When I finally came back out, Valerie had already changed her clothes. She stood by the door with a packed suitcase.

"Nathaniel, I don't want to fight. Let's just take some time apart to cool off."

She didn't wait for me to respond. She shoved the door open, walked out, and slammed it behind her—all in one fluid motion.

I pulled out a cigarette and stepped onto the balcony. I'd barely lit it and taken the first drag when I looked down and saw Valerie sprinting toward Morris at full speed.

They clung to each other like they wanted to melt into one person.

So much for "cooling off." It was just an excuse to spend the night at Morris's place.

By that point, my heart had stopped hurting for her. It had gone quiet. Terrifyingly quiet.

Just before dawn, Morris sent me a video.

The moment I tapped it open, I heard the filthy sounds of a woman and a man panting together.

Then came the image I would despise for the rest of my life. Morris had thrown away every last shred of brotherhood. He'd declared war.

"See that, Nathaniel?"

"You've beaten me so many times. But this time? I won."

"The woman you love most is underneath me. Look how shameless she is. How pathetic."

"Ha Haha! Are you furious? Too bad. The angrier you get, the happier I am."

But my heart was still water. The rage from last night was gone, every last trace of it.

A mocking smile tugged at my lips. "Morris, that woman is yours. I'm done with her. Have fun."

"Oh, and one more thing—don't bother coming in to work tomorrow. You're fired. If you're so eager to wear someone else's castoffs, then wear them all you want. A woman like Valerie isn't worth another second of my love."

I was about to hang up when Valerie's furious voice cut through the line. "Nathaniel! How dare you talk about me like that? Fine. You want a divorce? I'll make sure you're left with nothing."

I never took Valerie's threats seriously.

Not until that afternoon, when I was in the middle of a board meeting with the shareholders. The conference room doors swung open, and in walked Valerie—flanked by Morris and a team of lawyers.

They strolled in like they owned the place, not a hint of respect in their eyes.

The assistant stood up. "You need to leave. Don't—"

"Ha! This is going to be my company. Why should I leave? You're the ones who should get lost."

Valerie shoved the assistant aside and strode forward, arrogance dripping from every step.