Chapter 1

My husband's colleague called again in the dead of night. Another urgent body that couldn't wait to handle.

Liam hung up the phone and decided to leave at once. Even though he had been working non-stop for several days.

"Olivia couldn't handle it alone. Fortunately I was awake," He said.

I ignored him, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Liam wrapped his arms around me from behind, his voice soft and coaxing.

"I know I've neglected you lately, but it's my job. I had to go."

"We'll take a trip once all these work done, I promise."

I didn't respond. I pulled away from his embrace and spoke coldly.

"I want a divorce."

Liam froze and forced me to turn around and gripped my hands tightly.

Dark circles shadowed his eyes from weeks of sleepless nights.

"Emma, please don't do this... I know you're tired. I'm tired too."

"But this is my responsibility. You can understand that, right?"

I pulled my hands free and looked away.

His voice began to tremble, but he kept it gentle.

"Is this because I haven't been home for dinner? Or I forgot your birthday last week?"

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I promise once I finish this rush, we'll take a long vacation. Just the two of us, okay?"

He reached for my hand again, stroking it the way he used to after every argument.

I remembered our first year of marriage when I struggled with work and insomnia.

He'd sit beside me just like this, never complaining and just saying, "Emma, I'm here."

Now it felt like a sick joke.

"Don't touch me," I said.

His hand froze. "What's wrong with you? Is this really about me leaving for work in the middle of the night?"

"Emma, death doesn't wait. What was I supposed to do, just leave a bead body alone?"

"I don't care what you say. I want a divorce."

I repeated it, my voice low but final.

His eyes turned red instantly, like he was seeing me for the first time.

"Are you serious?"

I turned away from him, enunciating each word.

"Tomorrow morning. 9 o'clock. My lawyer's office. I will have him draft the divorce agreement."

Liam let out a bitter laugh, his voice breaking.

"Emma, you owe me a reason. Is it because I am too busy? Or do you think Olivia and I—"

"Leave her out of this," I cut him off. "It's you! You disgusts me."

His face went white. His lips trembled, but no sound came out.

"Is that really what you think of me?"

His voice was hoarse and strained.

"Olivia and I are just colleagues."

I didn't want to hear another word. I got up and walked out of the bedroom, shutting the door behind me.

He didn't follow and didn't try to explain.

I heard the sound of glass shattering inside, followed by a muffled curse.

Then my phone rang. It was Olivia.

She was Liam's college ex and his partner at the funeral home.

The phone rang for a long time before I finally answered.

Her voice sounded tired.

"Emma, Liam just called me in tears. Let me explain for him."

"We've been followed up cases from the Park Avenue lately—"

I hung up before she could finish.

I sat on the couch, thinking back to six months ago when he came home late from a night shift.

He was so exhausted he collapsed beside me without even changing.

Eyes closed, he touched my face and whispered, "Emma, thank God you're here."

Back then, I thought we'd last forever.