The Duke And Duchess Divorce Circumstances Spoiler

Marriage is nothing but hell to Ashley Scott. From her husband's unbearable indifference to his open affair, she just wants nothing to do with this miserable union. After almost five years with her husband, Nathan Li, Ashley was tired. She wanted to be free and that would only happen if they got divorced. And Ashley was determined to get a divorce, even if it meant getting on her mother's bad side. Nathan, on the other hand, did not want that. Ashley was his other half, his person and separating from her was something he could not stand. Ashley didn't want Nathan, but Nathan wanted her, and he would do anything to keep her. With the revelation of secrets, would the couple be able to get past their trials and sustain their marriage, or would they forever be apart? *Excerpt: He held her shoulders, his dark blue eyes glowing in the dark. "No one else can have you, Ashley. You're only mine." The scene then changed. This time, the blue-eyed man in her memories was kissing her. After, he spoke in an awfully dangerous tone. "You know what I'm capable of, Ashley. You're only mine." *Cover is not mine. All credits to the artist

[On hiatus * will be back December] *** My name is Cassius Blackwood, I am the illegitimate son born between the greatest swordsman in the empire, and the master of the Magic Tower. Yes, the one people expected to be a 1-in-a-million genius. As a result, I grew up in a house full of love and kindness despite being illegitimate. That is, until my tenth birthday when I failed my awakening ceremony. You can imagine how people started treating me after that. My parents, who had high hopes for me, abandoned me. After 10 years of training in hopes of awakening, I succeeded. But only as a "systemless hunter." And as we know, it's impossible to succeed as a hunter without a system. When 'The Blackwood Trial' took place, which is meant to determine the next head of house Blackwood, as everyone expected, I was the first to die. So, why did I go back to when I was 10 years old right before my awakening ceremony? *** Tags: #transmigration (the MC isn't the transmigrator) #regression ( the MC is obviously the regressor) #reincarnation #no-harem #romance #singlefemalelead #revenge #evil #cruel #mage #swordsman #returnee #fantasy-empire #dungeons #system( Fake system) #cultivation (done differently) #rarebloodline #action #fantasy #secretidentity join my discord: https://dsc.gg/Rerian long link: https://discord.com/invite/wARbcq8kzG

18 and naive, Belle Hart thought marriage would end her misery, only to realize it had just begun! What started as a promising love turned out to be a facade, would Belle choose between a second chance or leave? She met her mate, the Duke, who she proposed to when she came of age. A month in, things took a turn. The Duke leaves for war before she could inform him about her pregnancy, only for him to return with a mysterious woman whom he claimed to be his new wife! The audacity! Trouble ensued and Belle suffered a miscarriage as a result. … “What did you just say?” He asked, his gaze darkening. “You heard me well, I seek a divorce. I wish for us to go our separate ways,” she replied, her voice steady as she met his gaze with confidence, though inwardly she was shaken by his presence. “You are my mate, Belle, and I am yours. Divorce is the most foolish notion you could entertain. Do you believe any man would take a worthless creature like you as his wife?” He scoffed, his words biting, causing her heart to ache. … The Duke's refusal pushed Belle into the arms of the king. All she had to do was bear him an heir and he would help her get her revenge! "I want you to marry me, Your Majesty, and aid me in seeking my revenge against the Duke and those who have wronged me. In exchange, I shall bear you an heir before you help me," she said, her voice steady and full of purpose. What will the choice be?

Shen Feiwan et Fu Shiyan ont été forcés de se marier à cause d'une nuit d'imprudence. Trois ans après leur mariage, Shen Feiwan était traitée comme un cinquième roue de carrosse. Jusqu'à ce que l'ancienne flamme de Fu Shiyan revienne en ville, Shen Feiwan annonça qu'elle ne pouvait plus tolérer ce type de vie. Alors que Fu Shiyan courtisait son ancienne amoureuse, elle a "le cœur brisé" invité dix mannequins masculins à se joindre à elle pour boire et s'amuser. Quelqu'un n'était pas content de cela. Il l'a coincée et a dit, "Shen Feiwan, te comportes-tu comme si j'étais mort ?" "Quelle est la différence entre vivre comme une veuve et en être une ?" "......" En effet. Se débarrasser du père pour garder l'enfant, ce n'est pas totalement inacceptable ! Après le divorce, Shen Feiwan s'est entièrement concentrée sur sa carrière et elle a décollé. Elle avait des dizaines de millions d'abonnés dans ses livestreams, est devenue la meilleure créatrice de bijoux au monde, a gagné tant d'argent que sa main en était crispée, et a reçu tellement de prix que ses mains se sont mises à trembler. Lors d'une interview de presse, quelqu'un a demandé, "J'ai entendu dire que votre ex-mari vous poursuit partout dans le monde pour vous remarier ?" Elle a répondu calmement, "J'ai fait lire ma fortune." "N'est-il pas celui qui vous est destiné ?" "Il affecte ma chance financière." Fans : Qu'il aille au diable ! Fu Shiyan : ?

