Chapter 1 Chapter 1

‘There was nothing more ironic than sitting alone at a wide marble table facing a pile of leftovers, while your husband was having fun with his lover on the day of your 6th wedding anniversary.’ Amara's heart was weeping. Amara felt her heart cold as the food before her at this moment. She once believed her husband would at least remember his duty on this special day, but it shattered as she received the photos from her private investigator. He and his mistress were having a candle dinner beside the floor-to-ceiling window. Having the woman in his arms, he had a doting smile on his face. During the entire 6 years of their marriage, Tobias had never for once shown her that soft smile of his. He always treated her with a cold and serious expression. I knew our marriage had not begun with love, but a contract. However, from the first moment I met him as a teenager, he took my heart. Tobias William Larsen, a household name in this country. In addition to his excellent look, his intelligent brain made him even more charming. Countless women dreamed of a sweet romance with the perfect heir of Labyrinth yet he married young. And what fascinated the women even more was that he was also a devoted husband. Since his marriage to that mysterious wife, he never had a single scandal. Which woman wouldn't want such a man? But only Amara knew what the truth was. Their marriage was just an adornment to his good name. He needed a stable marriage to build a trustful image to the outside, however, when they were alone together, he wouldn't bother to give her one more glance. She never owned his caring, talk less his love. Tobias' love was only left for that woman. The woman in the photo and his first love, Celestine. And that's what broke Amara. No matter how much she had sacrificed for him, he could feel no love for her. Yet all it took was a smile or a tear from Celestine and he would return to her, regardless of how deeply she had hurt him six years ago. Zooming the photo, Amara tried to search for even a hint of guilt on his face but failed again. Amara knew their marriage would face challenges since Gustavo, Tobias' grandfather, passed away, but she didn't expect it to be so soon. Tobias couldn't wait to get his first love back, even if it would be a blow to his hard-earned reputation. [How does it feel to be left alone on your wedding anniversary?] Suddenly, she received an unfamiliar text message on her cell phone, and from the long-lost and mean tone, Amara didn't have to think to recognize it was from Celestine. [You thought you had won after your pathetic tricks forcing Tobias to leave me, now the old man has gone and no one will be on your side! Let's wait and see, Amara. Your good days are at an end!] [Cherish your last moment as Mrs. Larsen, for it will soon belong to me!] Gritting her teeth, Amara could imagine what a smug expression over on Celestine's face there. How could that b*tch twist the truth so shamelessly? She never forced Tobias to break up with Celestine and it was Celestine herself who abandoned Tobias for a large amount of fortune. She failed Gustavo's test yet blamed all this on her now! How dare her? Amara still remembered what Gustavo told her on his deathbed. The old man wanted her to guard his grandson, to hold on to this marriage. Amara didn't know what Gustavo had seen on her but until the last moment, he still believed that Amara was the only one who could bring Tobias happiness. It was hard for Amara to say no to this kind old man. Gustavo was only the one who treated Amara right in the Larsen family and if he hadn't provided her with a place to stay, Amara would hardly have survived to the day she reunited with her family. Pulling her messy mind back, Amara sent her husband a text. And she was sure Tobias would come home instantly. Within half an hour, her bedroom door was pushed open vigorously by Tobias and what she met was his angry face. Tobias walked over to her and pushed her down on the bed as his hand stripped her nightgown. “Tobias!” She screamed, trying to stop him. She wasn't asking him back to have sex, she called him back just because she wanted a talk. If they were destined to fail Gustavo, she hoped their marriage would end on a decent note. The man above her, however, didn’t bother to respond and instead, he began to nibble on her ear, sucking and biting the sensitive flesh until she was writhing beneath him. “A-ah, Tobias,” she called, her voice coming out breathy as she tried to push him off. He growled, clearly displeased by her attempts, and without hesitation, he pinned her arms above her head, holding her wrists with one hand while the other trailed down her body, pausing only to pinch and play with her sensitive nipples before he moved it further down until he was rubbing the fabric of her underwear. “Ah,” Amara moaned, unable to stop herself. The moment Tobias’s finger brushed her sensitive clitoris, she felt her entire body go stiff. But of course, Tobias didn’t care as he continued to tease her, stroking