The apartment had dimmed to a soft gloom. Mina Long flicked on the light and soaked up the rare peace and quiet. The Perry house was always chaos—Vincenzo was wild, a little menace who raised hell whenever she tried to help with homework or get anything else done. Hunter thought she had it easy at home looking after their son, but he had no clue she never got a second’s rest there.

Mina listened to the wall clock tick, her emotions churning until all she wanted to do was cry.

Ding—

The shrill ring cut through her thoughts. When she saw Hunter Perry on the screen, she hit reject on instinct. But Hunter wouldn’t let up. He called again and again until the noise wore her down, and she finally answered.

Hunter’s voice was cold. “Mina, it’s late. Why aren’t you home? Where are you?”

There was anger underneath, tightly leashed, but he acted like everything was fine. Mina laughed without sound, irony washing over her. This was how their fights always went. He’d ice her out for days, then come back pretending nothing had happened, never once dealing with the real problem.

“Hunter, we’re getting a divorce. Did you forget?” Her voice was calm. Almost emptied of feeling.

Hunter’s face went dark. His grip on the phone tightened until his knuckles went white. “Mina, are you going to make a scene again? What’s the point of all this drama?”

“Drama?” Mina let out a dry scoff. “How much clearer do I need to make it? I want a divorce. Be ready to meet me in court.”

A small, confused voice piped up from the other end. “Why are you trying to appease her, Dad? Mom’s just acting up. If you indulge her, it’ll only get worse.” Then Vincenzo’s voice sharpened with indignation. “Honestly? I’d rather she didn’t come back at all.”

A sharp sting stabbed through Mina’s chest. Her fingers curled slightly as she lowered her gaze. “I won’t be back. I’ll have the divorce papers ready in a few days.” Then she hung up.

She didn’t want to sit with it. She lay down and let sleep pull her under.

Meanwhile, back at the Perry house, Hunter’s scowl deepened. He slammed his phone into the wall, shattering it. Mina used to be so obedient. A little tantrum, a few sweet words, and she’d settle right down. Now she had the nerve to stay out all night? She was getting way too bold.

He dropped onto the sofa and let out a long breath. It had to be his own indulgence that had made her like this. He’d like to see how she planned to get by in the city without a dime.

And yet, a strange emptiness gnawed at him. Vincenzo, watching his father’s outburst, hesitated. “Dad, is she really not coming back?”

Mom loved him more than anything. How could she not come back? But when he replayed her cold words on the phone, panic flickered through him.

Hunter ruffled his son’s hair, a sinister smile curling at the corners of his mouth. “No. She can’t leave us—or this city.” But unease twisted in his gut. Their home was missing her. During her three-month absence, the house hadn’t felt empty. Now, not even a day had passed, and something already felt off.

Hunter shook his head, wondering if he’d lost it.

The next morning, a knock woke Mina. She opened the door with her hair a mess and found Josiah Burke standing there, mischief dancing in his eyes.

He smiled and slipped past her before she could invite him in.

Mina blinked, caught off guard. “Did you need something?”

Josiah set down the two big bags in his hands, lips curving into a grin. “As your neighbor, I brought you a housewarming gift.”

“Neighbor?” Mina asked, softer now.

Josiah started unpacking the bags into the fridge. “I’ve got a difficult client in town, so I rented my friend’s place next door.”

Something strange washed over Mina, but she didn’t say anything else. She watched Josiah move around her kitchen like he belonged there, and her chest tightened.

In the Perry house, Hunter never lifted a finger. Once, she’d asked him to sweep, and he’d looked at her with icy disdain. Now she realized it wasn’t that he couldn’t do chores—he just saw them as her job.

Josiah started cooking, and Mina caught herself staring at his back, lost in thought. Broad shoulders tapered to a narrow waist, the apron tied at his back accentuating his lean frame. He looked like a model—elegant, with an air of old money. Anyone would take one look and call him a gentleman.

Hunter never cooked. He never even set foot in the kitchen. He used to say gentlemen stayed out of the kitchen—yet she’d once caught him making pasta for Malani Castillo.

Realizing she was thinking about Hunter again, Mina let out a bitter chuckle. After all, they’d been married for years.

A bowl of pasta landed in front of her, snapping her out of the past. She looked up and met Josiah’s playful gaze.