Elijah has always been alone in her entire 16 years of existence. Growing up as an orphan, she never experienced love, friendship nor even what having a family is like. But there is one thing that she enjoys doing, that is reading. She practically loves spending time either reading online novels or general knowledge books. "This life is boring." Elijah muttered before falling asleep in the school library. Waking up, she found herself transmigrated into another world as Melanie Von Diovre, the Villainess in one of her favorite novels. Anxiety and fear filled her heart at this realization but at the same time, she also feels somewhat excited thinking that she might just be able to turn her life around. This was also because she found out that in this new world, she has the advantage, because she read the book and knows the future. Laughing out loud about her cliché situation, Elijah finds herself struggling in this strange new world in order to survive, learning about family, love and friendship, and ultimately deciding for her life and her future. Will she be able to finally find love? Will she be able to find her rightful place? What happens if the future she knew changes?

A fearless stuntwoman in her past life, she has now made a deal with the heavens to relocate her soul into a wealthy heiress. Instead of boundless riches, she finds herself inside the body of none other then the antagonist and villainess of a novel she once read, "The White Rose Blossom" . Her name now is Priscilla Marie von Haust and her problems can't be easily dismissed with breaking off her engagement to damn Crown Prince of the Empire. Since no one told her that reading the novel would not imitate the characters true actions! She in now trying to fix all the chaos 'Priscilla' had once created but in doing so she finds herself working alongside the dark but very handsome Duke of the North, Christian Blackwood. A man known for cruelty and also the one to have driven a sword in the novel. How is Priscilla going to survive?! "Welp, if I can't beat them, why don't I charm them!"

In a one-sided marriage that lasted several years, Shen Heyu made herself the butt of a joke. On the day of the divorce at the civil affairs bureau, Pei Yansi scorned her coldly: 'Shen Heyu, I'll wait for you to come back and beg me!' But once she disappeared for good, the man regretted it. He pursued her relentlessly, entangled her day and night, even kneeling before her begging to get back together. Shen Heyu was somewhat speechless, 'Pei Yansi, can't you act like a human?' Pei Yansi's lips curved slightly, 'Not acting human is fine too, being a loyal dog isn’t so bad.'

``` Anak perempuan baron, Alessandra Barrett, telah memakai masker sejak usia muda karena sebuah cedera. Banyak yang mengatakan jika Anda melihat wajah di balik masker, Anda akan terkutuk dan mati tidak lama kemudian. Dia dilihat sebagai hantu, dihindari oleh semua yang mengunjungi rumah baron sampai dia menjadi istri duke. Tak seorang pun bisa mengerti mengapa duke memilihnya sebagai istri. Apakah dia ingin mati? Apa yang akan terjadi pada gadis yang dulunya bersembunyi di bayangan tetapi kini menjadi pusat perhatian sebagai istri ber-masker duke? Apa yang akan semua orang katakan jika mereka mengetahui kebenaran bahwa dia adalah dalam pernikahan kontrak dengan duke? Urutan linimasa cerita Kebangsawanan Castro - Istri Raja yang Tak Bisa Dihancurkan Pelayan Misterius Sang Kesatria Istri Ber-masker Sang Duke ```

``` #amouraprèsangoisse Lorsque sa femme et la fille de ses rêves furent kidnappées en même temps, il décida de sauver sa fragile dulcinée et laissa sa dévouée épouse aux mains des ravisseurs. Il avait dit à sa femme : "Qiao An, tu as toujours été intelligente, certainement que tu sauras te sauver même si je te laisse avec les kidnappeurs. Mais Wei Xin, elle, ne le pourra pas." Cet incident permit enfin à Qiao An de réaliser les véritables sentiments de son mari. Laissée à elle-même, elle choisit de sauter d'un immeuble en ruine. À l'horreur du salaud, après que sa supposée obéissante épouse sortit de l'hôpital, elle commença à lui faire pleuvoir une vengeance sur lui et sa dulcinée. Il était complètement dépassé. Après avoir tout perdu, il comprit qu'il ne fallait jamais provoquer une femme intelligente. Il décida de se réconcilier avec sa femme. Cependant, sa femme avait trouvé une nouvelle vie avec son oncle ! ```

