“Miss Mia Bowen, are you sure you want to divorce Mr. Timothy Barrett?”

In response to the clerk’s inquiry, Mia nodded calmly.

To the world, Timothy Barrett was a celebrated billionaire. But only a handful knew he had a wife—a wife he kept hidden.

For the past three years, Mia had played the perfect wife to Timothy—managing his family affairs and keeping a low profile.

That changed when his first love, Maya Lane, returned to the country. Again and again, Timothy abandoned Mia for that woman. On their wedding anniversary, he even shamelessly slept with Maya.

That was the last straw. Mia decided to set him free. Then she tricked him into signing the divorce agreement.

Timothy always believed his wife was an orphan who couldn’t survive without him. What he didn’t know was that her long-lost family had already found her—her three brothers were eager to take her home.

Only seven days remained until the divorce became official.

In a week, Mia would vanish from his world forever.

Later, when she disappeared without a trace, Timothy tore the city apart searching for her. To his shock, he discovered she was the long-lost daughter of the Lane family!

He tried to win her back, but her three powerful brothers blocked his way.

“Mr. Barrett, stay away from our little princess!”

Since You Love Her, I’ll Let You Go

“Miss Mia Bowen, are you sure you want to divorce Mr. Timothy Barrett?”

It was the third time Mia had sat before the clerk at the courthouse, facing their questioning.

“Yes, I'm sure.” Mia took a deep breath. Her sun-kissed face held a composed expression, her bright blue eyes free of pain. “I know what you're going to say—that my husband is wealthy, young, and handsome, and that I should cherish this marriage.”

“But he doesn't love me—and that's exactly why I need the divorce.” Mia’s voice cracked, her pain finally breaking through. “Please approve my request.”

For three months now, ever since Maya Lane had returned to the country, Mia had endured an agonizing, burning pain in her heart. She couldn't take it any longer.

Timothy was the youngest and most handsome of all the billionaires in Bern City. His cold, emerald eyes had captivated countless young women. Tall, well-built and poised like a supermodel, he wore perfectly tailored suits that lent him an air of effortless grace and gentlemanly charm.

He was not a heartless man.

If he had not missed their wedding anniversary the night before, Mia would never have returned to this office for a third time to ask for a divorce.

But the humiliation of last night had been too much. It had destroyed every last bit of her affection and hesitation.

On that special day, their third anniversary, Mia had prepared a candlelit dinner and a sexy catwoman lingerie set.

Once, on a drunken night when he had passionately made love to her, he'd said she was like a cute kitten. It was the first time he had ever whispered something so intimate to her, and the memory was etched deeply in her mind.

They’d had a few drinks, and he remained quiet as ever—yet he replied to every word she spoke.

Mia was utterly captivated by his handsome features, drawn in by his low, magnetic voice. Under the influence of the wine, she leaned in and kissed him

Then she went upstairs, put on the lingerie, and invited him to her bedroom.

When he caught sight of her sexy figure and adorable cat ears, his eyes lit up. His kiss deepened as his hands wandered over her soft curves, his fingers tracing her most intimate place.

A wave of relief washed over Mia. She moaned softly, thinking that maybe she was wrong. Maybe he and Maya were just friends now. Maybe he didn't love her anymore.

She desperately hoped her passion would make Timothy feel her love and mend the cracks in their marriage.

But just as she was slick with desire, desperate for Timothy to bury himself inside her, a phone call shattered everything.

Timothy grabbed his suit, fastened his Hermès belt, and spoke with a cold, distant look. “Something's come up. I need to go. Just keep going without me.”

With those words, he picked up his phone and left, not even glancing back as he closed the door.

Sadness weighing heavily on her, Mia lay motionless on the bed, her eyes fixed silently on the ceiling. After what felt like an eternity, she received a photo from Maya.

In it, Maya wore a sexy red nightgown, its strap slipped down to her elbow, revealing most of her chest. And a man lay draped over her other shoulder. Only half his face was visible, as he rested peacefully on her shoulder, yet Mia recognized him instantly—it was her husband, Timothy.

