Chapter 1

"Robert, here's the divorce papers. I already signed 'em. Just pass 'em to Leopold," Agnes Tudor said, pushing the papers towards Robert Jones.

Robert glanced over the papers and let out a big sigh. "Agnes, what the hell are you doing? I understand why you want a divorce, given that you haven't seen Mr. Neville in three years. But why the heck are you not taking any property?"

Agnes, just a college kid with no parents, was already making a dumb move by divorcing now, so why did she give up any property?

Agnes scratched her head awkwardly, not hiding anything from Robert, who was like a dad to her. "I wanna drop out of school."

Robert was shocked. "Agnes, why would you wanna drop out? Got any problems?"

"No, no, Robert, don't overthink it. You know I hate studying, so I don't wanna waste time," Agnes said.

Dropping out was just a cover story to keep Robert off her back. The real reason was her secret.

Also, tomorrow marked exactly three years of her marriage to Leopold Neville.

She had her whole life ahead and didn't want this sham marriage holding her back.

A husband she never met—nothing to miss. Plus, the marriage was just her parents' doing.

"Looks like your mind's made up. Alright, I'll give it to Mr. Neville tomorrow," Robert said.

"Thanks, Robert." Agnes sighed in relief and flashed a sweet smile.

Robert stood up, looking serious. "Agnes, Mr. Neville's a good guy. I think you two are a good match, so I hope you'll think it over. If you change your mind, call me anytime."

A good match with Leopold? When Agnes got their marriage certificate, Leopold was abroad having dinner with the president. He didn't even show up; the certificate was done without him. Their wedding photo was photoshopped.

He'd shown over three years he didn't want to marry her either, so what was the point of being a good match?

Pulling her thoughts back, Agnes took a deep breath. "I..." She'd made up her mind, but to keep Robert from worrying, she changed her words to "Okay."

Robert didn't hear from Agnes until the next afternoon. Frustrated, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number: "Mr. Neville, I got a document that needs your signature."

"What document?" Leopold's voice was cold.

Robert hesitated. "A divorce agreement."

Leopold paused his work.

If it hadn't been for Robert's reminder, he even wouldn't have remembered he had a wife.

"Leave the agreement in my office. I'll be back in Lumina City in a couple of days," Leopold said.

"Yes, Mr. Neville," Robert replied.

Meanwhile, as night fell in Lumina City, an increasing number of young people flocked to the Blue Night Bar.

In Private Room 501, dozens of bottles of beer, whiskey, champagne, and an array of snacks were scattered across the table.

For her birthday, Agnes wore a rare, super girly light pink lace dress. Everyone whipped out their phones, wanting pics with her.

After finally escaping the phone-wielding crowd, Agnes happily clinked glasses with a dozen classmates. The birthday gifts they gave her filled a whole corner of the room.

Slightly tipsy, Justin Smith, arm around another classmate, was belting out, "And then a hero comes along, with the strength to carry on..."

The high-pitched voice made several girls cover their ears.

"Yo, cut the singing for a sec. Let's play a game," Bella Brown, the straight-shooter of the group, hollered at the two wannabe rock stars.

Bella was the oldest in Agnes's dorm and always knew how to get the party going.

After Bella's shout, the room finally quieted down. A dozen guys and gals gathered around two long tables, all eyes on Bella.

Bella was the queen of fun!

"Truth or Dare!" Bella announced with a sly grin.

Everyone rolled their eyes. "Bella, we've played this game too many times. It's so boring." Justin sneered. He'd already toned down his usual antics in this party, and now they were playing such a boring game!

Bella shot him a look. "It's Agnes's twenty-first birthday. Let's make it spicy!" She grinned meaningfully.

Since they were all students, no one had any bad intentions. In the past, the dares were just goofy stuff like singing high-pitched songs, piggybacking a friend, or performing a duet with someone.

The first dare kicked off with everyone buzzing. Bella glanced at Agnes, who was staring at her wine, and gave a knowing look to the group. They got the hint. "The loser has to go out and kiss the first person of the opposite sex they see! On the lips! If you chicken out, you gotta down ten shots of whiskey!"

The room buzzed with excitement. This dare was way more thrilling. Justin chuckled, knowing the group's intentions.

After a round of rock-paper-scissors, all eyes landed on a bewildered Agnes.

Seeing her scissors and Bella's rock with a mischievous grin, Agnes knew she was toast!

"Bella, I hate you!" Agnes whined, thinking about the dare. She was already tipsy and couldn't handle ten more shots!

Amid the laughter, everyone watched Agnes wobble to the door. After a deep breath, she opened it.

Turn right to the first guy she saw.

Standing there was a tall dude, Leopold, in a simple white shirt tucked into black dress pants. He had shiny black leather shoes and was stepping elegantly on the carpet.

Leopold's deep eyes, thick eyebrows, high nose bridge, and perfectly shaped lips screamed nobility and elegance.

But his eyes were cold and indifferent, making Agnes hesitate.

"Whoa, what a hottie. Agnes, go for it! We're all watching!" Bella, hiding by the door, whispered. The guy looked familiar, but where had she seen him before?

Hearing Bella's urging, Agnes took a deep breath and, ignoring his intense vibe, and blocked Leopold's way.

Up close, she felt like she'd seen Leopold somewhere before. But she shook off the thought.

Boldly, she walked up to Leopold, smiled slightly, and stood on tiptoe to wrap her arms around his neck. His pleasant scent filled her senses.

Leopold, about to make a call, was stopped by Agnes.

Feeling her sudden approach, he frowned slightly.

But why did Agnes's eyes look so familiar?

Taking advantage of his moment of thought, Agnes gently kissed Leopold's slightly cold lips.