Isabella instinctively checked her phone. It was past midnight. A flicker of guilt crossed her face. "Honey, I bought you a gift. It's the watch you liked last time. Try it on."

She held out a small bag containing a box.

Dominic glanced at it and casually set it on the coffee table. "No need. I'm not used to wearing expensive things like this."

Isabella's expression soured instantly. "Do you have to be so sarcastic? You went way too far just now. You beat Alex half to death, and I had to talk him down from calling the police. You owe him an apology!"

Dominic let out a bitter laugh. "Apologize to him? What I did was nothing. If I see him again, I'll beat him worse. Just get him to call the police!"

Isabella's anger flared. "H-How can you be like this?"

Dominic waved her off. "Save your words. We've been together for seven years. We had good times, sure, but people change. If you've fallen for someone else, just say so. I can let go. But drinking, arms crossed with another man? That's making me a cuckold. I won't stand for it."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Isabella protested. "After all these years, you still don't trust me? Making you a cuckold? How disgusting. He's like a brother to me. That's all. About the toast, you've got it wrong. I can explain…"

Dominic looked at her steadily. "Go ahead."

Isabella bit her lip. "Honey, it was a celebration dinner. Everyone was drinking. The toast was just the crowd egging us on. I only meant to raise my glass to him, but then he slipped his arm across mine… I didn't do it on purpose—"

"So you still drank it, right?" Dominic cut her off.

Isabella's face tightened, but she nodded. "I'd already had some to drink. I wasn't thinking. I just went along. But I swear, it's only a brother-sister bond. Nothing else. I'm your wife. You should trust me."

Her explanation did nothing to ease him. In fact, it sounded even more absurd.

"So you did drink it. My beloved wife, clinking glasses with your so-called sworn brother…" A mirthless laugh escaped him. "What a joke."

Isabella paled. She moved closer, sat beside him, and gently wrapped her arms around his. "Honey, don't say that. I've never betrayed you. I only love you."

Dominic shook his head, pulled his arm free, and met her gaze. "Until now, I trusted you unconditionally. Don't you see we already have a problem?"

Isabella froze. Fights between a husband and a wife were normal to her. They'd quarrel today and make up tomorrow. It was nothing serious.

"What problem? There's no problem," she said hurriedly.

"Fire him. Cut ties with him. Can you do that?" Dominic's voice was flat.

Isabella stared in disbelief. "Why drag him into this? I already explained. He's just a brother to me!"

Dominic rubbed his temples, suppressing his fury. "How many times has this happened?"

"What do you mean?"

"How many fights have we had because of him?" Dominic pressed. "Last weekend, we were supposed to take Lily to the amusement park. Then he called, and you ran to the office. Who's the boss? Him or you?"

Isabella tried to explain, "He was working late. I needed to help him handle some things—"

"And when he was looking for an apartment, what did that have to do with you? We were finally at the movies, and you left me alone to go house-hunting with him?" Dominic demanded.

Isabella's face tightened again. "He's young, new to the city. I didn't want him to be scammed."

Dominic scoffed. "And when he called, you ran to his place to cook for him. Was that to prevent a scam too?"

"I didn't…" Isabella scrambled. "He had a high fever. He couldn't even move. I'm his sworn sister. What's wrong with making soup for him? Honey, stop being petty. He's just a kid. I only helped within reason…"

Those words snapped Dominic's restraint. He shot to his feet, his voice shaking with fury. "So if he wanted you, you'd give him that too?"

The air went still.

Isabella was stunned. After a moment, she stood, blazing with rage. "Are you out of your mind, Dominic? How could you even say that? You've disappointed me more than I can say."

"I'm going insane because of you," Dominic roared, eyes bloodshot. "You know damn well his presence is wrecking our marriage, yet you keep doing whatever you please. Fine. Keep it up. But hear me—if you don't cut things off with him, there's only one solution. Divorce."