A small mole sat beneath his left eye, a spot she had secretly kissed countless times while he slept.

Mia's heart shattered into pieces. In that moment, she knew it was all over.

Then came Maya's provocative text. “You need to return what you stole from me. You know what I mean, don't you, you lowly caregiver?”

Mia didn't reply. Instead, she scheduled today's divorce application. This marriage wasn't something she had stolen; it was arranged by Timothy's grandmother, Laura Graham. But now, she no longer wanted it.

The clerk's voice interrupted Mia's thoughts. “I can see you've made up your mind. In that case, I'll prepare the divorce agreement for you.”

Mia thanked her. After a ten-minute wait, she finally received the document.

The agreement was short, drafted exactly as Mia had requested, with two key terms: first, Mia would leave with nothing; second, once Timothy signed, they would never see each other again.

Mia tucked the divorce agreement into her canvas bag and called an Uber to take her home.

The moment she stepped into the villa, she saw red-haired Maya sitting weakly on the living room sofa, with her husband Timothy beside her, peeling an apple.

Maya leaned against Timothy, her voice coquettish. “I don't want it. Chewing is such an effort...”

A rare look of worry and concern softened Timothy's usually calm, handsome features. “You're so weak right now—you have to eat something.”

With that, he brought a slice of apple to Maya's lips, his movements gentle.

Mia stood at the doorway, a cold chill sweeping over her from head to toe.

In three years of marriage, he had never peeled an apple for her. He had never even poured her a glass of water.

She never knew he could be so attentive.

Maya's voice took on a seductive lilt as she draped herself over Timothy's lap. “No, it’s too hard—it'll make my teeth ache... Can you mash it into smaller bits for me instead?”

Timothy frowned, as if genuinely considering whether to chew the apple into a pulp and feed it to her.

Mia wasn’t sure. All she saw was Timothy stand up—and then he spotted her.

For a split second, panic flashed across his face, but he quickly regained his usual composure. “Maya has depression—you know that. She’s in really bad shape, physically and emotionally. She needs someone to take care of her.”

Mia nodded, acknowledging his words. Without another glance at them, she clutched her canvas bag and headed upstairs.

Timothy's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of unease crossing his eyes.

He reached out and stopped her. His lips parted, but no words came out.

“Oh, right,” Mia said, suddenly remembering something. She pulled the divorce agreement from her canvas bag—she’d already turned to the signature page before entering—and handed it directly to Timothy. “Here's this month's household bill. Please sign it.”

Timothy felt distracted, unable to understand why he felt such an urge to explain himself when he saw the hurt in Mia’s eyes. He took the pen she offered and signed quickly. “Last night... I shouldn’t have left you alone,” he murmured, frowning. “I know I missed our anniversary, but I’ll find a way to make it right.”

He’d always known how much she valued rituals—and it was that very thing that had made their three years of marriage so wonderful. Mia was his wife, and he would fulfill his duties as her husband—he meant what he said.

Mia quietly tucked the signed divorce agreement back into her canvas bag, nodded, and walked upstairs.

“It doesn’t matter anymore. I don’t even want you anymore—what’s an anniversary compared to that?” she thought bitterly.

She had once treasured rituals so much because she'd been an orphan since childhood. Her foster parents had taken her in, only to cast her out after having their own son.

Fortunately, her kind aunt and uncle had taken her in and cared for her. She loved them deeply, yet she'd always longed for a family of her own. That was why, after marrying Timothy, she had poured her heart into building their life together, hoping to share happiness with him on every special occasion.

But now, none of that mattered anymore.

Not long ago, her aunt had told her that her birth family had found her.

Back in her bedroom, Mia locked the door. She took out the divorce agreement and looked at the effective date written on it.

Once the divorce was finalized, she would leave this home she had shared with Timothy—a place she had never truly been part of—and return to her own family.

In seven days, she would be gone for good.

I’m Going To Make It Up To You Tonight

Watching Mia walk away, Timothy felt an inexplicable pang of anxiety.

