Five years into their marriage, Sierra Bell never imagined her own husband would ask her to share him with another woman.

"She's important to me. I want you to accept her," were his words.

He even made a promise to her.

"As long as you agree to this, you'll always be my wife. No one can take your place."

She had met him at her lowest point. He married her, cherished her, and indulged her in every way. She always thought that no one could ever love her more than him.

But now, she realized that everything was just a colossal joke.

-

John Henderson never expected the delicate canary he had raised to ask him for a divorce.

He didn't stop her.

He let her go, sure that she would eventually fail on her own and come back begging.

But Sierra, soft in name and stubborn in nature, would never look back no matter how hard or painful the journey.

He couldn't help but ask, "Can't you just give in for once?"

Later, Sierra finally gave in.

Right after that, she vanished from his world completely.

John, who had never known fear, suddenly found himself terrified.

Much later, she reappeared, arm in arm with another man.

John, eyes red, cornered her behind a door, half-crazed.

"Sierra, you really are heartless!"

Sierra Bell didn't know if all men wanted a loving wife at home while chasing after other women outside. But if her husband was the one who tried that on her, she wasn't about to let it slide.

Everyone in Jade City knew that Sierra, once the heiress of a wealthy family, was the apple of John Henderson's eye, who was also the second son of the powerful Henderson family.

He gave her whatever she wanted.

He would make whatever she dreamed of happen.

Their home overflowed with limited-edition pieces from every major brand. Jewelry, handbags, and watches lined up on the walls. The garage was packed with so many sports cars that one would have a problem choosing.

Even at parties, John never left her side, always holding her hand like he was afraid she might get hurt or feel slighted.

Everyone envied her for being so cherished.

Even Sierra herself almost believed John truly loved her.

"Mom?" Her little boy Tommy, still looking half-asleep and sweet, rubbed his eyes and asked in a soft voice, "Are you upset today?"

Sierra gently tucked him in, her eyes full of gentleness. "No, I'm fine."

He crawled out of bed and, to her surprise, wrapped his arms around her. "Hug."

Sierra froze for a second.

"I don't really know why you're sad, but no matter what happens, I'll always love you," he said, hugging her even tighter, like he wanted to share all his warmth with her.

Sierra smiled and patted his back.

In that moment, she found the courage she had been searching for, so she could ask what she wanted to ask.

It was eleven.

Sierra had already put her son to bed and sat in the living room, checking the clock over and over. It was almost midnight by the time the front door finally opened.

John walked in, looking perfectly put together in a crisp white shirt with his tailored black jacket tossed over his arm. His every feature was flawlessly handsome. It was like he was born favored by God, given everything without even trying.

"Why aren't you asleep?" He came over as usual and sat beside her, pulling her into his arms. His hand slipped under her shirt, tracing along her waist.

Sierra moved his hand away, unable to defend against his skilled offense. "Wait, I need to talk to you."

"We can talk while we do this," John said softly, his hand similarly gentle.

Sierra refused. "No."

"Alright," John said as he leaned in and kissed her.

Sierra suddenly thought of the lipstick stain on his shirt and those photos. Her stomach twisted, and out of nowhere, she found the strength to push him away.

"What's wrong?" John frowned, clearly confused by her rejection.

Her heart was pounding from the pressure John was emanating. She hesitated for a moment, then finally looked him in the eye after she built up the courage.

"I saw the photos of you and Pamela Sanders spending the night together at the villa."

"Yeah." John didn't let go of Sierra.

It felt like a knife to the heart. He wasn't even going to explain?

"Since you know about this already, there's something I need to talk to you about," John said, his voice low.

Sierra forced herself to stay calm. "Go ahead."

"I want you to accept her," John said, looking straight at her. "She's important to me."

Sierra stared at him in disbelief.

He didn't stop. "As long as you agree, you'll always be my wife. No one can take your place."

"Are you hearing yourself?!"

For the first time, Sierra's temper flared despite her usual gentle demeanor.

Pamela was a classmate of hers in college. She was her best friend once upon a time, but they had a falling out later on. And now, her own husband wanted her to share him with that woman!

John's face was impossible to read. "I know exactly what I'm saying."

"There's no way I'll ever agree to something so ridiculous!" Sierra looked at him like he was a stranger. "No normal person would."

"It doesn't matter. Whether you agree or not, I'm going to support her for the rest of her life." John's tone was final, and he was putting on a very strong front. "I'm only telling you because you're the lady of the house. You deserve to know."

