Chapter 1 Divorcing Her

Abigail Lloyd couldn't help but wonder if men were inherently duplicitous, showing one side of themselves at home but revealing a different side in public.

A shiver ran down her spine as she took in the scene inside the private room.

"When will you be divorcing her?"

Inside the private room, Candace Blue affectionately gazed at the man before her.

Seated across from Candace was her husband, Stephen Lockhart. He was mute and worked at the clubhouse as a waiter.

Abigail had arrived early after finishing work to accompany him home, only to be met with this unexpected sight.

Usually clad in a waiter's uniform, he now sported a tailored suit with his short hair perfectly groomed. He carried himself with an aristocratic air, his demeanor cold and refined. This was a side of him that she had never seen before.

At that moment, his voice, which was a deep and pleasing rumble, broke the silence as he said, "I'll bring it up with her soon."

Abigail squeezed her eyes shut, unable to bear the sight any longer, and turned away.

Stephen could actually speak. It turned out that he actually sounded so pleasant and captivating.

However, to her surprise, the first thing he spoke of was about ending his marriage.

Abigail was bewildered, believing that she had mistaken Stephen for someone else.

How could that man, who exuded an air of aristocratic detachment, possibly be the Stephen that she was familiar with?

How could Stephen even consider divorcing her?

As she stepped out of the clubhouse, rain began to fall, quickly drenching her. In a moment of impulsiveness, she pulled out her phone and dialed his number.

She approached the window of the private room, observing the people inside through the misty veil of the rain.

She watched him hold his phone and frown. With a stony expression, he ended the call and began typing rapidly.

A moment later, a message popped up on her phone. It was a message from Stephen, saying, "Did you forget that I'm mute, Abbie? Why are you suddenly calling me?"

After reading the message, Abigail's heart ached, as if a dagger had been plunged into her heart.

Why did he lie to her? When did he regain his ability to speak? When did he become acquainted with Candace? And when did he decide to divorce her?

She had so many questions going through her mind. She wanted to storm in and demand explanations, but the thought of meeting his indifferent gaze was too much to bear.

A year ago, she had found him, a mute amnesiac who could only remember how to write his name, and brought him home.

She had patiently taught him from the very beginning, guiding him as he learned to read, communicate through sign language, and eventually, to love her.

After some time, their love had culminated into a marriage.

After a year together, which was far beyond the 21 days needed to form a habit, his presence and gentle smile had become an integral part of her life.

She clung to the belief that this was all a terrible misunderstanding and that he couldn't possibly be divorcing her.

After rushing home through the rain, Abigail warmed herself up with a hot shower and cooked Stephen's favorite meal before waiting patiently at the dining table.

At precisely 10:00 pm, the door creaked open, and Stephen walked in, bringing a wave of cool air with him.

Abigail noticed that he had changed into his waiter's uniform again.

A sudden, inexplicable stab of pain pierced her heart. She was momentarily unsure if what she had seen earlier was real or just an illusion.

Stephen approached, his worry evident as he took in her pale, vacant expression. He worriedly asked in sign language, "Is everything okay, Abbie?"

His handsome features were clouded with worry, and his eyes mirrored his deep concern.

However, Abigail couldn't shake the image of him typing with a cold, downcast gaze, then effortlessly switching to a jovial demeanor with Candace. It felt somewhat ironic.

"I can smell another woman's perfume on you, Stephen," Abigail stated as she avoided his touch.

Stephen's demeanor faltered for a moment, then he quickly signed, "I was assigned to the private room today, so I must have picked up the scent of a guest's perfume. I'll take a shower right away."

With that, he got up and made his way to the bathroom. Moments later, the rhythmic rush of water filled the air.

His nervous demeanor during the explanation made it hard for her to believe that he was lying.

Abigail stood up and walked straight into the bathroom, unbothered by the water. She wrapped her arms tightly around him, her eyes shut as she confessed, "I went to see you at work today, Stephen."

Stephen's actions stilled, and after a long pause, a sigh broke the silence. "You've found out then."

Chapter 2 Marital Obligations

Abigail had heard his voice earlier, but it had been muffled by the music and was hard to discern.

At that very moment, his deep, alluring voice washed over her from above, sounding so distinct. It struck her heart, making it difficult for her to catch her breath from the ache.

It turned out that he could actually talk.

However, he hadn't immediately shared this news with her. Instead, he had intended to end their marriage.

This meant that everything that had happened in the private room was real.

Why did he want a divorce?

Although Abigail desperately wanted to ask that, she suppressed the urge.

What gave him the right to unilaterally decide the fate of their marriage?

