After three years of marriage, James Chancer’s high school sweetheart came back to town. The same day, Sarah Sanders found divorce papers on her desk from the man she'd given her heart to for the past three years.

Outside the courthouse, James poured his heart out to his first love,"I never even touched her in all these years. It's always been you."

That was the final straw for Sarah. Writing off their marriage as a complete waste, she dove back into her career and became more successful than ever.

That's when everyone finally realized what James had thrown away - Mrs. Chancer wasn't just a pretty face, but a wealthy powerhouse. A true catch in every sense.

Three months later, James called her in the dead of night, his voice thick with regret, "Sarah, I made a huge mistake..."

All he heard was her drowsy voice, “Zac, who's calling?"

The man beside her ended the call with a smile, pulling her closer for a kiss, "Just another spam call, babe."

"Sign here."

James Chancer’s cold, deep voice broke the silence as he slid the divorce papers across the table. Sarah looked up at him, managing a bitter smile.

So this was it. No wonder he'd surprisingly called this morning to say he'd be home tonight, wanting to talk. She'd been happy all day, only to find out this was what he wanted to discuss... Three years of marriage, coming to an end.

Sarah Sanders took the papers with trembling hands, her voice barely a whisper, "Do we really have to divorce?"

James frowned as he studied the woman who'd been Mrs. Chancer for three years. She must have just finished cleaning - sweat still glistened on her forehead, exhaustion and confusion evident in her eyes behind those thick glasses. Gentle and modest, but utterly plain. This unremarkable woman had been Mrs. Chancer for three years.

James put out his cigarette, his tone leaving no room for argument, "Just sign it. Charlotte's back, and I don't want her to get the wrong idea."

Sarah felt a bitter taste in her mouth. She knew exactly who he meant. Charlotte Garnett - James's first love, the one who got away. For her sake, their marriage had been in name only. For three whole years, James had stayed faithful to Charlotte's memory.

Worried she might refuse, James added coldly, "It's an uncontested divorce. Given your limited education, you'll get the mansion properties and cars. I'll also add eighty million as compensation."

They'd only married to please his grandfather, with a prenup in place. What James offered far exceeded what she was entitled to. Though he never cared for her, Sarah had tried her best these three years. The extra compensation acknowledged her dedication, especially since she'd need support after divorce with just a high school diploma.

Sarah understood his meaning. After reviewing the papers, she quietly nodded, "Alright, I agree."

She signed her name smoothly, looking at James through her thick lenses with an expression caught between bitterness and resignation. "Don't worry, I'll move out in a couple of days. I won't get in your way."

James nodded, "Thank you for everything these past three years."

Despite how plain and boring she might be, he had to admit Sarah had been a good wife. She'd taken care of his entire family while he focused on his career, letting him pursue success without worry. But in the end, you can't force love.

Sarah found it darkly amusing - after giving him everything, wasting three years of her youth, all she got was a simple "thank you."

James didn't notice her bitter smile as he took the signed papers. His assistant called, and he glanced at her, "I have work at the office. Ask Mrs. Watsons if you need anything."

Sarah nodded.

As James left the study, his mother anxiously met him in the living room. "How did it go? Did she sign?"

James frowned slightly, then nodded.

His mother sighed in relief, delighted, "Thank goodness! These past years since you married her, I've never felt at ease. Three years without a child, always so quiet - who knows what she was really thinking."

James stayed silent.

His mother continued, "I opposed it when your grandfather insisted you marry her. What good could come from an orphan living off the Larson family's charity? Now it's sorted - once you marry Charlotte, I can finally relax. Only someone like Charlotte deserves you."

James's sister Lucy nodded eagerly, "Exactly, brother. Having her as a sister-in-law was embarrassing. Now with Charlotte as my sister-in-law, everyone will be jealous."

Sarah listened to the conversation outside the study, her eyes downcast.

During her years as James’s wife, she had given everything to her mother-in-law and sister-in-law Lucy. When Lucy had her car accident, Sarah had stayed at the hospital for days. She'd always shown nothing but respect and care for Mrs. Chancer. Yet it seemed no amount of devotion could change how the Chancer family saw her.

Shortly after, Scarlett Larson called, her voice tired, "Sasa, are you sure you won't come? You used to love hunting outdoors, and you'd get to race cars too."

Sarah froze. Memories she'd buried deep came flooding back. Before marrying James, she'd loved hunting, racing cars, and good wine. Then she met James at the Larson estate and fell head over heels. After falling for him, she learned through others that James preferred gentle, trad wife. So she'd gradually given up everything she loved.

Three years had passed, and she'd almost forgotten who she used to be.

On the other end of the line, Scarlett continued rambling, "Sasa, if you don't want James to know, you can keep it from him. There's no need to give up everything for a man. Besides, James..."

"We're getting divorced," Sarah cut her off quietly.

Scarlett seemed stunned, then took a deep breath, "Did you finally come to your senses, or did James lose his mind?"

