Chapter 2 

I didn’t bother to explain any further. 

I chose to end my marriage with Kaiden. I signed the divorce papers and let my lawyer take care of the rest. 

Kaiden spoke at length about dividing up the assets, his tone detached, 

I barely listened. I didn’t care much, either. 

I went back to my room to pack. 

He watched me, his eyes lowered. “Valerie, the paperwork will take time. You don’t have to rush out. You can keep this house if you want.” 

I glanced at the man who was still so calm and cold. 

I answered him with words he’d once said to me, “It’s best to keep things clean and simple, so nothing drags on and causes problems later.” 

Kaiden didn’t say anything else. 

I never imagined packing my bags could be so overwhelming. 

The house was filled with little things, each one arranged by my own hands. 

I looked around, then decided to keep it simple, dragging my suitcase toward the door. 

Kaiden stopped me. “Where are you going? 

“Back to your parents‘ place? 

“I’ll have the driver take you.” 

“No need,” I refused, telling him, “Just have the maid clear out my things tomorrow I’m not dealing with it.” 

They never needed me to do anything around here, anyway, 

As I stepped out the front door, I hesitated. 

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Chapter 2 

288 Vouchers 

I turned back and spoke to Nash, who was standing behind Kaiden, his face as blank as ever. “I won’t be picking you up from preschool anymore, but remember not to go with strangers.” 

I suppose that was my final word to myself. 

After that, I left. 

I didn’t look back at the child I’d once cradled, night after night, soothing his cries when he was weaning. 

I booked a ticket out of Chicago. 

Picked a city in the West at random. 

Ever since I was 14 and told I’d marry into the Fielton family one day, my freedom and choices had been taken away. 

After marrying Kaiden, aside from the necessary social events, he never once suggested we go out together. 

My daily routine was simple–waiting for Kaiden and Nash to come home every night, then bringing them a cup of milk before bed. 

Everyone in our social circle said Kaiden’s mother, Marlene Fielton, had trained me well, made me the perfect wife for Kaiden. 

I fit his status and kept his life running smoothly. 

The only flaw, they said, was that I was too perfect. 

So perfect it was boring, almost lifeless. 

I’d overheard Kaiden’s friends tease him before. 

“Kaiden, what’s it like living the old married life when you’re still so young? 

“Your wife is way too dull–she smiles like a mannequin. 

“Want us to set you up with someone more interesting? 

“Just the other day, Marcus met this funny girl, a real riot–just like Delaney back in the day. Interested?” 

Delaney Eastburn, Kaiden’s first love. 

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Chapter 2 

288 Vouchers 

Back then, Marlene disapproved of them, and Kaiden fought her on it. 

I never found out what happened. 

They broke 

up, and Delaney left for Canada. 

After that, when Kaiden was 20, he suddenly accepted the Fielton family’s arrangement and proposed to me. 

Four years later, I had Nash. 

Oh, right, I remember now. 

That familiar perfume I smelled the other night–it was the one Delaney always wore. 

A special blend of gardenia. 

Chapter 3 

.:.