He Chased His Ex, I Axed the Vows

Dusk painted the sky, and Riverside buzzed awake with its raucous nightlife. At the city’s plushest five-star hotel, a glitzy gala was in full swing, celebrating the fifth wedding anniversary of Rayan Spencer—heir to the legendary Spencer Group—and his wife, Maya Spencer.

Rayan cut a devastating figure in his tailored black suit, sharp jawline and striking features radiating that quiet, effortless power only old money can pull off. Beside him, Maya was every bit his equal: her gown sparkled under the chandeliers, the massive diamond necklace around her throat oozed A-list glamour, and her flawless features paired with sophisticated makeup made her impossible to look away from.

"You actually love these flashy parties? What’s even fun about all this?" Rayan muttered, face completely unreadable.

Maya knew big social events made him uncomfortable. She tucked her hand gently around his arm and smiled up at him. "C’mon. Just get up there, say a quick thank you to everyone, and leave the rest to me. Can you do that much for me?"

"Do I really have to give a speech? What am I even supposed to say?"

"Tell everyone you love me."

"..."

Undeterred, Maya nudged him with a playful little grin. "Honey, it’s our fifth anniversary. I’ve been planning this for three whole months, and you haven’t even kissed me in public once this whole night."

To the guests watching them from across the ballroom, they looked like the perfect couple—silly, in love, bantering like any pair that’s been married five years. Envy, real or performative, rippled through the crowd; everyone couldn’t stop gushing that they were made for each other.

Then Rayan’s phone rang, and the whole mood shattered.

Maya’s stomach dropped straight to her shoes. That bright, cheerful smile slipped right off her face. Rayan glanced at the caller ID, turned his back to her, and answered, "Hello?"

Maya couldn’t make out a single word on the other end, but the tight furrow of his brow said it all. It was probably Elina Guzman again. Ever since she’d waltzed back into town three months ago, she’d had a knack for showing up at the worst possible times.

Sure enough, the second he hung up, Rayan clipped, "I have to go."

Maya tried to stop him, that smile still glued to her face, her voice steady as steel. "Darling. Is anything really more important tonight than our anniversary?"

Rayan hesitated for half a second, his face impossible to read. "It’s urgent. Let go."

Maya felt his unshakable resolve, and she reluctantly loosened her grip. "At least finish the speech, okay? Everyone’s watching. Can’t you just give me this one night, save a little face?"

But Rayan couldn’t wait another second. He wrenched his arm free, didn’t even care that half the room was watching, and walked straight for the exit.

"Rayan!" Maya called out suddenly, her voice ringing sharp and clear over the music. "If you walk out that door, I’m filing for divorce tonight."

Dead silence dropped over the