Elaria was drowning in sadness, while Sebastian, unusually, seemed to be in a good mood.

He scooped her up effortlessly, laid her down on the soft bed in the master bedroom, and leaned over her, clearly intending to get intimate.

But there was no way Elaria was going to let that happen.

Her breathing grew uneven as she pressed her hands against his chest, hair partially undone and tumbling over the white pillow. Her bathrobe had slipped open slightly. "Sebastian!"

He locked eyes with her, almost obsessed, and leaned in to kiss her. His body language left no doubt about his intentions.

All Elaria felt was disgust.

Sebastian's dark hair was damp with sweat, his cheeks flushed, voice low and raspy. "Why are you resisting?"

Lying there staring up at the man she'd chased for four years, Elaria felt nothing but exhaustion.

She was done. She didn't want to keep sacrificing herself anymore.

But Sebastian had no idea-he was still demanding to know why she refused to sleep with him, why she wouldn't give him a legitimate heir to help him secure more power.

Elaria reached up and gently touched his cheek. Her voice was quiet, but her words landed like a punch. "Sebastian, I want a divorce."

His expression darkened immediately.

But he tried to keep it together. "This is about Bianca Thompson, isn't it? I told you, she's just a family friend's kid. You didn't like her living there, so I moved her out."

Elaria let out a cold laugh. A "family friend's daughter" being kept in a villa? Clinging to him when they walked?

She didn't bother saying those words. Arguing would only make her look petty.

Instead, she pulled open the nightstand drawer, took out the divorce papers, and shoved them into his hands. Calmly, almost too calmly, she said, "Besides the savings and real estate, I want half of Halden & Co.'s shares."

Sebastian frowned. "Half the company? That's a bit much, isn't it, Mrs. Richards?"

His tone was all business, laced with sarcasm.

Elaria's heart went cold.

But she didn't regret it.

She had given everything she could emotionally. Now, she was ready to walk away.

Trying to stay calm, she spoke from his perspective: "If we divorce, you can finally legitimize your little romance. And I get to walk away with my share of the pie. It's a win-win."

She looked completely serious.

That's when Sebastian finally realized-this wasn't just a tantrum. She had planned this.

He stared at her, dark eyes so intense it felt like they'd swallow her whole.

After a long moment, his voice turned icy. "You better give this up soon. Elaria, divorce isn't happening. You and I both know-we're a power alliance. You can't ignore that."

Yes, she knew.

But now, she just didn't care anymore.

Elaria stayed silent. Sebastian, getting irritated, stood up, threw on a robe, and stormed off to the guest room.

In his mind, Elaria just needed time to cool down. After tonight, she might just rediscover the thrill of being Mrs. Richards-and that rush of power from being second only to the top at Halden & Co.

Sebastian let out a cold chuckle. Elaria was always like this.

Behind him, her voice came soft and low, almost like a whisper. It held a familiar vulnerability, an echo from four years ago when she was still that earnest girl: "Sebastian, can we end this peacefully? I really don't want to keep going like this."

His body stiffened.

After a long silence, he walked back to the bed and said flatly, "You knew what you were signing up for when you married into the Richards family. You knew there wouldn't be love. I wasn't going to give it, and you shouldn't expect it. It'll only make things harder for you."

With that, he waved his hand.

The thick stack of divorce papers scattered across the floor like snowflakes.

*****

8 a.m.

Sebastian came downstairs in a perfectly tailored black-and-white suit, each step calm and collected. The crisp fabric hugged his tall frame-with that kind of look, he was basically made for magazine covers.

He'd started the day in a decent mood. But seeing the empty dining room wiped that away in an instant.

He took a sip of coffee and asked casually, "Where's Mrs. Richards?"

The housekeepers knew. Last night's argument had been loud-no one missed it.

One of the staff spoke up carefully, "Madam left early for the office. Skipped breakfast... didn't even take the driver, just drove herself."

Sebastian set his cup down with a sharp thud.

Suddenly, he didn't feel like eating anymore.

Thirty minutes later, he pulled up outside Halden & Co.

Ms. Woods was already waiting in the parking lot.

As soon as his car stopped, she rushed over and opened the door respectfully.

