After Divorce She Becomes the Billionaire Heiress (Sylvia and Cyril) novel Chapter 1

"Superstar actress Karina spotted at the airport with Cyril in intimate photos - their love seems so enviable!"

It was 8PM when Sylvia saw this headline, and though she thought her heart couldn't sink any lower, she still felt a stab of pain.

The couple in the photo looked blissfully happy together. If Sylvia didn't know the man was her own husband, she might even think they made an adorable pair.

Sylvia's expression soured. This wasn't the first time something like this had happened, but it was the first time that made her feel so heartbroken.

She had reminded Cyril that morning that today was her birthday. He had promised that he would be home tonight to have dinner with her.

Yet here he was, at the very hour he should have returned, going to pick up another woman instead.

And not just any woman - Karina held an extraordinary place in Cyril's heart. Sylvia had heard they were once engaged to be married until various circumstances got in the way.

In the end, it was Sylvia who ended up walking down the aisle with him.

She tossed her phone aside, her mood as heavy as the night outside.

The dining table was still laid out with the meal and cake she had carefully prepared, expecting to celebrate with her husband. Now she just felt like the butt of some joke.

Her phone lit up with another notification - a photo sent by Karina. It showed her snuggled up to Cyril, an amused yet affectionate smile playing about his lips.

No caption was needed. The image pierced Sylvia's heart.

She bit her lip as a storm of emotions churned inside - hurt, humiliation, resentment.

She had given up her affluent background and loving family for this man she adored. Her friends had warned her too. But after three years of marriage where Cyril made her feel insignificant, she wondered if she had just been living in a fantasy.

Sylvia took a deep breath to steady herself. She was once admired and courted by so many suitors who would have done anything for her hand.

Yet she had spurned them all and rushed headlong into Cyril's embrace.

If only she had known this would be her fate, she never would have taken that first step.

With trembling hands, Sylvia opened her chat with Cyril and typed a simple sentence:

"I saw the photos and news. Let's get a divorce."

Cyril immediately called her back but she declined the call. As soon as she sent the message, it was as if a crushing weight had lifted from her chest.

When her phone rang again, Sylvia finally answered. Cyril launched straight into scolding her.