We were supposed to meet today to finalize the divorce.

Kehlani Lawrence was a bundle of nerves, pacing back and forth. It was already 11 AM, a whole hour past the scheduled time. She fished out her phone and hit the familiar number. The line clicked open immediately, and she practically blurted, "Ezrah, I'm waiting. When are you gonna get here?"

Instead of his voice, his assistant's came through, strained. "Mrs. Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence has been in a car accident. He's at the hospital."

Kehlani's blood ran cold. "What? Which hospital? I'm on my way."

Twenty minutes later, she burst through the hospital doors, worry gnawing at her insides. Ezrah Lawrence had already been moved from the OR to a recovery room. Following the directions Yael Bishop had given her, she navigated to the room number. Before she could even touch the door, it flew open from inside.

Standing there was a woman in her fifties, elegant but seething—her mother-in-law, Laylah Ortiz. The woman glared at Kehlani like she was an intruder and immediately launched into a tirade. "Kehlani! How dare you show your face here? Who gave you the nerve?"

Her outburst drew Aviana Holmes out from the room, who was all too ready to pile on. "Kehlani, are you happy now? The doctor said Ezrah might never wake up. He could be in a coma. And if he hadn't been on his way to meet *you* , this wouldn't have happened!"

For context, Aviana was Laylah's handpicked choice for her son's future—the girl next door who'd known Ezrah since childhood and was deemed his perfect match. Last month, a career-ending ankle injury had forced her to abandon ballet and come home, leaving her dreams behind.

Laylah's fury boiled over. She lunged at Kehlani, hand raised to slap her. But Kehlani wasn't having it. She snatched Laylah's wrist mid-air, her grip fierce despite the emotions churning inside her.

"I wasn't the one who crashed the car, Ms. Ortiz. Don't you dare pin this on me," Kehlani said, her voice steady as she released Laylah, who stumbled back and was caught by Aviana.

Laylah stared at her, disbelief etched on her face. "After everything this family has done for you, this is how you treat me?"

Aviana seized the moment. "Kehlani, have you lost your damn mind? You really think you can talk to me like that? Aren't you scared Ezrah will find out?"

Kehlani's concern for Ezrah was real, but so was her contempt for the two women in front of her. Face pale, brows knit tight, she shot back, "Ms. Holmes, Ezrah and I have already signed the divorce papers. And guess who printed them out? Ms. Ortiz here. If not for Ezrah's accident, we'd be finalizing everything today. So, as far as I'm concerned, Ms. Ortiz is just a stranger now. And I'm not afraid of Ezrah finding out. I was defending myself—what exactly did I do wrong?"

Three years of marriage. If not for her all-consuming love for Ezrah Lawrence, she would never have endured the thankless, brutal life his family thrust upon her. Sure, she'd schemed to marry him, but three years had worn that affection down to nothing, especially with Aviana's return—the final nail in the coffin.

She knew Ezrah didn't love her. Three years hadn't thawed that icy heart of his one bit. Now, it was finally over. She no longer needed to warm a man who belonged to someone else, and she sure as hell didn't have to stomach Laylah's constant criticism anymore.

Laylah's eyes bulged with rage, her hand trembling as she pointed at Kehlani. "You called me a stranger? Kehlani, you've ruined my son, and you have the gall to speak to me like that?"

Her expression was venomous, like she wanted to tear Kehlani apart. In the past, Kehlani wouldn't have dared talk back, but things were different now. She no longer craved Ezrah, and there was no reason to live under this woman's thumb.

Kehlani's eyes, usually cold and detached, now blazed with something sharp and unyielding. "Who's really responsible for Ezrah's condition? You're the one who pushed for this divorce. If the crash happened because of it, then the blame falls squarely on you."

Her voice was soft, but every word cut like glass. Laylah had never seen this side of her. She'd always assumed her daughter-in-law was a doormat—easy to walk all over.

Laylah was staggered, reeling from the blow. "You... you sharp-tongued witch. Ezrah must've been blind to marry you. A curse on this family—that's what you are."

Kehlani steadied herself, tuning out Laylah's ranting. Instinctively, she tried to catch a glimpse of Ezrah through the half-open door. Aviana noticed and blocked her way, declaring, "Get out. You're not welcome here. Ezrah wouldn't want to see you."

Kehlani let out a cold laugh. "If anyone should leave, it's you. What are you even doing here anyway?"

She was Ezrah's childhood friend, not Kehlani's. So why should Kehlani put up with her?

