Chapter 1

When Josiah Hughman's first love, Brittany Dresler, returned, the first thing she did was make a bet with Priscilla Collins. The agreement stated that if Josiah abandoned Priscilla nine times for Brittany, the former would have to give up the title of "Mrs. Hughman". Priscilla agreed.

The ninth time, one call from Brittany was all it took for Josiah to leave Priscilla stranded on the highway again. "Celia, something urgent came up. Can you get out of the car here and take a cab home?"

Before she could even answer, he shoved an umbrella into her hands, not caring that it was pouring rain outside or that she was on her period. He did not even ask if she would be okay as he was in too much of a rush to see Brittany.

"Text me when you get home," he added.

When she saw him punch Brittany's home address into the GPS, Priscilla's heart clenched so hard she thought that it might stop. She watched as the sports car sped off, its taillights vanishing into the rain.

The icy wind whipped against her skin, causing her to shiver from the cold. Within seconds, her dress was soaked. Alone in the downpour, she stumbled down the side of the freeway. Her heels tore into her skin, and soon, her feet were raw and bleeding.

Five hours later, Priscilla finally made it to Coastal Villa. Her dress was stained a deep crimson with blood, and she collapsed at the gate. She clutched her aching stomach and gasped for air. The rain blurred her vision, but through the haze, she saw Brittany standing over her with an umbrella, wearing a smug little smile.

Brittany taunted her, saying, "Hurts, doesn't it? You regret signing that bet with me now, don't you? You really thought that Josiah would have even a shred of real feelings for you after all these years? You forgot one thing—he's always loved me. And next to that, whatever he felt for you was nothing."

Priscilla forced herself up, her face pale but eerily calm. "Nine times. You win. I'll divorce Josiah."

With that, she stumbled toward the house. As the rain drizzled around her, the memories she had tried so hard to bury came rushing back with it.

Priscilla and Brittany were college roommates. Back in freshman year, Brittany had thrown a huge birthday bash, and that night was the first time Priscilla ever laid eyes on Josiah. With just one look, she was completely drawn in by his aloof, polished charm that left her breathless and her heart pounding like crazy.

That night, Brittany had introduced him to everyone as her childhood best friend. Then, right before everyone, she announced her new boyfriend—a notorious bad boy on campus who was always skipping class and causing trouble.

Priscilla could still remember Josiah's expression when he heard the announcement. It was impossible to forget the shock, the hurt, and the way he completely lost his composure. With just a glance, she knew exactly who he was in love with.

Nonetheless, Brittany was always the type to chase thrills. She liked danger and chaos. Her type of men were guys who skipped school, raced cars, and pulled her into sketchy bathrooms to hook up. Josiah, with his good manners and old-money upbringing, was way too stiff for her taste.

She hated how much he tried to control things. Ultimately, she wanted him gone so badly that once she found out that Priscilla had feelings for him, she devised every trick in the book to push them together. She organized casual hangouts and dinners and orchestrated fake coincidences.

Priscilla had watched the whole thing unfold. She saw Josiah go from resisting to feeling humiliated, to eventually giving in and accepting it. By junior year, just as Brittany had planned, Priscilla and Josiah became a couple.

Two years later, Josiah proposed. They had been married for three years since then, living like polite strangers but sharing a warm and peaceful life.

Priscilla had truly believed that they would grow old together, hand in hand. However, that illusion did not last long. One month ago, Brittany returned from abroad and invited her out, just to propose a bet to her.

She said, "Celia, I changed my mind. I want Josh back. You two have been together for nine years, right? Then let's make a bet. If he chooses me over you nine times, you lose. You'll need to divorce him and give him back to me."

Priscilla agreed, almost without thinking. Deep down, she needed to know if there was still a place for Brittany in Josiah's heart. What followed was a brutal lesson in how willingly Josiah would drop everything for Brittany.

