Chapter 1

Yelena's eyes were red-rimmed with unshed tears, her voice trembling. "Bryce, I love you too, but the Daltons follow strict rules. Even though I'm adopted, our parents would never allow us to be together," she said. "You're married to Yara now, so can't you try to love her?" "I'll never love anyone but you. Lena, marrying Yara was the biggest compromise I could make. I don't like her, and I will never touch her." Bryce's low, strained voice left Yara utterly stunned. So this was why he never touched her after they were married. The one he loved had always been Yelena, and marrying Yara had just been a front to satisfy his family. That night, Yara was so heartbroken she could barely hold herself together. She cried until she had no tears left. She remembered the first time she met Bryce. She had been struck by how perfect he was. From that moment on, she fell for Bryce at first sight and spent the next seven years chasing after him. She had given him her whole heart and loved him with everything she had. But it only took that one moment for her to give up on him completely. Yara spent the whole night alone outside in the cold wind. When morning came, she called her lawyer to draft a divorce agreement. She had just signed her name when the front door of the villa opened. Bryce had come back. Just as she was about to hand him the divorce papers, Bryce grabbed her hand first. The calm expression he used to wear was replaced by a panic and worry she had never seen before. "Yara, Lena suddenly vomited blood and lost consciousness last night. She was taken to the hospital, and the doctor said she has multiple myeloma," Bryce said. "She needs a bone marrow transplant right away. "You're a match in the system. Please, can you save her by donating your marrow?" Yara hadn't slept all night and couldn't process what he was saying. But Bryce thought she was refusing. The usually calm and guarded look in his eyes now showed a hint of pleading. "If I had been a match, I would have never asked you. I know you won't let her die when you've been best friends with her for years. She's your sister-in-law now too," Bryce pleaded. "If you agree to donate, I'll say yes to whatever you ask for." Yara looked down, her eyes dull and lifeless. Her voice turned bitter. "Anything? Even… sleeping together?" "Yes!" When he agreed without any hesitation, Yara couldn't help but think about the last three years. Every time she asked to be intimate, he would push back and avoid her. He really only ever loved Yelena more than anything. He didn't love Yara, and he was clearly reluctant. But to save Yelena, he was willing to agree to that condition. Before Yara could respond, the hospital called again. Yelena's condition had worsened. Instantly, he looked at Yara with bloodshot eyes. His voice trembled as he pleaded again, "Yara, I'm begging you." Yara felt a sharp, stabbing pain in her chest. But in the end, she got into his car. … After the surgery, she stayed in the hospital for three days. Bryce never came by to visit her the entire time. Every time she went for a checkup and passed the room next door, she would see him by Yelena's side. He would hold Yelena's hand while she slept, unwilling to let go. He would coax her with sweets when she complained about the taste of her medicine and slowly feed her. Worried about Yelena's health, he insisted on carrying her in his arms wherever they went, refusing to let go. Everything he said and did couldn't hide how deeply he loved her. Yara saw it all, and she never disturbed them. She just focused on recovering quietly. She even handled her hospital discharge alone. As she passed by Yelena's room one last time before leaving the hospital, she heard Yelena's voice. "Bryce, you should check on Yara. You haven't shown up in days, and she must be upset. She might just give you a hard time about it," Yelena said. Bryce didn't budge. He tucked her in and said flatly, "She won't. She loves me too much to make a fuss." Yara smiled silently, her eyes full of exhaustion. She wouldn't make a fuss anymore. It wouldn't be because she loved him, but rather because she no longer did. Yara collected herself and went home alone. Then, she saw the divorce papers that had been left sitting in the entryway. She picked them up and read through the papers. Just then, she heard the door open behind her. Bryce had just come back, and he looked surprised to see her. "You've been discharged? Why didn't you tell me? I could have picked you up." He hadn't even visited while she was in the hospital. So what use was it to tell him she was being discharged? She replied calmly, "I knew you were busy. I didn't want to bother you with such a small matter." For a moment, the room fell silent. Bryce didn't say a word. His eyes darkened as he reached up and loosened his tie. He wrapped his arm around her waist. As he leaned in to kiss her, Yara stepped back. When she pulled away in shock, he frowned and looked at her again. "You asked for this. Did you forget?" he asked. Yara clenched her hands without realizing it. She fought back tears and gave a strained smile. "I was just joking. You don't need to take it seriously. Can I change my request?" Bryce visibly relaxed and replied, "Of course." Yara noticed that subtle shift in his expression but said nothing. She pulled out the divorce papers and flipped to the last page. "Sign here, then. It's the one thing I've wanted the most lately." It was the first time Bryce had ever seen her express what she wanted so eagerly. There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "The thing you want the most? Which house did you fall in love with?" As he spoke, he reached for the papers to take a look. But just then, the phone in his pocket rang. "Bryce, how's the soup coming? When are you bringing it over? I'm hungry." Hearing that sweet voice, Yara realized he had only come home to make some soup for Yelena. "I'll be right there," he replied. Bryce didn't waste another second. Without even looking, he quickly signed the divorce agreement, and then walked into the kitchen with his phone. He spent an hour there. Then he left with a thermal container in hand, walking out in a rush. He didn't say another word to Yara the whole time. As she watched him walk away, Yara finally replied softly, "I didn't want a house. I wanted freedom. Bryce, happy divorce."