I Swapped His Fake Gift for a Real Life novel Chapter 20

Chapter 1: Signed in Tears

“Attorney Whitlock, I just sent you a copy of the divorce agreement. My husband and I signed it on our the first day of

marriage. Could you review it for any issues?”

Nova Sterling stood before the floor–to–ceiling window, her fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of her phone.

“Ms. Sterling. I’ve reviewed the agreement. Everything appears to be in order, the lawyer said professionally over the line “There’s one month left until the three–year term expires. Once it does, the agreement automatically takes effect. You can simply go to the civil affairs bureau to get the divorce certificate.”

“Alright. Thank you.”

Hanging up. Nova lifted her gaze to the wedding photo on the wall.

In the picture, she wore pure white satin, her smile so bright it crinkled her eyes into crescents.

Beside her, Zane Blackthorn stood impeccably tailored in his suit, features strikingly handsome–yet devoid of even a hint

of warmth.

Love and its absence are equally visible

“The day is almost here. You must be thrilled.” Her fingertip lightly brushed the cold, chiseled line of his jaw in the

photograph.

The front door lock clicked. Nova withdrew her hand and turned.

“Welcome home.” She took the suit jacket Zane shrugged off and knelt to switch his shoes for slippers–the motions fluid

from ‘countless repetitions. –

Zane loosened his tie, expression cool. “The Blackthorn Group anniversary gala is next month. Your presence is required*

Nova paused while straightening his jacket. “I won’t be there.”

“Why not?” He frowned.

She just opened her mouth, but Zane grasped her meaning instantly. His eyes frosted over. “Because I’ve been with Ivy? I told you on our wedding day, Nova. I loved someone else. And you promised not to interfere.”

Nova’s heart clenched as if brutally ripped open.

Exactly. Whose husband announces on his wedding night that he loves another woman and presents a divorce agreement set for three years later?

All she meant was that she wouldn’t even be there next month–a cold contractual obligation ending, not a marital

refusal.

Chapter 1: Signed in Tears

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Three years earlier, the Sterling–Blackthorn marriage alliance had sent shockwaves through their circles.

Nova–who’d secretly loved Zane since childhood–was overjoyed.

But on their wedding night, he’d handed her divorce papers.

“I love someone else,” he’d stated, tone arcti.. “Her background’s ordinary. The Blackthorns won’t accept her. His gaze

never wavered, “I need three years to secure control of the Group. Once I’m head, no one will oppose us. Until then, we

play the perfect couple. When the term ends, we divorce.”

Nova signed that night as he wished. Then wept in the bathroom until dawn.

Yet within three months, Ivy Callahan vanished without a trace after throwing a fit over Zane..

He searched frantically, using every resource. But nothing.

Night after night, he never came home. When he did stumble back, whiskey clung to him like a curse, his

than a grave.

Then one midnight, drunk beyond reason, he’d pinned her to the bed.

His whiskey–laced kiss descended, but the name on his lips-

“Ivy… why leave? Why be with him? Don’t you trust me?”

eyes

darker

Nova froze. Her heart felt crushed.

He’d found her.

And she’d chosen another.

That night was Nova’s first. Zane held her close, whispering another woman’s name until dawn.

When he saw the bloodstain next morning, something flickered in his eyes. He said nothing.

Nova pretended nothing happened. She laid out his clothes, softly reminding him of his morning meeting–playing the perfect wife while shattered inside.

After that, she redoubled her care:

She simmered gut–healing bone broth at dawn for his gastritis. Mastered massage for his stress. Moved in library–quiet steps for his peace–silencing her own needs..

Slowly, Zane seemed to accept her as his wife:

Bringing small gifts from trips.

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Brewing medicine when she was ##

Holding her some rights, palm warth on her we

He never mentioned the divorce W

Nova dared hope he might love her.

That fragile hope died three months ago when try returned single

Zane went back to her instantly

Dining together.

Shopping together.

Canceling critical meetings just because fy felt down.

Watching his car speed toward Ivy’s apartment, Nova finally understood

True love was true love,

No sacrifice could eclipse one glance from Ivy,

Freedom, at last: her three–year contractual prison sentence was ending

These years were a dream.

Time to wake and leave.

“Cat got your tongue?”

Zane’s voice yanked her back. Nova stared at him, throat constricting

He… didn’t remember the divorce contract?

For three years, she’d counted every day–dreading when he’d walk away. Now he seemed oblivious.

She parted her lips to remind him–when his phone rang

The moment the call connected, Ivy’s tear–choked sob pierced the air. Though Nova couldn’t decipher the words, she saw

Zane’s face contort.

‘Don’t be afraid,Lvy. I’m coming.”

He hung up, grabbed keys, and bolted. His shoulder slammed into hers. Nova stumbled back–spine hitting the doorjamb. A gasp escaped her.

Chapter 1: Signed in Tears

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But Zane never looked back; he vanished through the doorway without so much as a backward glance..

Leaning on the wall, Nova limped to the bedroom. The jacket came off–a bruise already bloomed on her shoulder. She

treated it silently, each motion sawing at her heart.

She sat on the bed, watching dusk fall, until her phone rang–Zane.

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