The first time was on their third wedding anniversary. Priscilla had planned an outdoor picnic under the meteor shower, knowing how much he loved astronomy. However, halfway there, he turned the car around the moment Brittany sent a single text, leaving her alone on a windy hilltop all night.

The second time, Priscilla needed an appendectomy. Instead of being there, he rushed off to "rescue" Brittany from some sketchy guys and vanished for a week. Priscilla had to sign her own surgery consent forms. Then, she dragged herself to follow-up appointments, bandage changes, and meals.

The third time, he walked out of her grandmother's funeral to have a meal with Brittany. With each abandonment, Priscilla's love for him was drained, little by little, until nothing was left. She had wondered if he still cared for Brittany. But the truth was worse because he had never stopped.

This time, Priscilla knew that she had lost the bet, fair and square. She was ready to own it.

After arriving home, she took a long, hot shower and changed into soft, cozy pajamas. Then, she went to the kitchen and made herself a warm cup of ginger tea. Sipping it slowly, she finally felt alive again.

After that, she pulled out the divorce papers she had prepared after the bet, signed her name at the bottom, and slid them to Brittany. She said, "Here. You can be the one to give it to him."

Brittany raised a brow, looking slightly surprised. "Why me?"

Priscilla replied, "I don't want to waste time explaining to him why I'm leaving him. But if it comes from you, he won't even bother reading it. He'll just sign the papers."

Brittany smirked and took the papers as if she were accepting an award. "Don't feel too bad." She offered her sympathy, fake niceties dripping from her voice. "Give it a few days, and I'll introduce you to some hot new guy."

"Sure," Priscilla answered without skipping a beat.

However, her quick agreement caught Brittany off guard. She asked, "You're just letting him go? That fast?"

Priscilla let out a soft laugh, but there was no joy—only a bitter ache. "He's the only man I've ever truly given my heart to. And look how that ended. I gave him nine chances, and every single time, I lost. If I still can't walk away, I'd be pathetic. From now on, I'm only living for me."

Just as she finished speaking, the front door swung open. Josiah froze at the sight of Brittany, and he asked, "What are you doing here? I just dropped you at the hospital."

Brittany did not bother explaining that her sprained ankle had been nothing more than an act. She simply smiled, picked up the papers, and walked over to him. She sweetly said, "I came to see you! I need your signature. Right here."

Josiah's eyes never left her as he scribbled his name exactly where she pointed. He only thought to ask what he had just signed after the pen left the paper.

Brittany opened her mouth to answer but paused. A thought flickered across her mind, and she replied smoothly, "It's a special gift; something Celia and I worked on together. You'll find out what it is in a month. Don't worry. You're going to be very surprised."

Chapter 2

Josiah's curiosity was piqued, but before he could examine the document, Brittany handed it back to Priscilla and got up to leave. She said, "Well, that's settled then. Goodnight."

Josiah's curiosity instantly faded, and he quickly offered to drive her home. However, Brittany shook her head and glanced at Priscilla, her smile cryptic. "No need. Stay here and keep Celia company. After all, you won't have much time left."

Josiah frowned when he heard her last remark. Just as he was about to ask about it, Brittany pushed open the door. Instinctively, he grabbed his car keys and called out as he followed after her.

He said, "Celia, I'll just see Brittany out. I'll be right back."

Then, the door slammed shut behind him. From the moment he entered until now, Josiah had not so much as glanced at Priscilla. Nonetheless, she had gotten used to it and felt nothing.

She simply filed the papers away and returned to her room. Then, she turned off the lights and drifted into a quiet slumber.

Half an hour later, the sound of the door opening echoed faintly, followed by the lights flicking on. Priscilla groggily opened her eyes and saw Josiah standing by the dresser, slipping a few boxes of condoms into the drawer.

Then, he crawled into bed and pulled her into his arms. His warm breath brushed against her ear. "Didn't you used to wait up for me every night? Why are you sleeping so early today, hmm?"

