novelxo Chapter 1
On a pitch-black night in a s**s room, a tired woman climbed out of bed. She opened the desk drawer, pulled out some papers and a pen, and handed them over. With her lips slightly swollen, she spoke softly. “You have an early business trip Tomorrow, so just sign here so you don’t forget.”
At first glance, it seemed like just another important but routine document. But at the top were two chilling words-Divorce Agreement
The man, just getting out of bed, still had his chest exposed, showing faint scratches from her. But his expression quickly returned to its usual calmness. He glanced at the agreement and signed it without hesitation. Tll give you 200 million dollars,” he said coolly
The woman, Natalie Guzman, was taken aback, and then let out a light laugh. “No need. We agreed on a clean break.
“A woman’s ten years are worth 200 million dollars, the man, Tobias Reese, persisted.
Natalie thought about it, realizing how quickly time had passed. Ten years had slipped away in an instant. She and Tobias had entered this marriage as a contract. When she came home with him, she became his fiancée.
The first thing Tobias had told her was they could never truly be together. If she wanted to be part of the Reese family, she had to sign an agreement-basically a contract to leave the family after ten years.
For those ten years, they acted like a couple in front of their family, but in public, they stayed strangers. Wherever he was, she couldn’t be found, as stated in the agreement. Now that the ten years were over, everything was finally finished,
Natalie snapped back to reality. She had just set the divorce agreement down and was heading to the shower when Tobias swept her off her feet, carrying her back to bed. After years together, she instantly knew what he wanted. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she playfully complained, I’m tired. Can we just sleep tonight?”
“Last time,” he murmured as he leaned down to kiss her. His cold voice held a hint of passion that was nearly impossible to resist
As her fingers brushed against his toned abs, she thought, ‘It is the last time; I might as well enjoy it. Sensing her giving in. Tobias grew bolder. That night stretched on longer than any other.
When Natalie woke up the next day, she immediately regretted what happened last night. Her body ached all over, feeling like a freight truck had run over her. But it was the last time, she reminded herself. Glancing at the divorce agreement still on the table, she saw his name already signed.
Just then, her phone rang. It was T**s’s assistant, Jack Williams. “Mrs. Reese, Mr. Reese asked me to take care of the divorce agreement. Are you free today!” Jack asked politely.
“I’m free. Come over now, Natalie replied. She took an hour to freshen up and pack her bags. After that, she sat up straight on the couch. Soon, Jack arrived, pulling out another copy of the agreement. It looked just like the one Tobias showed her with an extra clause for 200 million dollars. He had signed it too
“Mr. Reese said to use this agreement; could you please sign it again?” Jack said respectfully Natalie smiled lightly. “No need, I prefer this one for a clean break. Just help us notarize it.”
Jack was surprised. Having worked with Tobias for years, he knew that Natalie didn’t have a steady job and had been staying at home, lacking social skills. If she went without any financial support, he figured she could not manage to live. He couldn’t help but say, “Mrs. Reese, are you sure you don’t want this money?”
I’ve made it clear I don’t want it. That hasn’t changed. By the way, stop calling me ‘Mrs. Reese.”
Jack had pictured various emotional reactions from Natalie-maybe she would be sad to let go or excited to get the money but he didn’t expect her to be so calm and composed, especially since she had already packed her bags…
“Ms. Guzman, you might want to think this over. It’s a lot of money.”
Just then, her phone rang again. Natalie glanced at it and said, “There’s nothing to think about. I have things to do, so I’m leaving now.” With that, she stylishly dragged her suitcase out, leaving a stunned Jack behind.
Not long after, Jack’s phone rang too. It was Tobias. “Is everything handled?” he asked through the line.
The cold voice brought Jack back to reality as he replied, “It’s mostly done.”
“If she’s having second thoughts, just give her the villa. Tobias paused for a moment. “After all, she has been with me for ten years. It won’t hurt to give a little extra.”
Jack felt a bit awkward saying it, but he still told the truth. “Ms. Guzman didn’t ask for anything.”
Tobi**s’s voice turned icy. “Ms. Guzman? You changed your address pretty quickly.”
“Ms. Guzman asked that.” Jack swallowed hard, sensing that Tobias wasn’t happy. He expected Tobias to say more, but when he looked back, he realized the call had disconnected without him noticing.
Meanwhile as soon as Natalie left the villa, she got into a car that had been waiting outside. The man inside handed her a bouquet of flowers with a charming smile. “Boss, congratulations on finishing your mission! Welcome back to being single!”
Natalie’s expression was cold, almost like it was her natural state. “Yeah.”
Finch Harold, who had secretly been Natalie’s aide, was always careful around her. “We’re throwing a big party tonight! Come have some fun with us!”
“I’m busy,” she replied flatly.
“Alright then.” Finch shrugged. “I thought you’d want to celebrate. After all, you didn’t even come out with us when you were married. I thought- His tone had a hint of probing.
Natalie shot him a brief, cool glance. “Let’s not talk about marriage anymore; that’s in the past. I just don’t like parties. They’re a waste of time. It’s better to focus on real work.”
Finch let out a tiny sigh of relief. “Got it. I just thought you’d have gotten used to…” He stopped himself before mentioning her marriage again.
Natalie wasn’t too bothered. They had been together for ten years; it was normal for her team to bring him up from time to time. Eventually, they wouldn’t. She had only joined the Reese family because it was a task she needed to complete. Now that it was over, there really wasn’t much to reminisce about.
The image of that cold, icy man crossed her mind for a moment, and she let out a soft chuckle. At least he was good-looking and had a high status; she didn’t lose out there. Ending things on good terms was the best outcome for both of them.