Chapter 1 I Want A Divorce

"Why so distracted?" Rhett Yates asked.

The moonlight spilled through the window, wrapping the room in silver light.

Steam lingered in the bathroom, and shadows swayed on the walls.

Alina Clarke was pressed against the cool tiles, the man behind her close, his grip firm on her wrists held high above her head. His other hand anchored her waist, the pressure leaving faint red marks across her skin.

A low chuckle brushed her ear. Then came the heat of his breath. A gentle bite. A slow, deliberate caress.

Heat bloomed through Alina's body, wave after wave.

She trembled, catching her bottom lip between her teeth.

An hour passed before her knees finally gave out, and she sank against him.

Rhett caught her with ease, his arms wrapping around her from behind. He laughed softly, kissed her bare shoulder, and after a moment, lifted her into his arms and carried her out of the bathroom.

By the time she was laid gently on the bed, her body had given in, heavy with exhaustion.

She watched as Rhett tied his robe loosely and walked toward the bedroom door. Summoning her strength, Alina sat up. "Rhett."

He stopped, turning his head. "Hm?"

"I want to talk."

They had been married for over six months, yet it felt more like a merger than a marriage.

The intimacy was there, yes. But their hearts and minds never quite met.

Even on nights like this, no matter how intense it got, they always ended up in separate rooms.

It made sense, she thought. This wasn't a marriage born out of love. It was arranged, deliberate, and strategic. In many ways, it was a transaction.

Hearing her tone, Rhett turned fully, but instead of returning to the bed, he chose the sofa opposite.

He sat casually, legs crossed, tapping his fingers along the armrest in a rhythm that matched his laid-back charm. "What's bothering you?" he asked.

Alina stared at him, her desire cooled, her thoughts clear. "I want a divorce."

His fingers froze. The lazy air around him grew colder. "What did you just say?"

She didn't repeat herself. She didn't need to. He had heard her loud and clear. "I've already asked my lawyer to draw up the papers. They're on the table in the living room. You can sign them whenever."

The silence that followed stretched long and tight. The air felt different now-heavier, stiller.

Rhett's gaze locked onto hers, his usual smile gone. "Does your family know?"

A love marriage was never something to take lightly-and an arranged one, even less so.

Every decision sent ripples outward, affecting not just two people but the web of relationships, alliances, and shared interests built around them.

Alina replied, "This is my choice to make."

Rhett's throat shifted with a silent swallow, his face giving nothing away. "If you're certain, then so be it."

She nodded. "I am."

The way they spoke about divorce felt more like a meeting than a breakup. Just like their discussion of marriage had been.

Without another word, Rhett stood and walked toward the door, his footsteps swift.

But just as he reached the doorway, he paused, as if something had just occurred to him. He turned back, his smile making a brief return-wry, amused, sharp. "So if you've decided on a divorce, then what was that in the bathroom?"

Alina stayed silent, her hand tightening around the sheet.

He tilted his head. "A farewell performance?"

Her nails dug into her palms. She forced herself to meet his eyes. "Mr. Yates, are you saying you're struggling to take this like a grown man?"

The tension between them sparked again, electric and brittle.

Rhett's fingers hovered on the doorknob, but his chest felt oddly tight. He met her gaze, and then gave a short, cold laugh. "Struggling? Not at all. If you ever get the urge again, just call."

Alina's voice was calm. "Thank you, Mr. Yates. But no-I won't."

It was a clear ending. From this moment on, they would go their separate ways, no strings, no expectations. Just freedom and the return to lives that had never truly merged in the first place.

When Rhett left, Alina's spine finally slackened. She let out a long breath, steadying herself. Her fingers reached for her phone on the nightstand. She typed a message and hit send. "I've spoken to Rhett. Please go ahead with the divorce arrangements."