Chapter 1

Nick lost a round of Truth or Dare. His punishment was to divorce me.

Worried I might get lonely, he was even thoughtful enough to hand me another man. "Until we remarry, he can keep you company."

Later, I found out Nick had lost on purpose because his childhood sweetheart, Selena Hart, had come back.

He said he wanted to try again with her. If Selena truly didn't love him anymore, he'd remarry me.

His friend asked him, "You're giving another man to her. Aren't you afraid Ella will cheat on you?"

Nick only gave a faint smile. "Ella is obsessive about fidelity. She'd never touch anyone but me."

Later, I kissed that man right in front of him.

His eyes turned red as he demanded, "How could you fall in love with someone else?"

I ran my hand over my eight-month belly, every word deliberate. "You're the one who put me in his bed. Don't you remember?"

Chapter 1

On our fifth wedding anniversary, my husband, Nick Mercer, threw me a lavish party.

At the party, he played Truth or Dare with his friends.

He lost.

He walked up to me, kissed my forehead, and said with a smile, "Ella, I lost. The punishment is divorce, so let's get divorced."

I didn't say a word. The friends around us tried to talk him out of it.

"Nick, it's just a game..."

"Stop messing around, Nick. We were only joking. Why are you taking it seriously..."

Nick looked at me gravely, a hint of reproach in his voice. "Ella, it's only a game. I lost, so I have to take the punishment. Don't embarrass me in front of my friends."

Then he shoved another man toward me. "We won't stay divorced for long. If you get lonely, he can keep you company. As long as you're happy, I won't mind."

I stared at Nick in disbelief, my mind blank except for the ringing in my ears.

It took me a long moment to blink back the tears. "I need to use the restroom."

As I pulled the door shut, I heard them already talking inside.

"Nick, are you insane? Handing Ella another man? Aren't you afraid she'll hook up with him?"

"Ella is obsessive about fidelity. She'd never touch anyone but me." Nick's certainty cut deep. Then one of his friends said something that made it worse.

"You really want to divorce Ella? What if Selena still won't have you? What's your exit plan?"

"I'm taking a gamble. Back then, Selena turned me down and left the country. I married Ella in a fit of spite. All these years, I've blamed myself for being so impulsive. Now that Selena's back, I want one more shot. If she truly doesn't feel anything for me, I'll remarry Ella. If she does, then the man I gave Ella can be her consolation prize."

"Aren't you afraid Ella will find out this whole thing is staged?"

"I won't let her find out. So all of you keep your mouths shut. If Ella finds out about this, don't blame me for cutting ties."

I didn't stay to hear the rest.

I ran all the way to the restroom. When I saw my tear-streaked face in the mirror, it hit me: my five-year marriage to Nick had been nothing but a farce.

Five years ago, I met Nick at a bar. I was nearly assaulted by a group of drunk men, and he stepped in to save me.

After that, he pursued me relentlessly.

Back then, Nick was gentle, thoughtful, romantic...

Inevitably, I fell in love with him.

We started dating and married soon after.

For five years, we'd been happy. I'd always believed we would grow old together.

Until just now.

If these five years of marriage were a mistake, then I would be the one to end it.

I wiped the tears from my eyes and walked back to the private room as if nothing had happened.

The man Nick had brought was still there. I walked up and took his arm, then turned to Nick, who was smoking off to the side. "Nine o'clock tomorrow morning. I'll meet you at the county courthouse."

With that, I tugged the man toward the door.

My composure must have caught Nick off guard. He looked a little flustered. "Where are you going?"

I smiled. "On a date with my new boyfriend."

Chapter 2

Nick froze mid-drag on his cigarette.

The whole room went dead silent.

One of Nick's friends was the first to react, forcing out an awkward laugh. "Ella, Nick's just messing with you. Don't take it seriously."

"A bet's a bet." My voice was flat, without a ripple of emotion.

Nick took a deep pull on his cigarette, then strode over to me, shrugging with forced casualness. "You're right, Ella. A bet's a bet."

He glanced at the man beside me, reached over and clapped him on the shoulder, his tone flippant. "Take good care of her."

I turned and walked out on the man's arm. Behind me, the room erupted.

"Nick, Ella's not going to actually go through with it, is she?"

"Shouldn't you go after her? If something actually happens, you'll regret it!"

No matter what his friends said, Nick's lips stayed curved in that same unshakable smirk. "Relax. She's just trying to get a rise out of me. I'll bet you anything she'll send him away the second she's out the door."

I had no idea where Nick's confidence came from.

Maybe it was my five years of unwavering devotion. Or maybe he was that certain about my supposed obsession with fidelity.

None of it mattered to me anymore.

Because not only did I not send the man away, I took him straight to a hotel.

"What's your name?" I let go of his arm and turned to face him.

"Ethan Taylor."

I took a closer look at Ethan.

He didn't look very old, probably mid-twenties. He wore a simple black T-shirt that couldn't hide the solid, well-defined muscles underneath.

His features were strikingly sculpted, and his light-brown eyes were so clean they reminded me of early morning sunlight, carrying a touch of youthful innocence.

"You're young. Why sell yourself for money?"