"Kehlani, have you gone mad?! First you insult me, now Aviana. Where do you get the nerve?" Laylah fumed.

Kehlani stepped forward, grabbed Laylah by the collar, and slammed her against the wall, silencing both women in an instant.

"Before, I was weak—that's the only reason I tolerated a witch of a mother-in-law and a backstabbing snake like her. But now—" Kehlani's voice dropped to ice. "I'm in my right mind. And if you ever provoke me again, don't blame me for what comes next."

Just as she finished, Yael emerged from the room, a flicker of relief and odd joy in her eyes. "Mr. Lawrence is awake. Would you like to come in?"

Hearing that, the truth hit Kehlani instantly. The whole coma scare was just another one of Laylah and Aviana's schemes to guilt-trip her. For three years, she'd been an easy target for their bullying.

The realization only hardened her resolve to get that divorce certificate—no more delays. She shot both women a frozen glare and said, "You two missed your calling as actresses with that performance."

Then she brushed past them and strode into the room, determined to talk to Ezrah about finalizing the divorce.

Laylah stood there, stunned by Kehlani's new attitude, her bitterness swelling. "Aviana, look at her. She used to act all sweet and obedient, but now she's completely out of control!"

Aviana gently comforted her, "Ms. Ortiz, please don't upset yourself. Now we've seen Kehlani's true colors. Don't worry—I'm here. I'll never leave Ezrah's side. I'll take good care of him."

Laylah was deeply moved. "Thank God for you. I don't know how I'd manage otherwise."

Inside the room, Kehlani took in the sight of Ezrah sitting there, looking utterly worn out. She'd never seen him like this—probably because she was so used to his commanding presence. The contrast was jarring.

A bitter smile touched her lips. She'd never imagined herself getting divorced, but reality had forced her hand. Maybe marrying Ezrah had been a mistake from the very start.

She spoke slowly, "Ezrah, when are we gonna finalize the divorce?"

Ezrah Lawrence snapped, disbelief and frustration bleeding through. "I just got into a car accident, and you're still stuck on the divorce papers?" A storm of confusion swirled inside him as he stared at Kehlani. Since she'd brought up divorce, he'd barely recognized the woman she'd become.

Was she hitting some late rebellious phase at almost thirty? he wondered. Out of curiosity, he'd even talked to a psychologist. The guy said pushing back only makes people rebel harder—better to just go along with it. So when Kehlani shoved those papers at him, he signed. Not that he ever intended to actually go through with it. The day of the accident, he'd planned to meet a client, not be at the office anyway.

"Are you just waiting for me to die so you can cash in on my fortune?" he accused, eyes boring into hers. Her patience was wearing paper-thin, and she was seriously second-guessing every life choice that had led her to this man.

The tension shattered when a sharp voice sliced through the air. "Kehlani Lawrence, get the hell out of here!" Laylah Ortiz stormed in, her heels clacking furiously as she tried to yank Kehlani away. "You're divorced from Ezrah—why are you still lurking around? Hoping to cash in? That's low!"

Laylah's usual composure had been blown to pieces by fury. But her strength was nothing against a grown man. She struggled, then realized Ezrah's grip on Kehlani's arm was like iron. "What the hell is going on, Ezrah?" she demanded.

Ezrah's expression was thunderous, his cold gaze freezing the room. "Let her go. I get it—you think she needs to be dealt with. But I'm in no shape for that right now. I'll handle it later," he said, trying to defuse the bomb.

Laylah scoffed. "Handle it? Ezrah is going to hear about this！"

Ezrah's face turned to stone. "Discipline her? Why the hell would I discipline my own wife?"

The room went dead silent. Even the people clustered outside the door were struck dumb. Yael Bishop, Ezrah's assistant, looked completely floored.

Ezrah's icy stare shifted to Laylah. "And who exactly are you to stick your nose in my business?"

Everyone, including Aviana Holmes, was speechless. "Ezrah, how can you talk to your own mom like that?" Aviana finally sputtered.

He met her gaze with pure impatience. "And who are you supposed to be?"

Aviana's disbelief was written all over her face. "Ezrah, you don't recognize me? I'm Aviana—you love me，and I'm gonna be your fiancée."

Laylah was just as stunned. "Ezrah, I'm your mother. You don't remember us?"

Ezrah's brow furrowed. "I don't know you."

Then he looked at Aviana. "I have a wife. How could I possibly have a fiancée? Kehlani, call the police."

