He needed to act now.

Linda's presence beneath him was undeniable – a softness, a warmth. Even without love, Shane couldn't deny the allure of her body. A possessive impulse rose within him.

Linda placed a hand on his shoulder, her breath catching slightly. "Shane," she said, her voice a touch unsteady, "I haven't taken my medication lately. There's a chance I could get pregnant."

Her words acted like a brake. Shane paused.

Desire battled with reason. He wanted her, yes, but not at the cost of losing control. Children weren't part of his current plan, not within the confines of his marriage with Linda.

After a prolonged silence, he delivered a cutting sneer. "It seems you've been giving this a great deal of thought these days."

Dismissing her resistance, Shane supported himself with one hand, reaching into the bedside table drawer with the other. He pulled out an unopened box, its packaging emblazoned with three simple English letters.

He was about to tear it open when his phone began to ring.

Ignoring the persistent ringing, Shane ripped open the small package with one hand and bent down to kiss Linda. She resisted, turning her head to break free... the incessant ringing of the mobile phone persisted.

Finally, exasperated, Shane answered the call.

It was his mother, Mrs. Deborah Harvey.

Her tone was cool, almost detached. "Shane, your grandmother isn't feeling well. Come home and see her. And bring *her* as well. Your grandmother has a craving for that lotus root powder cake she makes."

It was a veiled request, coated in concern for the elderly. Mrs. Deborah, never one for overt sentimentality, made her dislike clear.

Shane, his weight still partially on Linda, stared down at her, his dark eyes assessing. After a moment's consideration, he spoke into the phone. "I'll bring her by later."

Hanging up, he rose and began to dress. "Grandma's ill and wants to see you... If you're planning a scene, save it for later."

Linda remained on the bed, feeling depleted. Eventually, she too rose and dressed in silence.

As he fastened his trousers, Shane cast a glance at Linda's slender back and then at the unopened condom box on the bedside table. A slight tightening of his lips was the only outward sign of his thoughts as he left the room.

By the time Linda descended the stairs, Shane was already in the car, smoking.

Dusk had deepened, leaving only a faint twilight.

Linda was dressed in a white silk shirt and a floor-length black skirt of the same material, revealing only a sliver of a slender, pale calf.

She initially moved to get into the back, but Shane opened the passenger door. "Get in the front."

Linda obeyed, getting into the car without a word.

The black Bentley glided silently out of the villa gates. Shane gripped the steering wheel, his focus on the road, but his eyes flicked to Linda in the rearview mirror.

Three years of marriage, and Linda rarely rode in his car. Now, on the precipice of divorce, neither seemed inclined to speak.

The silence was heavy.

Half an hour later, the car pulled into a sprawling estate nestled in the hills. As the ornate wrought-iron gates swung open, the villa blazed with light, illuminating the grounds like daylight.

Shane switched off the engine and turned to Linda. "Grandma's frail, and she can't handle any drama. You know what to say."

Linda opened the car door and replied in a flat voice, "Don't worry."

Shane watched her back for a moment, then got out and quickly closed the distance, taking her hand. He felt her initial resistance, but he tightened his grip on her palm. "Remember what you agreed to."

Linda's fingers curled slightly, but she didn't pull away.

Mrs. Deborah was waiting in the grand hall. Seeing them enter hand-in-hand, she frowned imperceptibly before saying quietly, "Dr. Peter Williams just left. You can go and see her." She then turned her gaze towards Linda.

Linda greeted her mother-in-law. After a long pause, Mrs. Deborah responded curtly.

Normally, Linda would be hurt by the coldness, but now, preoccupied with her own situation with Shane, she felt detached... Shane's voice broke through her thoughts. "Let's go see Grandma."

Inside the bedroom, the elderly woman indeed seemed unwell, resting against the pillows. Seeing Shane and Linda enter, her aged eyes brightened immediately. "I've been waiting and waiting for my dear Linda."

Shane gently guided Linda forward.

He leaned in close to the old woman's ear and said, "I knew you weren't feeling well, so I didn't bring any outsiders."

The old woman smiled.

But she feigned deafness, cupping her ear and asking loudly, "What? Are you and Linda finally having children?... Shane, children are important! Don't worry about me being old, that can wait.

Knowing the old woman was being deliberately provocative, Shane shot Linda a hard look.

Linda didn't offer any affection during the visit.

After a brief chat with the old lady, she announced, "I'm going to make lotus root powder cakes."

