Chapter 1 2819 five " There'll be a welcome party for Kendrick at 9 PM . You coming ? " When she received the WhatsApp message from her bestie , Dianna Mooney , Silvana Mendoza was still working overtime in the studio . She had a difficult client who still wasn't satisfied after eight revisions , and she'd already been burning the midnight oil for half a month . As her eyes fell on the screen , she froze . Kendrick Villarreal was back ? She instinctively checked her phone , but there were no texts or calls from him . So , it wasn't that she'd been too busy to notice - no one had told her . Her joy was soon replaced by disappointment . " Sorry to break it to you , Silvy , but Christina will be there too . " Silvana stared at Dianna's second message for a long moment , her lips curving into a wry , self - mocking smile . Not only was she the last to know her husband had returned - she was also the last to know about Christina Walter . " Have fun . I'll pass . " After replying , Silvana turned off the lights , locked the door , and left the studio . *** Silvana returned to Serenity Estates well past midnight . After showering , she went to bed . She had just fallen asleep when Kendrick came home . Being a light sleeper , she was woken even though he didn't make a loud noise . 0.00 % 15 5103 Chapter 1 288 Vouchers Kendrick was sitting on the sofa smoking , smelling the reek of alcohol . A few of his shirt buttons were undone , revealing his pale skin and the faint outline of his toned abs . He knitted his brows , his features sharp and chiseled . His Adam's apple bobbed as he puffed smoke , creating a contradictory air of both restrained desire and raw , unrestrained allure . " You're back . " At the sound of her voice , he looked up at her lazily and gave a slight nod . His gaze was indifferent , as if she were a total stranger . You drank this much as soon as you got back ? Have you forgotten you have a sensitive stomach ? Don't binge drink again , okay ? " she cooed , her voice full of concern . With that , she turned to pour him a glass of honey water . But instead of taking it , he merely pointed to the table , motioning for her to set it down . " Ken ... " " Let's get a divorce , " he cut her off while pinching the bridge of his nose , the light and shadow carving out the sharp lines of his face . Silvana's chest tightened . Refusing to believe it , she swallowed hard and remained silent . " I'll compensate you financially . If you have any other requests , just name them . " She appeared calm , though her breathing was ragged . " No. I don't have any requests . " He frowned at her , his expression dubious . " You don't ? " " No , " she repeated , her voice soft yet firm , " I don't . " " Is there anything else you want to say to me ? " he asked . 22.77 % 15 52 Chapter 1 " No. " 1 Her composure was unnerving - from her expression to her voice . Surprised at her reaction , Kendrick couldn't help but add , " I thought you'd make a scene . " " I won't . " She had always known that forced love was a losing game . Clinging to a husband who didn't love her was pathetic , and she would never stoop so low . In truth , she had always had a feeling . From the moment she had married him , she had known this day would come . But it had come sooner than she'd anticipated . A rather abrupt end to their three - year marriage . " Conrad will bring you the divorce agreement tomorrow . If you have any questions , feel free to ask him . " She nodded . " Alright . " She glanced at his expression , then rose and fetched another glass of honey water . Setting it before him , she said gently , " Try not to drink so much . " With that , she returned to the bedroom and closed the door . Soon after , she heard the front door open and close . Kendrick was gone . She gritted her teeth so hard she could almost hear them grinding . A sharp pain tightened her chest , and a lump formed in her throat , making her breathless . She pulled out her phone and checked Instagram , only to see the latest post from a few of Kendrick's friends . It was a series of photos , but two people stood out - Kendrick and a young , beautiful woman . It was none other than Christina - the one who had been his salvation during his darkest times as a teenager . AB 61 % 15:52 Chapter 1 11 288 Vouchers As for Silvana , she had taken advantage of his vulnerability to claim a position that was never rightfully hers . Now that the right woman had returned , it was time for her to sensibly step away . *** The next day , Silvana was working in her studio when she received the divorce agreement . She flipped to the last page and signed it , not reading a single clause . Kendrick's lawyer , Conrad Vargas , couldn't help but suggest , " Mrs. Villarreal , don't you want to take a look ? What if ... " " He's always been generous . I'm sure he won't shortchange me . Besides , even if he had the intention , there's little I could do against the Legal Department you represent . " Handing the papers back to Conrad , she reminded him gently , " By the way , Mr. Vargas , I'm no longer Mrs. Villarreal . " Conrad offered a professional smile in response . Now that his task was complete , he made some small talk before preparing to leave . Just then , Silvana called out , " Mr. Vargas , wait . " " Yes ? " After a moment of serious thought , she said , " I'll be on a business trip in a few days . Could you please ask Kendrick if he has time to finalize the divorce at the courthouse tomorrow or the day after ? " " That fast ? " Conrad was genuinely surprised . " I'm not sure . Mr. Villarreal didn't specify ... " It seemed Silvana was more eager to finalize the divorce than Kendrick was . " Please ask him for me , will you ? " 74.43 %