Chapter 3

• "Stepping aside?"
• Zane let out a low, mocking chuckle, taking a slow drag from his cigarette before flicking the ashes onto the marble floor. "You're still jealous, huh? Getting jealous over me is one thing, but now you're taking a kid’s innocent words to heart?"
• Serena’s gaze turned cold, unimpressed by the act. "I’m talking about a divorce. You’re avoiding it—what’s wrong? Scared to face it?"
• Zane’s smirk faltered for a second before irritation crept into his sharp eyes. "Do you really think you’ll have an easy time at life without me?"
• Serena crossed her arms. "Even the tightest leash can’t hold back a dog that’s determined to leave. And I’d rather not get bitten on the way out—divorce seems like the safest bet."
• Zane’s expression darkened. In a flash, his hand gripped her jaw, forcing her to look up at him.
• "You calling me a dog now?" His voice was low, dangerous. "Looks like you’ve grown a damn spine."
• Serena didn’t even flinch. If this was supposed to scare her, he had lost that power long ago. She sneered. "So, are we doing this or not?"
• Zane let out a scoff, his grip tightening for a second before he shoved her away. "Fine! Just don’t come crawling back later!"
• "My only regret is not leaving sooner."
• His jaw clenched so tightly she thought he might crack a tooth, but instead of another retort, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
• Over the years, he had walked away from her countless times.
• At first, she had felt heartbreak. Then, disappointment. Then, nothing at all.
• Now?
• Now she felt like she could breathe again.
• Without that wretched man, even the air smelled fresher.
• She chuckled under her breath before straightening her shoulders and heading to her office.
• She had work to do.
• Meanwhile, Zane headed straight to Vanessa’s hospital room.
• She was hooked up to an IV, her arm resting delicately on the bed as if she were some fragile thing. Caleb’s snacks were stacked on the nightstand, untouched. Occasionally, she reached for one, taking tiny, careful bites.
• "Zane, back so soon?" Vanessa’s soft voice carried a touch of concern. "Did you clear things up with Serena?"
• Zane didn’t answer right away. Instead, he leaned against the wall, rolling his lighter between his fingers, his expression unreadable.
• Vanessa hesitated before continuing. "I thought Serena was still supposed to be my attending doctor. Why hasn’t she come?"
• "Maybe something held her up. Should I—"
• She trailed off when she noticed the sharp glint in his eyes.
• "Serena isn’t still upset, is she?" she asked cautiously.
• Zane let out a cold chuckle. "She’s making a fuss about getting a divorce."
• For a brief second, something flickered in Vanessa’s eyes—satisfaction, maybe—but she quickly masked it with an expression of concern. "This is all my fault."
• "Don’t start with that," Zane muttered, rubbing his temple.
• "You can’t let her do this, Zane. You should apologize. Try to reason with her. Don’t let her act on impulse."
• Zane had walked in intending to handle things with a cool head, but her words grated on his nerves.
• "Impulse?" He scoffed. "Fine. Let her see what happens when she acts on impulse!"
• He pushed off the wall, jaw tight. "Even if she regrets it and begs me not to divorce her, I won’t agree."
• Vanessa’s eyes shimmered with tears. "I’m sorry. This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have come back."
• Zane sighed, his irritation slipping into something softer at the sight of her distress.
• "This isn’t on you," he said, running a hand down his face. "It’s between me and her. Don’t overthink it."
• Vanessa bit her lip. "Let me come with you. I want to help you persuade Serena."
• Zane considered refusing.
• But then he thought about Serena’s cold, unbothered attitude earlier.
• His fingers twitched.
• "Fine."
• At 3 p.m., Serena stood outside City Hall, arms crossed, waiting.
• She had been standing there for half an hour.
• Typical.
• Just as she reached for her phone to call him, a familiar blacked-out car pulled up beside her.
• The door opened, and Zane stepped out.
• He didn’t acknowledge her.
• Instead, he walked around to the other side of the car and helped Vanessa out first.
• Then, to Serena’s surprise, Caleb followed.
• Zane had picked him up early under the pretense of, ‘Since we’re divorcing, the kid has a right to know.’
• It wasn’t about Caleb. It was never about Caleb.
• It was about control.
• The boy clung to his father’s hand, his grip tight. "Dad, I don’t want to go with Mom. I want to stay with you!"
