Chapter 1

"I'm scared," she said. "I don't want to go to jail. Can you take my place?" She promised to wait for me and build a good life together when I got out.

Six years later, when I finally walked free, she didn't come. Instead, she sent her assistant with divorce papers. She said she was a CEO, and having a convict for a husband was a stain on her reputation. At the peak of her career, there was no room for negative news. But not long after I signed the papers, she regretted it.

"I'm sorry, but this is as far as we go," she said. "Make the best of your life out there. Don't come back."

The warden patted Kyle Archer on the shoulder before closing the prison gates. Kyle squinted; the blinding sunlight made it hard to open his eyes fully. "Six years finally, I'm out," he muttered.

A loud engine rumble broke the silence. A sleek Rolls-Royce roared up and stopped in front of him. Moments later, the back window rolled down, revealing a sharp, cold face behind black-rimmed glasses.

"Mr. Archer, please get in," the woman said firmly.

Kyle’s lips curled into a wry smile when he recognized her. "Chloe, six years apart, and you've only gotten prettier. Riding in a Rolls-Royce now, huh? I still remember when I suggested you work as Belle's secretary—you were just a junior employee then."

Chloe Carter’s expression turned frosty.

"Where's Belle? Didn't she come to pick me up?" he asked, noticing Chloe was alone.

Chloe tossed a neatly packed set of clothes toward him. "Ms. Cotton has an important meeting today, so she sent me instead. Change into these clothes before you get in. That uniform is bad luck—start fresh, turn over a new leaf." Though they were alone, it was clear she expected him to change on the street.

Kyle narrowed his eyes, sensing her indifference. Still eager to see Belle Cotton, he said nothing. He stripped off his prison garb, revealing a torso crisscrossed with scars—each a painful reminder of the past six years.

Once inside the car, Kyle stared out the window, taking in the sweeping changes to Kedonia. "Six years Belle must be doing well, right?" he asked.

"Life Pharma is Kedonia's largest pharmaceutical company and one of its top three enterprises," Chloe replied proudly.

"Is that so? That's great to hear. I always knew my Belle had what it takes. It's almost noon—drop me at the market first. I'll make her favorite glazed barbecued pork."

Before he could finish, Chloe interrupted. "Ms. Cotton instructed me to take you to the Imperial Hotel for a bath first." She turned away, ending the conversation.

The Rolls-Royce soon pulled up in front of the Imperial Hotel. Chloe led Kyle to the presidential suite, where eight sharply dressed men and women waited. As soon as she entered, they stood and greeted her: "Ms. Carter."

Kyle’s heart sank. Something felt wrong, but he told them to wait while he cleaned up. It was only polite to discuss matters when he was refreshed.

Half an hour later, Kyle stepped out, clean and dressed. His towering 6'1" frame, muscular build, and ruggedly handsome face left everyone momentarily speechless. No wonder he could win the title of Ms. Cotton's husband. Even Chloe, caught off guard, hesitated before recovering with a businesslike smile.

"Mr. Archer, please have a seat. This is our company's legal team." Kyle Archer had co-founded Life Pharma with Belle Cotton. In terms of cunning and strategy, he far outclassed her. The current setup left little doubt in his mind about what was happening.

Calmly, he took the lead seat and smiled. "No need to beat around the bush. Just say what you need to say."

Chloe pushed a document across the table. "Mr. Archer, this is your divorce agreement with Ms. Cotton. It includes a 1,500-square-foot, fully furnished home transferred to your name and an additional one million dollars. If you sign, everything listed will be yours. If you have other requests, feel free to discuss them with our eight attorneys who can assist."

Their voices faded into the background as Kyle quietly lifted the divorce papers, a bitter smile forming on his lips. "This doesn't feel much like a discussion," he said dryly.

In a second-tier city like Kedonia, a house and a million dollars were a generous offer, especially for someone fresh out of prison.

Chloe cleared her throat, her tone tinged with arrogance. "To be honest, Mr. Archer, there's no need to negotiate. You have a six-year prison record. Do you think you can still stand by a renowned CEO's side? Six years is long enough for any feelings to fade. Leaving things amicably is your best option."