The old lady smiled contentedly as Linda left.

Meanwhile, the old lady had spoken to Shane earlier, "Shane, what's with the special treatment for Maria? A few fireworks? Your wife will be jealous! And Linda, watch your husband! If you can't stand him, leave."

Shane brushed the comments about the fireworks aside without explaining. He suspected Secretary Esther had been behind that gesture!

Later, after a long conversation, Linda returned with the snack.

Shane observed her. Despite doing housework, Linda remained impeccably dressed, radiating an air of dignity and beauty – the perfect picture of a high-society wife.

He felt a momentary disconnect.

The old woman enjoyed the snack and cut to the chase, "Shane, you'll be 30 in two years. Others already have two children. When will you give me a great-grandchild?"

Linda remained silent.

Shane glanced at her, idly playing with a lotus root powder cake, and replied, "Linda is still young. Let her enjoy life a little longer!"

The old lady saw through their issues but didn't press the matter further.

They had dinner at the Harvey's house. By the time they left, it was late.

Shane fastened his seat belt and glanced at Linda. She stared out the window, her face barely visible.

In the dim light, her profile was soft and pale.

Shane looked at her for a while and then pressed the accelerator.

The black Bentley moved smoothly, the lights blurring past. He clearly wanted to talk, as he drove slowly.

About five minutes later, Shane spoke softly, "I'll arrange for your father to be admitted to the Hospital tomorrow, with the best team of specialists. And... if you need money, tell me."

His tone was gentle, almost a concession.

He didn't love Linda, and he was bothered by her calculated actions, but he wasn't ready to divorce... it would complicate his life and affect Shane's Group's stock value.

He figured he could get used to it!

Besides, her appearance and figure were top-notch. Sexually, at least, he found their relationship satisfying.

With that thought, as the traffic light turned green, Shane glanced at Linda.

Gripping the steering wheel, he continued, "Secretary Esther won't be coming to the house anymore. You can put away your jewelry. I'll explain it to her."

Linda listened quietly.

The air conditioning was high, and she crossed her arms to ward off the chill.

Married to Shane for three years, she knew his character well. His concessions were a form of granting a favor... and she should be grateful. But she wasn't.

He said a lot and conceded a few points, but he avoided mentioning Maria. Which meant if she accepted his arrangement, Maria would continue to be present in their lives...Nothing would really change.

Linda was tired and didn't want to remain trapped in a loveless marriage.

She refused softly, "No, my father's doctor is doing a good job."

Shane understood her meaning. She rejected his offer and insisted on divorce. He felt anger rise within him. "Linda, don't forget the prenuptial agreement. If you divorce, you won't get a dime."

"I know!" She replied quickly.

Shane lost his patience and said nothing further.

Twenty minutes later, as the car pulled into the villa they shared, he stopped the car and told the doorman, "Lock the gate and don't let a fly out."

The doorman looked suspicious, wanting to ask something,

But Shane had already driven off and parked in front of the villa.

The car stopped. Linda unfastened her seatbelt and started to get out. With a click, Shane locked the car.

Linda carefully set the car door closed, the silence inside thick and suffocating.

Shane, back from a business trip and immediately heading to the his residence, was clearly weary. He rubbed his temples, his hand resting on the steering wheel, and said with a hint of impatience, "How long are you going to keep this up?"

His words confirmed her fears: he saw this as nothing more than a tantrum.

A chill settled in Linda's heart. Straightening her posture, she stared ahead, her voice barely a whisper, "Shane, I'm serious. I don't want to be with you anymore."

Shane turned his head sharply, his gaze piercing.

He possessed a striking handsomeness, features sharply defined. Once, Linda had been completely captivated by his face, but now, she felt nothing. Absolutely nothing.

His dark eyes locked on her as he unfastened his seatbelt with a sharp click. "Get out of the car."

The sound of the car locking echoed in the sudden silence.

Linda immediately obeyed, stepping out of the vehicle and heading towards the villa's entrance. The light illuminated her back, straight and unyielding, a reflection of her firm decision to seek a divorce.

Shane waited long enough to finish a cigarette before exiting the car and following her inside.

The separation had begun, cold and unresolved.

That night, Linda took the guest room, and Shane, consumed by anger, made no attempt to coax her back. He changed into his pajamas and lay down, but the emptiness beside him felt unsettling, unfamiliar.

