(Scarlett's POV)

An uncontrollable wave of disgust surged through me. I bit down hard on Sebastian's sexy thin lips, tasting the metallic tang of blood. He jerked his head back, his deep blue eyes flashing with confusion and anger.

"What the hell-"

When he tried to lean down and kiss me again, I used every ounce of strength to push away this mountain of a man pressing down on me. I stared at the face that had made my heart skip a beat when we first met three years ago. All those efforts I'd made to warm this cold stone of a heart suddenly felt utterly exhausting.

I was done compromising in this one-sided marriage.

I reached out, my fingers tracing his sharp jawline one last time with lingering affection. Then I spoke, my voice calm but resolute.

"Sebastian, I want a divorce."

The word "divorce" drained all the lust from Sebastian's face instantly. His usual cold arrogance returned like armor sliding into place. He sat up, his naked torso tense with muscle, putting distance between us. His back turned to me as he spoke with icy disdain.

"What the hell is wrong with you now, Scarlett?"

My gaze fell on his broad shoulders, where a glaring lipstick stain marked his skin like a brand. My heart twisted with fresh pain. I took a deep breath.

"I saw the iMessage thread between you and that woman," I said quietly. "Is the baby she's carrying yours?"

Sebastian didn't even bother lying. He turned his head, his eyes cold and indifferent.

"Yes. We're having a child."

No guilt. No shame. No apology. Just a simple statement of fact that shattered what little hope I had left.

"Then we're getting divorced," I said again, fighting back tears. "This marriage was just a business arrangement anyway. No feelings involved. We should cut our losses."

Sebastian's laugh was harsh and bitter.

"You're right-no feelings involved. Which is exactly why you should be rational about accepting Serena's existence."

I stared at him in disbelief.

"I can promise you," he continued, his tone matter-of-fact, "no matter how many women I have outside this marriage, you'll always be the legitimate mistress of the Sterling family. She'll never threaten your social status."

The sheer audacity of his words hit me like a physical blow. As a daughter of the Miller family, I would never accept some open marriage arrangement. I would never tolerate a bastard child potentially inheriting what should be mine.

"Are you insane?" I whispered.

"I'm being practical," Sebastian replied coolly. "This is how the world works, Scarlett. Grow up."

Before I completely lost control, I stormed out of the bedroom. When I returned moments later, I was carrying a divorce settlement I'd drafted weeks ago. If feelings were too expensive a luxury, then I'd speak his language-money.

I threw the documents at his feet.

"Fine. Let's talk business then. According to state law, I'm entitled to half your assets as spousal support."

Sebastian glanced at the papers, his mouth curving into a mocking smile.

"Greedy little thing, aren't you? And incredibly naive." His voice was arctic. "I'll never sign this. Get that fantasy out of your head right now."

He stood up, buttoning his shirt with sharp, angry movements.

"And Scarlett," his tone turned threatening, "you won't breathe a word of this to the media or our families. Any scandal that affects Sterling Group's stock price will hurt her. I won't allow that."

I laughed-actually laughed-at the absurdity.

"I don't understand why some homewrecker deserves protection from getting hurt."

Sebastian's face darkened immediately.

"This is my fault, not hers. Don't you dare-"

"Oh, so now you're her knight in shining armor?" I interrupted. "Fine. I'll give up my shares in Sterling Group. Just give me my freedom so you can be with your precious mistress."

"Absolutely not." His refusal was immediate and final. "Our marriage maintains the business alliance between our families. Divorce is not an option."

He stepped closer, his presence intimidating.

"And stay away from Serena. She has severe depression and can't handle stress. Her mother Sheila Sands is a crucial board member. You need to understand your place and consider the bigger picture."

The double standard was breathtaking. I stared at him in amazement.

"You're lecturing me about knowing my place? You're an adulterous husband telling the victim to show restraint?"

Sebastian's patience snapped. He grabbed the divorce papers and tore them to shreds, the pieces falling like snow between us.

"Enough of this nonsense," he said, straightening his tie. "I'm sleeping in the guest room."

He slammed the door so hard the frame shook.

I didn't sleep that night. I lay in our king-sized bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying every moment of our conversation. By morning, I'd made my decision.

I covered my exhaustion with heavy concealer and dressed in a sharp, tailored business suit-my armor for what came next. I drove through Manhattan's morning traffic to the prestigious law firm where my brother Harrison was a partner.

If Sebastian thought he could trap me in this sham marriage, he was about to learn otherwise. I was done being weak.

The law office occupied three floors of a gleaming skyscraper in Midtown. As I walked through the marble lobby, my heels clicking authoritatively, I scanned the partner directory mounted on the wall.

Then I froze.

There, listed among the senior partners, was a name I hadn't expected to see: Julian Pierce.