Throughout the past year, she had been a devoted and loyal wife. Even if divorce was on the table, he should at least offer her an explanation.

Despite the frost that had settled over her heart, she found solace in his warmth, refusing to let him go.

"I heard you talking to someone, but I didn't hear what it was about. You have such a nice voice, Steve."

With that, she planted a kiss on his back.

Steve was her pet name for him, reserved for those times when they were at their most intimate. And every time he heard her call him that, he would answer with increasingly fervent gestures.

However, on this particular night, Stephen rejected her advances, saying, "I'm tired."

Abigail's face drained of color, and upon seeing his rigid back, anger flared up within her. "But I want to do it, Stephen. As my husband, you have a responsibility to fulfill your marital obligations."

She couldn't help but wonder what had made him tired. Could it be because he had already hooked up with Candace?

She needed to confirm it herself.

Stephen was caught off guard by her sudden assertiveness, and he found his breath hitching as her delicate hands roamed across his body. His physical reactions were always honest, and he had always been powerless against her advances.

A hint of passion ignited in his eyes as he turned around and seized her chin firmly before his lips met hers in a passionate kiss.

Abigail instinctively shut her eyes, her lashes trembling slightly. Aside from the faint lingering scent of perfume from earlier, he carried no other fragrance.

With her body relaxing, the steamy atmosphere inside the bathroom grew more intense.

Steven engulfed her in his warmth as he rained kisses down on her shoulder. His voice was a low growl as he said, "Abbie, we—"

"I'm tired. Let's go to sleep," Abigail interrupted him mid-sentence and reached out to switch off the light.

What was he about to say? Divorce, perhaps? She wouldn't allow it!

She had given him a year of her life and had come to love him deeply. How could he simply divorce her now that he had regained his speech?

There was no way he was so despicable!

Under the cover of night, Stephen watched Abigail's gentle profile with a trace of regret in his gaze before he embraced her and drifted off to sleep.

When Abigail woke up the following day, Stephen was nowhere to be found, which sent her into a frenzy as she leaped out of bed to search for him.

Their home was a modest two-bedroom apartment that she had purchased with her hard-earned savings over the years. After their marriage, the space had transformed into a warm and inviting haven.

She had fantasized about a happy and fulfilling life together with Stephen.

Stephen was incredibly gifted, and he picked up new skills effortlessly. She had once said that he was destined to earn a fortune and that he could improve their living situation in the future. At that moment, he had solemnly nodded in agreement as well.

He hadn't even fulfilled his promise of giving her a bigger house yet, so he couldn't just walk out on her.

Abigail's face drained of color as she searched the apartment in a frenzy. At that moment, the door opened, and Stephen walked in carrying breakfast.

As soon as Abigail spotted him, she darted toward him and embraced him tightly, as if terrified that he would slip away.

Stephen was caught off guard and asked, "What's the matter?"

Abigail looked up and met his gaze as she asked, "We'll always be together, right?"

Stephen remained silent.

Chapter 3 Don't Even Think About It

Abigail stared at him and said, "Come on, say something."

"Let's eat first."

With that, Steven gently pushed her aside and went over to the dining table before setting the breakfast down.

Abigail's heart ached as she watched his retreating figure, her eyes reflecting her anguish.

Even though she had previously interrupted him from bringing up the divorce, his attitude already spoke volumes.

He was distancing himself from her, not even bothering to feign affection or promise her a future together.

He wasn't this cold and distant before. At first, he had always trailed behind her, constantly following her around like a shadow and being incredibly needy for her attention.

After some time, she had decided to take him in. She had taught him literacy, and they had learned sign language together.

As a result, his eyes were constantly drawn to her, never leaving her no matter what she did. It was as if his world revolved around her.

Abigail approached him and said, "Stephen, you haven't given me my good morning kiss yet."

This was a promise that they had made to each other after they had decided to get together.

Stephen slid the almond milk toward her and said, "Have some breakfast. There's something I want to discuss with you later."

Abigail balled her hands into fists as she asked, "Are you not going to tell me unless I eat?"

Stephen looked at her and said, "You heard everything."

He was referring to his conversation in the private room the day before.

Abigail closed her eyes and asked, "Why?"

Although she had tried to turn a blind eye to it, the blatant revelation made it impossible for her to continue living in denial.

"She's important to me, and I owe it to her to take care of her."

"What about me then?" Abigail met his gaze and smiled wryly as she asked, "What about the one year we've spent together?"

A realization seemed to dawn on her as she approached him and asked again, "Have you regained your memory? Do you remember who you are now?"