Lu Lingche, heir to a prestigious family, is known for his handsome, aloof, cold, and obstinate demeanor, showing disdain for all women. Qiao Yin silently loved him for five years, sacrificing everything with the belief that she could warm his icy heart. However, just three months into their marriage, he planned to abandon her for another woman. What did he mean by holding disdain for all women? It seemed that he was only holding disdain for her! Despite her broken heart, Qiao Yin embarked on a new life that led to a spectacular career, making her a top leader in her industry. When she encountered Lu Lingche again, his shock was palpable: "The competitor who cost me so much is you?" Responding with a gentle smile, Qiao Yin greeted him: "President Lu, nice to see you." While Lu Lingche remained well-dressed, cold, and rational during the day, in the quiet of the night, he lost control, embracing her tightly and pleading, "What do you want? I will give you anything. Don't leave me." "President Lu, I already have a fiancé." "He's now tied up on the rooftop. You have two choices. He dies and you marry me. Or he lives and I die?" Perplexed, Qiao Yin questioned, "Weren't you the one who wanted the divorce? Where is your so-called heart's desire?" "You have been my heart's desire all this time!"

A powerless woman’s worst nightmare is marrying someone against her will. When those who are supposed to protect her betray her in the vilest of ways, Leonor is forced to marry a Duke known for his cold nature and repulsive appearance. After a miserable childhood, it shouldn’t have been a surprise to her that her future was never truly in her hands in the first place. Duke Desmond de Montclair was nobody before the war. He garnered the King’s favor by doing the impossible in battle. Unfortunately, any achievement is eclipsed by his appearance and unbearable personality. In a kingdom that idolizes beauty, there is no room for someone like him. At first, Leonor finds life with the Duke to be what she’s used to - walking on eggshells and never speaking what’s truly in her heart. Eventually, things slowly start to change as the Duke learns about the horrors she faced while living with her family. His power becomes the key to her revenge. However, in a moment where she feels cornered, Leonor confesses to the Duke that she’s in love with someone else. The progress she has made with the Duke comes crashing down around her. Will her magic abilities be enough to convince the Duke not to throw her out? If she can make herself useful to him, perhaps she can gain his sympathy somehow…

Jovana Stafford, a determined alchemist, risked everything to save her brother with a bluish potion of unpredictable power called Serendipity. The Duke Of Veridian, Caspian Clifford, the kingdom's most formidable force, was tasked with finding the creator of Serendipity. When their worlds intertwined at a debutante ball, an undeniable attraction sparked between them, and their meeting became a clandestine affair. As Jovana struggled to keep her secret, and Caspian grappled with his duty, they must navigate a perilous path of love and loyalty. Will Caspian betray Jovana to fulfil his duty, or will he defy the kingdom to protect her?

Volume 3 Forced away from the magical palace that has become home, Umeko embarks on a journey to The Creator of Japan's shrine with hopes of persuading him to come to his son's aid. Meanwhile, the seemingly all-powerful, Dragon King, Ryu, gains more control over the banished moon god's assets as he prepares to take over all the realms. Surrounded by danger and death during her fight to survive in a life that she previously wanted to abandon, does Umeko have what it takes to commit to her vow of saving Tsukiyomi from the ultimate evil trapping him from the inside? ***** WARNING This book contains graphic, adult content that may be triggering for some individuals, including but not limited to: the opposing forces of good and evil, talking to the Creator, manipulation, imprisonment, servitude, inner conflict, demonic possession, murder, sacrifice, self-loathing, de-programming from upbringing, near-death experience, idolization, differences between gods/humans/demons, blurred lines of friendship, betrayal, discussions of universal domination, casual sex, sex addiction, profanity, theft, mind games, same-sex content, psychological thrill, BDSM, humiliation, mention of group sex, abuse of power, wanting/begging to die, aftermath of self harm, talk of suicide, self-sabotage, harem activities/gossip, mention of threesomes/group sex, and drinking. ***** Find out where your donations go by copy & pasting: https://thisangelshine.wixsite.com/angelshine Stay connected to author's works: https://linktr.ee/thisangelshine

Declan divorced his wife for cheating on him and making a fool of him. Heartbroken, she leaves town but after some years, she is back. Declan realizes that maybe he might have misunderstood some things years ago.