Priscilla knew that those days were over and that it would never happen again. However, she said nothing of what she was really thinking. She simply said, "I'm on my period. I don't feel well."

Josiah froze for a second, clearly remembering that he had left her in the rain on the side of the highway. "Sorry, I forgot."

"Would it have mattered if you remembered?"

The silence stretched before he mumbled, "Brittany twisted her ankle. She's been terrified of pain since we were young, and that's why I panicked. It won't happen again."

Bitterness flashed in Priscilla's eyes, knowing all too well that this was the ninth time. She mumbled, "Yeah. I'm sure it won't happen again."

After all, they were about to get divorced.

...

The next morning, Priscilla woke up to find a mug of warm ginger tea on her nightstand. Before long, Josiah walked in with breakfast in hand, saying, "Celia, drink your tea, and let's eat."

It was a scene she used to wake up to every day, before Brittany came back into their lives. Back then, she had mistaken this routine for love, which was why she had foolishly agreed to Brittany's bet. In the end, she lost everything.

This time, she did not respond like she used to. Instead, she got up, went to her closet, and picked out an outfit.

"No thanks. I don't have much of an appetite. I need to be somewhere later, so you go on ahead."

After washing up, she grabbed her purse and headed for the door. However, Josiah also picked up his jacket, insisting on giving her a ride. She did not have the energy to argue, so she gave in.

As soon as Priscilla got into the car, she noticed something amiss. The dreamcatcher she had hung on the rearview mirror was gone, replaced with a cutesy plush keychain. The dashboard had also been redecorated with an entire row of Kayromi figurines.

Josiah noticed her stare and quickly offered an explanation. "I parked by the curb yesterday and forgot to close the windows. The dreamcatcher got soaked. Ruth cleaned up and swapped in some new stuff."

Priscilla wondered if it was really Ruth Fisher, his assistant, who had done it.

She remembered that Brittany loved those trinkets. Her entire guest room was filled with Kayromi merchandise. Nonetheless, Priscilla did not call Josiah out on the lie.

She simply asked, "What about my dreamcatcher? I got it at Redwood Mountain, just for you. Give it back to me."

Josiah's face stiffened. "Ruth probably threw it out by accident. I'll have her track it down."

But Priscilla just felt drained when she heard him still trying to cover it up. "If it's gone, then forget about it. I don't want it anymore."

He looked surprised. "You really don't want it?"

Priscilla gave a nod and mumbled, "I don't." The dreamcatcher, this marriage, and him—she no longer wanted any of it.

...

At the country club, Priscilla headed straight to Room 908. The space was already filled with people, and her college friends eagerly greeted her.

Someone asked, "Celia! Did you come alone? Didn't bring the husband? Is Josiah buried in work or something?"

Before she could say a single word, Brittany, who was seated right in the middle, chimed in casually. "He has a meeting this morning that runs until 11:00 am. Then, he's heading straight into another negotiation in the afternoon. He's swamped today."

The way she recited his schedule so effortlessly did not go unnoticed. Everyone started chuckling and making jokes.

Another teased, "I guess childhood sweethearts really do know each other best, huh? She's got his calendar down better than his assistant!"

Chapter 3

Brittany swirled her wine glass, her smile faint. She casually remarked, "Oh, Josh just mentioned it when he drove me home last night around midnight."

Someone chuckled. "Wow! Are you two still keeping in touch like that? It's no surprise, though. You two grew up together. It's a bond, right? How fortunate for Josh that Celia's so understanding. Any other woman would've lost her mind knowing that her husband used to follow Brittany around like a puppy.

Another chimed in, laughing, "Celia is married to the CEO of Hughman Corp. She has a perfect marriage and a perfect life. And Brittany's the one who set them up in the first place. Why would she be jealous? Let's be real—if Brittany wanted Josiah, she could've had him years ago. Everyone knows that he's wrapped around her finger."