"Yes." Stephen nodded and continued, "Abbie, I'm indebted to you for staying by my side this past year. I'll compensate you. If there's anything you want, just let me know, and I'll make it happen.

Abigail fixed her eyes on him, her voice unwavering as she said, "I don't want a divorce."

A cold indifference appeared on Stephen's chiseled features as he said, "We have to get a divorce."

At that moment, an impenetrable coldness emanated from him, instantly rendering him unapproachable.

Abigail had never seen this side of him before. Her nails dug into her palms as she met his gaze unflinchingly and said, "I will not divorce you!"

Compensation? How could he possibly compensate for the love and devotion that she had given him over the past year?

Stephen furrowed his brow. His patience seemed to be wearing thin as he said, "Abigail, if we keep going down this path, neither of us will be happy."

In response, Abigail sat down and began to eat her breakfast in silence. No matter what, she was determined not to end their marriage.

Stephen's gaze held a mix of emotions as he looked at her. The memories of their year together flooded his mind. He wanted to move on, but every encounter with her rekindled those memories, leaving him unsettled and agitated.

He abruptly stood up and said coldly, "I'll have the divorce agreement sent over later. You're free to dictate the terms."

With that, he walked away.

A resounding thud sounded in the room as Abigail kicked over a nearby chair. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she bit back her fury.

He was a complete and utter scoundrel!

Abigail fought to rein in her emotions. After taking several deep breaths to steady herself, her eyes took on a steely gaze.

As expected, the divorce agreement was delivered promptly. She had just finished her breakfast and was heading out for work when a man in a suit appeared at her door, presenting her with the agreement.

Without even glancing at it, Abigail snatched the agreement and ripped it into pieces.

"We're not getting a divorce, end of discussion!"

With that, she disregarded the man's reaction and left for work.

Chapter 4 Scion of a Wealthy Family

As she took her seat at the office, Abigail's colleague, Tiffany Shaw, leaned in and whispered, "Abigail, have you heard the news? Our company has been acquired by Stephen Lockhart, the third scion of the Lockhart family who had mysteriously gone missing."

Abigail was momentarily stunned, and then she asked, "Wait, what? Who did you say?"

"It's Stephen Lockhart! I checked out his photo, and he's a total heartthrob! I heard that he had disappeared for a year and has only just recently returned to the Lockhart family.

"As soon as he returned, he started making major changes to the branch company here, and our company has been directly bought out. Oh my goodness, I'm definitely over the moon for having such a good-looking boss!"

As Abigail pulled out her phone, the first news alert she saw was about the return of Stephen Lockhart, the third scion of the Lockhart family, who had disappeared for a year.

In the photo, the man wore a black suit, and his short hair was neatly parted. His chiseled features and piercing gaze reflected a demeanor of nobility and aloofness.

It turned out that Stephen was the third scion of the Lockhart family, the most prestigious and wealthy family in Tilendo City.

Abigail was utterly dumbfounded by the revelation. She was struck by the sheer irony of the situation.

She should have been elated by the news. After all, her husband was a wealthy heir, and her dream of owning a grand house was finally within reach. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to celebrate, as Stephen wanted to divorce her.

Moreover, he had decided to assume responsibility for Candace as well.

Abigail held her phone tightly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Everyone, head to the conference room! We have a meeting."

At that moment, Abigail's manager, Lydia Robinson, appeared and made the announcement, causing everyone to quickly grab their things and head to the conference room.

The spacious conference room, which was capable of accommodating 500 people, was initially filled with chatter, but it gradually quieted down as someone clapped their hands.

"Without further ado, please join me in welcoming our new CEO, Mr. Stephen Lockhart!" Gareth Mann, the general manager, said with great enthusiasm as the conference room door opened.

A handsome man in a black suit walked in with a commanding presence.

Abigail sat at the back of the room. She looked at the man who now seemed like a stranger, feeling a profound sense of unfamiliarity and distance.

Stephen's expression was stern, and his voice was a deep baritone that was devoid of any warmth. He immediately began issuing a flurry of commands, leaving everyone reeling.

After a lengthy meeting that stretched over three hours, people began to disperse. Abigail rose from her seat and followed suit.

She wanted to avoid Stephen altogether.

"Stop." A deep, magnetic voice sounded from behind her.

Abigail stopped in her tracks. She turned around and asked, "Is there something I can help you with, Mr. Lockhart?"

They acted distant and professional, as if they hadn't shared an intimate time together the previous night.

With documents in hand, Stephen's intense gaze swept over her before he said, "Come to my office."

With that, he took his leave.

After taking a deep breath, Abigail followed him.