The word "stain" was like a dagger to Kyle's heart. He didn't lose his temper. Instead, he set the papers down and said calmly, "If I hadn't taken the fall for her, she would have been the one in jail. Divorce? Ha, what a generous offer indeed."

Chloe sighed. "Mr. Archer, digging up the past is meaningless. The fact remains you have a criminal record. Think about it: how do people fresh out of prison usually live? Not everyone is lucky enough to have an ex-wife like Ms. Cotton, willing to provide a house and financial security. Drag this out any longer, and you'll only make things harder on yourself."

Chloe's sharp words and exceptional negotiation skills were a testament to why she had become one of Belle's most trusted aides. Back then, it was precisely these qualities that led Kyle to recommend her as Belle's secretary.

Kyle lit a cigarette. "Belle wants a divorce, fine. But she needs to come in person. Sending her subordinate to talk divorce terms and offer money? Heh, she should know better than anyone that's not how you deal with me."

As soon as Kyle finished speaking, the heavy door creaked open. Everyone except Kyle immediately stood.

"Ms. Cotton!"

"Leave us," Belle commanded.

The group hurriedly filed out, leaving only Chloe behind. Kyle had already guessed Belle was there all along, simply avoiding him for her own reasons.

The six years had completely transformed her. Gone was the youthful woman he remembered. She now wore a sleek black evening gown, paired with understated makeup. The pearl necklace and emerald bracelet radiated sophistication. But to Kyle, she looked like a stranger. The Belle he knew used to smile sweetly; her words and actions were warm and full of life. Now, there was only cold indifference and pride.

"I'm here. Sign the papers, Kyle. Six years ago, you chose to take all the responsibility. I never forced you," Belle said, sitting down without looking at him. This was not what Kyle had imagined Belle saying.

"Belle, if I hadn't taken the fall for you, you would've been the one behind bars!" he shot back, his voice cold. "I served six years for you, and now I embarrass you?" Belle didn't look at him. She only shook her head. "What I hate most about you is your indecisiveness and self-righteousness."

"Open your eyes, Kyle. I'm Belle Cotton, chairman of Life Pharma. I built this company from the ground up while you were inside. During my most vulnerable moments, you weren't there. You couldn't do anything for me."

Her words struck Kyle like a bolt of lightning. He had sacrificed everything—his freedom, his reputation—to shield Belle. Six years of his life, gone. And this was his reward? Abandonment?

"Do you know how humiliating it's been when people ask who my husband is? My company is about to go public. I can't, and won't, allow any blemishes on its record. To the world, you're just an ex-convict. Do I need to say it more bluntly?"

Then Kyle finally understood. He tilted his head back and let out a bitter laugh—one full of pain and resignation.

"Five million," Belle said firmly. "I'll give you five million dollars, Kyle. Everything has changed. You've been gone too long. You're out of touch with the world. Let's just say I offer you this much. Sign the papers." Every word she spoke carried the confidence of someone in power.

"In your eyes, everything I did for you is worth five million, is it?" Kyle stood, his voice low. "Belle, now that you're a high-and-mighty CEO, I don't deserve to stand by your side anymore, right?"

Belle didn't get angry. Instead, she sighed and shook her head. "Kyle, you're still as stubborn as ever. There's no need to mock me or drag this out. You don't have to sign if you don't want to. I'll have the lawyers handle it." She turned to leave. "This is where we part," she said.

"This is where we part?" Kyle's eyes darkened. Belle turned back to face him. "The incompetent only drag down the successful."

Incompetent? Kyle let out a hollow laugh. Life Pharma wouldn't be where it was today without him. Belle had enjoyed the benefits of his sacrifices, yet she had the audacity to call him useless.

Without another word, Kyle picked up the pen and signed the divorce papers. "I don't need the house or the money. You're free now," he said calmly. "Before I leave, I'll swing by the house we used to live in to grab my things. The morning after tomorrow, we'll meet at the courthouse."

As he signed, Belle's body trembled slightly, though she quickly bit her lip to suppress it. "Fine," she said, handing the papers to Chloe. Her expression remained cold and detached.

Kyle walked to the door and stopped. Feeling the weight of Belle's heartlessness, he spoke softly, without turning around. "If I told you all I ever wanted was a simple life, would you believe me?"