“What were you thinking about? Try my cooking,” he teased. His hair fell around his bright eyes like a scatter of fallen stars—so captivating it was almost unfair.

Mina’s heart gave a traitorous little tremble. She quickly lowered her gaze and took a bite. The heat made her wince. Her first instinct was to spit it out, but she forced it down, swallowing the scalding mouthful.

Almost instantly, tears welled in her eyes.

For years, she’d longed for a meal made by Hunter—something that would make her feel like she was truly his wife. But he and Vincenzo were cold and indifferent, never once asking what she wanted.

Mina looked up, tears still clinging to her lashes, and forced a smile. “Thank you. It’s delicious.” She looked pitiful.

Josiah’s playful smile faded. His brows knitted. “Why are you crying?”

Without his smile, he was formidable. They weren’t close enough to share their pain, so Mina lowered her eyes and shook her head.

The bond they’d formed overseas years ago had probably faded with time. Josiah had already shown her so much kindness; she couldn’t ask for more.

He didn’t push. After she finished eating, he washed the dishes and left.

Her father’s call came through just then. His voice was overbearing. “Mina, why’d it take you so long to answer? I’m your father. How dare you ignore my calls?”

Mina frowned, sarcasm flickering through her. “I didn’t see it. What is it?”

“My birthday’s in two days,” he said. “Bring Hunter and Vincenzo.”

Mina’s frown deepened, irritation prickling under her skin. “They’re not available. Vincenzo has school.”

“What’s more important than celebrating my birthday? A son-in-law should make time for that.”

Before she could protest, he hung up.

Mina Long listened to the dead air after the call disconnected, frozen for a beat. Her father had never been satisfied with her—not once—and ever since Malani Castillo came back home, his criticism had only sharpened. Deep down, he thought she wasn’t good enough for Hunter Perry. Only his biological daughter was a suitable match. And yet, he had no choice but to use her to climb the social ladder with the Perry family.

After a long hesitation, Mina finally dialed Hunter Perry. He picked up on the second ring, his voice pure ice. “What do you want now?”

The words cut, but she forced herself to speak. “The day after tomorrow is Dad’s birthday party. Could you bring Vincenzo?”

Hunter’s brows drew together. Something flickered through his eyes. So she’d finally caved and called him. It had to be a play for attention, a desperate little trick to win back his favor. Clearly, she couldn’t let go of being Mrs. Perry.

“You’re the one who wants a divorce,” Hunter said coldly. “I don’t see why I should keep playing your husband. Is this you waving a white flag?”

“No. It’s not that.” Mina inhaled, shoving down her frustration. “My father wants to see Vincenzo.”

A bitter irony twisted through her mind. Before she’d been cast aside, he’d played the doting husband to perfection. Now his true colors were finally showing.

Irritation flared in Hunter’s eyes. Was this really only about letting her father see Vincenzo? He couldn’t name what it was, but frustration churned inside him. It was just an excuse to see him. She couldn’t possibly live without him.

Disdain dripped from his voice. “Your excuses are pathetic. Who taught you such transparent tricks?”

Every word jabbed at her heart, but Mina felt nothing now—numb, pain long forgotten. She swallowed the sarcastic reply on her tongue. Only three months left. Then she’d be free of him.

The phone was yanked away on the other end, and Vincenzo’s sharp voice cut in. “You promised not to be my mom! Why are you calling?”

The words went straight through her. How ironic, she thought bitterly. Her own son—the child she’d carried for nine months—had been raised to turn against her without even knowing it.

“Your grandfather wants to see you at his birthday party,” she said coolly. “Remember that.”

A chill settled over her beautiful face as her voice traveled through the phone and echoed across the Perry living room.

“I said I wouldn’t be your mother, and I don’t go back on my word. Take care of yourself.”

Then silence.

Suddenly, a loud female voice sliced through the quiet. “What’s with the serious tone, Hunter? Come on, look at my outfit! Isn’t it prettier than your wife’s?”

Mina knew that voice too well—Malani Castillo. A bitter ache tugged at her heart as Malani laughed and spoke into the phone. “Mina, don’t be mad. We’re just friends. I’m just stopping by more often to help take care of the family while you’re gone, aren’t I?”

Her condescending tone stung, but a wry smile tugged at Mina’s lips. Malani had already started moving in the second she left. But Mina didn’t care anymore. She wasn’t going to waste another minute on any of this.