He was used to Linda's presence, always seeking his warmth from behind, no matter how distant he seemed.

The next morning, sunlight streamed into the bedroom.

Shane instinctively raised a hand to shield his eyes, awakening fully.

Faint sounds drifted up from downstairs.

He recognized the sounds of the maid preparing the dining room. Usually, Linda would assist, personally preparing his breakfast.

A sense of hope flickered within Shane. He rose and headed to the walk-in closet to dress.

Then, he stopped dead in his tracks.

Linda's suitcase was gone.

Shane threw open the wardrobe. Sure enough, several of her usual outfits were missing.

After a silent moment, he closed the wardrobe and changed into his business attire. He quickly washed and, while fastening his watch, descended the stairs. He casually asked the maid, "Where is my wife?"

The maid answered cautiously, "The lady left early this morning with her suitcase, without even asking for the driver."

"Well, good for her!" Shane retorted.

He ignored the situation, settling at the table to consume his usual black coffee and whole-wheat toast.

His eyes were drawn to the newspaper headlines.

It was filled with gossip about him and Maria, the titles sensationally eye-catching. Shane stared at them for a long time before quietly asking the maid, "Did she read the newspaper before she left?"

The maid replied honestly, "Madam left without having breakfast."

Shane glanced up at her, then snatched his phone and dialed Secretary Esther, "Take care of those newspaper stories!"

He was about to hang up after a few brief instructions.

Shane's slender fingers loosened his tie, his voice deceptively calm, "Also, find out where Linda sold her wedding ring. I want it back by 4 p.m."

Secretary Esther was stunned.

After a long pause, she whispered, "That's impossible! Mrs. Linda loves you so much; why would she sell her wedding ring?"

Shane's only response was to disconnect the call.

He threw the phone onto the table, his appetite completely gone as he stared at the offending news.

...

Linda returned to her mother's house, where Beatrice was preparing soup to take to the hospital.

Upon seeing Linda, Beatrice's composure faltered.

She pointed at the suitcase, her tone accusatory, "What couple doesn't argue? It's normal for men to stray occasionally. That Maria looks so pathetic and has a limp... I even inquired about her; she won't affect your position at all. There's no need to get a divorce. "

"What position am I even gaining with Shane?!"

Linda gave a bitter laugh as she packed the pigeon soup into a thermos, "I'm going to the hospital to see Dad later."

Beatrice continued to stare.

Finally, Beatrice wiped her hands on a rag and said angrily, "Your father will be furious if he finds out you're getting a divorce! Linda... Maybe you should reconsider. Even if you really can't live with him, how will you survive after the divorce? This family is barely hanging on as it is. What will you use to support it?"

Linda slowly tightened the lid of the thermos.

After securing it, she softly spoke, her head bowed, "There has to be a solution! Selling the wedding rings will cover half a year of Dad's medical bills and my brother's legal fees... I'll sell the house, too, and get a job to support the family."

Tears welled up in Linda's eyes.

This house was her mother's legacy, something she had never considered selling, no matter how dire the circumstances.

Beatrice was taken aback.

She offered no more encouragement but still disagreed with the drastic measures.

After composing herself, Linda and Beatrice proceeded to the hospital.

Jacob Adams's condition had stabilized following treatment, although he remained disheartened, constantly worrying about his eldest son, Colt's future.

Linda decided to postpone mentioning the divorce for now.

That afternoon, the attending physician came for his rounds.

Harold Blake, a young and accomplished doctor of medicine, was a leading expert in neurosurgery. Tall (185cm) and handsome, he possessed a refined demeanor.

After his examination, he glanced at Linda and suggested, "Let's talk outside."

Linda looked surprised.

She immediately set down what she was holding and said softly to her father, "Dad, I'll be right back."

Soon, they were in a quiet corridor.

Sensing her nervousness, Harold offered a reassuring smile.

Then, looking down at the case file, he began, "Last night, I consulted with several surgical directors, and we unanimously recommend customized rehabilitation for Mr. Adams to maximize his recovery. However, the cost is considerable, approximately 150,000 dollars per month."

For Linda, 150,000 dollars was an exorbitant amount.

But without hesitation, she responded, "We'll proceed with the treatment."

Harold closed the file and looked at her intently.

They had actually known each other for a long time, but Linda had forgotten.

When Linda was very young, he had lived next door. He remembered the terrace outside her bedroom illuminated with small stars every summer evening, where Linda would sit, thinking of her mother.

