet and piano skills were also top-tier. Within just a few days of sending out her resume, several companies had reached out to her.

…

Meanwhile, Forest looked at the woman across from his desk in his office, his eyes gentle.

"Dr. Blake, does this mean you can arrange treatment for my mother now?"

"That's right. During this time, you'll need to pay attention to the patient's emotions and make sure she maintains good nutrition and sleep.

"Also, you should be mentally prepared for the possibility of some adverse reactions after chemotherapy."

Selene clenched her palms, lowering her eyes in silence for several seconds before speaking again. "I understand. Thank you, Dr. Blake. I'll be going now."

Forest stood in his office and softly called out to the figure at the door. "Ms. Monroe."

Selene turned around with a faint smile. "Is there something else?"

"Well..."

Forest opened his drawer and took out an elegantly wrapped box, handing it over.

"What's this?"

"These are celebration sweets from a colleague's baby's first month celebration. I hope you don't mind, Ms. Monroe. Have something sweet and cheer up a bit."

"Alright, thank you, Dr. Blake."

Leaving the hospital, she went to the bank first. All assets under her parents' names had been frozen. The only card she could use was her own.

Staring at the four-digit balance displayed on the screen, Selene silently withdrew her card.

She'd interviewed with many companies recently. With her qualifications, finding a job shouldn't have been difficult. But when it came time to sign contracts, she was always politely rejected with various excuses.

She didn't need to guess. It had to be Hector's doing.

He wanted to force her to go back, to bow her head and apologize in front of him, then continue ironing his clothes and preparing his meals every day. He wanted her to never stop being that docile, silent Mrs. Cohen.

He just wanted a familiar live-in housekeeper, nothing more.

She took the bus home. This two-bedroom rental apartment wasn't even as large as a single bathroom in their former villa.

She'd just set down her bag and finished chopping vegetables when her phone rang again. It was Hector calling.

"Selene, let's meet."

…

Early March brought vibrant colors to the streets. Passing through the most luxurious commercial district, Selene spotted the Rolls-Royce parked in the distance.

As she approached, the passenger door slowly opened. Without hesitation, Selene got into the back seat.

The car drove toward the city's outskirts. Sunlight fell on his sharp features, coating his normally cold face with a golden haze.

Hector tapped the steering wheel irritably with his fingertips, glancing at the rearview mirror. "Still giving me the silent treatment?"

She looked more haggard after just a few days. Her slender, pale body was wrapped in a purple dress, her long hair flowing naturally. She was still beautiful.

Selene turned her face toward the window, reaching out to catch the passing breeze, her tone flat. "Weren't you the one who wanted to see me?"

"Don't forget your identity is still Mrs. Cohen."

Selene suddenly laughed softly. When she smiled, she looked stunning. The corners of her eyes lifted, bringing out a seductive charm.

"Exactly. That's why I want to divorce you and be rid of the 'Mrs. Cohen' title."

The car screeched to a halt on the coastal road, leaving skid marks. Selene was grabbed by her wrist and dragged out of the car.

The crimson sunset reflected on the distant sea, colors bleeding together as the light faded. Hector pinned Selene against the side of the car, casually lighting a cigarette and taking a deep drag.

Selene suddenly felt powerless. Her gaze drifted past his face to the distant horizon.

"Hector, you clearly don't love me. After the divorce, you can openly be with someone you actually like. Besides, my family went bankrupt. I'm nothing but a burden to you.

"So, why won't you let me go?"

He lit another cigarette, his eyes filled with mockery. "Let you go? So you can run off with that doctor you've been making eyes at?"

Selene took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. "Hector, don't assume everyone is like you."

Then she added, "If you keep refusing to divorce, I'll have no choice but to file a lawsuit. That's not the outcome you want to see, is it?"

The moment she finished speaking, his large hand gripped her delicate face tightly. His tall body pressed against hers, their noses nearly touching, their eyes locked.

Selene tried to turn her face away, but he forcefully turned it back.

Hector was furious, yet he managed a cold smile. "After the divorce, who would want you? Do you have any idea what the Cohen name means in this city?"

Selene's face turned deathly pale. She knew that he wouldn't let her go.

"Selene…" He softened his voice. His slender fingers moved to her smooth forehead, slowly tracing across her delicate face.

"Move back to the villa. As for your parents, I'll help them find a new place. And you need to switch hospitals."

Selene didn't answer. She just stared at the last traces of sunset melting over the sea. After a long while, she finally looked away.

"Standing shoulder to shoulder watching the sea here must be very romantic."

She still remembered that rainy day when she stood miserably at the payment window, calling over and over, while he was with another woman.

Did he really expect her to move back to the villa and pretend nothing had happened? To continue being the docile, silent Mrs. Cohen?

Selene raised her eyes and forcefully knocked his wandering hand away from her face. "I refuse."

She didn't want to be just a trophy wife. She didn't want to continue enduring her husband's indifference.

She wanted a divorce. She wanted to earn money on her own and pay for her mother's treatment.

She refused to be controlled by Hector anymore.

But the moment she finished speaking, she was pinned in place again, unable to move. The faint scent of pine drifted into her nose, domineering and unquestionable.

Three years of marriage meant he knew everything about her. Just like this moment.

Selene tilted her pale neck back as she fell into his embrace. His solid chest pressed down on her, overwhelming and inescapable.

The man's tone was teasing. "Weren't you so tough just now? And now... hmm?"

Selene's back stiffened instantly. Intense humiliation swept through every cell in her body. She stopped struggling and raised her hand, slapping that handsome face hard.