her sensitive clit until her underwear was soaked and her thighs were quivering. “T-Tobias,” she mewled, her voice filled with the pleasure that was quickly building up inside her, and soon, under the guidance of Tobias’s skillful hands, Amara reached the height of her ecstasy. Panting heavily, Amara barely had enough time to process all that had happened when she felt Tobias’s hard length enter her, stretching her to accommodate his large girth. “Ah,” she moaned, her eyes fluttering shut. Tobias groaned, a deep throaty sound that had her insides clenching and her core throbbing. He buried his head in the crook of her neck, nibbling and sucking the sensitive skin as he pulled his length almost all the way out, before slamming back inside her. Amara moaned and writhed, her hands moving up to grab his hair. She tugged on the soft brown strands, her fingers curling and uncurling. The room was filled with the sound of skin slapping against skin, Amara’s moans, and the bed creaking beneath their weight. And while all this happened, Amara felt her feelings clash. Earlier, she was hurt, irritated, and angered by all of Tobias’s actions, but now, with his warm body covering hers and his large girth buried deep within her, stretching her, making her feel all kinds of pleasure, she couldn’t find the will to stay angry or feel hurt. Rather, she felt loved. It was foolish, but she wanted to believe that maybe, just maybe, Tobias didn’t come home because of the text message she had sent, but because it was their anniversary and he wanted to make her feel loved and wanted. With that thought in mind, she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer and deeper inside her. Tobias groaned, his hips speeding up. Amara cried out, her walls tightening around his length, drawing him in deeper. “To-Tobias, I’m-,” Amara stammered, her breath hitching in her throat as she felt her orgasm approach. “Go ahead, cum.” Tobias growled, his voice low and husky. And then he did something he hadn’t done in a long time, he leaned down and captured her lips in a kiss, inflating whatever hope she had for their marriage. It didn't take long before her entire body tensed, her eyes squeezed shut, her nails dug into his skin, and she reached her climax. Tobias didn’t stop. He kept thrusting, his movements becoming more and more frantic until his own release followed shortly. Spent, he pulled out of her and rolled over, lying on the space beside her. For a moment, the only thing Amara could hear was their combined panting and the sound of their heartbeats. Yet, his very next words felt like a sharp knife stabled to her heart. “We have no need to keep up this shame of a marriage anymore, Amara. Let's divorce.”

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

“What?” Amara finally managed to ask, after a long silence between them. She hoped what she heard before was only some trick played on her by her mind. “You heard me. Now that Grandfather is no longer here I think it’s time we get a divorce.” Tobias answered without missing a beat. “And don't forget, you brought it up first.” Tears streamed down her face and Amara felt hard to breathe. Yes, she mentioned divorce and Grandfather's will in that text message. If they end up divorcing, Amara could get half of his property. But actually, the property was never what Amara wanted. She even planned to return it to him if one day Tobias did find someone worth spending his life with. She just couldn't sit and watch Gustavo's legacy being tainted by someone like Celestine. So she wanted Tobias back and to talk with him. She did choose some words to irritate Tobias on purpose and she had been prepared to take on his wrath. But as soon as he came back, he rode her. He melted her with his dominance. He was the one who wove her with the illusion that there was still hope for their shattering marriage... “You…want a divorce?" Her voice choked. ”Then why did you make love with me just now?” Her voice was full of brokenness as she buried her head in the sheets. The scent of each other still lingered on them, and her thighs still trembling slightly from his passionate thrust before. They were making love like a sweet couple a while ago yet the next second, such cruel words spewed from his lips. “It's only sex." His tone was heartless, completely oblivious to her pain. "Besides, isn't that what you wanted? You did enjoy it but I did that only to tell you the truth, even if my pen*s gets used to your vag*na for the past six years, it doesn't mean I'm in love with you.” His words were like a sharp knife stabbing into her heart. Her face turned pale and her eyes wet. Yes, their sex life was always wonderful and that was also what made her stick with the marriage for so many years. Amara naively assumed that he had at least a bit of feelings for her, or his desire wouldn't be aroused so easily. She once thought it was love. Yet wrong. So wrong. He wanted her only for his needs. She was just a sex doll for him. When his true love came back, she could only