Not a Love for Faint Hearts

Everyone in Asterhaven knew—Maxwell Porter hated Zoey Bradford. Hated how she clung so desperately to their marriage. Hated how she refused to set him free.

He asked for a divorce. Ninety-nine times.

But the hundredth time, when he thought she'd turn him down like always, her voice cut through the air, cold as ice that had been frozen for a thousand years.

"Fine. Let's get divorced."

"She actually agreed? Congrats, Maxwell. You're finally free!" One of the guys laughed.

Inside the private room, Maxwell's friends were still joking, disbelief written all over their faces.

Even Maxwell himself froze for a second when he had heard it. For just a moment, something flickered in his deep, ocean-dark eyes—surprise.

But more than anything… relief.

He raised his arm and waved it carelessly. "Drinks are on me tonight."

The whole room erupted in cheers.

Except for Zoey Bradford. Her stubborn silhouette faded into the chaotic swirl of neon light. For reasons he couldn't quite explain, Maxwell glanced back at her one more time.

"How long do you think it'll take before she comes crawling back?" someone asked. "A week? Two?"

Maxwell said with a sneer, "I'd say seven days."

"Seven days from now, I'll marry Nancy. Get ready for my wedding party."

The room exploded in excitement.

Zoey had already left the private room. The sunlight outside was harsh, blinding. Only then did she finally let out the breath she'd been holding.

She forced herself not to cry. Her chest felt hollow, her limbs numb, as she quietly took a cab home.

Her phone kept buzzing. Videos of Maxwell's proposal were everywhere on social media.

She didn't want to look. She told herself not to.

But her thumb betrayed her. She tapped on it anyway.

On the screen, Nancy Westbrook stood there in an outrageously expensive couture dress, her cheeks flushed pink, eyes wide with surprise and delight.

Of course, Zoey knew Nancy.

Nancy was the girl who had stayed by Maxwell's side the longest, the girl he bought a luxury apartment for, the girl who now wore a one-of-a-kind Langue blue diamond ring.

Maxwell had once complained that Nancy was always throwing little tantrums. Every time he wanted to do something, she would lift her chin, her face tight with childish defiance. "Maxwell, I won't be anyone's mistress!"

And so, Maxwell started asking Zoey for a divorce.

Back then, she and Maxwell had built their business from the ground up. But just as success was within reach, he used their marriage to destroy it completely.

She hated him for it. Hated him so much, the only thing she could do was cling to the marriage like a lifeline.

The first time he asked for a divorce was the day she nearly died giving birth. She was hemorrhaging. He stood by her hospital bed, cold and detached.

"Sign the divorce papers, and I'll sign the consent form for your surgery."

The second time was the day she got into a car accident.

"Agree