On the eve of our divorce, I became him.

The early spring air still carried a hint of chill and moisture. Inside a high-end shopping mall in the Upper East Side of New York, Natalie Shaw clicked her heels across the marble floor as she entered a jewelry store. The sharp clack of her heels echoed crisply. One hand held her phone to her ear, the other casually gesturing toward a necklace on the counter. “This one. Take it out for me.” The sales assistant immediately obliged, carefully lifting the necklace and presenting it to her. At that moment, a voice full of mock annoyance came through the phone. “My gorgeous girl, have you forgotten that not everyone is a rich housewife who doesn’t have to work? I’ve been working overtime for three days straight. Finally, I want to sleep in this weekend, and you call me this early—do you want me dead?” Natalie picked up the necklace, spinning it lightly in her fingers as she smiled faintly. “Emma, I know, but I called you today because I have big news—I’m going to do something monumental.” “Natalie Shaw, if you’re messing with me, I swear I’ll strangle you when I wake up,” Emma complained. “I’m going to see Ethan Holmes,” Natalie said, her tone deliberate, each word clear and measured. “I’m talking about a divorce.” She handed the necklace back to the assistant. “Wrap it up.” “What?!” Emma’s voice shot up an octave. “Am I dreaming or did I hear that wrong?” Natalie, slightly startled, held the phone a few inches away from her face. “Emma, could you calm down a bit?” Emma’s shock gave way to reality. “Natalie… you’re serious?” “Of course. I’ve thought it through. I’ve been married to Ethan for three years, and it’s been like living in a loveless prison. In his eyes, there’s only work, and if he loves work that much, I’ll let him be—may he and his work grow old together.” There was a pause on the other end. Emma’s voice softened, tinged with complexity. “It’s your personal business, I shouldn’t say more… but are you really willing? Three years…” “I am,” Natalie said, a faint smile touching her lips. “I’ve wasted three years already. I won’t waste another. There are plenty of men in this world—little ‘puppy boys’ are not exactly scarce.” From the moment she first laid eyes on Ethan at eighteen, Natalie had been captivated by his handsome, cold, and unyielding face. She had pursued him for four years and finally married him at twenty-two, believing that with enough effort, she could melt his icy heart. Reality had shown her otherwise. Ethan was not ice—he was iron. Cold, hard, and unfeeling. Even in the bedroom, he was like a machine, emotionless and mechanical. “But your parents… and his family… they probably won’t approve of a divorce, right?” “That’s why I don’t plan to tell them. I’ll deal with it after the fact,” Natalie said firmly. Emma sighed. “You really have made up your mind?” “Yes,” she confirmed with certainty. “And where are you now? Sounds like shopping?” “In the mall. If I’m going to get divorced, I need to look good. If people start spreading rumors that I’m devastated over the divorce, I want them to know—I’m thrilled.” Natalie hung up, a smile on her face, and carried her bag into a clothing store. An hour later, she emerged looking completely renewed. She hailed a taxi and headed straight for the Holmes Group building. The lobby was crowded with people during the morning rush. As Natalie stepped in, the lively atmosphere suddenly quieted. All eyes turned toward her. She ignored the stares, walking directly to the front desk. “Which floor is Ethan Holmes’ office on?” The receptionist froze for a moment, then quickly pointed toward the executive elevator. “Forty-two, ma’am.” “Thank you.” Natalie stepped into the elevator, and as her back disappeared from view, the lobby erupted into whispers. “That’s the CEO’s wife? She’s even more beautiful in person.” “Yeah, but unfortunately, Mr. Holmes only has eyes for work.” Everyone knew Ethan Holmes was a workaholic. Out of 365 days a year, he spent 360 in the office. If it weren’t for Natalie’s presence today, most would have forgotten he even had a wife. Natalie paid no attention to the whispers; her mind was consumed by the word divorce. The more she thought about it, the more exhilarated she became. To hell with being “Mrs. Holmes.” She was about to reclaim her freedom. With that thought, she lifted her chin and strode confidently toward Ethan’s office. Turning a corner, she ran into Ethan’s assistant—Lucas Drew. “Mrs. Holmes? What are you doing here?” Lucas asked, surprised. “I’m looking for Ethan. Where is he?” “He’s in his office, but he’s about to leave—” Before he could finish, Natalie brushed past him and pushed the office door open. Inside, Ethan was facing away, putting on his coat. “Lucas, is the car ready?” He turned and froze when he saw Natalie standing in the doorway. Natalie noticed the suitcase by his side and panicked, stepping forward to block him. “Ethan, you’re leaving? No, you cannot leave.You have to deal with this today.” “I’m going to Chicago for an important project. We can talk when I return.” “When you return? Who knows when that’ll be! You must give me an answer today.” Ethan furrowed his brows. “What is it?” Natalie crossed her arms, her words cold and sharp. “Ethan Holmes, I want a divorce.” “Divorce?” Ethan’s expression remained calm. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll bring you a gift when I get back.” “I’m not joking!” Natalie raised her voice. “I have a flight to catch. We can talk later,” Ethan said, brushing past her. “Lucas, is the car downstairs?” “It’s waiting,” Lucas replied. Natalie followed, seething. “You think I’m throwing a tantrum? I’m serious! I want a divorce!” Her voice carried across the entire floor, and the office went silent. Lucas froze, unsure whether he should intervene. The elevator lights flickered and suddenly went out. Natalie gasped, gripping the wall. “Ethan! You make so much money, and you can’t even fix an elevator? If I die here, I’ll haunt you forever!” Sensing her fear, Ethan’s voice softened. “Don’t be afraid.” Suddenly, the elevator plummeted. Natalie stumbled, screaming, and fell sideways. Ethan’s arms shot out, catching her tightly against his chest, shielding her.