be abandoned. "Come on, Amara, don't act like you're an innocent dove. You know how our marriage came! You saved my grandfather and you used this to threaten him. That's why he forced me to marry you. That's the whole truth about our marriage!""No, Tobias! It's not like that!" Amara shook her head desperately. "I didn't threaten grandfather. I married you just because I love you.""Enough! Stop bothering me!" Tobias threw on his trousers and a white shirt, clearly preparing to leave. “I’ll have the divorce documents sent to you as soon as possible, so quietly sign them without kicking up a fuss.” Amara couldn’t believe the words she was hearing. Her eyes fluttered furiously, desperately trying to hold back tears that had gathered in the bottom of her eyes. The scene before Gustavo's death came to her mind. The dying old man put Tobias' and her hands together kindly telling them to love each other and make a happy life. "Amara, my kid, I know you have suffered a lot, but please, please take good care of Tobias for me. I know only you can make it." His last words lingered in her ears, fueling her resolve to have a last try. However, Tobias didn't give her the chance. He flung a black card in her face as he wore his tie without looking back. "Take half of my family property is beyond. Here's 50 million dollars, enough to last you several lifetimes. Take the money and sign the divorce paper obediently, or don't blame me for being rude." With this, he turned and walked out the door. The finality in his stance and movement snuffed out whatever faith Amara left in her. Silently, she sat on the bed, tears streaming down her face. How did she end up like this? If it hadn't been for the car accident, Amara never thought her life would have crossed paths with Tobias. By that chance, she saved the aged Gustavo. To thank her, Gustavo wanted to let his grandson marry her and she never expected his grandson to turn out to be Tobias, her obsession since her teenage. At that moment, she believed she was his destined bride. However, she didn't expect that Tobias already had his first love. Amara had asked Gustavo to withdraw his decision, but the old man desperately confided in her about his cancer and told her that his only wish was to see his grandson happy. Amara could not reject it anymore. On the other side, little did Amara know how much Gustavo had done to make Tobias fall in love with her. He even threatened to make Celestine and her family homeless if Tobias couldn't treat Amara right. No one dared to doubt the word of the man in charge of the family, Celestine literally disappeared from their lives and Tobias accepted their marriage. Tobias was a responsible husband in Amara's eyes. Until last month, he usually returned home on time and dined with her regularly. She still held faith in their marriage until she learned Celestine was back and Tobias spent most of his time with her for the past month. Now, she realized it was all Tobias' revenge on her. Her silent cell phone suddenly rang and it was from her best friend Melanie! She immediately picked up the phone, and Melanie's anxious voice came from the phone. “Amara? Why is Tobias suddenly withdrawing his investment in my company?” Amara immediately realized it was Tobias' threat. He was warning her to divorce! If she refused to sign the papers, he would use Melanie's company as his bargaining chip. Amara couldn't bear it anymore. Never in her life had she been so humiliated. She felt a fire burning inside her! So it was Tobia's true colors! So shameless! There was no more reason for her to stay in this marriage. She believed Gustavo would understand her decision, so she called Tobias at once. Before he could speak, she immediately said, “I agree to the divorce and I won't take any of your disgusting penny! Just prepare the divorce paper! RIGHT NOW!” After saying that, she didn't wait for Tobias to respond and hung up the phone. She immediately edited a text message to reassure Melanie. Even without Tobias, her company wouldn't lack investment. Packing up her things, she left the Larsen Estate. It was only after she felt a tiny wet drop land on her forehead, did she snapped out of her thoughts and took notice of her surroundings. It was raining. Tears flowed down her face, mingling with the rain as the sky seemed to mirror the state of her heart. But not a single sound escaped her lips. She stood there, quietly letting her tears fall, her shoulders slumped, and her hair wet. Suddenly, she felt the rain stop where she stood. She turned and saw the face of a familiar individual, a face ridiculed with concern. “Ms. Crawford,” Xavier, the exclusive butler of the Crawford greeted. Amara didn’t respond. Instead, she let the man wrap a coat around her shoulders, damping out the chill nature of her wet dress, before he continued. “The time limit given was about to expire. It’s time for you to divorce Mr. Larsen and come home to manage the family business." “The Master is calling for your return as the one and only rightful ruler.”