Sebastian stepped out, buttoning his jacket while walking. Every move was cool and confident-made enough of a scene that quite a few women nearby couldn't help sneaking glances at him.

Inside the private elevator, Ms. Woods cut to the chase in a low voice, "Regarding the Aurvista project-Ms. Grace's team slotted in someone new."

Sebastian stared at the blinking floor numbers overhead.

After a pause, he let out a soft scoff. "Looks like she's finally playing hardball."

*****

The tension exploded during the meeting.

Everyone knew they were husband and wife, and Sebastian had practically mentored Elaria on business from day one. Now here they were, clashing in a boardroom. Watching them go head-to-head was like live theater-the staff at Halden & Co.'s upper levels were all thoroughly entertained.

By the time the meeting ended, the sky outside was already dyed orange.

Back in her office, Elaria tossed herself onto the leather couch, rubbing her temples lightly.

Annie brought over a glass of water and placed it on the coffee table, her voice soft. "Mr. Collins just called. He asked if you'd meet him at the café on the first floor. Should I tell him yes?"

Elaria's brows lifted slightly. "Liam Collins?"

Liam-top dog in the legal world.

His firm, Ashbridge Legal, sat at the peak of the industry. Of course, he was more than just Sebastian's attorney-he was also the man Sebastian leaned on for anything too tricky or messy to handle himself.

Their ties ran deep. Very deep.To say that Sebastian might divorce Elaria but would never fall out with Liam wouldn't be an exaggeration.

This time, involving Liam showed that Sebastian didn't want the divorce drama going public.

After thinking it over, Elaria agreed.

Ten minutes later, she took the express elevator down to the café on the first floor.

Liam was sitting by the window.

His tailored three-piece suit perfectly framed his tall, lean frame. His sharp features had that innate sternness he never quite shook off.

Hearing footsteps, he looked up.

A rare flicker of surprise flashed through those usually quiet, unreadable dark eyes.

This wasn't the Elaria he remembered.

Back then, she was always impeccably dressed in designer suits, standing at Sebastian's side like a flawless statue while he fought his business battles. Everyone in their circle knew Sebastian didn't love her. His heart belonged to someone else.

But today, she looked... different.

She wore a light, comfortable knit top that gently hugged her figure. Her jet-black hair was down, a loose wave brushing her shoulders, making her look softer somehow.

Liam was caught slightly off guard, and before he could collect himself, she'd already sat down across from him. Her tone was calm, unfazed. "Sebastian sent you?"

Liam quickly regained his usual composure.

He pulled a document from his briefcase and slid it toward her. "According to the prenuptial agreement, if you go through with the divorce, you won't come out ahead."

Elaria took the file, flipping through it slowly.

When she got to the last page, her finger paused - subtle, but noticeable.

So, Sebastian had planned this four years ago.

She stared for a while, then quietly said, "Even if I get nothing, I'm still leaving. And Liam, don't call me Mrs. Richards anymore - just Elaria."

Liam had handled more high-profile divorces than he could count - he was used to this. Emotion didn't faze him.

He raised his coffee cup, took a sip, and casually asked, "So, why the change of heart? I thought you were head over heels for Sebastian. Affairs and drama are practically a given in this world."

Elaria turned away, giving a faint, bitter smile.

Everyone knew she loved Sebastian. Except Sebastian himself. Or maybe he did - he just didn't care.

Right then, she had this quiet fragility about her. To Liam, it was a different kind of beauty - softer, more real. Honestly, even more captivating than Bianca.

While he was still sizing her up, the door creaked open, and someone walked in with a poised elegance and undeniable presence.

It was Sebastian.

The moment he walked in, he saw Liam staring intently at Elaria, clearly deep in thought.

And out of nowhere, Sebastian felt this weird, uncomfortable twinge in his chest. A feeling he couldn't quite put into words.

Sebastian gave a small nod.

Liam let out a faint smile before walking off to give the couple-putting on a perfect show for the world-their space.

As Liam left, Sebastian glanced at Elaria's outfit, his brows knitting slightly. "Why are you dressed like that? Go change. We're heading to the house for dinner later."

Dinner, in this context, meant putting on their fake marital bliss. Just another performance for Mr. Richards and the shares he held.

Sometimes, Elaria thought Sebastian was a walking contradiction. He had the face of a gentleman, but deep down? Ruthless to the bone. He was built for the game of power and profit.