Ethan didn't answer. He just lowered his gaze, his lashes casting a faint shadow beneath his eyes.

I didn't push it. I was about to say something when my phone buzzed. It was my father.

"Ella, when are you bringing your husband home to meet us?"

My grip tightened on the phone.

For five years, I'd tried countless times to bring Nick home to meet my parents, but he always had some excuse. Too busy with work, social obligations, bad timing...

Only then did it hit me that perhaps he'd never intended to meet my parents or become part of my family.

When I didn't respond, my father's tone turned cold. "Did you make the whole thing up just to avoid the arranged marriage? I'm warning you: if you're not really married, you're coming home to marry whoever I choose. Otherwise, you won't see one cent of the Gomez family's multibillion-dollar fortune!"

I didn't want an arranged marriage, but now Nick and I were getting divorced...

My gaze drifted to Ethan, and an idea suddenly took shape.

"I'll bring my husband home in three days."

I hung up and turned to Ethan, getting straight to the point. "Marry me."

Ethan's head snapped up, a flash of surprise in his light-brown eyes. "What did you say?"

"Don't worry. I'll pay you. I'm not asking you to do this for free."

I expected him to refuse. The idea was absurd, after all.

But the next second, Ethan nodded. "Okay."

Chapter 3

The next morning, the only thing on my phone was a single "Good night" text Nick had sent the night before. He obviously hadn't come home, or he would've asked where I'd been all night.

Well, if he didn't know, I'd make sure he did.

So I used his credit card to pay for the hotel.

The moment the charge went through, Nick called.

"Where are you?" A hint of tension slipped through his voice.

"A hotel." I answered honestly.

"With who?"

Right on cue, Ethan walked over. "You forgot your jacket. It's cold outside, don't catch a chill."

At the sound of Ethan's voice, Nick's voice went cold. "Why are you with him?"

His question made me laugh. "Wasn't it your idea for him to keep me company?"

"Do you think this is funny, Ella?" Irritation sharpened Nick's voice.

I smiled. "Are you angry?"

Nick paused, then forced a casual tone. "Of course not. Whatever makes you happy."

I knew it. Nick had convinced himself again that I was just trying to provoke him.

After all, in his mind, I would never be the kind of woman who'd betray him.

"Ella, we agreed on nine o'clock for the divorce papers. Don't be late."

Nick reminded me once more, as if I'd be the one to bail.

But what he didn't know was that I wanted this over even more than he did.

"Don't worry. I'll be there."

At nine, Nick was already waiting when I reached the county courthouse.

He kept checking his watch, as if he had somewhere else he urgently needed to be.

"Let's go in. No line. Should be quick."

Just as Nick had said, the courthouse was nearly empty. In less than twenty minutes, our divorce was final.

The moment Nick had the final decree in hand, his shoulders loosened with relief. He quickly composed himself, came over, and kissed me lightly.

"Ella, you know this is just the punishment from the game. It won't be long before we remarry."

"Let Ethan take you home. I've got things to handle."

And just like that, he walked away without looking back.

Watching him go, I let a small smile touch my lips. Then I took Ethan's arm. "Let's go. It's our turn to get married."

...

To get Ethan ready to meet my family, we went to the mall and picked out a few outfits.

Just as we were about to leave, a familiar figure stopped me in my tracks. Nick was helping a woman shop for dresses.

That must be Selena. She was beautiful. And on closer inspection, her features bore a faint resemblance to mine.

"Nick, is this one too revealing?"

Selena was wearing a backless evening gown, twirling in front of him.

Nick's gaze rested warmly on her. When he spoke, his voice held a patience I hadn't heard in a long time. "Not at all. The cut is great. It makes your waist look slim, and the color really suits your skin."

Selena picked up another dress. "What about this one?"

"Too conservative. It doesn't do you justice."

"This one?"

"Beautiful, but the size is a little big. It doesn't show off your shape."

...

Selena tried on seven or eight dresses, and Nick gave thoughtful feedback on every single one.

A tangle of emotions tightened in my chest as I watched them.

Whenever he went shopping with me, it didn't matter whether the dress was red or green, long or short. His answer was always the same: "Looks great."

So this was the difference between love and indifference.

I gave a bitter smile and started to turn away.

That's when Nick's gaze found me.

Chapter 4

The moment he saw me, Nick's eyes shifted away. Selena caught the change and followed his line of sight, asking curiously, "Someone you know?"

Before Nick could speak, I walked over. "Hi. I'm Ella Gomez, Nick's ex-wife."

The air froze.

Selena blinked, then a knowing smile spread across her face. "So you're the ex-wife. You do look a bit like me. Nick, I see your taste hasn't changed after all these years."

The remark lodged like a splinter: small, but sharp enough to hit its mark.

"Since we all know each other now, let's have dinner together."

She said it casually, slipping her arm through Nick's, then seemed to reconsider and glanced at me. "We've been like this since we were kids. You don't mind, do you?"

Without waiting for my answer, she went on. "I remember back then, my parents were never home, so I used to share a bed with Nick..."