Sierra's hands slowly curled into fists, her tone sneering. "Should I thank you for your honesty?"

"I don't mind if you want to." John was infuriating as ever.

Sierra could feel her chest tightening with anger. She used to think John was polite and principled. Turned out, after his disguise was shredded apart, he was just as filthy as the rest of humanity under that mask.

"John." She decided to give him one last chance.

John raised his eyes and looked at her calmly. "Speak your mind."

"Are you really set on keeping her around? Even if I disagree? Even if I hated it? You'd never change your mind?" Sierra asked earnestly.

She had already made up her mind. If he just said no, she would be willing to forgive everything that happened tonight.

But things never went the way she hoped.

Under her steady gaze, John answered with a certain tone, "Yes."

It felt like something had stabbed straight through her heart. Her chest was twisting in pain.

"No one can change my mind," John added.

"In that case, let's get divorced," Sierra said. She couldn't accept it, and she couldn't stay married to him. "Since you've decided to support her forever, let her have the title of your wife instead."

Maybe in another family, she could have turned to her in-laws Danny and Agnes for help.

But the two had always disapproved of their marriage. They thought John should have married someone in his own league.

Sierra's family used to be well-off, but next to the Hendersons, she was nothing. After her father ran off with all the money, leaving the company in ruins, she had even less worth in their eyes.

"Are you sure about this?" John's expression turned dark.

"Loyalty is my bottom line. I'm sure," Sierra answered, her voice unwavering.

John looked at her, clearly surprised that the obedient woman he once knew was standing up to him.

"Fine." He agreed right away.

John's indifference hurt more than Sierra wanted to admit. Deep down, she knew that after all these years, she had never really been in his heart. All those sweet gestures were probably just something out of boredom.

The more she thought about it, the more suffocated she felt. She went upstairs and grabbed the divorce agreement she had prepared in advance.

She should have known this day would come.

Three months ago, she smelled another woman's perfume on him and asked about it. He told her he must have gotten it on a flight by accident.

And she believed him.

Looking back, that was just an excuse. Three months ago, Pamela had just returned to the country. Thinking about it now, they must have been together then.

"Here are the divorce papers. Take a look." Sierra signed her name in front of him and handed the document over. "If you don't have any issues, sign them. We'll file for divorce tomorrow."

"You realize what divorce means for you, right?" John said, blunt as ever.

Sierra's hands tightened. "I don't need you to remind me of that."

"You haven't worked in five years," John said as he picked up the agreement, his words cruel. "How are you going to pay for your mom's medical bills? Have you thought this through?"

John opened the divorce papers. When he saw that the assets would be split evenly and that custody of their son would go to her, he glanced at her.

"You're quite ambitious."

"Everything in that agreement is written in accordance with the law," Sierra said to John. "As for our son, there's no way I'm letting him live with you with the way you act."

"You haven't earned a cent in five years," John said coldly. "Why should I give you half of what I've made?"

"I'm the one who took care of Tommy and managed everything at home," Sierra replied.

John's eyes were cold. "And?"

…And?

For a second, Sierra felt like she was looking at a stranger.

"If you're planning to use the marital assets to pay for your mother's expensive treatments, my advice is that you can forget it," John said, tossing the divorce papers onto the table.

Sierra stared at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"There are no marital assets," John explained, dispelling her confusion. "If you don't believe me, file for divorce and let the court investigate."

Sierra froze.

After a brief pause, she understood everything. From the moment she realized it and started asking questions to the point he finally admitted to cheating, John had already moved every penny out of reach.

With that lipstick stain on his collar, the photos of him and Pamela all over the media, he had let it all happen despite how careful he usually was and how much he hated his photos being leaked out.

Everything was as clear as day now.

He had been waiting for Sierra to confront him, so he could bring up his plan to keep both a wife and a mistress.

John Henderson…

Unbelievable.

"It's fine." Sierra finally saw him for who he was. She knew how careful John was, never leaving any trace. "Just sign it. I want custody of our son only."

John signed his name. His handwriting was as perfect as he was, but now, Sierra just felt sick.

The next morning, Sierra and John went to the clerk's office to file for divorce. John showed no signs of regret or guilt during the entire process. All he showed was the same indifference, as always.

While finalizing the divorce papers, Sierra glanced at him and wondered how someone who never loved her could play pretend for so many years. What did any of it even mean?