That was fine. She'd cooperate-up until their asset split was done. Everything, for now, revolved around mutual gain.

She changed into a formal outfit in her office and joined Sebastian in their private elevator.

No one else was inside.

Sebastian checked the time, tone neutral: "After talking with Liam, I figured you would've dropped the divorce idea. Today's one of your fertile days. Get ready when we get back. I'll try to make it quick if that's what you want."

Elaria gave a small laugh, bitter and self-deprecating.

Even when talking about having a baby, he sounded like he was discussing company logistics.

Four years. She'd put up with this kind of marriage for four damn years.

Her voice was colder than his now. "Same deal-I get half the estate, and you get your freedom."

Sebastian's face sank slightly, clearly annoyed, just as the elevator jolted to a stop.

The doors slid open.

Standing outside was a young woman in a white dress, looking innocent and sweet.

Bianca.

She stepped in lightly, looking nervous as she asked, "The staff elevator's down. Ms. Grace, would it be alright if I used this one?"

Three people. But there was only tension between two of them.

Elaria silently pressed the door button, saying nothing.

But her meaning couldn't have been clearer.

Bianca's face flushed red, embarrassment written all over her. She bit her lip and turned pleading eyes to Sebastian, hoping he'd speak up for her.

Sebastian, instead, replied calmly, "Let Ms. Grace decide."

Crushed, Bianca stepped back out.

The moment passed, but it left a bad taste in Elaria's mouth.

Not a word was spoken until they were in the car. Buckling his seatbelt, Sebastian casually said, "There's nothing between me and her. You're reading too much into it."

Elaria turned to look at him, her tone calm, her eyes unreadable.

"Got worried about her now?"

"Sebastian, I seriously think you should get a checkup."

He thought she meant for fertility, and said matter-of-factly, "There's nothing wrong with my fertility."

Elaria scoffed, her voice laced with mockery. "I meant go to a clinic and make sure you didn't pick up anything nasty from your hookups."

That hit a nerve.

He yanked off his seatbelt and hauled her onto his lap. Good thing the Bentley had a roomy driver's seat-he didn't have to hold back.

Elaria was shoved up against the steering wheel, the hard edge digging into her back.

"You lost it?!" she shouted, struggling against him.

This man-her cold, distant husband-was all over her now, despite always playing saint. Furious, she twisted his hair hard enough to rip it out by the roots.

That made him pause.

He looked up at her under the parking garage lights, lashes casting shadows on his sharp face. For a split second, there was something soft in his gaze, almost... tender.

It made her freeze.

And then he grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her fiercely. Not just kissed-his teeth sank down on her tongue, breaking the skin.

Blood mixed with lust.

Stunned, she stared at his face-so close, so handsome. Disgust flashed in her eyes, sharp and clear.

Still leaning in, Sebastian caught his breath, voice rough and restrained. "So, am I clean enough for you, Mrs. Richards?"

Elaria shoved him off, hard. She climbed back into the front passenger seat, hands trembling as she straightened out her outfit. Her chest was still rising and falling sharply from Sebastian' sudden aggressiveness. That rush of unfamiliar desire unsettled her, but Elaria did her best to maintain a calm facade. "Don't worry, I'll ask my assistant to schedule the check-up."

Sebastian had been aroused too, but Elaria's distant expression killed the mood quickly. He clicked his seatbelt into place and stepped on the gas without saying a word.

His phone buzzed constantly during the ride-at least a dozen missed calls lit up the screen. Elaria guessed it was Bianca. Since she had already decided on divorce, she didn't bother asking.

Sebastian glanced sideways at her.

*****

Half an hour later, the sleek black Bentley rolled slowly into a sprawling estate.

When they arrived, Sebastian gave his phone a quick look and said flatly, "Work stuff."

Elaria didn't respond.

Annoyed, he looked like he was about to say something-only to be interrupted as the butler opened the car door with a smile. "Mr. Richards, everyone's inside waiting for you and Mrs. Richards. The family dinner's about to start."

Sebastian nodded politely, even reaching out to hold Elaria's hand, playing the loving husband to perfection.

To her, it felt hollow.

They entered the dining room side by side.