She was off today. Too calm.

In the past, whenever she saw Maya or heard anything about her, Mia would pout her soft lips, her bright blue eyes clouded with irritation. And she had always paid close attention to every household expense, every purchase and detail. After he signed the monthly bills, she would always chat excitedly about the little changes around the house.

But today, she said nothing.

A flicker of hesitation crossed Timothy’s face. In the end, he decided to go upstairs and check on her. She had looked pale earlier—was she feeling unwell?

As he climbed the stairs, Mia heard his footsteps and opened the door before he could knock, just as she always did.

“What is it?” she asked coldly.

Timothy’s handsome features tensed, his brow furrowing deeper. “Are you alright? You look a little pale.”

Honestly, he would have rather she screamed at him, like she used to, than look at him with such indifference.

Mia touched her cheek and shook her head. “I’m fine. Nothing’s wrong.”

She no longer smiled at him, nor did she melt into his embrace like she used to when he showed her even the smallest bit of care.

Now she finally understood: his coldness toward her affection had never been because he was naturally distant.

It was simply because he did not love her.

If he would never love her, there was no point in continuing this marriage any longer.

“Is that all?” Mia tried to close the door.

Just then, Maya’s footsteps approached—she was coming upstairs.

“Mia, I need to ask you a small favor. I think Tim is about to tell you about it,” Maya smiled sweetly, positioning herself between them, her gaze fixed on Timothy.

Timothy nodded. “Maya’s condition has been unstable lately, and she needs constant care. She’ll be staying here for a few days. Please make sure she’s well taken care of.”

Staring at his calm, indifferent face, Mia felt her heart sink into an abyss of cold.

He had not come to check on her at all; he had only spoken to her for Maya’s sake.

A sharp, bitter sorrow washed over Mia.

Before she could dwell on it, Maya slipped her arm through Timothy’s and looked up at him sweetly. “The doctor said plenty of sunlight is crucial for my recovery. I noticed only Mia’s master bedroom gets good light. Could I stay there?”

Timothy looked troubled. Mia couldn't tell whether it was because he was worried she would refuse, or for some other reason. All she saw was that his frown deepened.

He gently pulled his arm free from Maya’s grip and reached for her wrist, about to speak.

Mia beat him to it. “Fine. Stay there if you want, Maya.”

She could not bear to watch them flirt any longer. Just the sight of them leaning against each other twisted a knife in her heart.

Maya’s face lit up with gratitude. “Thank you so much, Mia! That’s so kind of you. Could you move out quickly, though? I really need to rest. I’ve already walked and talked so much today.”

Mia let out a cold, scornful snort.

Maya knew she’d talked too much? Then she should just shut up.

Ignoring Maya, Mia turned back into her room and began packing.

Timothy raised a hand, wanting to say something, but she paid him no mind.

There was nothing to say. She would leave quietly, without causing them any trouble at all.

She just wanted to cut ties with him and walk away.

Maya went downstairs happily to fetch her suitcase, calling over her shoulder, “I’d like the maid to change the sheets later. Will you tell her, please?”

Mia felt sick to her stomach.

She yanked the sheets off her bed and threw them on the floor—they still seemed to hold the warmth of last night's kisses with Timothy. But none of that mattered anymore.

Mia then grabbed a few everyday clothes from her wardrobe—the rest she’d have the maid throw away or return to Timothy. They were designer gifts from him; they were never really hers.

As she packed, Mia forced herself to stay calm and focused. She swore she would not snap at Maya or blame Timothy anymore. It was not worth it.

Suddenly, Timothy’s voice came from behind her, startling her.

“Aren’t you upset?” He stood close behind her, his emerald eyes fixed on her.

Mia’s hand froze mid-motion as she packed. She had not expected him to stay, but it no longer mattered.

Without looking up, she said quietly, “You told me you and Maya are just friends.”

A painful, bitter irony rose in her chest. She lifted her gaze and looked at him sharply. “What, was that a lie?”