"Your divorce application has been filed. There's a one-month waiting period. From May 13 to June 12, either party can withdraw the application," the clerk explained, handing each of them a receipt. "Between June 13 and July 12, you can bring your IDs and paperwork to collect your divorce certificate. If neither of you comes back, the application will be canceled."

They each took a copy and left.

Sierra didn't go home with him. Instead, she went to see her best friend, Holly Sanders. She needed someone to talk about something so huge.

When she arrived, Holly had just gotten up and immediately noticed her mood. "Why the long face? Did something happen?"

"I divorced John," Sierra said, keeping her tone steady, though inside it felt like her heart was being torn to shreds.

She had really loved him. How could it not hurt?

Holly was stunned. "No way! Everyone knows John treats you like you're his whole world. Even if every couple in the world split up, he would never let you go with how much he loves you."

"It's true," Sierra replied, her face serious.

Once she realized Sierra wasn't joking, Holly quickly pressed for details.

Sierra told her everything.

When Holly heard the reason, she exploded. "What the hell! He really had the nerve to ask something that shameless? Does he know about your history with Pamela?"'

"He knows," Sierra said. John had checked out all her relationships long ago.

"And he still asked about it? Then he has lost it," Holly said, fuming. She grabbed Sierra's hand. "Come on, let's go teach him a lesson. I can't let this go until I've punched him at least once."

"You really think you can get near him?" Sierra pointed out.

Holly paused. Sometimes it wasn't a good thing when one's man was too powerful.

"Are you sure he doesn't have any marital assets left?" After a moment, Holly frowned. "What if he's lying to trick you?"

"It doesn't matter," Sierra said quietly.

Holly looked baffled. "How can it not matter?"

"Even if there's something left, with the way he is, he'd never let me get any of it," Sierra said honestly. "And suing for divorce is next to impossible. Any evidence I find will be circumstantial evidence. They won't be enough to win in court."

Divorce lawsuits were never easy, especially against someone like John. He was always so careful. She would never find proof he had spent money on Pamela or evidence of them living together. The only thing she could do was take her son and leave a man who had already broken every moral code.

"If you ask me, you should just stay and keep your place as the real Mrs. Henderson," Holly said, still seething. "Spend every cent of his money and let Pamela stay a mistress her whole life."

"Wouldn't that be just what he wants?" Sierra answered calmly.

Holly stopped short, realizing Sierra was right, and almost choked from anger. She actually thought John was one of the rare, good men in their social circle!

"So? What are you going to do now?" Holly asked, still furious. "You're not really going to let those two live happily ever after, right?"

"I'll move out," Sierra said. "Once I'm settled, I'll find a job."

"You're not the one who cheated. Why should you be the one to move out?" Holly objected. "You and Tommy should stay right where you are. I'd like to see him try to kick you out."

"He won't do it himself, but he'll find ways to force me out," Sierra said.

After last night, she saw John in a completely different light.

"What a jerk," Holly grumbled, still irate. "I can't believe I ever thought he was a good guy! The best kind of guy, too."

Sierra lowered her gaze.

Before this, she had thought John was the one who pulled her out of her father's mess. Only now did she realize she had gotten out of a frying pan and into the fire.

Her father had run off with the money and abandoned her and her mother.

John had hidden all the assets, cheated on her, and demanded she accept another woman.

Her two closest family…turned out to be so much alike.

While Holly was still trying to think of ways to help her, Sierra's phone rang. It was the hospital.

"Ms. Bell? Mr. Henderson has stopped covering your mother's medical bills starting next month," the doctor said. "Can you come in to discuss her future treatment plan?"

"I'll be right there," Sierra replied immediately.

She hung up, told Holly she had something to handle, and headed straight for the hospital.

Waiting in the doctor's office was John Henderson.

John was still wearing the same custom gray suit from the divorce office that morning, sitting lazily on the couch with a cold, distant air. Even as he chatted idly with the doctor, it was clear that the divorce didn't bother him at all.

When Sierra walked in, John glanced at her. Her hands clenched at her sides, her eyes full of obvious dislike and contempt.

"You're here," the doctor greeted simply.

Sierra looked away. "Yeah."

"We already went over the details on the phone. Here's a breakdown of the monthly charges. If everything looks good, just fill out your info and sign." He handed her the list.

Sierra took it.

Her heart sank at the numbers. Each month's medical bill was in the hundreds of thousands. If her father hadn't taken all her pre-marital savings, she might have managed for a few more months. Now, with nothing left, there was no way she could cover that kind of expense.