Brittany's smirk grew as she heard their comments. "It's a funny story, actually. I was the one who told him to pursue Celia in the first place. Even the proposal was my idea. I kept telling him that he owed Celia a real title, and he finally caved. To outsiders, it probably looked like he fell for her, but really, I was the one who pushed him into it."

Priscilla's heart jolted, the words hitting her like a punch to the gut. She had believed that Josiah proposed because he saw everything she had done for him and had genuinely fallen in love with her. Yet, it turned out that even their marriage had been Brittany's doing all along.

Suddenly, her chest felt unbearably tight, like she could not breathe. The conversation around her continued, but she could not take it anymore. So, she quietly got up and headed to the restroom.

By the time Priscilla had calmed herself and returned to the room, everyone had started playing a party game. Brittany had just lost a round and drew a Truth card.

"Name the person who's pursued you the longest. Give us a few examples," someone read aloud.

Priscilla's lashes fluttered, and she turned her gaze away. Meanwhile, Brittany smiled, settling back into the couch as she strolled down memory lane.

"He started pursuing me when I was seven, so that's almost 20 years now. When we were teens, he even gave me a family heirloom that was only meant for his future wife, saying he'd only ever love me.

"Whenever he learned that I was dating someone, he'd drink himself sick for days. His stomach was literally messed up from all the alcohol. Oh, and when I was studying abroad, he flew over every week just to see me. He'd bring all my favorite treats and snacks and stay with me no matter the cost."

Each detail hit Priscilla like a knife. She remembered that Josiah's mom had asked him to hand over the family heirloom to her when they got married, but he claimed that it was lost.

She remembered all those nights he'd return home drunk, claiming that it was just work events, and she would foolishly prepare him hangover soup. Every holiday, he said he had to travel for business, and she'd always help him pack, stuffing his suitcase with treats and snacks.

She had given everything to their relationship, but he had never truly let go of Brittany. And all this time, she had been entirely in the dark.

Priscilla's chest felt like it was being crushed, but the rest of the room was buzzing with curiosity and excitement. Someone asked, "Brittany, who is it? Do we know him? I mean, he sounds completely obsessed with you. You must have feelings for him too, right? If you guys end up together, you must bring him around!"

Brittany gave Priscilla a knowing glance, her smile dripping with amusement. "Sure," she replied, her tone casual. "I'll bring him next month and introduce him to everyone."

Just as the words left her mouth, the door to the private suite swung open. Then, Josiah walked in, smiling as he spoke. He asked, "Introduce who? Why wait until next month? Brittany, are you ready? Weren't we headed to that concert?"

But the moment his eyes landed on Priscilla, his voice faltered, and something flickered across his face. It was surprise, or perhaps guilt. He blurted, "Celia? What are you doing here?"

Priscilla thought back to that morning when Josiah had dropped her off at the mall and told her not to wait. He had said that he would be working late into the night.

It seemed that a concert date with Brittany was what he meant by "working late".

Priscilla smiled faintly and met his eyes, saying, "As you can see, I'm just at a college reunion."

Josiah nodded several times, clearly scrambling to change the subject. "Well, perfect timing. I'll take you home."

However, Priscilla picked up her phone and ordered a rideshare without hesitation. She replied, "That's okay. I've already called for a car. Enjoy your concert."

Chapter 4

Priscilla did not say another word. She simply picked up her bag and walked downstairs. Just as she reached the curb, Brittany came running after her, grabbing her wrist.

She said sweetly, "Are you mad? Here, I'll give you the concert ticket. I mean, you and Josiah only have a month together left, right? You might as well make some memories while you can. Otherwise, you'll probably regret not having something nice to look back on when you're older."

Priscilla pulled her hand free and took a few steps back, her expression flat and cold. "No thanks. Once the divorce is finalized, I'll be erasing all of it. There's nothing about our past that I want to remember."

Brittany gave a little pout, feigning sympathy while keeping her grip tight. "Oh, come on. Even if Josh only married you because I talked him into it, you still helped relieve some of my stress.