• Serena barely blinked.
• "Relax," she said coolly, "I don’t want custody of you."
• Caleb’s eyes widened, panic flashing across his small face.
• Vanessa quickly stepped in, placing a protective hand on Caleb’s back as if shielding him. Her voice was soft, pleading.
• "Serena, please stop this. Zane really hasn’t done anything to betray you."
• Serena exhaled sharply through her nose before tilting her head, a slow, humorless smile stretching across her lips.
• "Is Ms. Reid hiding under his bed daily to know that for sure?"
• Vanessa froze, her face paling. Tears began to fall once more.
• "I … "
• Zane’s expression darkened instantly, his patience snapping. "Serena, that’s enough. If you want a divorce, just make sure you don’t come begging me later!"
• Serena smirked, unfazed by his anger. She even chuckled. "Fine. Whoever regrets it later is a dog!"
• Zane scoffed. She’s bluffing. He figured she was just putting on a brave front. Soon enough, she’d be the one crawling back, just like before.
• Without another word, he grabbed Caleb’s wrist and strode into the building.
• Vanessa trailed behind, her usual delicate act momentarily slipping. As she passed, she cast a smug glance at Serena, her voice just loud enough for her to hear.
• "In the end, he chose me."
• Serena barely spared her a glance, her lips curving into a slow, mocking smile.
• "True. A dog always goes back to its filth."
• Vanessa’s face twisted, the fake innocence gone in an instant. "How dare you talk to me like that!"
• Serena tilted her head slightly, her cold smirk deepening. "My attitude depends on the person. You act like trash, so I treat you like it."
• Vanessa clenched her fists. "Fine! Just wait. Once you’re divorced, I’ll make your life miserable!"
• Serena scoffed. "Easy with the teeth-baring. I’m not afraid of dogs, but I do dislike getting bitten."
• With that, she strode into the building without sparing Vanessa another glance.
• Behind her, Vanessa seethed, her fury making her features contort.
• The mediation process dragged on, the government official droning endlessly about reconciliation, responsibilities, and the importance of careful decision-making.
• Serena fought the urge to yawn.
• Zane, on the other hand, sat back, watching her carefully. Her head was lowered, fingers idly tapping the table.
• Regret?
• His lips curled in satisfaction.
• "If you’re willing to beg and—"
• "Excuse me," Serena cut in, standing up. "Could you speed things up? We’d like to get this over with."
• She poured the mediator a glass of water, her movements graceful but utterly detached.
• The mediator hesitated before sighing. "Fine. I wish you both the best in the future."
• Zane’s expression turned frigid as the red seal pressed down onto the document.
• Heh.
• This time, she really went all out.
• At the final window, both of them submitted their documents.
• Since they had signed a prenuptial agreement, and Serena voluntarily waived her shares, property rights, and custody—asking only for a mere $20 million settlement—the staff repeatedly confirmed her decision.
• Serena didn’t even blink.
• Earning 7,000 or 8,000 a month as a surgeon, she wouldn’t make 20 million in six years, even if she operated until sparks flew off her scalpel.
• This divorce? Worth it.
• "No issues here." Her voice was light, almost amused. Freedom never felt this good.
• Zane turned to look at her, and for the first time in years, something unfamiliar stirred in his chest.
• Her complexion, usually pale from exhaustion, now had a soft, healthy glow. The natural pink in her cheeks made her look untouched by the stress of today’s events.
• Her almond-shaped eyes, always deep and unreadable, gleamed with something new—something like relief.
• She used to cling to him. To this life.
• And yet, here she was, practically glowing in her newfound freedom.
• A strange sense of unease settled in his gut.
• Just as he was about to say something, the staff handed over their stamped documents. "Next comes the 30-day cooling-off period. Once it’s over, both parties must return to collect the final divorce certificates."
• Zane blinked.
• That’s it?
• He turned to Serena, expecting at least something—hesitation, a flicker of doubt, maybe even a glance in his direction.
• Instead, she was cheerfully gathering her things, already halfway out the door in her mind.
• His jaw ticked.
• "You seem pretty happy about this," he muttered darkly.
• Serena didn’t even try to hide her amusement. She smoothed the cuff of her sleeve, her lips twitching.
• "I wouldn’t dare feel sad. I’d hate for you to spread rumors about how I couldn’t get over you. That’d be a real loss for me."