Never Beg Fire from Stubborn Stone

In the fifth year of an arranged marriage, Chloe Evans is summoned to a hospital by her husband, Zachary Hayes. His first love, Rachel Vance, needs a living donor skin graft for her burned mother, and Zachary intends to give his own flesh. He needs Chloe's signature as his wife to proceed. For five years she has served him quietly, brewing his remedies before dawn, believing a stone heart might warm. But the limited-edition handbag he gave her was only something Rachel had thrown back, and the Christmas Eve he held her close, his mind was on another woman.

As Rachel weeps in Zachary's arms, Chloe signs the consent form without a scene, tosses the thermos of soup she made into the trash, and wishes the pair eternal happiness. A message from Attorney Stewart confirms it: only thirty days remain until the five-year marriage contract expires.

Chloe is done waiting. She will take off her apron and reclaim her dream of painting, leaving Zachary to the one who got away.