Isabella was bewildered. "Over something like this? You'd divorce me?"

"Something like this?" Dominic laughed coldly. "I've said what I needed to. If you still care about this family, about me and Lily, you know what to do."

Isabella's anger intensified, and her expression hardened. "Maybe you're the one who needs to calm down. I haven't done anything wrong. Why should I change?"

That was her nature—unyielding, domineering.

Dominic held her gaze, unflinching. "Suit yourself."

He walked into the guest room.

Isabella collapsed onto the sofa, heart in turmoil. She grabbed Dominic's cigarette pack and lit one with unsteady hands.

A sleepy voice called out, "What are you two fighting about in the middle of the night?"

Katherine emerged from Lilith's room, rubbing her eyes.

Isabella glanced at her without surprise. "You're here."

Katherine nodded and sat beside her. "What happened now?"

Although she didn't like Dominic, she didn't want to see her sister's marriage fall apart. If they fought, the one who would suffer most was the little girl.

Isabella pouted angrily. "He's out of his mind. Talking about divorce."

Katherine's eyes widened. "He'd really divorce you?"

"He wouldn't dare," Isabella said with certainty. "He's just mad. By tomorrow, it'll blow over."

"Could it be a misunderstanding?" As an outsider, Katherine knew Dominic rarely threw around threats. For him to mention divorce meant that he had likely already made up his mind.

"He's the one misunderstanding me! He's imagining things. It's all his fault," Isabella said bitterly, spilling everything to her sister in one breath.

Katherine frowned. "Have you even considered what Dominic said—about cutting ties with your so-called brother?"

"There's no need." Isabella huffed. "Why should he meddle in my relationships? I haven't done anything wrong. I have nothing to feel guilty about."

"Is that so? Or is it because you can't bring yourself to cut ties with him?" Katherine lowered her voice, glancing toward the guest bedroom.

Isabella's eyes widened.

"How could I possibly—" She stopped mid-sentence, and her expression faltered as if a thought had crossed her mind.

Katherine saw it all and sighed silently. Perhaps Isabella had already started to drift without realizing it.

After a pause, Isabella said, "Anyway, Alex and I are innocent. We're just like brother and sister. Dominic is misunderstanding. In time, he'll see the truth. Honestly, Alex is a really good kid…"

"So you like him?" Katherine asked abruptly.

"I'm his sworn sister. Isn't it normal to like my little brother?" Isabella replied instinctively.

Katherine shook her head. "Alright, I get it. But I still think you should consider what Dominic said carefully. I'm going to bed. I've got a livestream tomorrow."

Katherine stood, yawned, and left. She was an influencer with millions of followers.

Seeing her sister leave, Isabella nodded and walked her to the door before returning to the guest bedroom. She tried the handle, but it was locked from the inside.

With a frustrated huff, she turned away.

…

The next morning, Dominic woke early. He glanced at the closed master bedroom door but didn't knock. Instead, he went to Lilith's room and gently woke her.

The girl rubbed her eyes and shuffled off to wash up while Dominic made breakfast in the kitchen.

"Where's Mom? Didn't you make her breakfast too?" Lilith asked between bites.

Dominic smiled gently. "Mom doesn't need Daddy to make her breakfast anymore."

Lilith gave a puzzled little nod.

Inside the master bedroom, Isabella had just placed her hand on the doorknob when she overheard him and froze. A storm of emotions—hurt, guilt, anger, heartbreak—swirled in her eyes, but she didn't open the door.

When she finally stepped out, the apartment was empty. Dominic had already left with Lilith for kindergarten. On the table, breakfast dishes remained, but none for her.

Her face darkened briefly, then she steeled herself. They had fought before. He was angry now but would cool off in a couple of days. This time, she had no intention of backing down. She was convinced there was nothing wrong between her and Alexander. Dominic was simply too sensitive.