Mr. Richards had two sons-Anthony Richards, the eldest, and Charles Richards, Sebastian's father.

The large round dining table was packed. Mr. Richards must have heard rumors about Bianca. He gave Sebastian a few subtle jabs before turning to Elaria with vague platitudes about compromise and staying united. But really, he just wanted great-grandkids.

Sebastian glanced over at Elaria and joked lightly, "Guess we better get to work on that tonight."

The old man frowned. "Four years married and not a thing to show-some effort that was!"

Sebastian brushed it off with a few smooth words.

Elaria kept her eyes on her plate, nibbling on food with a calm face. No one knew she was almost infertile-because of Sebastian.

Right then, his phone buzzed again. Without a word, he stepped into the front yard to answer it. From his tone, it was pretty obvious it wasn't work-related.

A piece of fish landed in Elaria's bowl.

Mr. Richards spoke slowly, his voice laced with unspoken meaning. "Men are like cats, easily tempted. But they do settle down eventually."

Elaria didn't even flinch. "Sure-after you've got them stuffed and mounted."

One of the maids let out a snort of laughter.

Feeling stifled, Elaria left the table early to take a breather out back.

By the pool, under the cold moonlight, a tall figure stepped into the glow. He looked a bit like Sebastian-his cousin, Daniel Richards.

Daniel always held a grudge against Elaria. She was the reason he lost so badly.

And with Sebastian tangled up in an affair, Daniel was more than happy to fan the flames.

He handed her a stack of photos-all of Sebastian and Bianca looking way too cozy.

A cold smirk curled Daniel's lips. "Recognize her?"

"She's Bianca. Father's Clarence Thompson-the painter. Big name. Her mom and Sebastian's mom go way back too. You? You're just some orphan. What chance do you think you have against her? Better watch out or you'll get chewed up and spat out by that wolf... But it's not too late to partner up with me."

Elaria flipped through the pictures, then casually tossed them in a nearby trash bin.

She looked up at this man she'd sparred with so many times before, her tone light and breezy. "Thanks for the warning-but I can handle it."

Daniel snorted. "I'll be waiting to see him toss you aside."

Elaria gave a small, relaxed smile.

What Daniel didn't know was-she didn't care anymore. She didn't plan to keep Sebastian either.

This fake marriage was hanging on by threads until the deal was done. Once she had what she wanted-money and the shares-Sebastian would be just another chapter closed. Love, hate, none of that would matter.

Elaria turned toward the hall again.

And then she saw him.

Sebastian stood silently under the corridor light.

In that glow, his sharp features and polished elegance gave him the look of a man born to rule.

That face... used to make her heart race. Used to pull her in deeper and deeper.

Now, his eyes were darker than the night itself.

It was nine in the evening when they left the Richards estate.

Sebastian clicked his seatbelt and casually asked, "What were you and Daniel chatting about just now? Looked like you were really hitting it off."

Elaria let out a quiet "Mm" and replied, "Oh, we were discussing your childhood sweetheart."

Sebastian went quiet.

After a moment, he reached over and gently held her hand, his voice softer than usual. "I've never slept with her."

Leaning back against the seat, Elaria stared ahead, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

She knew better. That rare glimpse of tenderness from Sebastian only showed up when she was in her most fertile window-he just wanted a child.

It had nothing to do with love, and even less to do with her.

Deep down, she really wondered-if Sebastian found out she couldn't have kids anymore, would he still try to keep her, or sprint into a divorce just to find someone "worthy" of being Mrs. Richards?

Tonight, Sebastian was putting in uncommon effort, closing the distance between them, trying to draw her in.

And Elaria? She couldn't feel more pathetic.

Her husband didn't love her-only saw her as a breeding and business machine. He clearly had zero interest in intimacy with her but still made sure they slept together like clockwork, just to conceive.

It felt no different than being reduced to instinct-driven animals.

She turned her face away from his kiss, her voice hoarse, tinged with a sorrow she couldn't hide. "Sebastian, I meant it when I said I want a divorce. If you think I'm asking for too much, we can negotiate."

Inside the dim car, Sebastian stared at her like he was trying to see through every inch of her.

After a long silence, his tone went cold.

"I've told you-we're not getting divorced."

"Elaria, everything'll be fine once we have a kid. You won't be in your head so much."