Due to excessive chattering and criticizing in a discussion forum, I suddenly became Duchess Cathleen—the most tormented character in the novel "The Protagonist Is A Villain." Even worse, I found myself in the story at the point where Cathleen’s relationship with her husband, Cedric, was on the brink of collapse. It was the moment when Cathleen kept forcing her husband to divorce her. As someone who knows what will happen to Cathleen after the divorce—death, of course—I must avoid the separation at all costs. Therefore, let’s try to build a good relationship with my husband. But there’s a problem I have to face head-on. I’M COMPLETELY UNACCUSTOMED TO HAVING A HUSBAND. “How’s the food?” I asked enthusiastically. “Huh?” Cedric looked confused by my behavior. “Yeah?” I was equally confused by his reaction.

#Married #Office Romance Jerica Evans, a devoted wife and clerk at City Hall, feels her world slowly unraveling as the cracks in her once-loving marriage deepen. Her husband, Jared, a high-powered lawyer with a fierce courtroom reputation known as "The Siberian Beast," has grown distant, and his cold demeanor leaves Jerica questioning everything. Once the pillar of her life, Jared now feels like a stranger, more lighthouse than man—steady but unreachable, leaving Jerica adrift in loneliness and suspicion. When she catches him leaving work early with a mysterious woman in a red dress, her world shatters. As she balances her growing suspicion with the suspicious arrival of Harold Braddock, Jerica's former flame, the lines between loyalty, betrayal, and her own desires blur. Her once steady life spirals as her husband’s frosty demeanor and her own emotional wounds collide. As the emotional distance between her and Jared widens, Jerica must decide whether to fight for a love that seems to have slipped away—or walk away from the man who once completed her. What will she decide? What is Jared's secret? Was their marriage truly over? Has she truly stopped loving him? This is a heartstring-pulling journey of love, pride, and the devastating cost of hidden truths and unspoken desires, where one woman must decide if she’ll fight for the man she married or leave him behind to save herself. Please support the book by voting. Leave reviews and tell me what you feel in the comments.

Carole, who is married to Aston Albrecht, the billionaire heir of a big company, was betrayed by her best friend. At first she didn’t want to believe what was happening until she witnessed it with her own eyes. She caught her husband cheating with her best friend. Her family let her marry the man because of their falling business and she had no choice but to save it. However, as their marriage passed by, her husband also changed. Misunderstandings rose and arguments came one by one. Carole’s failing marriage led her to turn the tables. She took all her courage to divorce her husband, but instead of letting her go, Aston threatened her that she would lose everything if he signed the papers, because all of Carole’s wealth came from her husband. Unexpectedly, Carole meets Royce. Royce Cox is the only son and heir of a big company second to Aston Albrecht. Meeting Royce, Aston’s business rival, gave her an opportunity to take revenge. She divorced her husband and let her bestfriend have him while letting herself climb onto the top of the ladder. Royce proposed something to her. That is to pretend to be his girlfriend in exchange for helping her to take revenge. However, in the middle of the plan, Carole found out that there is life inside her womb. A new life that will give her hope to live again. Will she be able to take revenge or will she fall into her own trap?

"How dare you do this to me? Who gave you the right to think you can divorce me, Vanessa?" "Why should I ask for your permission, Ethan? You're already out when you cheat with your b*tch!" *** A successful career, Expensive cars, a Vila in the upper East Side of Manhattan, and a perfect Husband; Vanessa Bennett thought she had it all—an ideal life. Until she discovered her husband's infidelity in the worst way possible. Especially after overhearing their disgusting plan, divorce was no longer enough to vent her anger. She had abandoned almost everything for Ethan yet he was planning to ruin her. If only he knew who she really was. As the only heiress of the Reeds, she would never show mercy to the betrayers. However, she never expected her path would cross with Billionaire entrepreneur, Michael Hayes. "Vanessa, you never know what you've done to me." His kiss fell with his soft words and Vanessa felt her heart skipped. But was her broken heart ready for a new relationship? Who would she choose when Ethan turned back and begged her back?