"I mean, it's already sad enough that you never had his love. I'd feel awful if you didn't even get a few happy marriage memories. That would make me look heartless, wouldn't it?"

She tugged at Priscilla's hand, unwilling to let her off so easily. As they were too absorbed in their struggle, neither of them noticed the black sedan speeding down the street toward them.

It was not until the driver began slamming on the horn that they turned to look. By then, it was far too late. At the last second, Josiah came rushing out of nowhere and pulled Brittany into his arms, dragging her to somewhere safe.

Priscilla, on the other hand, was hit head-on. Her body was thrown nearly 60 feet across the road before crashing down like a rag doll. A sickening thud rang out as blood gushed out from her mouth and nose, pooling beneath her on the pavement.

Every inch of her body felt like it had been shattered. Her bones were crushed, her muscles spasmed, and her nerves screamed. The pain was indescribable.

As her consciousness faded, she caught one last glimpse of Josiah gently cradling a trembling Brittany, murmuring reassurances.

...

Priscilla did not know how long had passed before the agony woke her again. When her eyes opened, she found herself in a hospital room. The first face she saw was Josiah's. He was looking down at her, his face full of concern.

He asked, "Celia, how are you feeling? You've been unconscious for two days. I was so worried about you."

But as she stared at his worried expression, all she could think about was that moment on the street before she lost consciousness. The irony almost made her laugh.

In the face of life or death, the person he chose to save wasn't her. She had bled out on the ground, and he hadn't even noticed. In his world, she had never mattered. So, how could he actually be worried?

She took a slow breath and hoarsely whispered, "I'm fine. You should go take care of Brittany."

Josiah was stunned. He assumed that she was upset that he had not saved her and rushed to explain. "Brittany's fine. You were the one who got hurt. I stayed here to look after you."

"I'm tired. I just want to rest." Priscilla simply shook her head and shut her eyes.

He did not press her further. Instead, he gently tucked the blanket around her, poured a glass of warm water, and ordered a light lunch for her. After that, he answered a phone call, told her that something urgent had come up at work, and said he would be back the next day.

When the nurse came in for her rounds, she saw that Josiah had left everything ready. She smiled and remarked about how lucky Priscilla was to have such a thoughtful husband.

Priscilla did not say a single word. She had just opened the container holding soup he had left for her when her phone buzzed. It was a text from Brittany.

Brittany: "Oops, sorry! That whole car thing totally freaked me out, so I messaged Josh. He's having lunch with me now, and later, we're going to an amusement park so I can blow off some steam. After that, we've got a movie lined up. Rest up, okay?"

Attached was a picture of a beautifully set table from one of the city's upscale organic restaurants. Only Josiah's hands were visible, but Priscilla could tell that he was sitting across the table, peeling a massive plate of Brittany's favorite shrimp.

Priscilla stared at the screen for a long time. Eventually, she replied with just two words. "Have fun."

...

Over the next week, Josiah dropped by the hospital every single day. Even so, he never stayed longer than ten minutes.

Meanwhile, Brittany never missed a chance to send her updates. She and Josiah watched the sunset by the ocean and collected seashells, arranging them in the sand to spell out their names. He even took her for long drives in the countryside, buying her flowers and helium balloons, treating her like a princess.

They went up in a hot air balloon above a flower field, and Josiah took thousands of photos—every one of them just of her. Nothing they did crossed the line of impropriety. However, it was still far too intimate to be called platonic.

Something deeper lingered between them, somewhere between friendship and the kind of love Priscilla had never known. After all, in all the time they were together, Josiah had never done any of that for her.

The contrast between love and obligation could not have been more apparent, and for the first time, Priscilla felt genuinely glad she had agreed to that ridiculous bet.

On her final checkup, the doctor handed her the discharge forms and prescriptions. "Nothing serious left to worry about. Just have your husband fill this out and pick up the meds, and you're good to go."