As the door closed, Stephen's brow furrowed as he looked at her. "Why did you tear up the agreement?"

Abigail fixed her gaze on him, saying, "Oh, I haven't had a chance to offer my congratulations, Mr. Lockhart."

Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she spoke.

She suspected that he had likely recovered his memories a long time ago. After all, it seemed impossible for him to return to the Lockhart family and resume work so quickly otherwise.

It seemed that he had actually kept everything hidden from her. To be precise, he had been deceiving her all along.

Stephen's expression hardened as he looked at her and asked, "Abbie, there's no animosity between us, right? Then, why can't we end things on good terms?"

"Absolutely not!" Abigail's emotions surged, her eyes welling up with tears as she snapped, "Stephen, I never thought that I'd actually bring home a jerk like you!

"When did you regain your memory? When did you regain your speech? Despite being your wife—your closest companion—I was kept in the dark the entire time!"

Chapter 5 Change of Heart

What did Stephen actually take her for?

As she thought about that, Abigail couldn't help but feel a heart-wrenching pain. She felt suffocated.

Upon seeing the tears welling up in her eyes, a shadow fell over Stephen's gaze. His expression hardened as he said, "I have my reasons for keeping this from you. It's for your own good."

Abigail sneered as she held back her tears. She said, "You can forget about a divorce. It's not going to happen."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away.

"You don't want to lose this job, right?" Stephen's voice was devoid of warmth as it rang out from behind her. "As an orphan who's worked hard to find your footing here, I'm sure that this job means a great deal to you."

Abigail glared at him and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"If you sign the divorce agreement, my previous offer still stands."

Stephen had actually threatened her!

Abigail's hands trembled with fury. If he had been within arm's reach, she would have slapped him across the face.

"You're too shameless, Stephen!"

How could he have changed so much in such a short time? Or had he always been this callous, and the previous year was a mere pretense?

Stephen reached for a tissue, his demeanor softening as he approached her. Then, he gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes.

Abigail swatted his hand away. Her gaze was filled with stubborn resolve as she yelled, "Go ahead! Fire me if you dare!"

There was no way that she would agree to the divorce!

She turned on her heel and walked away. She had regained her composure by the time she exited the office.

Stephen's outstretched hand stilled as a frown marred his face. He reached for the intercom and said, "Inform the HR department—"

However, his words trailed off as he recalled the times that Abigail had patiently taught him sign language and helped him learn to read.

In the end, he couldn't bring himself to say the words out loud.

"Is there something I can help you with, Mr. Lockhart?" Harley Slater, the secretary, cautiously asked over the intercom.

"Never mind," Stephen muttered as he ended the call, his brow furrowing with frustration.

…

When a colleague asked Abigail what Stephen had summoned her for, she simply smiled in response.

She settled at her desk, her mind racing as she contemplated her next course of action.

If Stephen really forced her to divorce through aggressive means, then she would expose their relationship, ideally in a scandalous manner to ensure that everyone knew that he was her husband. Perhaps that would deter him from divorcing her.

As the implications of her thoughts dawned on her, Abigail came to a sudden halt and then chuckled wryly at herself. After all, he had already moved on, and she was no longer the woman he loved. Did her actions hold any significance anymore?

Ultimately, she was simply unable to let things go. How could he have had a change of heart so easily? Would it kill him to stay with one woman for the rest of his life?

Later that afternoon, Stephen's executive assistant, Jamie Sanders, beckoned to her and said, "Please come here for a moment."

Abigail stood up and walked over to Jamie, who promptly said, "I have some jewelry here. You have a great eye for these things, so could you choose a set for me to give to a client?"

Abigail was caught off guard. Why was Jamie asking her for her opinion on this matter? After all, there were plenty of stylishly-dressed women in the office.

Despite her confusion, she still picked out a set.

Jamie smiled and said, "Thanks a lot."

With that, he immediately turned and left, leaving Abigail bewildered as she resumed her work.

In the evening, she came home to an empty house. She stood at the doorway in a daze for a while, her heart once again throbbing with sorrow.

Did Stephen have no intention of coming home?

She settled onto the couch and turned on the TV because she couldn't stand the quietness of the room, as it would only fuel her anxieties.

All of a sudden, a report was broadcasted on the TV. "After a year-long disappearance, the third scion of the Lockhart family has made a public appearance, accompanied by a beautiful woman at a charity event. How will his return reshape Tilendo City? Please…"

At that moment, Abigail could no longer hear what the TV host was saying.

She stared intently at the woman who was standing beside Stephen. She was wearing the very necklace that Abigail had picked out earlier that day!