What she didn't realize was that throughout their marriage, she had never compromised. As CEO, she had built it to a valuation of over 10,000,000 dollars. Though her family had helped a little, most of the success was hers. That success had hardened her character. She had become unyielding, domineering, and unwilling to admit fault or make concessions.

So even now, with Dominic demanding she fire Alexander and cut ties, she refused.

Isabella slipped on her heels, went to the garage, and drove out in her Porsche.

Her voice was resolute as she muttered, "You're being too stubborn, Dom. This isn't right. Alex and I are just like siblings. You argued with me over that and even refused to make me breakfast. You're the one in the wrong."

She started the car and headed straight to the office.

…

When Isabella walked in with a cold expression, her employees shrank back. Last night's scene had spread, and her frosty demeanor warned everyone to stay out of her way.

Isabella entered her office, sat, and pulled out her phone. Staring at Dominic's number, she hesitated. "He was the one who made a scene at dinner, not me. He hit someone and now threatens divorce. He should apologize first. Only then will I forgive him."

With a sharp huff, she set the phone down without dialing. Just then, someone pushed the office door open without knocking.

Already in a foul mood, Isabella looked up angrily, then froze. "Alex? Why are you here today?"

It was Alexander. His face was bruised, bandaged in places, with strips of bandages covering cuts. He smiled faintly. "I can't skip work just because I'm hurt."

He handed her a stack of documents. Besides being her sworn brother, Alexander was the leader of Sales Team Alpha and her assistant.

Seeing his battered state softened Isabella, and she smiled. "Alright, stop trying to act tough. If you're not well, take leave. You know I'd approve of it."

She scanned the documents. Alexander had organized and analyzed the company data meticulously. The reports were comprehensive and clear, so Isabella nodded in approval.

Alexander chuckled and settled on the sofa. "Did Dom misunderstand yesterday? He's not seriously angry, is he?"

Isabella frowned. "He was impulsive. Honestly, I should thank you for being forgiving and not pressing charges."

"It's nothing." Alexander's eyes flickered. "But he's too sensitive. If I had a girlfriend, I'd trust her completely."

Isabella shook her head with a bitter smile. "If only he were as understanding as you."

Alexander leaned forward. "Why don't I explain it to him? If things are laid out clearly, he'll get over it. He's a man. He can't be that petty."

Isabella bristled. "Not petty? That would be a miracle!"

At the same time, she thought, 'If only my husband were as considerate as Alex.'

Isabella paused, then replied calmly, "You don't need to explain anything to him. If anything, he should be the one apologizing to you."

Alexander nodded firmly. "Alright, Bella. I'll listen to you."

Her eyes lingered on his handsome face, particularly those sharp eyes, and she momentarily lost herself.

A long silence followed before Alexander spoke again. "If there's nothing else, I'll get back to work."

Startled from her daze, Isabella lowered her head quickly. "Yes, go ahead. Just take care of yourself. You're still hurt, so don't push too hard."

"Thanks for your concern." Alexander flashed a grin as he left the office.

Once outside, that smile shifted into something far more cryptic.

…

Meanwhile, Dominic sat behind the wheel of his old Audi.

After dropping Lilith off at Blossom Elementary, he remained alone in the car, silent for a long while. He held his phone, staring at his wife's number. In the end, he shook his head and didn't call.

Love and marriage had begun to show cracks. Worse, those cracks seemed to be widening.

At first, when Isabella mentioned a new intern joining the company, he paid little attention. She had spoken of Alexander dismissively. After all, fresh graduates were everywhere, and most lacked real talent.

But over time, Isabella noticed him more. She praised his abilities, saying he brought impressive profits to the company. In just a month, her dismissiveness had transformed into open admiration.

At that point, Dominic started to get uneasy. Hearing your own wife praise another man never sat well.

He had assumed it would end there, but their relationship grew closer. Several times, he noticed Isabella chatting with Alexander on WhatsApp, the conversations unusually lively. He never looked through her phone and didn't know what they discussed. Still, it gnawed at him.