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

“The family business…” Amara muttered, laughing herself bitterly. Well, a powerful Family Group was awaiting her back to manage yet she kept delaying it for someone who wasn't worthy of her love at all. What did Tobias call her? A gold digger? If only he knew what family name she was born to have. The Crawford owed business everywhere in this world. If it weren't for the unexpected shipwreck, her fate would never have intersected with Tobias'. Why should she keep on the wrong way? It was time to back home. Seating into the black GMC Yukon, Amara picked up the call from her grandfather, Elvis Crawford. “Grandfather, good evening.” She politely greeted, dipping her head subtly even though the man couldn’t see her. “Evening Amara,” the old man asked directly. “Have you finally decided to stop playing house?”"Yes," Amara replied firmly, carrying the tone of an elite who had been trained by the finest tutors. "I'll divorce Tobias Larsen and back home soon. But I have a request, I want more time to deal with something here first." The other end of the line was silent after her words, making her palms sweat. Amara scrunched up her face. She just didn't want to disappear like the wind, making Tobias and Celestine think she was defeated. “Please respect my decision Grandfather. I’m not coming home now. I don't want to leave like a loser. I want to build my name here before I go back home." It felt like an eternity passed before Elvis spoke, “You know I especially hate when you disobey me,”“I’m aware Grandfather. I apologize.” She apologetically bored her head, ready to accept whatever words her grandfather would throw at her. She knew she was being willful again. “But you're right, there's no coward in our family. I'll give you a year to stay there as the manager of the London branch." "And in return, you must have raised the company’s profit by thirty percent within a year.”“What?! Grandfather, thirty percent, that’s three billion!”“And? Are you incapable of doing so?”“No.“ “Good. But let me be frank, failure to do so would also have consequences.”“Like?”“I have a close friend of mine whose son is interested in you. I’m sure you both would make a wonderful couple.” Amara’s brows twitched. She understood the meaning in her grandfather’s words perfectly well. “An arranged marriage.”“You were fine with the first one, weren’t you? And let me tell you, unlike that bastard, Ah, I should have him castrated,” Amara chuckled lightly at how her grandfather had trailed off topic. “Unlike that bastard, Elijah is a fine man. He’d treat you well and-“ “That won’t be necessary, Grandfather,” Amara interrupted, politely. “I’ll raise the company’s profit by Thirty percent, and then I won't need this marriage anymore.”“Yes.”“Alright then, Deal.” Amara agreed. “I've done that much for granddaughter, so please, decease from disobeying me once all this has come to an end.”“Yes, grandfather. Thank you.”“Don’t thank me. I have to attend my golf meeting now, rest well.”“Have a nice time, Grandfather.” Just like that, the call ended, leaving Amara alone with her thoughts. One year, thirty percent profit. Don't see her agreeing lightly, and only she herself knew how much pressure this would bring. During the past six years, Amara had abandoned her identity as well as talents only to be Tobias' wife wholeheartedly. But it all turned out to be a worthless daydream. Yes, it was time to wake up. And she was not that generous to forgive everything. "Xavier," she spoke, softly rubbing her temple with her fingers. "Get ready to acquire the cosmetics company of Melanie Woods at once and make sure we're faster than the Larsen.""Yes, my lady," the man in the front seat replied respectfully. "I'll definitely live up to your trust." Amara looked out of the car window and a smile curled on her lips. She knew her new life started. *** “Melanie, what are we doing here?” Staring up at the huge club building in front of her, Amara couldn’t help but feel puzzled. She glanced to her side, finding Melanie who had just finished checking their attendance with the bodyguard, before she continued. “You said we were going out…to celebrate.” Melanie nodded her head. After learning that Amara had decided to divorce Tobias, Melanie couldn't wait to celebrate her best friend being single once again. Amara agreed because being depressed for days over a dick like Tobias wasn’t her thing. But now, staring at the rather flashy club in front of her, Amara was doubting she had made the right decision. “Come on Mara,” Melanie spoke as she pulled her by the wrist and into the club. “Where else did you expect us to go while dressed like this?” The moment Melanie said this, Amara passed by a floor-to-ceiling mirror and caught sight of her dressing for the second time this evening. Knee-length, tight, black leather gown, boots that stopped at her ankle, and a glistening golden necklace that highlighted the curves of her neck exposed by her wavy brown hair which was now pulled up into a tight ponytail. She looked stunning, felt confident, and unlike the unappealing woman who had been married to Tobias for six awful years. And the stares she got the instant she walked into the club told her every bit of that was true. “You’re single now, Amara, we gotta celebrate that. Especially when it’s you that’s dumping that asshole.” Amara chuckled, dryly, while Melanie ordered a third drink. She really admired her friend's hostility towards Tobias. It was on a whole other level, unlike her half-assed one. “Four shots of whiskey for the two beautiful ladies.” The bartender announced as he came back with the drinks Melanie had ordered. When he placed them down, Amara sent the man an innocent smile that had him blushing like a high school geek. “Even the bartender has it out for you,” Melanie commented as she picked up the first shot and downed it, soon urging Amara to do the same. “Just celebrate the single life, Mara!” She cheered after their second shot, immediately hopping off the stool, pulling Amara with her in the