"If that's too much, here are some alternative plans," the doctor added, handing her another document when he seemingly saw how difficult it was for her.

The cheaper options still ran over tens of thousands per month.

Seeing her still lost in thought, the doctor glanced at John.

John gave him a look, and the doctor got the message.

"I'll give you some time to think it over," the doctor said, standing up. "I'll check on the patient. If none of this works, we can talk again when I get back."

Sierra was completely absorbed in the proposed plans. "Alright."

The doctor left, quietly closing the door.

Now, only Sierra and John were left. The room was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.

"No matter how long you stare at those numbers, it's impossible for you to pay for your mom's medical bills with what you have," John finally said, his tone as calm and indifferent as ever.

Sierra's anger spiked. She glared at him, her eyes blazing.

"Not to mention, you'll have to find a place to live and take care of Tommy," John continued.

"What are you trying to say?" Sierra shot back.

"I can treat this whole divorce as you just throwing a tantrum," John said, walking over to her. "As long as you don't bring it up again, I'll keep paying your mom's bills, and you'll still be my wife."

"And what about Pamela?" Sierra asked.

"You two just stay out of each other's way," John answered coolly. "If you don't want to see her, I'll make sure she stays out of sight."

Sierra's voice turned mocking. "Should I thank you for your thoughtfulness?"

"You should know which choice is best for you," John said, sounding like he was negotiating a business deal. "You've lived in luxury long enough to know that it's easy to get used to comfort but hard to live a simple life."

Sierra understood that all too well.

Before her family lost everything, she had never worried about money. After the disaster, John married her and gave her unlimited access to his credit cards. She never had to worry about a dime.

By all accounts, she should be grateful. Even with Pamela in the picture, John would still give her what she wanted, still treat her with the same attention as before.

But life wasn't just about money. Dignity and self-respect mattered, too.

"Pride and dignity won't pay your bills. The real world isn't as easy as you think," John saw right through her. "Without me, you won't last long in your current situation."

"That's not your problem. Worry about yourself," Sierra snapped.

John couldn't understand her stubbornness.

"If you're done, you can leave. I still need to talk to the doctor," Sierra said, for the first time making it clear she didn't want him there.

John didn't get angry. He just looked at her.

Under his gaze, Sierra felt her defenses crumbling. She gripped the paperwork tightly, forcing herself to meet his eyes, determined not to lose.

"You have one minute to decide," John said lightly. "In this one minute, I'll let everything pass. After that, you're just Sierra Bell. Even if you beg me later, I might not agree."

She turned to look out the window, silently giving her answer.

John didn't stay for long. As soon as the minute was up, he left. He thought Sierra was just being ungrateful. If she wanted to learn the hard way, so be it. She would learn soon that he was doing this for her benefit.

The door slammed behind him, and the sound shook Sierra to her core. She had once thought that even if her relationship with John wasn't passionate, it was real and steady. Now, she couldn't make sense of it at all.

Before she could figure out what her marriage had even meant, the doctor came back in.

Sierra had already composed herself before he could speak. "Dr. Smith, I'd like to take these home and think them over, if that's alright?"

"Of course," Dr. Smith replied. "Just try to let us know at least ten days before the payment's due."

"Alright. Thank you."

Sierra left the hospital with the treatment plans in hand.

Her first step would be to look for a job. If the salary was enough, she would keep her mom at that hospital.

The private hospital belonged to the Henderson Group. They had the best medical equipment and top experts. Because of John, her mom had always gotten the best care. If she had to move, her mom would never get that level of treatment again.

Her mom was the only family member left who truly loved her. Sierra couldn't let anything happen to her.

With these worries on her mind, Sierra headed home.

All the way back, she wondered how to explain the divorce to Tommy. He had always been smart and mature for his age, and she rarely had to worry about him. Still, divorce was a big deal for any child, and she couldn't help but worry about how he would take it.

But her concerns were nothing compared to what someone else had done.

As soon as she walked in, she saw something that made her stomach turn.

Pamela and John were sitting close together on the couch. Pamela looked apprehensive. "This is still your and Sierra's home. Isn't it wrong for me to be here?"

"It's fine," John said quietly.

"But…"

"Sierra's moving out soon," John reassured her. "After that, you'll be the lady of the house."

Pamela looked up at him, their eyes meeting. They were both full of longing. They were so caught up in each other, they didn't even notice Sierra had come home.