Eventually, Isabella and Alexander went so far as to declare themselves sworn siblings. That stung, and Dominic voiced his discomfort, but Isabella brushed it off every time. For Lilith's sake, he avoided heated arguments.

Then came yesterday. They had shared a toast, arm in arm, as if they were bride and groom. That terrified Dominic. He wondered if Isabella might one day go further, slipping away with Alexander into a hotel room.

He was a man and could never accept to be betrayed and humiliated. Even Lilith deserved better than to see her father reduced to a coward.

Thus, Dominic confronted Alexander. Beating him wasn't just venting anger. It was a warning, a claim of dominance. The message was clear: if Alexander humiliated him, he would face ruthless consequences.

At the same time, Dominic began considering divorce. If Isabella didn't come to her senses, their marriage would not survive. But if it came to that, one thing was certain: he would fight for Lilith's custody.

Isabella was far too busy to care for their daughter. Lilith needed stability, someone who would put her first. Dominic was determined to be that person. When Lilith grew older, she could choose to live with her mother, but not now.

There was only one problem. He was broke. No job, no house. How could he possibly win custody?

"Ah…" He sighed heavily. Not only was he unemployed, but he didn't even own property.

Isabella came from the Sinclairs, one of Eastmere State's most powerful families. They had looked down on Dominic from the start—a country boy from the fields. Although Isabella had insisted on marrying him, her family had forced him to sign a pre-nup.

In plain terms, even if they divorced, Dominic would walk away with nothing. The house was in Isabella's name. The only thing he owned was the old Audi he sat in.

Raising Lilith with that alone? It was impossible.

Frowning, Dominic unlocked his phone and downloaded a job-search app. Listings appeared by the dozens. He filtered for high-paying roles and began calling one company after another. Maybe luck would be on his side.

Several companies invited him for interviews that afternoon, and he felt hopeful. He grabbed a quick lunch, then dove into the interviews.

Unfortunately, disappointment followed.

On the surface, Dominic appeared professional. His sharp appearance and confident demeanor caught the recruiters' attention immediately. Yet he had one fatal flaw: no experience.

He had graduated from Skyline University, one of the nation's most prestigious institutes, but his resume was nearly blank. At 30, he had yet to hold a formal position. The jobs he applied for demanded higher qualifications and experience.

In the end, the recruiters could only tell him to wait for further notice.

The most absurd moment came when a graceful, alluring female manager hinted that although he wasn't qualified, there were other ways to earn a handsome salary without much effort.

Dominic turned her down. He was still young and wanted to build something with his own hands.

…

By late afternoon, exhausted and dejected, Dominic checked the time. School was almost over for Lilith, so he drove back to Blossom Elementary.

Parents crowded the gates, waiting for their children. The school ranked among Skyline City's elite private schools, almost aristocratic in its standards. Its tuition reached tens of thousands of dollars each year.

For Isabella, that was nothing. For Dominic, it was another heavy burden. Still, it didn't shake his resolve. If Isabella continued her ambiguous relationship with Alexander, divorce would be inevitable.

Soon, the bell rang, and cheerful children poured out of the gates.

"Daddy!" Lilith sprinted toward him, throwing herself into his arms.

"Daddy! I scored a perfect hundred on both tests today!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with pride.

Dominic laughed heartily. "That's amazing, sweetheart! What do you want? Daddy will get it for you."

"I want a Barbie doll! And McDonald's too!"

"Consider it done."

He took her to the mall, bought the doll, and took her to dinner. By the time they returned home, it was nearly seven.

The moment they stepped inside, Isabella's cold voice cut through the air. "Where have you been all day?"

Dominic frowned but didn't answer. He smiled at Lilith instead. "Go change your clothes, sweetheart. They're dirty. Remember to toss them in the washing machine."

"Okay!" she chirped, kicking off her shoes as she dashed to her room.

Isabella's expression hardened. "I'm talking to you!"