She lowered her eyes and ended the call without a word.

Back in the Perry household, Hunter stared at his phone, an unexpected emptiness settling in his chest. His brows furrowed. He almost called her back—until Malani caught his hand.

“I know how to handle women,” Malani advised with a knowing smile. “The more she acts like this, the less you should indulge her. Otherwise, she’ll walk all over you. Women understand women best. My sister just needs time to realize she’s completely devoted to you.”

Hunter considered her words, then turned off his phone and put it away. She was right.

He’d spoiled Mina too much in the past. Now she had the nerve to mention divorce. Didn’t she understand that without him, she wouldn’t survive in the world? It was time to give her a taste of reality.

Exhausted from the argument, Mina felt her energy drain away, her injuries throbbing. Sitting on the sofa, she mindlessly scrolled through her phone and stumbled on an art exhibition announcement. Her heart stirred.

Before she’d taken up dancing, she’d loved painting. Her legs might never heal, but she could still pick up a brush. A smile spread across her face, a new light kindling in her eyes.

As long as she was alive, she wouldn’t give up her dreams or her passions. This wasn’t a trial. It was a new beginning.

The next day, Josiah Burke knocked on her door again. A hint of a smile touched his lips as he carried groceries into her home once more. “Here to check on the patient,” he said casually, leaving no room for argument.

Looking at the array of food on the table, warmth filled Mina’s heart. Her voice came out hoarse as she lowered her gaze. “I can’t thank you enough.”

She felt guilty leaning on him, knowing he was just an ordinary man. The car and watch were rented, after all.

Josiah’s eyes went cold for a moment, but he quickly smiled again. “In that case, join me at a gala?”

She was taken aback, her hesitation obvious as her eyes flicked to her injured hand and legs.

Josiah noticed. A flicker of concern crossed his eyes as he continued, “Once you’re feeling better, of course.”

Mina remained hesitant. Her whole life, she’d watched wealthy people mingle at events like that, longing to be part of it. She’d begged Hunter to take her, but he’d refused. She still remembered his words, completely devoid of warmth: “Mina, only people of high status attend gatherings like that. I wouldn’t want you to feel out of place. Besides, I wouldn’t want anyone else to see you. I want to keep you all to myself.”

In hindsight, it had never been about protecting her. He simply thought she wasn’t worthy.

Seeing her reluctance, Josiah leaned in, an amused smile playing on his lips as he gently teased, “Didn’t you say you wanted to thank me, Miss Long?”

His tone was playful, but there was an unyielding edge beneath it. Mina caught the mischievous glint in his eyes and sighed inwardly. She did want to go. It had been a long time since she’d worn a beautiful gown.

So she nodded. “I’ll go with you once I’m better.”

Josiah settled back into his chair, an obsessive glint in his eye as he mused. What Hunter couldn’t give you, I will.

On her father’s birthday, Mina Long waited on pins and needles for a call from Hunter Perry and Vincenzo. When it never came, she dialed—only for the call to be declined before it could ring twice. She stared at her phone until the screen blurred, then finally grabbed the gift and flagged down a cab to her parents’ house.

The moment she stepped inside, her mother’s voice sliced through the air, dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, look who finally decided to join us! We invite you, but you’re too busy to come—like we’re nobody?”

Her mother’s gaze snagged on the injuries on Mina’s hand and legs, and for a split second, something in her face softened.

“Malani says you’re practically healed. Who exactly are you trying to fool?” Her tone was dismissive, and the words landed like a slap. Mina’s heart ached.

Her mother had once been kind to her. Then Malani Castillo came back, and everything changed. Her parents were bitter over the life their biological daughter had missed, but they couldn’t simply cast Mina out—not without bruising the family’s reputation.

So Mina had spent years tiptoeing around that house, until Hunter Perry’s arrival felt like salvation. But the rescue she’d prayed for only dragged her deeper into despair.

“The truth is, I can’t hold a scalpel anymore. I can’t dance either. Those are the consequences.” Mina’s voice trembled as she watched her mother’s face.

Her mother’s discomfort flickered, but she pressed on. “You were never as good a dancer as Malani, anyway. One accomplished dancer in the family is plenty.”

Something in Mina went colder. How much did her parents know about the crime she’d been blamed for? How deeply were they involved?

She stood there quietly, pale and fragile.