Sarah gave a small laugh, "He asked for it. I agreed."

Scarlett was speechless, thinking James must be blind. The Chancers should have counted their lucky stars to have someone like Sarah, and now they were divorcing?

"Congratulations, babe!" Scarlett's voice turned excited. "I'll pick you up soon. We should celebrate you finally seeing clearly."

Sarah hung up with a bitter smile. She looked around the master bedroom, which showed no signs of being shared by a couple. After three years of marriage, it might as well have belonged to a single person.

It really was time to end this.

Sarah went to the guest room to pack her things. She didn't have many clothes - after marriage, she'd stopped caring about her appearance - so packing didn't take long.

She removed her wedding ring and placed it on the bedside table, her eyes reflecting a mixture of regret and relief.

As she pulled her suitcase toward the door, she passed through the living room. She thought she should at least say goodbye to her former mother-in-law, but Lucy's bitter voice cut in first.

"Someone is finally leaving. Know your place - hanging around our family all these years just for money. You're nothing but a sparrow trying to fly with the eagles…”

Sarah stopped in her tracks and without hesitation, grabbed the glass of water from the table and threw it in Lucy's face.

Drenched from head to toe, Lucy exploded, "Sarah, have you lost your mind? How dare you..."

Sarah calmly wiped the water droplets from her fingers and replied coolly, "I dare plenty. I might be a sparrow, but I still have claws.”

Lucy stood there speechless, clearly shocked that this was the same Sarah everyone had pushed around.

Sarah found Lucy's surprise amusing. For three years, no matter how harsh Lucy and Mrs. Chancer had been, she'd done everything perfectly to please them without complaint. She'd always been gentle and patient, quietly enduring their bitter words and anger.

They'd forgotten that before all this, Sarah had been wild and free - drinking, fighting, and living life on her own terms.

She'd put up with enough. No more.

Sarah let out a soft chuckle.

Sarah left the Chancer mansion without looking back, wheeling her suitcase behind her. Outside, she found Scarlett leaning out of her car window, blowing her a playful kiss. "Get in, baby! Time to celebrate!"

Though Scarlett called it a celebration, knowing Sarah was freshly divorced and likely down, she just took her to a music-themed restaurant. When she heard James's reason for the divorce, Scarlett couldn't help but scoff, "Charlotte Garnett again? What's so special about her that James is this obsessed?"

Sarah stirred her coffee listlessly. "No idea..."

She'd never actually met James's dream woman. Charlotte had already left for abroad when Sarah first met James. She'd only heard that Charlotte was gentle, accomplished, and understanding. When James had fought with his grandfather over her, Charlotte had been mature enough to convince James to let it go - which had led to Sarah's arranged marriage with James.

Seeing Sarah's reluctance to discuss it further, Scarlett changed the subject, resting her chin on her hand. "Well, at least James was generous - houses, cars, and eighty million..."

She glanced at Sarah and sighed. "Though I suppose you don't need any of it."

After Sarah's father died, she'd handed the company management to her cousin Melvin Sanders, content to live off the dividends. Everyone assumed the company belonged to Melvin now, and with the prenup between Sarah and James, her family thought she had nothing left.

"You can never have too much money," Sarah replied absently.

Looking at her friend’s plain and boring appearance, Scarlett felt a pang of sympathy. "That's right! Buy yourself some nice clothes and bags, show the Chancers what they're missing! But what are you planning to do now?"

Sarah's gaze grew distant. She had double-majored in psychology and music in college but had to take a break when her father passed away, then came three years as a housewife… She had never thought about what would come next.

Scarlett squeezed her hand. "No rush. Take your time figuring it out. For now, let's go shopping, and in a few days, I'll take you hunting up the mountains.” She winked excitedly. "And guess what? Zachary Reynolds will be there too."

Sarah raised an eyebrow in surprise. Zachary Reynolds, the mysterious third son of the real estate empire, wasn't known for joining such events. But her curiosity quickly faded.

After lunch, Sarah wasn't in the mood for shopping. She just handed over her card and had the staff deliver everything Scarlett picked to her apartment.

Before leaving, Scarlett suddenly remembered something. "Oh, Sasa - I know you've been busy, but Professor Wells hasn't been well lately. You should visit him when you can."

Professor Wells had been Sarah's psychology mentor in college. She made a mental note to visit him as she headed back to her apartment.

After leaving the Chancers, Sarah had moved into a small apartment near Scarlett's place. It was regularly maintained, making it perfect for temporary accommodation.

But as she approached the building, she spotted James leaning against his car, waiting. A woman sat in the passenger seat - delicate features, gentle eyes, the perfect picture of feminine grace.

Sarah glanced at her sideways. She could see why James would fall for someone like that.

The woman stepped out of the car and walked over with James, her arm linked through his. With a warm, gracious smile, she extended her hand, "Hello Sarah, I'm Charlotte Garnett."