Ayaka died at a very young age after refusing the Grand Duke of Sollaine Kingdom orders. She’s a servant at first but later on ordered to seduce the King to obtain his people and use it against the Emperor of Westeria. But Ayaka didn’t do what she was told. Instead, she was accused of killing the King’s son and was beheaded. Before she closed her eyes, she wished for a next life full of happiness.The moment she opened her eyes again everything changed. Ayaka became the eldest daughter of the Kestramore’s Kingdom Duke, Valeraine Thornfield. However, Valeraine is engaged to the Grand Duke of Sollaine Kingdom son, the people who murdered her. She will do everything in her new life to punish them even if it means to play a game with the new Emperor of Westeria, Eryx Vincent Seraphinius.

Lila Dawson believed she was no longer affected by heartbreak following her breakup with billionaire hotel tycoon Max Edwards. After signing the divorce papers, she left and was prepared to begin her new life. However, half a year later, a legal error revealed that their marriage was never legally dissolved. Max pleads with Lila to maintain the facade of a happy marriage for a crucial business agreement, and she reluctantly agrees. Residing once more in the same house, old emotions resurface, as do previous hurts. Max is committed to winning her back, however, Lila is hesitant to believe he won't hurt her heart once more. Could this unexpected meeting be their opportunity for a fresh start, or just setting them up for more heartache?

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be known that this book wouldn't have made it this far without the support my dear writing buddy Rachel E. Canton who is a great writer of SINS OF THE SERAPHIM - https://www.webnovel.com/book/sins-of-the-seraphim_26438336605116805 and Derek J. Perna To Rachel & Derek, Thank you for everything! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When the last heir of Ardel lost everything, fate would bring her to her rightful protector. Anna Adhemar, the forgotten princess, found herself betrayed by the Regent. Hunted by the Bargesians and the ruthless slave traders, she desperately fled for her life. Rescued by a mysterious man, her newfound safety was short-lived as she succumbed to a potent aphrodisiac. Then, she awoke in the arms of the fearsome Knight Commander of Gerhard, stripped bare, in a foreign kingdom. Fear, confusion, and a sense of profound devastation enveloped her. But the man before her declared, "I am your husband. I married you last night." Then, with unwavering determination, he vowed, " You're my woman now. No one can hurt my woman." --- Kyren Raychard, the Crown Prince who had chosen to forsake the throne and became celibate, led the Knights of Gerhard to safeguard his kingdom’s border from slave trading activities. Outside his camp, he found Anna poisoned and delirious. The healer informed him of the only cure, of which he must race against time to give and honour her. For the first time, he felt an overwhelming instinct to protect and claim her as his own. Unaware of his deepening affection, he belatedly realised his feelings as he stood on the brink of losing her. Bound by a soul-binding spell, their fates intertwined…

(first novel written by me :D English is not my first language so it's translated with Google :v) In a realm scarred by monstrous invasions, Thaddeus Beaumont, the young Duke of the legendary Winterfell Clan, unravels a web of secrets surrounding his parents' deaths while forging unlikely alliances and navigating a perilous path of love, power, and mystery.

"Through the ages, I was the shadow that ruled from the darkness, the unseen hand that restored balance whenever fools dared to disrupt what was never theirs. I was never a savior, nor did I act out of mercy or love for this world. I acted because their existence was nothing but a disturbance… because this world was never theirs to take! > And now, as we stand at the edge of annihilation—where time shatters, laws crumble, and ancient beasts rise from their slumber—do I sit idly and watch the end devour everything? Or do I seize this moment and reshape the end to suit my will? > Who am I? A foolish question, but I’ll indulge it, if only to hear the echo of my name shatter the cosmos itself. Hahahahaha... I am the Cursed Immortal!"

There are 4 Duke's In the Holy Empire And John Well Is One Of The Duke's But Out of The 4 Dukedom Well's Are The Weakest So Much So That Even Some People Question If There are a Dukedom Now Our MC John Well, Gets a Humiliation System With That Maybe He can Save His Dukedom From Collapsing? "WARNING" This novel will have mc humiliated by character's Involving #Incest #Cuckold #Femdom #NTR #netorare #netorase #Clean ups #sph #Chastity Cage #Forced Feminization #Bdsm # Cbt#Harem If You are Not Into That Stuff Please Kindly Leave and Let Others Enjoy

It seemed as if all the reason to live disappeared from my life. My long time lover cheated on me. He was my only way to get out of this shitty house but that disappeared with his cheating on me. I got married to notorious archduke of the empire. Who would have known that he would become the reason to give me hope of life.