She would ask him, "Harold, will Mom come back?"

Harold didn't know and couldn't answer. Now, looking at her, he recalled seeing her wedding three years ago when he returned to Washington. He had assumed she was marrying for love, but it seemed she was unhappy.

Shane was treating her coldly and harshly.

Harold was about to speak when a cold voice cut through the air, "Linda."

It was Shane.

Dressed in business attire – a dark gray shirt and black suit – Shane looked like he had come straight from the office. The crisp sound of his calfskin shoes echoed as he walked towards them.

Shane approached them.

Extending his hand with a hint of casualness, he said, "Harold, long time no see!"

Harold looked at the offered hand, smiled subtly, and shook it. "Mr. Shane, a rare visitor!"

Shane released his grip and glanced at Linda. "Visiting Dad?"

An unspoken tension simmered between the two men.

Linda, oblivious to the undercurrent, disliked creating a scene with Shane in front of Dr. Harold, so she simply nodded. "Dr. Harold , I'll go now."

Harold gave a slight smile.

Linda walked with Shane toward the ward in silence.

Since she was planning a divorce, she no longer felt compelled to ingratiate herself with him as she once had.

Near the ward door, Shane suddenly seized Linda's slender wrist, trapping her between himself and the wall. His eyes were a mix of emotions.

Just now, the way Harold had looked at Linda was the way a man looks at a woman.

Shane gently touched Linda's face, noticing how white and delicate it was.

His voice, slightly husky, asked, "What did you say to him?"

Linda tried to pull away, but Shane tightened his grip, pressing her back against the wall.

They were now intimately close, a stark contrast between hardness and softness.

Linda found herself at her breaking point: "Shane, we're in a hospital!"

"I'm perfectly aware of that."

Shane remained unmoved. He leaned in close, his face inches from her ear, his tone a low threat: "Do you have any idea who that is?"

Linda understood the unspoken accusation.

He was Shane's Group's president, a man of considerable standing. He wouldn't tolerate his wife being overly familiar with other men.

A bitter smile touched Linda's lips.

"Shane," she said, "I don't share your suspicious mind, nor am I in the mood for such things. Don't worry, I won't have an affair with anyone before our divorce."

With that, she pushed him away and went inside the ward.

Shane followed her in.

He frowned as he entered. It wasn't a private room.

Colt pulled out a chair for him, whispering, "Please, sit down! I'll ask Linda to peel some fruit for you... Linda, don't just stand there! You can go home with Shane later. I'll stay and look after our father!"

Shane sat and began talking with Jacob.

He might be cold towards Linda, but he was always impeccable in front of Jacob. Years in the business world had taught him how to charm, and he easily made a good impression.

Jacob had always been fond of him.

However, when Shane suggested moving him to another hospital, Jacob politely declined, "Don't bother! This place is fine, and Dr. Harold is very attentive."

Shane didn't press the issue: "Alright, Dad, if you're comfortable here, then that's what matters!"

Just then, Linda handed him a peeled apple.

Shane took it, but placed it aside. He grasped her wrist, stood up, and said to Colt and Beatrice, "I'll take Linda home now. Take care, Dad."

Jacob nodded as he watched them leave.

Beatrice began tidying up. Suddenly, Jacob spoke, "They've been having trouble lately, haven't they?"

Beatrice's hands trembled.

She quickly recovered, "It's nothing! Linda and Shane are doing just fine!"

Jacob sighed softly, "You're lying to me! Linda looks at him differently. She used to look at Shane with such light in her eyes, but now, it's gone."

Beatrice was taken aback. Softly, she said, "You should talk to her!"

Jacob leaned back against the head of the bed. After a moment, he whispered, "No, I won't. She doesn't say anything, thinking I don't notice... I don't want Linda to be trapped either."

Beatrice stopped herself from speaking.

...

Shane escorted Linda downstairs.

The setting sun cast a red glow on the black Bentley, making it look almost fiery.

Linda was guided into the car. She tried to get out, but he gripped her wrist tightly.

Shane's expression was impassive. From the outside, it was impossible to tell how much force he was using. Linda couldn't move, a clear demonstration of the difference in strength between a man and a woman.

When she stopped struggling, Shane released her.

He sat in silence, smoking.

Linda's breathing was slightly uneven. She looked at his profile. The dim light cast shadows on his face, highlighting his strong features. Combined with his status, he possessed a charm that could easily captivate women.