“Cat got your tongue?” her mother snapped, temper rising. “We raised you all these years, and this is the thanks we get?”

“Enough!” Her father’s voice cut through the room as he came down the stairs, brow furrowed. “What is this? Bickering like children?”

He lowered himself onto the sofa. When he saw Mina alone, his expression turned to stone. “Hunter and Vincenzo aren’t here?”

The shift in him was impossible to miss. Mina’s smile went stiff.

“Something came up. They couldn’t make it.”

Her father’s face soured as he looked her up and down. “Then what good are you? Married all these years and you’ve brought this family nothing.”

“We raised an ungrateful daughter,” her mother added, voice dripping acid.

Their words sliced through Mina, leaving her hollow. She sat still, hands clenched tight in her lap, letting every criticism land. Once, she’d been foolish enough to ache for their affection. Now she understood: to them, she was just a tool.

“Mom! Dad! I’m here!” Malani’s bright voice rang through the room. Mina turned just in time to see her throw herself into their mother’s arms.

Their mother’s face lit up. She ran a hand affectionately over Malani’s hair. “My sweet girl. Did you miss me? Why are you late today?”

Watching them, something bitter surged up Mina’s throat. Once, her mother had looked at her like that. Then Malani returned, and that version of her mother disappeared.

For reasons Mina still didn’t understand, she had once fought tooth and nail for their affection. She’d sold nearly every piece of jewelry she owned to buy her mother an emerald set. Her mother had looked at it with disdain. “No matter how expensive, it still isn’t what Malani gives me.” Then she’d broken the emeralds, piece by piece.

Now, Mina felt nothing at all.

Malani giggled and pointed toward the door. “I brought someone with me!”

Vincenzo and Hunter walked in. Vincenzo bounded straight to his grandfather, beaming. “Happy birthday, Grandpa!”

“Good, good.” Her father’s sour mood vanished. His face lit up as he fussed over Vincenzo, practically glowing with pride.

From the sofa, Mina watched them fall into easy laughter. Her son. Her husband. And yet she sat there like an outsider looking in.

Something twisted inside her. She’d thought Hunter wasn’t coming today. The truth was simpler: he just hadn’t wanted to arrive with her.

Vincenzo handed his grandfather a gift, grinning. “This is for you. Malani and I picked it out together.”

Her father’s sternness melted. He patted Vincenzo’s head with a smile. “Our Vincenzo is quite the charmer. Thank goodness he didn’t take after your mother.”

Vincenzo tilted his head, thinking it over. “Mom’s so clumsy. I don’t want to inherit that. I got my smarts from Dad.”

He paused, then added, “Malani’s taught me a lot too.”

Malani stuck out her tongue and glanced at Mina. “Kids say whatever comes to mind. Don’t take it to heart, Mina, okay?”

Mina smiled, all sarcasm. “None taken. I am indeed foolish.”

Foolish enough to believe the lies of that father-son duo. Foolish enough to trust their deceit.

Her mother’s irritation bubbled over. “All right, let’s go to the dining room.”

She turned to Malani, warmth flooding back into her face, and playfully tapped her nose. “Your favorite pulled pork is waiting.”

Then, with a dismissive glance at Mina, she added in a condescending tone, “You might as well come too.”

Mina kept her face blank. At first, she’d tried to keep the peace—surface-level, at least. But if this was how they wanted to play it, she was done enduring. Before she left, she would cut ties with them for good.

Hunter Perry took in the family’s coldness, then glanced at Mina. His frown deepened. She stood there, untouched by their indifference, her eyes meeting his without a flicker.

Her cold stare hit him like a wall. Something hollow opened in his chest, and his brow knit. Why was she being so stubborn? Didn’t she understand she needed to make amends?

“If you weren’t so headstrong…” Hunter began, his voice low and distant, reaching for her hand. “This is why they’re upset.”

Mina met his eyes, irony glinting in hers. “Is that what you think?”

All these years, he’d watched her family treat her like a stranger. He knew every grievance she carried, and still he urged her to tolerate it. To endure. Maybe her pain had never mattered to him. Maybe he just liked bringing her home so he could see Malani.

She brushed his hand away and limped toward the dining room. “Save your concern for Malani.”

The family gathered around the table, every eye on Malani. Then a voice cut in from behind them. “What? No one waited for me?”