She quietly shut her eyes, drained. "Sebastian... what if I can't have children anymore?"

He frowned like it was the most ridiculous thought. "That's impossible. We both did pre-marital checkups, remember?"

Elaria gave a bitter smile.

That four-year-old report? Might as well be trash now.

Just like his proposal back then-already buried somewhere between broken promises and another woman's arms.

Back at Imperial Crest Residences, it was nearly ten.

Sebastian took a shower in the guest room. He had probably planned to coax her into bed tonight, but a call came and he left in a hurry.

Elaria didn't even flinch. She figured he was off to see his lover.

Whatever. At least she didn't have to put up with him tonight.

That night, he never came back.

The lights at Imperial Crest stayed on all night, but the man of the house never returned.

Over the next week, Sebastian wasn't home once.

He never brought up divorce again.

And those chilly autumn nights-what was Elaria doing?

She often stood by the floor-to-ceiling window in their bedroom, gazing out at the sycamore leaves starting to turn yellow, thinking...

If she hadn't quit painting early, hadn't rushed into marriage, hadn't dived into the business world too soon-maybe, just maybe, she'd be living a much happier life now.

As for Sebastian? She didn't call him. He might as well be out there, dead to her.

After days apart, they finally saw each other again-at a business dinner.

*****

[Eclat Haven]

Caelmoor's most upscale business club.

Elaria had barely walked into the private room when she spotted Bianca pressed up close to Sebastian, playing the doting damsel.

As soon as Bianca saw her, she looked down at her phone, pretending Elaria didn't even exist.

Annie looked pissed, ready to snap.

Elaria stopped her with a light touch, her tone flat, "She's Sebastian's latest obsession-let's just play along for now."There wasn't an open seat near Sebastian, and Elaria had no intention of joining his little entourage, so she simply excused herself and went to the restroom, giving him enough time to deal with his precious sidepiece.

The washroom sparkled under the crystal lights.

While rinsing her hands, Elaria suddenly heard the clack of heels behind her.

She glanced up and saw Bianca's reflection in the mirror.

Bianca stepped closer, nowhere near her usual respectful self, voice laced with smugness and challenge. "I moved back into the villa. Sebastian said I can stay as long as I want."

Elaria turned off the tap.

She calmly studied Bianca's youthful, doll-like face in the mirror.

Fresh and innocent-Bianca could sell that image all day. Not like her, face showing traces of long nights and business meetings. Funny, she was only twenty-six.

Elaria looked down, slowly twisting her wedding ring around her finger, her tone light. "If I were you, Miss Thompson, I'd learn to play the part of a quiet, well-fed canary. Stop making noise, cling to his neck when you want something, and spare the world the awkward details of what happens between the sheets. Also, this kind of event? Not really your crowd."

Bianca smirked. "Sebastian won't let me drink. He's protective of me."

"Is that so?" Elaria's smile didn't reach her eyes. "You might want to know this-Sebastian worships one thing: money. He knows exactly where women stand in his priority list. Give it five minutes-if that glass had poison instead of wine, he'd still probably hand it to you with a smile."

Bianca paled. "I don't believe you."

The curve of Elaria's smile faded a bit more.

When Bianca left, Elaria stared at her own reflection, dazed. Even she found her earlier bluff laughable. She knew well-if she made the effort, she could stay Mrs. Richards forever. But that's not the life or marriage she wanted.

Back at the private room, Sebastian's side was finally cleared. Elaria sat down gracefully, defaulting to their usual charade of the doting couple.

Bianca sat far off, eyes watery, trying her best to look pitiful.

Sebastian looked annoyed. "Was it really necessary to pick on her?"

Elaria didn't respond. He had no clue-every word he said in Bianca's defense felt like a stab. He cared when Bianca hurt, but what about her? The woman who'd stood by him through it all?

Yeah... what about her?

Her heart ached, but her face remained composed. With a smile, she suggested Bianca toast someone from the other firm-clearly a man who had a thing for Bianca's sweet-and-innocent act.

Bianca tried to squirm her way out of it, counting on her "position."

Under the glittering chandelier, Sebastian's striking face darkened-quiet, but charged, like a storm about to break.

He knew. Elaria was doing this on purpose.