process, and rushing into the dance floor. Amara could only but chuckle at her friend's optimistic attitude. Melanie was clearly determined to see her have fun. And she was having fun, despite her gloomy mood, she had managed to keep a smile on her face the whole night. But clearly, the universe had other plans for her. As Amara and Melanie danced and swayed on the dance floor, a tall, lean individual dressed in a suit stepped into the club, beside him was a blonde beauty that quickly caught the eyes of many men in the club. “Toby, where do you want to seat?” Celestine asked as she wrapped her arms around his upper arm, acting innocent as she pressed her chest against his arm. “Wherever is fine,” Tobias responded, seemingly not disturbed by her actions. Celestine didn’t like that, but she knew better than to complain, because the moment she did so, or tried any harder, Tobias was sure to notice the shift in her innocent demeanor. “How about there?” She pointed to a spot beyond the dance floor. Tobias followed the direction of her finger, but suddenly, something, no, someone caught his attention.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

At the center of the dance floor was a familiar figure, dressed in a provocative black dress, swaying her hips to the rhythm of the music while laughing at the attention her current dance partner, a male in his late twenties, was showering her with. Even though she looked noticeably different, seductive, alluring, and far from the usual humble aura she usually gave, Tobias had no trouble recognizing her. His wife. And the longer Tobias watched HIS wife shower in the attention of another man, the more irritated he grew. “You can go on ahead.” He said without glancing at Celestine as he walked off, leaving her standing on her own. “Tob-,” Celestine was cut short, as Tobias had already walked away, his gaze focused on a particular figure, dancing on the dance floor. He wasn't aware of how fast his strides were or how harshly his fist clenched. He wasn’t aware of any of it until he found himself in front of his wife, and the man who had had his hands all over her for the past two minutes. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” He snarled, his hand clamping tightly around her wrist and pulling her away from the man. Amara was more than surprised to suddenly see Tobias. But the way he had pulled her, coupled with the tone of voice he had used, had her temper rising. “Let go!” She demanded with a glare after he had succeeded in pulling her off the dance floor and away from her dance partner. But Tobias wasn’t the least bit fazed. Instead, he simply tightened his grip, making her wince in pain. “What the hell do you think you’re doing here? Engaging publicly with another man while you’re still married to me? Don’t you have any sense of shame?” Any sense of shame? How dare this fcking bastard talk about that to her? When he was the shameless one who betrayed their marriage first! If Amara wasn’t as angry as she was, she’d have laughed. She forcefully freed her wrist from his hold before fixing him with a glare. “You’re quite funny Tobias. The last time I checked, you were the one who wanted a divorce. And might I point out that a few days ago, you also shamelessly ‘engaged’ with another woman, my dearest husband?" "So please, save your preaching for someone who hasn’t seen your true colors.” Amara sneered and turned to leave but Celestine appeared. “Toby, there you are-“ Her attention was quickly snagged by Amara and her eyes went wide upon seeing how she was dressed. “A-Amara? What are doing here?”“And how’s that any of your business?” Amara sneered, not bothering to hide the disgust in her voice. Celestine flinched. “I was simply-,”“I didn’t ask for your opinion.” Silencing the wench, Amara turned her attention back to Tobias. “And you-” He couldn’t help but narrow his eyes at the disdain in her voice as she addressed him so rudely. “I suggest you don’t try to stick your nose into my business. We may be a married couple now, but in a few days,” She snapped her finger. “It’d all be over." "So focus more on your mistress, and not the person you’ll be divorcing.”“A-Amara,” Celestine cut in with a coy tone to her voice. “Please don’t misunderstand, Tobias and I aren’t together…” Turning to Tobias, Celestine was practically glued to him, feigning kindness as she spoke. “Toby, please don’t be angry at Amara, she’s simply overwhelmed and confused." "It should be a normal reaction seeing that as soon as you divorce her and she moves out of the sheltered doors of the Larsen home, she’d no longer have someone to fund her lifestyle. So it’s normal for her to look for a man to fund her lifestyle.”“Sheltered doors? Fund my lifestyle?” Amara repeated with a chuckle. “Oh, that’s a new one, Celestine.”“But she isn’t wrong, is she?” Tobias asked, his eyes narrowed and his voice cold as ice. Sure, he had no feelings for her, but that didn’t mean he was fine with his wife sleeping around for penny change and potentially soiling his name. Amara’s brows creased at his reaction. Whenever Celestine was around, he had no brain to think wisely. “Mind your own business, both you and your little slut.” Amara didn't want to waste time with them anymore but Tobias gripped her hand again. “Are you doing this only to challenge me? I see, you're doing all these just because I refused to give you no penny?" "Well, fifty million pounds, I’ll pay you that as divorce compensation, as long as you apologize to me and Celestine. Right this instant!” His words were so arrogant and irritating that her lips curled upwards, a smile coming on her face, but the coldness in her eyes could rival the chill in Tobias’s. “Arrogant, aren’t you?” She smirked. “Well, I’d have to bust that bubble of yours.” Taking a step forward, she raised her head and looked her husband dead in the eyes. “I already filed for a divorce, Tobias, and I’m going to make sure that I get every single penny I deserve." "So trust me, your fifty million is nothing in my eyes. I will never bow to you and your bitch!”