Timothy frowned. His lips parted, then he sighed. “No. It’s true. I’m just surprised you didn’t throw a tantrum today. But this is good. You’re finally being reasonable.”

A bitter smile was all Mia could manage. Inside, she was ready to explode—to curse him out right then and there. God, he was such a jerk.

Timothy then added, “I’m sorry for the inconvenience. I’ll make it up to you.”

Mia nodded and kept packing—a silent hint for him to leave.

This time, he left quickly.

Mia took a deep breath and pushed him out of her mind. She finished packing in minutes, moved out of the master bedroom she had occupied for three years, and into the much smaller room next door.

Seven days. Just seven more days to stay here.

As soon as the divorce agreement took effect, she would leave.

Mia stayed upstairs for the rest of the day, tuning out Maya’s sweet voice echoing through the villa.

She could tell how delighted Maya was. Tonight, Maya would likely share a bed with Timothy. But that was none of her concern.

After a hot shower, Mia wrapped a bath towel around herself and walked toward the single bed.

Just then, the door swung open.

Timothy walked in, locked the door, and loosened his golden tie as he approached her. Everything felt so normal, as if he belonged right there.

Mia clutched the bath towel to her chest, surprised. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you…”

She wanted to ask him, “Aren’t you supposed to be with Maya?”

Yet, her words were cut short by his touch.

His rough thumb brushed gently over her soft lips, his deep emerald eyes fixed on her.

“We didn’t finish last night,” he murmured, his voice warm and magnetic. “I’m going to make it up to you tonight.”

The next thing she knew, her back was against the cool wall. His fingers traced a slow path from her lips down to her shoulders, brushing over her collarbone with deepening desire. Meanwhile, his other hand traveled from her inner thigh upward, hovering teasingly close to her pussy.

A soft moan escaped her lips, fueling his desire further. He slid his long fingers into her hair, gently gripping it to tilt her head back, leaning in to capture her mouth with his.

Her heart pounded so violently it threatened to leap from her throat. Reason told her to push him away, but her limp body refused to obey.

Just as his lips were an inch from hers, a startled cry shattered the moment.

Maya’s panicked voice rang out, desperate and urgent. “Ah! Tim, where are you?”

I’m Planning A Comeback

Timothy froze mid-motion. After only a split second of hesitation, he said apologetically to Mia, “I’ll be right back.”

With that, he let go of her and hurried out the door without a single glance back.

Watching his retreating figure, Mia’s body went limp and slid slowly down the wall until she crumpled onto the cold floor. She felt no pain from the impact. Her heart had already frozen solid.

Soon, Maya’s whimpering voice soon drifted from the next room. She had had a nightmare, and Timothy was soothing her with tenderness.

Mia could faintly make out their murmured words, then even those faint sounds faded away.

The night was deathly quiet.

Mia did not turn on the light. The room was swallowed in darkness.

She just curled up numbly on the floor, repeating the same words over and over in her mind—it would be over soon.

She only had to endure seven more days. Then everything between her and Timothy would be over.

That night, Timothy did not return.

Mia had expected it, so when she opened her eyes at dawn on the freezing floor, she felt no heartache.

She checked the alarm clock: not yet seven. Still early. She climbed back into bed to rest a little longer.

But this bed was freezing, the mattress rock-hard—nothing like the comfortable king bed she was used to in the master bedroom. After a few minutes, the stiffness ached all over her bones. She gave up and got out of bed to continue packing.

She had moved in a hurry the day before, tossing things haphazardly into her suitcase. Now she intended to sort everything properly, making sure she left nothing behind—so she would never have to step foot in this house again.

She was in the middle of organizing when Timothy pushed the door open and walked in.

Since only Mia, Timothy, and the maid lived there before, they never bothered locking the doors.

Timothy used to knock before entering her room, which had felt too formal and distant. To bring them closer, she’d insisted he come in anytime without knocking.

Now that casual access had become a problem. Mia saw his gaze land on the stack of documents she was sorting.