Sebastian picked up his glass and looked at Elaria, though his words were aimed at Bianca. "Aurvista's project is a billion-dollar deal. Bianca, show Mr. Lee some courtesy."

Bianca didn't dare object anymore. Lips trembling, she murmured, "Okay."

As Bianca humbled herself and went over to drink with Mr. Lee, Elaria stayed seated beside Sebastian.

His expression was blank, while Elaria felt like the evil stepmother, watching herself snuff out whatever teenage fantasy love he'd once had.

For a second, they forgot they were once young lovers.

*****

Late at night in the underground parking garage.

Annie steadied Elaria as she opened the rear car door. "Watch your head, Ms. Grace. You drank a bit too much tonight."

Elaria held her forehead, muttering, "Just not in a great mood."

Annie got it. Sebastian had really gone too far today.The Aurvista Project had been Elaria's baby from day one. She handled everything-upfront planning, all the networking-it was all her. But tonight, Sebastian brought Bianca along like she had any right to be there. Anyone would be pissed.

And honestly? Seeing Bianca drink herself straight into the hospital? Felt oddly satisfying.

Just as Elaria was about to get into her car, a man's arm reached out and grabbed her wrist.

With a loud bang, her body slammed against the black SUV. The cold metal only made her look even more fragile and alone.

She took a few seconds to catch her breath from the pain, then looked up at her husband's stormy face and spoke quietly, "Annie, give us a minute."

Annie looked worried but didn't dare argue under Sebastian's sharp gaze. She whispered, "Ma'am's not feeling well."

Elaria's eyes stung, turning red.

After Annie reluctantly stepped away, Sebastian finally snapped. He stepped in on her, gripped her chin, and hissed through clenched teeth-

"Why the hell were you picking on her?"

"She had to be sent to the hospital for her stomach to get pumped."

"I've told you already-she's just a family friend. I'm only helping out a bit..."

Smack!

Elaria slapped him across the face. Her hand went numb from the impact, and her whole body trembled uncontrollably.

She stared at him, her voice icy. "Helping her straight into your bed? Tell me, Sebastian, are you flaunting your affair, or do you really think I'm that stupid?"

Sebastian's head turned with the force of the slap. Slowly, he turned back, tongue pressing against the inside of his cheek, eyes locked on her like she was his biggest threat. But his voice was eerily calm. "You that desperate for my love? Willing to lose it all?"

Elaria gave a dry laugh, echoing his words with scorn. "Don't flatter yourself."

Sebastian seemed to reel himself in.

Eventually, he reached out and gently touched her face. "Elaria, you've changed. You used to be obedient. Wasn't it nice, playing the perfect Mrs. Richards? Just have a baby, and your place would be secure. Why's that not enough for you? Why always fight me on everything?"

The night air was cold. Tears streamed down Elaria's cheeks, but she barely noticed.

"Back then?"

"So you know there's a 'back then'?"

"Sebastian, are we even still the same people from back then? Back then, you didn't have some girl hanging off you every time I turned around. Back then, you actually came home at night. Back then, you didn't time my ovulation like I was some baby-making machine."

"So tell me, who's changed? You, or me?"

Four years in the same bed, and now the masks were off.

Sebastian looked at Elaria without saying a word. This woman had walked beside him through the elite social scene for four years. But after a long pause, his eyes turned cold, like he'd made up his mind right then and there.

The night was silent.

It felt like mourning.

He let go of her and took a step back. "Starting tomorrow, you're off the Aurvista Project. As for your role at the company, I'll bring it to the board."

Elaria gave a bitter smile.

First sword out of its sheath-and he used it to cut her down.

The truth was, both Elaria and Sebastian knew-Bianca wasn't the only thing wedged between them. This wasn't just about another woman. Sebastian was burning the bridge behind him, trying to force Elaria back into the role of Mrs. Richards.

A full-time wife.

A child-bearer.

He wanted to keep her chained to him for life, using her love as the leash.

Love, children... In that moment, her grief broke through rage. It hit her all at once.

All these years, it had always just been her loving alone. Meeting Sebastian hadn't been fate-it was her biggest mistake.

She was done hiding.

She was done pretending.

Right now, she was going to tell Sebastian the truth.

She couldn't have children anymore.