Kehlani stood there, baffled. Ezrah had recognized her the second he woke up, but now he had no clue who his own mother or Aviana were. His sincerity was so raw it couldn't be an act.

She pointed at Yael by the door. "Ezrah, do you recognize him?"

Ezrah's eyes stayed unreadable. "No."

This bizarre twist sent someone scrambling for the doctor. After an examination, the diagnosis came. "The trauma appears to have affected parts of his memory. At this point, it's too early to know how much he'll recover—or how quickly.”

Aviana, frantic, asked, "Doctor, how long until his memory comes back?"

"Hard to say. Could be days, months, maybe even years."

As the doctor left, a heavy silence settled. Kehlani felt the hostile glares from Aviana and Laylah scorching into her. She decided to cut the tension.

"Ezrah, if we can't finalize the divorce today, reach out to me once you're discharged."

She grabbed her handbag and headed for the door.

But then Ezrah's voice rang out. "You're my wife. You're not going to stay and take care of me? You're just going to abandon me?"

Kehlani let out a dry chuckle. "Ezrah, your mother and your old flame are right here. How is that abandonment?"

"But I don't know them."

His detachment was so genuine, Kehlani finally accepted his memory really was shot.

Still, she had her own life to live. With cool grace, she glanced back at him, irony lacing her voice. "Don't worry. They'll take good care of you. Goodbye, Ezrah."

A wave, and she was gone, leaving a room full of pinched expressions behind. Outside the hospital, she called her realtor, finalized the rental on that new apartment she'd just seen, and paid a year's lease upfront.

Later, she was in a hardware store, picking out materials. On the bus ride home, her phone buzzed. Her friend Alia Daniels.

"Kehlani, where you at? I'm picking you up for a friend's get-together."

"Not today, Alia. I don't know your friends, and I don't wanna intrude. If there's nothing urgent, I'm hanging up. I'm on a packed bus, okay?"

"Kehlani, don't leave me hanging. Crysta's gonna be there, and if she starts drama without you, I'm screwed. Just tell me where you are. I'm coming to get you."

As the bus lurched, Kehlani sighed. "Fine. I'll get off at the next stop and drop you my location."

Minutes later, Kehlani stood by the curb. A red sports car pulled up, Alia behind the wheel. She adjusted her sunglasses and flashed a grin. "Hop in, gorgeous. There's an outfit in the back—change on the way."

Kehlani hopped into the car, and as Alia Daniels floored the gas, she nearly flew out of her seat. She steadied herself and grabbed the dress from the backseat. "Alia, are we heading into battle or something? Why am I dressed like a Victorian peacock?"

"Just trust me. Would I ever steer you wrong?"

Kehlani decided to just roll with it. Alia had a knack for making a splash no matter the occasion. The sports car zoomed through the streets and pulled up to the venue in under twenty minutes. Alia linked arms with her and strolled right up to the usher, handing over their invites with total confidence. They made a bold entrance into the ballroom.

"Alia, what even is this party?"

"A singles' mixer hosted by Mr. Mason. You officially joined the single ladies' club today after signing those divorce papers with Ezrah, right? Listen, this place is crawling with top-tier catches. Choose your next partner wisely."

"Yeah, sure."

Kehlani thought about bailing, but Alia held her tight. "Kehlani, where do you think you're going? Can't you just be a little brave for once? The fastest way to get over someone is to jump into something new and stop overthinking everything."

Alia might've been tiny, but she had a grip like steel, leaving Kehlani no choice but to stay put. Under the sparkling chandelier, Alia started introducing her to a parade of successful people, but Kehlani barely paid attention.

"Alia, listen, about me and Ezrah—"

"Jason! Hey, Jason!" Alia waved at a drop-dead gorgeous, drop-dead gorgeous guy nearby, then leaned in and whispered fast, "Kehlani, we'll chat later. I just spotted my dream man. Take your time mingling, okay?"

Before Kehlani could even open her mouth, Alia shot off like she was on a mission. Left to herself, Kehlani wandered over to the dessert table and snagged a slice of spiced honey cake while eyeing the exotic fruit at the next station.

The cake was melt-in-your-mouth good—sweet but not too cloying—and platters of figs, passion fruit, and perfectly ripe berries were extra juicy and bursting with flavor.

Suddenly, a voice startled her. "Well, aren't you something. While all the other women are out here fishing for rich husbands, you're just enjoying the spread."