Adrian Blaze, who had received the title of god of war, was betrayed by his own race. Betrayed by his own friend and the world, he was on his last breath when his two weapons, the trident of destruction Demios and the divine sword Yuriel starts revolving around him as he dies. But when he opened his eyes he had regressed to his 12 year old self. "hahaha" Adrian laughed as a devious smile appeared on his face "O you great 7 empires, who betrayed me and collaborated with the demons. The world shall see what happens when the world's strongest warrior turns into your foe" Adrian walked towards the wooden door and opened it as his word resounded "Lets begin my revenge!!" Now witness the journey of the betrayed hero who shall conquer the world and Go against even the gods if it means achieving his goals. Author's Note------------- if you decide to read this then please don't drop before chapter 34 as I am also improving my writing and it can be a bit slow paced in the start but please cut me a slack. now if you have any suggestions about anything you want to see ahead in the novel you can comment. I will make sure to read them. now the schedule will be - 2 chapter releases on every sunday and i will release bonus chapters according to the support from the viewers. i will update here or in the chapter's beginning if there is any news to pass on. have a good time. ^..^

On his 20th birthday, Asher's mother confessed something he never expected. After the truth was revealed, she died giving her last blessing to him. That's when Asher found himself all alone, confused about his own identity and worrying about his future. What did she say? -He was someone special? -Someone people would come after? She said he was coming from a very rare but also a very special race called omega where men could get pregnant. Was it real? At first, Asher strictly refused to accept his mother's confession. But in the end, he had to believe it. Because it was the bitter truth. If he was really coming from such a rare race, and had such a special body, did he have to live all his life hiding so he wouldn't get caught and become someone's plaything? Was that the only way to avoid getting the bad ending his father got? Why was he even born as someone like this?! He just wanted a peaceful life. So, it wouldn't be as dangerous as his mother said if he just forgot he was special and lived like a normal person, right? People would not notice. Alas, it's been a long time since people last saw an omega and they must be believing no omega exists now. At least that's what he thought... He thought people might have forgotten about his existence and he would not have to face any problems in the future.  Whether he was special or not, he still became a target. When he was kidnapped and auctioned as a slave, he regretted ignoring his mother's last advice. "Don't trust anyone easily. Your safety is in your hands and protecting yourself is your duty." He could only blame himself and expect for the worst if his special identity was to get revealed and meet the same end as his father did. However, his fate gave him a second chance along with a huge surprise which changed his life for the better. Hopefully, Asher was saved by the so-called 'bloodthirsty monster' duke and brought to his mansion to babysit his spoiled 10-year-old little sister who threw tantrums declaring she wants Asher to pat her head and comfort her. Just to babysit this adorable, little girl.  He was safe. His secret was also secured within himself. Thanks to that chaotic sister and brother, Asher's life slowly took new turns and continued with almost no obstacles...till some point. The surprise? The duke happened to have some kind of a 'strange' illness that had no cure. Not long after when Asher discovered it, he ended up becoming the perfect cure for his illness. But how? -Remember? He was 'special'! Where would his specialty as an omega lead his life to? What kind of mysteries would he have to encounter with this duke wishing comfort from him?  Will the duke's 'strange' illness ever get healed? How would their story flow to that perfect happy ending with the twist of love landing in the middle of their 'just a deal'? ________________ Note:  This story continues in a historical timeline. Similar to omegaverse, but not the same omegaverse universe. Magic, revenge, dukes, royal families, curses, spells, heats, ruts... (The book cover is from Pinterest. Respect to the artist.)

I watched Ethan across the table, hoping for a sign—just one little thing to tell me we could still fix this. A smile, a glance, a trace of the man I married. But all I got was the same cold expression I’d been seeing for months now. His jaw was clenched, his eyes distant, and his fingers drummed against the table as though this whole evening was just another thing to get through. I tried to ignore the pit growing in my stomach. We were here, weren’t we? At the same restaurant where we’d celebrated our first anniversary. I even wore the red dress he used to love—the one that made me feel beautiful when he looked at me like I was the only person in the room. Tonight, though, he hadn’t even noticed. Not once had his eyes softened when they landed on me, and that coldness…it chilled me more than I wanted to admit.