Chapter 2

Chloe POV

The next afternoon, I drove to the law firm.

"Miss Hayes, are you sure you want to draft these divorce papers?" My acquaintance, Mr. Davidson, looked at me, full of disbelief. "Your marriage to Mr. Sterling… the outside world has always been very optimistic about it."

"I'm sure. The sooner, the better." I sat on the sofa, stirring my coffee. "Regarding assets, I don't want anything. I'm leaving with nothing, as long as he signs."

Mr. Davidson sighed, starting to take notes. "Alright, I'll expedite it."

Emerging from the law firm, the sky had already darkened. The evening breeze in New York carried a hint of chill. Instead of going home, I drove to The Velvet Lounge.

In three years of marriage, I hadn't stepped foot in a place like this. Ethan didn't like the smell of smoke or alcohol, didn't like me dressing too provocatively, didn't like me hanging out with those friends. So I'd thrown out all my sultry dresses and replaced them with elegant suits.

Today, I wore a deep V-neck, wine-red slip dress, ten-centimeter heels, and aggressive, heavy makeup as I pushed open the bar's door.

The deafening music instantly enveloped me. I walked to the bar and ordered the strongest drink.

"Well, well, isn't it Chloe? Long time no see." My best friend, Sophia, came over with her drink, scrutinizing me, her eyes lighting up. "You look amazing today! So beautiful! Ethan actually let you out?"

"Don't even mention him." I tilted my head back, downing the drink in one gulp. The burning liquid traveled down my throat to my stomach, forcing out tears from the corners of my eyes.

I slid onto the dance floor, twisting my body wildly to the music. The men around me swarmed like sharks scenting blood. I didn't refuse; I smiled, dancing intimately with them, savoring the long-lost feeling of abandon and freedom.

Upstairs, in the VIP section on the second floor.

I only found out later that Ethan was up there, watching my every move.

On the dance floor, I grew tired, pushed away the men around me, and stumbled towards the restroom.

As I reached the corner of the corridor, my wrist was suddenly grabbed. A strong force pulled me into a dim private room, and then I was slammed against the cold wall.

"Ethan, isn't this Chloe?" Liam, standing nearby, widened his eyes. "Chloe's outfit is really hot! Those guys were practically glued to her. Aren't you going to do something, Ethan?"

Ethan glanced at him, then expressionlessly averted his gaze, his voice icy. "I trust her."

"Ethan! You're really letting your guard down." Liam sighed. "Still, Chloe looks stunning today, like a completely different person. I always thought you were too demure, never knew you had this side to you."

Ethan turned to face me, his body leaning in. The familiar scent of fir trees wafted over me.

"Had enough fun?" Ethan's voice, laced with suppressed anger, sounded above me.

I looked up, seeing the man's handsome face in the faint light filtering from the corridor. I suddenly laughed, a terribly cheerful laugh, and hooked my arm around his neck. "Mr. Sterling, what's wrong? Only you get to come here? I can't?"

Ethan's brows furrowed tightly. He inhaled in distaste, smelling the alcohol and cheap perfume on me. "Come home with me."

"Home? Which home?" I leaned closer, my warm breath fanning his Adam's apple. "The gilded cage you built for me, or the spot you're saving for someone else in your heart?"

Ethan's body stiffened, his eyes instantly turning sharp. "You're drunk."

"I'm not drunk." I pushed him away abruptly, the smile vanishing from my face, leaving only cold indifference. "Ethan, don't touch me. You make me sick."

With that, I walked out of the private room without looking back.