Priscilla took the papers and flatly said, "My husband? He's long gone."

Just as the words left her lips, the door burst open. Josiah stood there, stunned. He asked, "Long gone? What do you mean 'long gone'?"

Chapter 5

Priscilla had not expected him to show up out of nowhere, and for a moment, she froze. Then, she said calmly, "It's nothing. I was just saying that you've been gone the past few days and haven't been at the hospital."

Josiah relaxed when he saw her indifferent expression. Without batting an eye, he lied, "I've been working on a new project. The schedule has been crazy. There are many late nights and meetings. That's why I haven't been around to take care of you."

However, Priscilla could see right through his act. She lowered her gaze slightly, her voice composed as she said, "Then don't bother coming anymore. I can take care of myself."

She meant every word, but Josiah thought that she was simply upset. He quickly comforted her, "I'm sorry. The project's almost wrapped, so I'll spend more time with you."

However, he did not stop there. He even arranged for Ruth to deliver several designer handbags for Priscilla to choose from. Despite that, Priscilla remained expressionless as she looked at the glimmering display of high-end luxury.

When she said that she did not like them, Josiah immediately jumped to fix it, already calling for new options.

"Then I'll send something else. Jewelry? Clothes? Whatever you want, I'll buy it all. There has to be something you'll love."

Yet none of it moved her anymore. For three years, he gave her the same thing for every birthday, anniversary, or holiday—designer labels and seasonal collections. Her walk-in closet looked more like a showroom than a wardrobe, stacked with similar silhouettes and familiar logos.

Back then, she had thought that it meant he cared. So, she had always smiled, even if she did not need or want them. Nonetheless, she finally understood that he did not care enough to learn what she liked. In fact, he only picked what was expensive and easy. She figured he thought purchasing expensive items was a safe bet.

This time, Priscilla was direct and said, "Don't bother. I don't want any of it anymore, and I never will. No need to trouble yourself."

Josiah had never heard her speak to him like that, and a strange sense of panic crept into his chest. He argued, "You're my wife. It's only right for me to give you gifts. Why would that be trouble?"

Priscilla silently scoffed. After all, she was no longer his wife. She thought that it was ridiculous how he was still unaware that he had already signed the divorce agreement.

...

Over the next few days, Josiah stayed home and did not go out. Meanwhile, Priscilla quietly began packing her things.

She gathered all the unused makeup, clothes she never wore, the suits and razors she had bought him, their matching mugs, and their framed photos.

Josiah noticed the growing pile and was surprised. He was about to ask what she was doing when his phone rang. It was Brittany. Instantly, he dropped everything and stepped out to take the call.

Priscilla had noticed the caller ID and knew exactly where he was headed. Once the door closed behind him, she tossed every item into the trash.

Just as she finished cleaning up, her phone rang. It was Ruth. The latter reported, "Ms. Collins, you need to get to Nightfall Club right now. Mr. Hughman's in trouble!"

Ruth's usual composure had vanished, and her voice was tight, on the verge of panic. Noticing that, Priscilla frowned and grabbed her bag.

On the way, she searched the place and found that Nightfall Club was known as an underground racing hub. She had thought that Josiah went to meet Brittany, so she wasn't sure how he had ended up there.

But everything clicked when she arrived and saw who stood across from Josiah. It was Floyd Gallagher, Brittany's ex from college—the reckless one.

Booze, cigarettes, bar fights, and illegal street races had been his whole personality. Rumor had it that he kept harassing Brittany even after their breakup. Judging by the scene before her, those rumors were true. He looked like a man who had nothing left to lose.

Floyd threw a racing suit at Josiah's chest and taunted, "Brittany doesn't want a boring golden boy like you. She's into danger and thrill. She enjoys living on the edge."

He took a step forward, his eyes burning holes into Josiah. "If you really think you can protect her, then race me. One lap, and the winner takes everything. Loser stays the hell out of her life—forever."