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

Tobias couldn't believe his ears. Amara, the woman who had claimed to love him for the past 6 years and always stuck to him like gum, had filed for a divorce even before he could. This fact kept disturbing him. He was the one meant to file for a divorce! And not the gentle wife he remembered! "You're really testing my patience, Amara." He threatened, eyes cold and voice colder. " you know what I'm capable of.""It's not a test, Tobias. It's a fact that is about to happen," Amara retorted, not at all intimidated by his words and demeanor. "So you're sure you want to go against me, is that it?" Tobias said dangerously. "What are you gonna do? Destroy me, ruin my reputation, destroy Melanie's business, or something along the lines of that?"Amara laughed coldly. Without waiting for Tobias to speak, Amara warned him."I dare you, Tobias. Try to lay even a finger on the people I hold dare and you'll see just how that'd turn out." Tobias looked at Amara's cold gaze, as if he was looking at a stranger. Was this really the wife who had served him for six years by his side? Or she was a disguised viper from the beginning? Over the past six years, she had just been pretending! Pretending to gain his grandfather's sympathy, and after his grandfather passed away, her true colors were exposed. Thinking of this, Tobias' eyes darkened further. "Grandpa has passed away. So you've decided to tear off your mask now?""There's a difference between shedding skin and becoming the real me. Try me and I'll show you just who the real me is.""Amara looked at him and said coldly. "Amara...please don't be angry. If you're willing to tell us who the man you fell for is, I think Tobias would definitely agree to give you more compensation," Celeste interjected. Upon hearing Celeste's words, Tobias immediately thought of something. He grabbed Amara's arm, his expression darkening as he said, "So you think you've found yourself a new sugar daddy, and that's why you're defying me?" Amara shot Celeste, that vile snake, a fierce glare, but she didn't care what Tobias thought. If this could make him agree to the divorce faster, she was willing to play the villain. She shook off Tobias' grip on her arm and said coldly, "It has nothing to do with you. I've already signed the divorce agreement. Now, take your whore and leave! Don't ruin my mood!" After saying that, Amara pushed past them and went to find Melanie, who was conveniently walking over from the booth, having likely noticed the commotion. She didn't hesitate to give Tobias and Celestine a nasty look as she asked. "What are they doing here?" "I don't care and I don't wanna know. Come on Mel, let's go elsewhere, I can't stand the air being polluted by the stench of sluts and assholes." Without saying another word, or looking back at Tobias, Amara took Melanie's hand and walked off. Only after she had walked away did Tobias clench his jaws and allow the impact of all her words show on his face and might I tell you, he did not look pleased in the least bit. "Toby?" Celestine gently called out, wanting to snap his attention away from staring at where Amara had stood. But Tobias was having none of it. He was pissed, irritated, and enraged beyond words. Who was Amara to treat him like she just had done? File a divorce against him? And even threaten him? Just the mere thought of what she had done had him seething and without hesitation, he fished out his phone and dialed the number of his assistant. The line only rang for a few seconds before his assistant, Dean, answered the line. "Yes Sir?" "Have you gathered the necessary documents needed to ensure a smooth purchase of the Woodlands Cosmetics?" He asked. "...about that Sir," Came Dean's answer, voice filled to the brim with hesitation. Tobias narrowed his eyes, feeling his temper rising. “What’s the issue, Dean? Can't you even handle this little thing?” “The acquisition could have been completed smoothly today, but...Ms. Woods had sold the business to someone mysterious and I'm still trying to get in touch with the one.” “Enough. Send me the necessary information I need regarding the business group that now holds the Woodlands’ rights.” He demanded. “Y-yes Sir. Immediately.” Once Tobias was done with the call, he was marching towards the exit, ignoring Celestine who had called out to him. Just as he stepped out of the club, he caught sight of her wavy brown hair and black gown, back facing him as she stood alone in front of a black GMC Yukon. Beside her was an old man, dressed in a well-tailored suit and he handed Amara a thin object, which Tobias quickly identified as a premium black card. He was more than sure that Celestine’s words were true. It was no wonder she rejected the fifty million. Amara had gotten herself a sugar daddy! How dare she! She's still wearing the title of his wife! Tobias wanted to confront Amara but the car drove off before he could get her. Well, if she thought she was going to get away with her dirty deeds, then she had another thing coming. For the second time this night, Tobias pulled out his phone. Except the person who he called wasn’t his assistant, but rather a private investigator. “Mr. Larsen,” The person answered. “I want a detailed file on Amara Miller, everything, her current lifestyle, where she has been to, who she’s been in contact with, and what she’s been up to. "You have twenty-four hours to get that file to me or else you can say goodbye to the life you’ve built here in London.” “Y-yes sir!”“Good.” With that, Tobias ended the call and stared darkly at where the car had been. His wife might think she’s gotten away with cheating, but soon enough, she was going to regret her decision.