She nearly dropped her plate. When she looked up, she found herself face-to-face with Maverick Kane—none other than Ezrah's fiercest business rival.

"Do you know who I am?" Maverick asked.

Kehlani shook her head fast, but he continued anyway. "Well, now you do. Hi, I'm Maverick Kane. May I have the pleasure of getting to know this lovely lady?"

---

Back at the hospital, Ezrah Lawrence only remembered Kehlani. Everyone else was a total stranger. Laylah Ortiz and Aviana Holmes were buzzing around him like flies, and Laylah in particular wouldn't stop trashing Kehlani. Ezrah had had enough.

His sharp eyes cut straight to Laylah. "Kehlani is my wife. Do you think it's appropriate to badmouth her right in front of her husband?"

"But Ezrah, I'm your mother," Laylah protested, all wounded and dramatic.

Ezrah's gaze only got icier. He turned to Yael Bishop. "Get them out of here. Their chattering is giving me a headache."

Ezrah had always been distant and rarely got tangled up in family drama. Now, he was even less in the mood to listen. Yael gestured toward the door. "Ms. Ortiz, Mr. Lawrence needs his rest. It's best if you and Ms. Holmes leave for now. You know what he's like when he's pushed."

Aviana, sensing there was zero point in arguing, gently tugged Laylah's arm. "Let's just go, Ms. Ortiz. Ezrah just woke up—he really needs to rest."

Laylah hesitated, but then finally followed Aviana out of the room.

Once they were gone, Ezrah fixed his attention back on Yael. "Find out where my wife went. I want her exact location in ten minutes."

Even with the amnesia, that demand was pure Ezrah. "Yes, Mr. Lawrence."

Yael, the ever-efficient assistant, tracked down Kehlani's movements fast. In just five minutes, he was back—though he looked anything but eager to deliver the news. "Mr. Lawrence, Mrs. Lawrence signed a lease for a new apartment after she left the hospital. Then she attended an event with Ms. Daniels."

"What kind of event? I wasn't aware she enjoyed social gatherings."

Yael wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Well, it's... um... a singles mixer —"

Crash! Ezrah slammed his fist down so hard he nearly shattered the table in front of him. "A singles' party? So she's single now, out shopping for a new man? Who the hell gave her the nerve?"

Yael hadn't seen Mr. Lawrence this livid in years. He took a careful step back.

Ezrah started to get up from the hospital bed, and when Yael opened his mouth to protest, Ezrah silenced him with a steel-cold stare. "Take me to find my wife. Say one more word, and you're fired."

Yael figured silence was his safest bet.

---

Back at the lively party, Alia was deep in conversation with Jason. Ready to take things elsewhere, she bounced over to Kehlani to say goodbye.

"Kehlani."

Alia's eyes lit up when she noticed the devastatingly handsome man standing beside her friend. She practically beamed. "Not bad, Kehlani. This gorgeous guy is leagues ahead of that jerk you were with before—a real treasure."

Just then, Ezrah Lawrence stepped into the party and caught that last comment. His dark eyes narrowed as he froze in place.

Alia patted Kehlani's shoulder and raised an eyebrow at Maverick. "Hey, handsome, Kehlani’s one of the good ones—the realest girl in this room. You've got great taste. She’s light-years better than that jerk. But she’s been burned before, so you better bring your A-game if you want to win her over."

Alia was all about grabbing the moment, keeping her head clear so she wouldn't miss a beat. "Kehlani, I'm out. Bye-bye!"

She spun to leave and nearly jumped out of her skin when Ezrah's stern face suddenly appeared in front of her. "Ez... Ezrah, what’s with the bandage on your head? Going for the brooding hero vibe?"

The joke fell completely flat. Awkward silence.

She stammered, "Y-you here for a date, too?"

Kehlani was just as stunned, her shock mirroring Alia's. Ezrah's deep, furious voice sliced through her thoughts. "I'm only here to find my wife."

In one swift motion, he grabbed Kehlani’s wrist and yanked her to his side. "Kehlani, who gave you permission to come here? You think I'm not around?"

Ezrah was raging, and the consequences of that rage were never good. In the past, Kehlani would've scrambled to apologize, terrified of upsetting him. But after making up her mind to divorce him, she decided right then that his moods were no longer her problem.

"Ezrah, let go. In front of all these people, do you seriously think it's okay to drag me around? What happened to your gentlemanly conduct? Your elegance?"

"Come home with me."