Chapter 1The Choice You Made

During a reality show shoot, my sister and I both fell into the water.

My husband, Julian, didn't even hesitate. He dove in and saved my sister.

He held her, looking distressed and frantic, and walked away without once looking back.

He left me sinking toward the bottom of the lake. I was barely conscious when the crew finally pulled me out.

The next day, when I handed Julian the divorce papers, his face darkened.

"Lily can't swim, so I saved her first. Are you seriously jealous over that?"

I looked him calmly in the eye. "Yeah. Just sign it."

Julian and I finalized the divorce quietly.

Julian kept frowning, his brow furrowed in that way I used to find so attractive. But now? It didn't stir a single emotion in me.

He shoved the decree into his pocket. "I'll drive you."

I shook my head. "No need."

Julian seemed annoyed by my attitude. "Jessie, you don't have to be like this. We were married for three years. Divorce doesn't mean we have to be enemies."

I was genuinely shocked for a second. I couldn't believe those words were coming out of his mouth. Now that Lily was back, he should be thrilled I was stepping aside so easily.

"Julian, to me, divorced means divorced. We aren't family, and we certainly can't be friends."

"You..."

"Besides, we don't have kids. There's really no reason to stay in touch."

Julian, clearly irritated by my indifference, turned and stormed off.

I watched his retreating back and let out a sigh.

But then I thought about my bank account balance, and the heaviness vanished.

Although I was technically the second daughter of the Sterling family, I hadn't seen a dime of their money. This divorce, however, had made me a very wealthy woman.

I knew I wouldn't get half of the Thorne empire, so when I had my lawyer draft the agreement, I asked for twenty million dollars.

Julian agreed. He also threw in a penthouse in New York, a villa in Los Angeles, and several commercial properties in prime locations.

It was enough to ensure I’d never have to worry about money again.

Looking at the numbers on my screen, I laughed out loud.

Finally. I could start living for myself.

Within twenty-four hours, I moved into a sleek apartment in Manhattan.

Seeing my name on the deed gave me a sense of security I’d never felt before.

I thought leaving Julian would shatter me. For three years, I had truly loved him.

But surprisingly, that night, I slept better than I had in years. A wave of relief washed over me, and I didn't wake up until noon the next day.