Chapter 6 Chapter 6

It had been several days since Amara sent the divorce paper but there was still no response. Pacing in front of the window, Amara called her attorney Philip. "Hasn't Larsen signed it yet?""My apologies, Ms. Crawford," Philip sighed at the other end. "I have urged the side of Mr.Larsen but they just ignored us. I am applying for court procedures for you but we have also encountered resistance. The judge suggests that you should communicate with Mr. Larsen first." Hearing this, Amara chuckled out of anger. What was Tobias doing now? He was the first to ask for a divorce, and now she was giving him what he wanted, yet he started to obstruct her in every possible way. What's wrong with him?!! Taking a deep breath, Amara calmed herself. Since he wanted to play, she could play. "I understand, Philip. I'll meet Larsen later." Amara picked up her handbag, heading to Tobias' company, Labyrinth. She had barely walked through the revolving doors when she heard a rather familiar voice ring out from behind her. “Amara?” Against her better judgment, Amara turned around and met the two annoying faces. Fiona and Giselle Larsen, Tobias' sister and mother. And the extra reason for her pain in this marriage. Fiona and Giselle never liked Amara as they believed an "orphan" girl like her never matched a perfect man like Tobias. “What the hell are you doing here, girl?” Giselle asked as she matched forward and forcefully seized Amara’s wrist. She looked her over before scoffing. “And dressed like a maid? Do you want to disgrace my son?” Dressed like a maid? Amara didn’t really think the dress she had on, a pair of blue waist-high jeans, a white inner and stripe-colored cardigan, were clothes befitting of a maid. But oh well, this is Giselle Larsen speaking, the woman would go to any length to diminish Amara. Except this time around, Amara wasn’t going to stand by and listen to her words. Forcefully, she freed her hand, surprising both Giselle and Fiona. “I’d watch my mouth if I were you.” Her words, cold and disrespectful to Giselle’s ears, had the woman's eyes going wide and blinking in surprise. Had Amara just talked back to her? And in such a manner at that?! “Look at this poor rude thing!” she barked. “Have you forgotten where you stand in my son's life? How dare you be so arrogant to me?” Amara remained silent, but the cold glare she fixed both mother and daughter with was enough to piss them off. “This bitch seems to forget what miserable life she should have,” Fiona sneered, tanzanite eyes shining with hatred. “If it wasn't Grandpa who had taken her in, how could she be alive until today?”“Leave, now,” Giselle demanded, her daughter's words reminded her of some unhappy memories. "Don’t bother pestering my son. Stay home, or else I’ll ask my son to divorce-” “That won’t be necessary,” Amara interrupted. She held up the brown envelope. “Once this is signed, I'll have nothing to do with you Larsen guys. I won't give you any glance even if you beg to.” “What?!” Fiona and Giselle exchanged looks filled with disbelief. How dare Amara file for divorce? Before either of them could get the opportunity to question Amara, the revolving doors spun around, and out came several bodyguards in black; in the middle of them, guarded like a national treasure, were Tobias and a middle-aged man. “What's going on here?” Tobias creased his brows when he noticed some figures stuck in the way. With Timothy Carson, his valuable client, beside him, he didn't want anyone or anything to ruin his business. The sound of his voice had all the women turning in his direction. And at the sight of Amara, Tobias felt a sense of victory swell in his chest. See? All he had done was a little trick and she would come and surrender. Her sugar daddy was just some nouveau richer with no gut to challenge him. “This woman is crazy, brother,” Fiona spoke up before anyone could. Her voice was so loud that it seemed like she was trying to explain the situation to an entire team rather than one person. "She said she's here to divorce you! How ridiculous!" Tobias' face darkened at once. Amara approached him with her head high, handing him the divorce papers as soon as she was right in front of him. “Do you think I’d come here, to beg you?” Amara chuckled. “You’re not the world’s ace, so I suggest you climb down your high horse, and oh, while you’re at it, don’t forget to show up for the court hearing.” Tobias’s eyes twitched, clearly annoyed. Scoffing at his rather readable expression, Amara turned back around and marched to leave. However, Giselle suddenly caught her and slapped her. "How dare you bitch speak to my son like that?!" This slap was delivered with full force. Amara felt a stinging pain on her face. She looked at Tobias, whose disapproving gaze was fixed on his mother, but he just stood there, not stepping forward to defend her. "Slap!" Without a second thought, Amara slapped Giselle back. She had considered telling Tobias about how Giselle and Fiona had humiliated and abused her before. However, Tobias had always been indifferent towards her. She worried he would dislike her even more if she did so. 