Timothy’s brow tightened with faint displeasure. “Why are you packing? Going somewhere?”

Mia quickly stuffed the papers under her clothes. “Just organizing my things. I’m checking if I left anything in the master bedroom—better take it now so I don’t have to bother Maya later.”

Timothy’s tone softened. “She won’t be staying long.”

Mia smiled, but didn’t believe him for a second.

It was always like this. Whenever Maya made a request, Timothy agreed without question.

Mia was tired of it. This time, she would not let his betrayal break her again.

She stood up to take the aromatherapy diffuser from the nightstand. The bed here was too hard to sleep on anyway, so the diffuser was useless here. It was a gift from her best friend Gina Palmer, and she treasured it.

Just as Mia turned around, Timothy wrapped his arms around her from behind.

He rested his chin against her neck, his warm breath brushing her skin. His voice was thick with guilt. “I’m sorry I didn’t keep my word last night.”

He explained, “Maya had a nightmare. She can’t sleep alone, and the doctor said it’s dangerous to leave her by herself. So I...”

“I understand,” Mia cut him off.

It was the first time he’d ever explained himself so thoroughly, yet she didn’t care at all. The scent of Maya’s perfume on him was suffocating.

Her stomach twisted violently. Acid surged from her stomach into her throat. She swallowed hard, trying to hold it back, but failed.

She shoved Timothy away and ran to the bathroom, retching uncontrollably.

Mia bent over the toilet, heaving, feeling like her stomach might fall out along with the bile.

What was wrong with her?

She’d felt nauseous before, but never this badly. Was Maya's perfume really that overpowering? Or was Timothy's betrayal causing her such pain that her body was literally rejecting him?

She retched again and again, her mind spinning with confusion and tension.

Timothy stood behind her, rubbing her back worriedly, but the closer he got, the worse she felt. The strong perfume made her want to scream.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, pulling out his phone. “I’ll call the doctor.”

“No, don’t,” Mia gasped, shaking her hand. “Don’t bother. I just… ate something bad last night.”

She grabbed a towel to wipe her mouth and forcibly pushed him out of the bathroom.

Timothy stood in the hallway as Mia slammed the door shut.

He shook his head. Mia had always been strong, so he dismissed it as nothing serious.

Once he was gone, Mia retched a few more times. Only after opening the window to air out the room did she finally feel better.

Just then, Gina called and invited her shopping. Mia had been dreading spending the day under the same roof with Maya and her provocations, thinking of excuses to escape. The invitation was perfect, and she agreed immediately.

She took a quick shower, sat at the tiny vanity, and did her makeup. She curled her soft golden hair into loose, sexy waves and slipped into a figure-hugging red dress that highlighted every curve—her full chest, slender waist, and rounded hips. Then she grabbed an elegant leather clutch and left.

She didn’t notice Timothy’s gaze following her.

Mia met Gina at the Golden Age Mall downtown. Gina was also stunning today—her soft flaxen hair complemented her tanned skin perfectly, and her tight jeans and backless halter top looked effortlessly sexy.

Gina practically pounced on Mia the moment she saw her. She hugged her friend so tightly that Mia could barely breathe.

Mia laughed and pulled away, suggesting they get coffee first.

“I haven’t eaten anything today. I’m starving,” she whined playfully.

Gina was always kind and generous. She led Mia to an upscale café and ordered two chocolate muffins and two cappuccinos. “Their scones are incredible—my treat,” she said.

Mia didn’t argue. Her stomach was growling.

After finishing one muffin, she felt a little stronger. She wanted to tell Gina everything that had happened, but the whole situation felt so complicated. It would be simpler to just share her final decision.

“I’m planning a comeback,” Mia said, taking a sip of coffee, confidence bright in her blue eyes. “Back to the interior design industry. Time to carve out my own path with my own hands.”

Gina froze mid-sip, then lit up with pure, shocked delight. “Really? Mia—oh my dear—do you have any idea how huge this is? The top interior designer who chose to step away is finally going to shine again!”