Linda vaguely remembered,

It was that very face that had once fascinated her and held her affection for so many years.

Shane glanced sideways at Linda.

He rarely bothered with Linda's affairs. He wasn't particularly attentive to her, but he didn't want to change his wife. Men in his position didn't readily replace their wives.

After a long pause, he extinguished his cigarette and pulled out a velvet box from his pocket.

He opened it, revealing a diamond ring.

Linda's throat tightened. This was... the wedding ring she had sold that night.

Had Shane bought it back?

Shane kept his gaze fixed on her face, watching for the slightest flicker of emotion, as if trying to understand her every thought.

Finally, he spoke, his voice flat, "Hold out your hand and put on the ring. Then come home with me. I'll pretend the other night never happened. You can still be Mrs. Linda."

Linda, rarely on the receiving end of Shane's generosity, remained steadfast.

Her slender, pale fingers subtly curled inward.

Shane's patience wore thin. "What exactly is it that you want?" he demanded.

Linda's voice was barely audible as she replied, "Divorce. I want a divorce."

Shane, consumed by work, had been further aggravated by a morning quarrel with Linda and his inability to locate his cufflinks. On the verge of an outburst, he spotted a white BMW in the parking lot where Harold was engaged in conversation with a nurse.

His mood worsened, and he was about to unleash his anger when his phone rang. It was Secretary Esther. Shane answered with a sharp tone, "What is it?"

Secretary Esther reported dutifully, "Miss Maria had a fall getting out of bed and may have damaged the nerves in her leg. She's quite upset. Mr. Shane, would you consider visiting her in California? It would greatly improve her spirits."

Shane paused, holding the phone, seemingly uncomfortable with Linda's presence.

The call wasn't muted, and Linda overheard the conversation.

A faint smile touched her lips. She opened the car door, stepped out, and walked away without a backward glance.

A chill evening breeze swept over her, and Linda felt a shiver.

*Thankfully*, she thought, *when Shane presented the wedding ring, she hadn't faltered or changed her mind. She was ready to leave behind their suffocating marriage*.

*Thankfully*, she repeated to herself.

As her figure receded into the distance, Shane, staring after her, snapped into the phone, "Get her the best doctors available!"

Secretary Esther was surprised, "So, you won't be going to California to see her?"

Shane ended the call.

After disconnecting from Secretary Esther, he tried calling Linda, but the call wouldn't go through.

He attempted to message her on WhatsApp, but the message failed to send.

Linda had blocked his number and WhatsApp account.

Shane tossed his phone aside in anger. After a moment, he picked up the diamond ring and examined it intently. He now understood the depth of Linda's desire to leave him.

*However*, he thought, *unless he agreed, she would remain Mrs. Linda .*

***

Three days later, on the top floor of the Shane Group Building, in the his office...

Shane stood before the panoramic window, speaking with his mother on his mobile phone. The old lady, thinking of Linda, urged him to bring her home for a visit.

Shane offered placating words.

A knock sounded at the door. "Mr. Shane, a special delivery for you."

Shane raised an eyebrow, already suspecting the nature of the delivery.

Moments later, Secretary Esther entered, placed an express package on the desk, and quietly said, "Madam sent this."

Shane, still by the window, observed it for a few seconds before approaching. With deliberate movements, he picked up the document and opened it. As he had anticipated, it was a divorce agreement.

He quickly scanned the document. Linda was firm, asking for nothing.

A clean break, leaving empty-handed.

His expression darkened. After a prolonged silence, he asked in a low voice, "What has she been doing lately?"

Secretary Esther responded promptly, "She appears to be selling the house. Many have viewed it, but no one has made an offer yet. Additionally, your wife is seeking employment. She received a national award in college, and a reputable institution is interested in hiring her with a good salary."

Shane sank into his leather office chair.

After a long pause, he picked up the divorce agreement and stared at it.

His voice was icy as he said, "Have someone contact the realtor and buy that house for the lowest possible price!"

He scoffed, "As for work, she won't be allowed to struggle!"

Secretary Esther was taken aback.

She had expected Shane to push the Linda family further down, but instead... No.

Didn't he despise Linda above all else?

Hesitating for only a few seconds, Shane erupted, "Are you still here?!"

Secretary Esther withdrew.

Outside the office, she wrung her hands, paused briefly, then dialed a number on her mobile phone...