'He's never going to stand up for me. I have to protect myself!' Amara realized it bitterly. "Amara! What the hell are you doing!" Tobias yelled angrily. He believed this was the first time his mother had ever hit Amara. How could Amara hurt his mother? "This is just the first time I've fought back. Compared to the humiliation I've endured before, she still owed me a lot," Amara said with a cold laugh, her gaze unflinching. "You mean, my mother often hit you before?" Tobias frowned. He knew his mother disliked Amara, but he believed his mother was a kind-hearted woman. She may regard Amara as a gold-digger and be cold to her, but she would never lay a finger on Amara. "You bitch! How dare you hit my mom!" Fiona wanted to cover the truth, so she shrieked and tried to slap Amara again, but Tobias grabbed her arm. "Enough! We're in the office! Do you want the employees to see our family's embarrassment?!" "Brother, you're actually defending Amara? This crazy woman hit Mom, we should send her to jail!" Fiona roared, waving her arms, still wanting to scratch Amara's face. "Security!" Tobias called for security. His business partner, Timothy Carson, was still present. He wouldn't let his partner use this as leverage to lower prices. "Mr. Larsen, is this how you manage your family? Letting your mother and sister bully your wife?" Timothy Carson, who had been quietly watching, finally frowned. He had recognized Amara at first glance. Her grandfather was his good friend. Although Amara had been missing for six years, he still recognized her instantly because his friend always mentioned her. But he guessed his friend never imagined his beloved granddaughter - Amara - would end up in such a miserable marriage. Did the Larsen family know what they were doing? Who gave them the audacity to bully the only daughter of the Crawford family? If Elvis Crawford knew about this, he would tear them apart! "No wonder this lady wants to divorce you," Timothy snorted. "I need to reconsider our partnership with your company." His words made Fiona and Giselle panic, their faces frozen in shock as they nervously looked at Tobias, whose face turned pale. Tobias was displeased that his business partner was interfering in his family matters, but he recalled Amara's words. He looked at his mother and sister. "Leave here right now, or I'll cut off your financial resources." Giselle and Fiona kept cursing Amara as a bitch and left in anger. Amara swas confused about why Tobias defended her. Perhaps, he only cared about the company's reputation. Recalling her purpose for coming here, Amara said to Tobias, "Don't forget to attend the hearing on Monday morning. Besides that, I don't want to see anyone from the Larsen family. Not even a minute." As Amara was about to leave, Tobias grabbed her arm. Seeing the clear handprint on her cheek, a flicker of guilt passed through him. He said in a fake nice tone, "Go to my office, there's ointment there." "No need," Amara brushed off Tobias' hand coldly. "Please drop the act. The only thing you need to do is to finalize our divorce!" After that, she left without waiting for Tobias to respond. "Amara...where are you going? Need a ride?" Timothy called as she stood by the road. Amara immediately recognized her grandfather's old friend. But she declined his kindness, asking Timothy not to tell her grandfather about her ordeal. Her car arrived, and as soon as she got in, she hacked into Tobias' computer with her phone. Then she used Tobias' email to send that intimate photo of him and Celestine to an entertainment newspaper. She was certain Tobias would agree to the divorce after this. —— In the office, Tobias stared at the divorce agreement. She didn't want a single penny from him, which surprised the lawyer who reviewed it. However, he believed things wouldn't be that simple. He dialed the number of his private investigator, James. The phone was answered immediately. “Sir?”“Your twenty-four hours expired yesterday as of nine p.m. James. Are you testing my patience or have you just grown tired of the things you’ve built here in London?”“N-no. It’s nothing like that, Mr. Larsen. Please forgive me for not calling sooner, but…” James hesitated. “But?”“I… ran into a little trouble while gathering data on Mrs. Larsen-“ “What trouble did you run into?”“The more serious data of Ms. Amara is being heavily guarded!” James quickly admitted. Tobias couldn’t stop his brows from creasing. “What?”“It’s just as you heard, Mr. Larsen. Some mysterious power is protecting the information of Ms. Larsen. But don’t worry Mr. Larsen, I can-“ Tobias hung up before James could finish what he was saying and slammed his phone down on the table. Incompetent! He thought. All of them were fucking incompetent. Give them one job and they fucking fail at it! The entire thing was starting to get on his nerves. Failing to acquire Melanie’s company and now information on Amara. He glanced at the brown envelope on his table, containing the contents of his divorce papers and glared at it. Everything was getting on his fucking nerves. Why did things keep going wrong after he asked for a divorce? “How much have you been fcking hiding from me, Amara?!”