She grinned at me. "He still has a scar on his right butt cheek. A dog bit him when he climbed a tree to pick fruit for me. There was blood everywhere, and I was the one who put ointment on it. I still remember how soft that cute little butt was."

"Did you have to bring that up? They teased me about it for years..."

Nick did not seem the least bit bothered that she had shared something so intimate in front of me. If anything, he looked delighted.

Selena caught herself first and nudged Nick with her elbow. "Stop, Ella's going to get upset..."

I smiled, about to respond, but Nick cut me off. "She won't. Besides, that was ages ago. She wasn't even in the picture yet."

That offhand comment found the most vulnerable place in me and twisted.

Right. I wasn't in the picture yet.

In their decade-plus of shared history, I was nothing but an outsider.

I lowered my eyes, hiding the sting and the self-mockery.

While I stood there lost in thought, a strong arm suddenly circled my waist.

Ethan pulled me against his broad, warm chest in one possessive sweep.

"Ella, why are you looking at them? I'm right here."

I glanced up in surprise, wondering if this was really the Ethan I knew. I hadn't expected this commanding side of him.

And I kind of liked it.

"Weren't we going to eat? My treat today, to celebrate Ella's fresh start." Ethan's palm pressed firmly against my back as he turned and walked toward the restaurant.

Inside, the four of us sat together.

Selena ordered a few dishes, then Nick spoke to the server.

"No peanuts in any of the dishes. And bring her fresh-squeezed orange juice, no ice."

Selena shot me a small smile, then raised her hand. Nick immediately passed her a napkin.

The gesture was so practiced it didn't need words.

But I was allergic to peanuts too, and he always forgot.

I used to think he was just careless. Now I understood. It wasn't that he couldn't remember. It was that I wasn't worth the effort.

While I sat there lost in thought, a warm hand covered the back of mine.

"Don't you like the food here? If not, we can go somewhere else right now."

"It's fine."

The words had barely left my mouth before Ethan flagged the server. "Could we add the beef Wellington? Please swap the black pepper sauce for mushroom sauce. And bring her an iced honey-lemon tea."

I looked at Ethan in surprise. "How did you know I avoid black pepper and like my drinks cold?"

Ethan opened his mouth to answer, but before he could, a sharp crash cut through the moment.

Nick's water glass had hit the floor and shattered.

"Sorry." Nick's expression was dark as he got up and went to the restroom.

A moment later, my phone buzzed.

A message from Nick: Come out. I need to talk to you.

Chapter 5

I stared at the screen and scoffed, then blocked his number.

Minutes later, Nick stormed back in, his face thunderous. His eyes, burning with anger, locked onto me. "Ella..."

He said my name, but before he could finish, Selena suddenly clutched her chest. "Nick, I'm not feeling well. I want to go home and rest."

Nick swallowed whatever he had been about to say and wrapped an arm around Selena. "What's wrong? Why do you suddenly feel sick? Come on, let's go to the hospital."

He didn't so much as glance at me before rushing out with her.

I watched them disappear and felt nothing but calm.

At the same time, the airline sent me a reminder about my flight in two days.

That's when I remembered my passport was still at the house.

"Ethan, I need to go home for my passport. You should head back and pack too. You're coming with me in two days."

"Okay."

Ethan dropped me off at home and left.

I packed a bag, grabbed my passport, and was heading out when Nick came back with Selena.

When he saw me, he looked briefly surprised, but it lasted only a second before his eyes filled with that familiar, smug certainty, the look that said I knew you couldn't keep up the act.

"You're back? I figured you'd have Ethan keep you company a little longer. Or does that pretty boy not do it for you? I can find you another one if you like..."

I didn't even bother looking up at his taunting. I grabbed my suitcase and headed for the door.

Nick seized my wrist, his gaze dropping to the luggage. "Where are you going?"

"We're divorced. It's not right for me to stay here. Besides, there are only two bedrooms. If I stay, are you planning to share a room with Selena?"

At that, Nick released my hand without a second of hesitation. "You're right. We're divorced. It's not appropriate for you to be here. I'll walk you out."

He took my suitcase and said a quick word to Selena, then walked me to the door.

The moment we stepped outside, Nick suddenly turned and pulled me into his arms.

That's when I saw it: just above his loosened collar, unmistakable hickeys.

Nick noticed my gaze. He tugged at his collar. "Allergic reaction. Scratched it."

I watched his pitiful performance in silence.

Nick held me again. "Baby, I know you've been hurt, but Siebert and the guys made another bet. They're betting that if we stay divorced for a year, you'll still wait for me. I told them I knew you would, because that's how much you love me."

Before I could respond, he kissed my cheek. "Baby, I believe our love is unbreakable. Don't you? So just one year. One year, and I swear I'll give you the grandest wedding."

Listening to his earnest promises, I almost laughed out loud.

So all my years of devotion and sincerity were nothing to him but ammunition for a bet with his loser friends.

"No need, Nick. I'm already married—"

"Nick! I cut my hand!"

I'd barely gotten the words out when Selena's voice rang from inside.

Nick didn't even look at me. He ran back to her.

I watched his retreating figure, a faint, mocking smile on my lips.

Goodbye for good, Nick.